bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative medicine use in fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Pioro‐Boisset Mathilda , Esdaile John M. , Fitzcharles Mary‐Ann 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To record the prevalence, extent, cost, and satisfaction with use of alternative medicine practices by patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), compared to control rheumatology patients.Methods. An interviewer‐based questionnaire was administered to 221 consecutive rheumatology patients and 80 FMS patients.Results. Alternative medicine interventions were currently being used extensively by rheumatology patients overall, and by FMS patients in particular. All categories of alternative practices were used more often by FMS patients, compared to controls, including overall use 91% versus 63% (P = 0.0001), over‐the‐counter products 70% versus 54% (NS), spiritual practices 48% versus 37% (NS), and alternative practitioners 26% versus 12% (P = 0.003), respectively. Two‐thirds of patients using alternative medicine practices were concurrently using multiple interventions. Patient satisfaction ratings were highest for spiritual interventions.Conclusions. Alternative medicine practices were currently being used by almost all FMS patients. This observation might indicate that traditional medical therapies are inadequate in providing symptomatic relief to FMS patients.
A family retreat as a comprehensive intervention for children with arthritis and their families
Authors: Hagglund Kristofer J. , Doyle Nicole M. , Clay Daniel L. , Frank Robert G. , Johnson Jane C. , Pressly Thomas A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. Family resources and coping skills are important to adaptation to pediatric chronic illness. Psychological and educational interventions have been found to enhance the coping skills of children with juvenile rheumatic disease (JRD) and their families. We examined the efficacy of a 3‐day family retreat as a multidisciplinary, comprehensive treatment.Methods. Children with JRD and their caregivers completed questionnaires assessing the children's behavioral and emotional functioning, pain, strain on caregivers' work and leisure activities, and caregivers' psychological distress before and 6 months after the family retreat. Principal caregivers were both parents for 16 children, mothers only for 10 children, and an aunt for 1 child.Results. Improvements were found in children's emotional functioning, strain on caregivers' work, and strain on caregivers' leisure activities. Reductions in reported pain were not consistently revealed.Conclusions. Family retreats are an efficacious, multidisciplinary approach to helping families of children with JRD cope with the disease and its manifestations. Importantly, retreats offer a comprehensive intervention package that might not be available to families on an individual basis.
Psychological adjustment to systemic sclerosis
Authors: Malcarne Vanessa Lynne , Greenbergs Helen Lea 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To examine the role of demographic, disability, appraisal, and coping variables in predicting psychological adjustment in individuals with systemic sclerosis.Methods. Two hundred forty‐two individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc; diffuse and limited) were surveyed by mail. Demographics, functional disability, pain, control appraisals, 8 types of coping, and individual psychosocial adjustment were assessed by selfreport questionnaires with established reliability and validity.Results. In regression analysis, 3 coping strategies emerged as significant predictors of adjustment: Wishful Thinking, Blaming Self, and Problem‐Focused Coping. Self‐reports of disability and control appraisals were also significant predictors. Collectively, 46% of the variance in adjustment was explained by these 5 predictor variables. The strongest predictor of overall adjustment was wishful thinking, explaining 22% of the variance in adjustment.Conclusions. Potentially modifiable appraisal and coping variables, along with disease‐related disability, appear to play an important role in predicting adjustment to SSc, while demographic variables explained little of the variability in patient adjustment.
Gout nodulosis: Widespread subcutaneous deposits without gout
Authors: Antonio Iglesias G. , Londono Juan C. , Saaibi Diego L. , Peña Mario , Lizarazo Humberto , Gonzalez Emilio B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSubcutaneous tophaceous deposits of monosodium urate, in the absence of arthritis, may occasionally occur as the initial manifestation of gout. In this report, we describe a 35‐year‐old man who presented with a 6‐year history of multiple subcutaneous nodules and no history of previous articular complaints. Needle aspirations of the nodules proved them to be deposits of monosodium urate. A literature search revealed 28 other cases with a similar presentation. We propose the term “gout nodulosis” as a clinical entity at one end of the spectrum of gout to describe this group of patients.
Coping and social support resources among latinas with arthritis
Authors: Abraído‐Lanza Ana F. , Revenson Tracey A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective.To examine the coping strategies and social support resources of Latinas (Hispanic women) with arthritis.Results.Engaging in activities was the most commonly reported coping strategy, followed by the use of religion or prayer. Respondents relied more on family members (especially daughters) than friends for support.Conclusions.Coping responses to arthritis may reflect culture‐based notions of “coping,” as well as culturally valued norms, such as familism. The extent to which findings illustrate cultural, gender, or socioeconomic status factors requires further study.Methods.A sample of 109 Latinas of low socioeconomic status with arthritis were interviewed. Most interviews were conducted in Spanish. In open‐ended responses, participants described how they cope with their illness. Respondents also named the two individuals who help them most when they do not feel well because of their illness.
Satisfaction with abilities and well‐being: Development and validation of a questionnaire for use among persons with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Katz Patricia P. , Alfieri Wendy S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To develop a questionnaire to measure satisfaction with abilities and well‐being of persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. We used data from a panel study of persons with RA(n = 446). The 13 items of the Satisfaction with Abilities and Well‐Being Scale (SAWS) were based on problematic aspects of RA and domains of life activities.Results. The SAWS demonstrated internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93). Two subscales were identified, Satisfaction with Abilities and Satisfaction with Well‐Being, which also demonstrated internal consistency (α = 0.91 and α = 0.82, respectively). Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with psychosocial and clinical variables. After controlling for demographic, psychosocial, and clinical characteristics, there was a significant inverse association between SAWS scores and depressive symptoms scores.Conclusions. The SAWS appears to be a valid and reliable measure of satisfaction with abilities and well‐being among persons with RA. Longitudinal studies will examine the role of satisfaction in the development of depressive symptoms.
The effects of social support and education interventions on health care costs
Authors: Cronan Terry A. , Groessl Erik , Kaplan Robert M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine whether experimentally developed social support and education about appropriate use of the health care system decrease health care costs without negatively affecting health status.Method. Three hundred sixty‐three health maintenance organization members with osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 intervention groups or to a control group. Health status and health care use were assessed upon entering the study, and after 1 year and 2 years.Results. A savings of $1, 1561 participant/year was obtained when health care costs of the experimental groups were compared with those of the control group. Production or implementation costs were least for the social support intervention. The nearly equal effects of the 3 interventions on health care costs make implementation costs the primary focus when deciding which intervention to use.Conclusion. We believe that the social support treatment is the most cost‐effective intervention.
Evaluating a primary prevention program multicultural population: The importance representations of back pain
Authors: Cedraschi Christine , Perrin Eliane , Fischer Werner 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. This study was carried out during 4 years of longitudinal research assessing back pain problems and the impact of a back pain primary prevention program on the employees of a food and non‐food chain store. The impact of the teaching program was re‐evaluated in a secondary analysis, taking into account subjects' prior representations of back pain.Methods. Subjects were grouped according to their cultural origins and socioprofessional levels. Their representations were assessed by means of open questions before and after the teaching program.Results. The teaching program reinforced pre‐existing representations in those participants sociocultur‐ally nearest the teachers; it had a weak or even disturbing impact on those furthest removed from the teachers in sociocultural terms.Conclusion. The differential impact of the teaching program in this study indicates that participants' prior representations play a role in the outcome of a Back School teaching program. Thus, the participants' representations should be taken into account when designing the program and when assessing participants' suitability for such programs, their adherence, and the outcome.
Development of skills for coping with arthritis: An innovative group approach
Authors: Kowarsky Adele , Glazier Sherry 
Published: February 2007

AbstractInnovative group sessions were initiated in 1990 to address the psychosocial needs of clients with arthritis. In our unique approach, the facilitator, in each session, reads aloud a journal describing an aspect of living with arthritis. These journals are powerful tools that foster the process of learning to cope. Members experience normalization of their feelings, as well as reduced isolation. Improved coping skills are thereby developed.The topics include: Credibility, Living with Unpredictability, Living in Fear, Living with Chronic Pain, Living with Loss, Anger and Depression, Relationships and Sexuality, and Coping Strategies.These innovative methods are more efficient and can have a far stronger impact than individual counselling. Groups have taken place in community settings, but could be adapted to hospital settings.
Acetabular pressures during hip arthritis exercises
Authors: Tackson Sara J. , Krebs David E. , Harris Bette Ann 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To examine in vivo maximum acetabular contact pressures during gait and hip arthritis exercises recommended by clinicians and the Arthritis Foundation.Methods. Acetabular contact pressure data were collected for 2.5 years, at 3‐4‐month intervals, from an instrumented endoprosthesis implanted in an 84‐year‐old male who had sustained a left hip fracture. Maximum pressure data were compared for each activity.Results. Mean pressures ranged from 9.0 ± 2.3 megapascals (MPa) during maximum isometric hip abduction, 9.0 ± 0.8 MPa during standing right hip abduction, and 8.9 ± 2.8 MPa during standing left hip abduction to 1.2 ± 0.3 MPa during quiet standing. Freespeed gait pressure averaged 5.6 ± 0.9 MPa. The maximum mean pressure during side‐lying hip abduction and straight leg raise at 30° second were less than the same activities at 60° second.Conclusions. These in vivo hip pressure measurements challenge traditional protocols for patients with hip osteoarthritis and provide quantitative data as a framework for designing exercise programs. Maximum isometric hip exercise and standing exercise generated much higher hip pressures, and are therefore probably more stressful to acetabular cartilage, than gait or stationary cycling. Clinicians must consider exercise velocity because of its direct correlation with hip contact pressure. Walking generated lower pressure than most activities studied and, given its other benefits, is therefore probably beneficial for patients with hip osteoarthritis.
A problem‐based education program for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Evaluation after three and twelve months
Authors: Lindroth Y. , Brattström M. , Bellman I. , Ekestaf G. , Olofsson Y. , Strömbeck B. , Stenshed B. , Wikström I. , Nilsson J. Å. , Wollheim F. A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To develop and evaluate the effect of a new arthritis education program based on a previous study.Methods. One hundred individuals with established rheumatoid arthritis randomized to an intervention group or a control group completed self‐report questionnaires,Results. Three months after the education program the patients in the intervention group had increased their knowledge about their disease. They reported increased practice of exercise and joint protection and reduction of disability and pain. After 12 months, increased knowledge and practice of joint protection was maintained. However, there was no longer any difference between the intervention group and the control group regarding reported pain, disability, and practice of exercise. At both intervals the individuals in the intervention group reported an increased ability to handle their pain and a reduction of problems with their disease. The control group remained stable except for a slight increase in pain.Conclusion. A structured patient education program had positive impact for 3 months, and some improvements were maintained for 12 months. We suggest that patient education should become an integrated part of the total management of rheumatoid arthritis.
The relationships of cognitive coping and pain control beliefs to pain and adjustment among African‐American and Caucasian women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jordan Margaret S. , Lumley Mark A. , Leisen C. C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective.Ethnic groups may experience or report pain differently; thus, we compared ethnic differences on pain coping strategies and control beliefs, and the relationships of these variables to health status, among women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.Using a sample of 100 women (48 African‐American, 52 Caucasian), we related pain coping strategies and control beliefs to pain severity, activity levels, and affective state, controlling for socioeconomics, behavioral impairment, and disease activity.Results.Ethnic groups did not differ in pain severity or negative affect, but African‐Americans were less physically active. African‐Americans used more coping techniques involving diverting attention and praying/hoping; Caucasians used more coping techniques involving ignoring pain. The relationships of praying/hoping and reinterpreting pain to RA adjustment differed by ethnic group. In contrast, ignoring pain, coping statements, and stronger control beliefs predicted better health status, and diverting attention predicted more pain for all patients.Conclusion.There are ethnic differences in the use of coping strategies that should be acknowledged when helping RA patients cope with their disease, but control beliefs and several coping strategies predict pain and adjustment, regardless of ethnicity.
Seropositive, symmetric polyarthritis in a patient with poorly differentiated lung carcinoma: Carcinomatous polyarthritis, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, or rheumatoid arthritis?
Authors: Farhey Yolanda , Luggen Michael 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPolyarthritis resembling rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be the presenting manifestation of occult malignancy. Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) may also develop in association with pulmonary neoplasia and consists of clubbing, periostitis, and arthropathy We describe Q patient who presented with a seropositive, symmetric, inflammatory polyarthritis only 4 weeks before a lung tumor became clinically and radiographically apparent. After initiation of chemotherapy she developed features characteristic of HOA. It appears that the patient had both RA and HOA. We discuss the differential diagnosis and review the relationship of RA, HOA, carcinomatous polyarthritis, and malignancy.
Disease and family contributors to adaptation in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile diabetes
Authors: Frank Robert G. , Hagglund Kristofer J. , Schopp Laura H. , Thayer Julian F. , Vieth Angela Z. , Cassidy James T. , Goldstein David E. , Beck Niels C. , Clay Daniel L. , Hewett John E. , Johnson Jane C. , Chaney John M. , Kashani Javad H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. Research in the areas of pediatric rheumatology and pediatric chronic illness has emphasized comprehensive models of adaptation involving risk and resistance factors. This study examined adaptation, within this framework, among a large sample of children with chronic illness and children without chronic illness.Methods. A comprehensive battery of adaptation measures was administered to a sample of 107 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, 114 children with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, and 88 healthy controls.Results. Medical diagnosis was associated with mothers' depression and a composite measure of parental (mother and father) distress and passive coping. Children's emotional and behavioral functioning was not related to medical diagnosis, but mothers' depression and parental distress were associated with child behavior problems.Conclusion. Because parental distress was associated with child functioning, interventions to ameliorate parental distress may have beneficial effects on the children's behavior and on parents' reactions to their children.
A comparison of the futuro wrist orthosis with a synthetic thermolyn orthosis: Utility and clinical effectiveness
Authors: Tijhuis Gerard J. , Vlieland Theodora P. M. Vliet , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Hazes Johanna M. W. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To compare the short‐term utility and clinical effectiveness of the commercial‐made Futuro wrist orthosis with a newly developed, custommade ThermoLyn wrist orthosis.Methods. Using a randomized cross‐over trial, 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis used each of the two orthoses for two weeks. Outcome measures were patients' judgments with respect to different statements about utility and clinical assessments including pain and swelling of the wrist and finger joints, range of motion of the wrist, and grip strength. At the end of the study the patients were asked which of the two orthoses they preferred and why.Results. Patients tended to favor the Futuro wrist orthosis with respect to pain relief and to handling the orthosis. The visual analog scale score of the appearance of the ThermoLyn wrist orthosis was a little higher than that of the Futuro wrist orthosis, but the difference was not statistically significant. Clinical parameters such as pain in the wrist, swelling of the wrist and finger joints, and movements of the wrist showed that the Futuro orthosis tended to be more effective than the ThermoLyn orthosis. None of the differences reached statistical significance. At the end of the study, 5 patients preferred the Futuro and 5 patients the ThermoLyn wrist orthosis. Arguments in favor of the ThermoLyn orthosis were better hygiene, stability, and no need to remove the orthosis during dirty and wet conditions. Arguments in favor of the Futuro orthosis were greater suppleness and freedom of movement.Conclusions. The ready‐made fabric Futuro wrist orthosis appears to be as good as the more expensive individually made synthetic ThermoLyn wrist orthosis with respect to short‐term utility and clinical effectiveness. The conditions under which the orthosis will be worn will help to decide which orthosis is the best for the patient. In the event that the patient wants to use the orthosis in wet and dirty conditions, the ThermoLyn wrist orthosis is a good alternative to the Futuro wrist orthosis.
Predictors of rate of return to work after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Carmona Loreto , Faucett Julia , Blanc Paul D. , Yelin Edward 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To evaluate the impact of patient demographics, clinical features, and job‐related factors on the time until return to work after carpal tunnel release surgery.Methods. We employed a cross‐sectional community‐based study of 59 patients who had undergone carpal tunnel release surgery. Sociodemographic, clinical, and job‐related characteristics and time to return to work were obtained by interview and from medical records. Exposure to ergonomic risk was derived from an independently validated job matrix. Time to return to work after surgery was analyzed by survival techniques.Results. Median time to return to work was 5 weeks. After adjustment, the relative rate (RR) of return to work per week after surgery was most strongly decreased by the receipt of workers' compensation, RR 0.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1–0.5), and by the exposure to bending and twisting of the hand prior to surgery, RR 0.7 (95% CI 0.5–0.9) per hour. Female gender was another predictor of decreased return to work, RR 0.5 (95% CI 0.3–0.8).Conclusions. Patients receiving workers' compensation, those exposed to higher levels of bending and twisting of their hands and wrists, and women were slower to return to work after carpal tunnel release surgery.
Modeling physical dependence in arthritis: The relative contribution of specific disabilities and environmental factors
Authors: Badley Elizabeth M. , Rothman Linda M. , Wang P. Peter 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectives. To explore the relationship between disability and physical dependence handicap, and the mediating effect of personal (demographic) and environmental factors as modeled by the International Classification of Impairments, Disability, and Handicaps.Methods. Data on people with arthritis‐associated disabilities were abstracted from a national population survey (n = 16,017). A hierarchical physical dependence variable was formulated. Nominal logistical regression was used to determine predictors of physical dependence related to specific disability, personal characteristics, and environmental adaptation variables.Results. The risk of physical dependence only increased substantially at age ≥75 years. Specific types of physical disability differentially predicted different levels of physical dependence. The major predictor of physical dependence was disability alone and in conjunction with environmental factors.Conclusions. There appears to be a specific and ordered relationship between the level of physical dependence and various types of physical disabilities. The findings could have implications for therapeutic intervention and health status measures.