bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subspecialty choice: Why did you become a rheumatologist?
Authors: Kolasinski Sharon L. , Bass Anne R. , Kane‐Wanger Gwendolyn F. , Libman Bonita S. , Sandorfi Nora , Utset Tammy 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the reasons trainees choose rheumatology as a subspecialty and to review the literature on career choices among physicians, particularly regarding the choice of subspecialty.MethodsA questionnaire was designed to identify and analyze factors that influence rheumatology fellows to join the field of rheumatology. The questionnaire was administered online and answers were collated through the American College of Rheumatology Training and Workforce Committee, Subcommittee on Medical Student and Resident Recruitment. We reviewed the medical literature, using Medline and PubMed to find references to career choice among medical trainees.ResultsThe majority of rheumatology fellows had their initial exposure to rheumatology as second‐year and third‐year medical students, and >75% solidified their decision during internship and residency. Clinical rotations in rheumatology and exposure to role models and mentors were the most influential factors. Approximately 40% of rheumatology fellows cite their intellectual interest in the field as the most important contributor to their decision.ConclusionCareer decision‐making occurs throughout medical training. Exposure to clinical experiences and mentors are particularly influential and may have an impact during medical school, as well as during internal medicine residency training. These findings suggest that there are a variety of opportunities throughout medical training to influence career decision‐making and improve recruitment into rheumatology. Additional financial resources that support recruitment efforts may be required, and followup studies assessing the effects of these efforts should be done.
Long‐term outcome following total hip arthroplasty: A controlled longitudinal study
Authors: Cushnaghan Janet , Coggon David , Reading Isabel , Croft Peter , Byng Patricia , Cox Ken , Dieppe Paul , Cooper Cyrus 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess long‐term outcome and predictors of prognosis following total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsWe studied 282 patients from 2 English health districts ∼8 years after THA, along with 295 controls selected from the general population. Baseline data were collected by interview and examination, on sex, age, comorbidity, body mass index (BMI), and Short Form 36 (SF‐36) functional status, and preoperative radiographic severity of OA was graded. Functional status was reassessed at followup by postal questionnaire. Predictors of change in physical functioning were analyzed by linear regression.ResultsOver followup, cases who had THA reported a median improvement of 10 points in SF‐36 score for physical functioning, whereas in controls there was a median deterioration of 10 points (P < 0.0001). Mental health improved by a median of 12 points in both cases and controls. Change in physical functioning was significantly worse in women and at older ages among both cases and controls. In cases, Croft grade 5 OA was associated with a physical functioning score improvement 19.4 points (95% confidence interval 7.7, 31.2) greater than the improvement in grades 0–3, but BMI was unrelated to change in physical functioning.ConclusionImprovements in physical functioning following THA for OA are sustained in the long term and are more frequent in patients with more severe radiographic features preoperatively. We found no indication that patients who are overweight benefit less from THA, but further evidence is needed on the prognostic influence of more severe obesity.
Diagnostic and prognostic relevance of neuromuscular biopsy in primary Sjögren's syndrome–related neuropathy
Authors: Terrier Benjamin , Lacroix Catherine , Guillevin Loïc , Hatron Pierre‐Yves , Dhote Robin , Maillot François , Diot Elisabeth , Sarrot‐Reynauld Françoise , Sordet Christelle , Dubourg Odile , Meyer Laurence , Mariette Xavier , Gottenberg Jacques‐Eric ,   Club Rhumatismes et Inflammation
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the clinicobiologic presentation in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS)–related peripheral neuropathy, the histologic results of neuromuscular biopsy (NMB), and clinical outcome, and to identify prognostic factors.MethodsWe retrospectively studied clinical and biologic presentation of 40 patients with primary SS–related neuropathy who underwent NMB. Prognostic factors of clinical outcome were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsPatients with vasculitis (lymphocytic [n = 8] or necrotizing [n = 14]) had a higher prevalence of acute‐onset neuropathy, multiple mononeuropathy, sensorimotor involvement, vascular purpura, general symptoms, increased C‐reactive protein level, positivity for rheumatoid factor, hypocomplementemia, and monoclonal gammopathy compared with those without vasculitis (n = 18). Comparison between patients with necrotizing or lymphocytic vasculitis did not reveal significant differences in clinical or biologic presentation except for the presence of general symptoms and rheumatoid factor. Regarding clinical evolution, the results of NMB (P < 0.0001), in particular the presence of necrotizing vasculitis (P < 0.001), an acute neuropathy onset (P < 0.0001), general symptoms (P < 0.0001), multiple mononeuropathy (P = 0.0007), presence of sensorimotor involvement (P = 0.002), and increased C‐reactive protein level (P = 0.008), were significantly associated with a better outcome in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, NMB resulting in the identification of patients with necrotizing vasculitis was the only variable that remained significantly associated with a better outcome (P = 0.01).ConclusionNMB is necessary to identify patients with necrotizing vasculitis, who have a better response to immunosuppressive therapy. NMB might therefore have both a diagnostic and prognostic relevance in primary SS–related neuropathy.
Hylan versus hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis of the knee: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Reichenbach Stephan , Blank Sacha , Rutjes Anne W. S. , Shang Aijing , King Elizabeth A. , Dieppe Paul A. , Jüni Peter , Trelle Sven 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness and safety of intraarticular high‐molecular hylan with standard preparations of hyaluronic acids in osteoarthritis of the knee.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing hylan with a hyaluronic acid in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Trials were identified by systematic searches of Central, Medline, EMBase, Cinahl, the Food and Drug Administration, and Science Citation Index supplemented by hand searches of conference proceedings and reference lists (last update November 2006). Literature screening and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Effect sizes were calculated from differences in means of pain‐related outcomes between treatment and control groups at the end of the trial, divided by the pooled standard deviation. Trials were combined using random‐effects meta‐analysis.ResultsThirteen trials with a pooled total of 2,085 patients contributed to the meta‐analysis. The pooled effect size was −0.27 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.55, 0.01), favoring hylan, but between‐trial heterogeneity was high (I2 = 88%). Trials with blinded patients, adequate concealment of allocation, and an intent‐to‐treat analysis had pooled effect sizes near null. The meta‐analyses on safety revealed an increased risk associated with hylan for any local adverse events (relative risk [RR] 1.91; 95% CI 1.04, 3.49; I2 = 28%) and for flares (RR 2.04; 95% CI 1.18, 3.53; I2 = 0%).ConclusionGiven the likely lack of a superior effectiveness of hylan over hyaluronic acids and the increased risk of local adverse events associated with hylan, we discourage the use of intraarticular hylan in patients with knee osteoarthritis in clinical research or practice.
Hypomagnesemia associated with chondrocalcinosis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Richette Pascal , Ayoub Ghazi , Lahalle Sophie , Vicaut Eric , Badran Abdul‐Monem , Joly Francisca , Messing Bernard , Bardin Thomas 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine an association between magnesium (Mg) depletion and chondrocalcinosis, which has been reported but not investigated in a cross‐sectional study.MethodsPrevalence of chondrocalcinosis was investigated in 144 individuals: 72 patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) compared with 72 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Presence of chondrocalcinosis was assessed by knee radiographs. Blood serum and globular Mg levels and 24‐hour urinary Mg content were compared.ResultsMean ± SD age for both patients and controls was 51 ± 17 years, and 51% in both groups were women. Mean duration of HPN was 6.4 years. Prevalence of chondrocalcinosis was markedly higher in patients receiving HPN than controls (16.6% versus 2.7%; P = 0.006, odds ratio [OR] 7.0, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.45–66.1). Mean ± SD serum and globular Mg levels were significantly lower in patients than controls (serum: 0.75 ± 0.09 mmoles/liter versus 0.81 ± 0.08 mmoles/liter, P = 0.0006; globular Mg: 1.8 ± 0.31 mmoles/liter versus 2.0 ± 0.35 mmoles/liter, P = 0.0003). Twenty‐four‐hour urinary Mg level was lower in patients than controls (mean ± SD 3.85 ± 1.50 mmoles versus 5.37 ± 3.71 mmoles; P = 0.001). Prevalence of chondrocalcinosis was significantly higher in patients with a low serum Mg level (OR 13.5, 95% CI 2.76–127.3, P < 0.0001), with a similarly high but not significant occurrence of chondrocalcinosis in patients with a low globular Mg level (OR 4.09, 95% CI 0.603–20.26, P = 0.08) and in patients with a low 24‐hour urinary Mg level (OR 3.9, 95% CI 0.77–16.34, P = 0.05).ConclusionLong‐lasting Mg depletion is strongly associated with chondrocalcinosis.
The risk of herpes zoster in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States and the United Kingdom
Authors: Smitten Allison L. , Choi Hyon K. , Hochberg Marc C. , Suissa Samy , Simon Teresa A. , Testa Marcia A. , Chan K. Arnold 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether the incidence of herpes zoster is elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether herpes zoster is associated with use of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in patients with RA.MethodsTwo retrospective cohort studies were conducted using data from a US integrated managed care database (PharMetrics claims database) from 1998–2002 and the UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD) between 1990–2001. Rates of herpes zoster among patients with RA and randomly sampled non‐RA patients were compared. A nested case–control analysis was performed within each RA cohort to examine the effect of current treatment on herpes zoster risk.ResultsA total of 122,272 patients with RA from the PharMetrics database and 38,621 from the GPRD were included. The adjusted hazard ratios of herpes zoster for patients with RA compared with non‐RA patients were 1.91 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.80–2.03) in the PharMetrics database and 1.65 (95% CI 1.57–1.75) in the GPRD. In the PharMetrics database, current use of biologic DMARDs alone was associated with herpes zoster (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95% CI 1.04–2.29), as was current use of traditional DMARDs alone (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.18–1.59). In the GPRD, current use of traditional DMARDs was associated with herpes zoster (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10–1.48). In both data sources, use of oral corticosteroids was associated with herpes zoster regardless of concomitant therapies.ConclusionData from 2 large databases suggested that patients with RA are at increased risk of herpes zoster. Among patients with RA, DMARDs and/or use of oral corticosteroids appeared to be associated with herpes zoster.
Fine specificity of the anti–citrullinated protein antibody response is influenced by the shared epitope alleles
Authors: Verpoort K. N. , Cheung K. , Ioan‐Facsinay A. , van der Helm‐van Mil A. H. M. , de Vries‐Bouwstra J. K. , Allaart C. F. , Drijfhout J. W. , de Vries R. R. P. , Breedveld F. C. , Huizinga T. W. J. , Pruijn G. J. M. , Toes R. E. M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveIn classic studies on the genetic background of antibody production, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been shown to act as the most prominent immune response gene that controls the magnitude and the specificity of antibody production. The strongest genetic risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the human MHC HLA–DRB1 shared epitope (SE) alleles, predisposes for antibodies against citrullinated proteins (ACPAs). ACPA levels are higher in SE‐positive patients with RA than in SE‐negative patients with RA. The aim of the present study was to determine whether SE influences not only the magnitude but also the specificity of the ACPA response.MethodsIn 2 cohorts of anti–citrullinated peptide 2–positive patients with RA, one from a study of recent‐onset arthritis (n = 206) and the other from a treatment strategy study (n = 141), serum antibodies against a citrullinated peptide derived from vimentin (cVim) and antibodies against a citrullinated fibrinogen peptide (cFibr) were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. HLA–DRB1 genotyping was performed.ResultsIn the first cohort, SE alleles were significantly associated with the presence of antibodies against cVim (odds ratio [OR] 4.95, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.87–15.3) and were not significantly associated with the presence of antibodies against cFibr (OR 1.71, 95% CI 0.70–4.14). These results were replicated in the second cohort (OR 5.05, 95% CI 1.92–13.6 and OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.30–3.97, respectively).ConclusionIn 2 cohorts of ACPA‐positive patients with RA, SE alleles predisposed for the development of antibodies against cVim but not for the development of antibodies against cFibr. These data indicate that SE alleles act as “classic” immune response genes in the ACPA response, because they influence both the magnitude and the specificity of this RA‐specific antibody response.
British isles lupus assessment group 2004 index is valid for assessment of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yee Chee‐Seng , Farewell Vernon , Isenberg David A. , Rahman Anisur , Teh Lee‐Suan , Griffiths Bridget , Bruce Ian N. , Ahmad Yasmeen , Prabu Athiveeraramapandian , Akil Mohammed , McHugh Neil , D'Cruz David , Khamashta Munther A. , Maddison Peter , Gordon Caroline 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the construct and criterion validity of the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group 2004 (BILAG‐2004) index for assessing disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsPatients with SLE were recruited into a multicenter cross‐sectional study. Data on SLE disease activity (scores on the BILAG‐2004 index, Classic BILAG index, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 [SLEDAI‐2K]), investigations, and therapy were collected. Overall BILAG‐2004 and overall Classic BILAG scores were determined by the highest score achieved in any of the individual systems in the respective index. Erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESRs), C3 levels, C4 levels, anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) levels, and SLEDAI‐2K scores were used in the analysis of construct validity, and increase in therapy was used as the criterion for active disease in the analysis of criterion validity. Statistical analyses were performed using ordinal logistic regression for construct validity and logistic regression for criterion validity. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated.ResultsOf the 369 patients with SLE, 92.7% were women, 59.9% were white, 18.4% were Afro‐Caribbean and 18.4% were South Asian. Their mean ± SD age was 41.6 ± 13.2 years and mean disease duration was 8.8 ± 7.7 years. More than 1 assessment was obtained on 88.6% of the patients, and a total of 1,510 assessments were obtained. Increasing overall scores on the BILAG‐2004 index were associated with increasing ESRs, decreasing C3 levels, decreasing C4 levels, elevated anti‐dsDNA levels, and increasing SLEDAI‐2K scores (all P < 0.01). Increase in therapy was observed more frequently in patients with overall BILAG‐2004 scores reflecting higher disease activity. Scores indicating active disease (overall BILAG‐2004 scores of A and B) were significantly associated with increase in therapy (odds ratio [OR] 19.3, P < 0.01). The BILAG‐2004 and Classic BILAG indices had comparable sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV.ConclusionThese findings show that the BILAG‐2004 index has construct and criterion validity.
Association of an IRF5 gene functional polymorphism with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Miceli‐Richard Corinne , Comets Emmanuelle , Loiseau Pascale , Puechal Xavier , Hachulla Eric , Mariette Xavier 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveInterferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF‐5) is a transcription factor involved in the regulation of the host defense. Previous studies have demonstrated a significant association of various IRF5 gene polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Caucasians. The purpose of this case–control study was to investigate whether IRF5 polymorphisms are involved in the genetic predisposition to primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), an autoimmune disease closely related to SLE.MethodsWe analyzed IRF5 rs2004640, rs2070197, rs10954213, and rs2280714 polymorphisms in a cohort of 212 primary SS patients and 162 healthy blood donors, all of whom were of Caucasian origin. The 4 polymorphisms examined were genotyped by competitive allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction using fluorescence resonance energy transfer technology.ResultsThe IRF5 rs2004640 GT or TT genotype (T allele carriers) was identified in 87% of primary SS patients compared with 77% of controls (P = 0.01, odds ratio [OR] 1.93 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.15–3.42]). The IRF5 rs2004640 T allele was found on 59% of chromosomes from primary SS patients compared with 52% of chromosomes from controls (P = 0.04, OR 1.36 [95% CI 1.01–1.83]). No significant association of primary SS with rs2070197, rs10954213, or rs2280714 was seen when they were analyzed independently. Nevertheless, haplotype reconstructions based on the 4 polymorphisms examined suggest that various allele combinations of rs2004640 and rs2070197 could define susceptibility or protective haplotypes.ConclusionThis study is the first to demonstrate a significant association between primary SS and the IRF5 rs2004640 T allele. These results, which require further replication on larger populations, suggest that besides their association with identical major histocompatibility complex gene polymorphisms, primary SS and SLE share IRF gene polymorphisms as a common genetic susceptibility factor.
Craniosynostosis and maternal smoking
Authors: Carmichael Suzan L. , Ma Chen , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Honein Margaret A. , Lammer Edward J. , Shaw Gary M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Several previous studies suggested increased risk of craniosynostosis among infants born to women who smoked. METHODS: This study used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multi‐state, population‐based case‐control study of infants delivered from 1997–2003. Nonmalformed, liveborn controls were selected randomly from birth certificates or birth hospitals. Data from maternal telephone interviews were available for 531 cases and 5008 controls. RESULTS: Smoking during the first month of pregnancy was not associated with craniosynostosis. Smoking later in pregnancy was associated with increased risk, but only among mothers who smoked at least one pack/day. For example, during the second trimester, the odds ratio for smoking <5 cigarettes/day was 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6, 1.8), but the odds ratio (OR) for smoking 15 or more cigarettes/day was 1.6 (95% CI 0.9, 2.8), after adjustment for maternal age, education, race‐ethnicity, sub‐fertility, parity, folic acid supplement intake, body mass index, and study center. Among women who did not smoke, adjusted odds ratios suggested that secondhand smoke exposure at home, but not at work/school, was associated with modestly increased risk; the OR for home exposure was 1.3 (95% CI 0.9, 1.9). Results followed a similar pattern for some, but not all, specific suture types, but numbers for some groupings were small. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest moderately increased risk of craniosynostosis among mothers who were the heaviest smokers and who continued to smoke after the first trimester. Results are somewhat equivocal, given that most confidence intervals included one. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of service delivery non governmental organisations in policy reform
Authors: Harwin Judith , Barron Tanya 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis article considers the role of non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) in supporting the development of policy to enhance child welfare and protection services. It examines some of the opportunities and barriers which exist for small‐scale service–delivery organisations to contribute effectively to policy formulation and explores opportunities for the development of this capacity. The discussion is illustrated by specific reference to the role of the NGOs in southeastern Europe, the Former Soviet Union and Central Asia. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of bifurcation lesions treated with novel drug‐eluting dedicated bifurcation stent system: Intravascular ultrasound results of the AXXESS PLUS trial
Authors: Miyazawa Akiyoshi , Ako Junya , Hassan Ali , Hasegawa Takao , Abizaid Alexandre , Verheye Stefan , McClean Dougal , Neumann Franz J. , Grube Eberhard , Honda Yasuhiro , Fitzgerald Peter J. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjective:The aim of this intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) study was to assess the efficacy of the AXXESS Plus stent system for the treatment of bifurcation coronary lesions.Background:The AXXESS Plus is a novel bifurcation drug‐eluting stent, comprised of a self‐expanding flare‐shaped stent platform and bioabsorbable polymer coating that releases Biolimus A9.Methods:Data were obtained from the AXXESS PLUS trial, a prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized, single‐arm study to evaluate safety and efficacy. Six‐month follow‐up IVUS analysis was available in 49 cases. Volumetric analysis using Simpson's method within the AXXESS stent, and cross‐sectional analysis at the ostium of main branch and/or side branch was performed. Impact of bifurcation angle on stent expansion at the carina was also evaluated. Results: Within the AXXESS stent, neointimal volume obstruction percentage was 2.3% ± 2.2%, with a minimum lumen area of 7.9 ± 2.6 mm2. Lumen area was 5.2 ± 1.7 mm2 at main branch ostium, and 4.0 ± 1.5 mm2 at side branch ostium. In two cases, incomplete stent apposition was observed at the proximal edge of the AXXESS stent. In one case, a gap between the AXXESS stent and an additional stent was observed. Greater bifurcation angle inversely correlated with smaller stent area at side branch ostium (r = −0.54, P = 0.03) but not at main branch ostium (r = −0.2, P = 0.29).Conclusions:This novel self‐expanding, drug‐eluting bifurcation stent demonstrated effective lesion coverage along with significant neointimal suppression equivalent to current generation balloon‐expandable drug‐eluting stent technology. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation, Crystal Structure and Thermal Expansion of a New Bismuth Barium Borate, BaBi2B4O10.
Authors: Bubnova R. S. , Krivovichev S. V. , Filatov S. K. , Egorysheva A. V. , Kargin Y. F. 
Published: November 2007

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