bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of transforming growth factor β1 and tumor necrosis factor α polymorphisms with anti‐SSB/La antibody secretion in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Gottenberg Jacques‐Eric , Busson Marc , Loiseau Pascale , Dourche Monique , Cohen‐Solal Julien , Lepage Virginia , Charron Dominique , Miceli Corinne , Sibilia Jean , Mariette Xavier 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether cytokine gene polymorphisms of interferon‐γ (IFNγ), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) predispose subjects to the development of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).MethodsSingle‐base–exchange cytokine gene polymorphisms were analyzed in 129 French patients with primary SS who fulfilled the American–European Consensus Group criteria, as well as in 96 unrelated healthy subjects.ResultsThe frequency of the TNF‐308A (TNF2) allele was significantly higher in the SS patients (26% versus 11%). This TNF2 association was restricted to patients with anti‐SSB (37% versus 11% in controls). Stratification did not reveal an independent effect of TNF2 and HLA–DRB1*03 on disease or on anti‐SSB antibody secretion. The frequency of allele C at codon 10 of TGFβ1 was strongly increased in the subgroup of patients with anti‐SSB; this allele acted synergistically with DRB1*03 to predispose patients to the secretion of anti‐SSB. The IL‐10 GCC haplotype carrier rate was significantly higher in SS patients than in controls (67% versus 48%), but the IL‐10 allele and genotype frequencies were not significantly different. No association was found between IL‐6 or IFNγ polymorphisms and primary SS.ConclusionTNF2 was associated with anti‐SSB antibody secretion, although this association was not independent of the association with DRB1*03. Allele C at codon 10 of TGFβ1 was found to act synergistically with DRB1*03 in predisposing patients to the secretion of anti‐SSB. These results therefore suggest that most of the known genetic predisposition to primary SS might concern the pattern of autoantibody diversification.
Evidence of augmented central pain processing in idiopathic chronic low back pain
Authors: Giesecke Thorsten , Gracely Richard H. , Grant Masilo A. B. , Nachemson Alf , Petzke Frank , Williams David A. , Clauw Daniel J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveFor many individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP), there is no identifiable cause. In other idiopathic chronic pain conditions, sensory testing and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have identified the occurrence of generalized increased pain sensitivity, hyperalgesia, and altered brain processing, suggesting central augmentation of pain processing in such conditions. We compared the results of both of these methods as applied to patients with idiopathic CLBP (n = 11), patients with widespread pain (fibromyalgia; n = 16), and healthy control subjects (n = 11).MethodsPatients with CLBP had low back pain persisting for at least 12 months that was unexplained by MRI/radiographic changes. Experimental pain testing was performed at a neutral site (thumbnail) to assess the pressure‐pain threshold in all subjects. For fMRI studies, stimuli of equal pressure (2 kg) and of equal subjective pain intensity (slightly intense pain) were applied to this same site.ResultsDespite low numbers of tender points in the CLBP group, experimental pain testing revealed hyperalgesia in this group as well as in the fibromyalgia group; the pressure required to produce slightly intense pain was significantly higher in the controls (5.6 kg) than in the patients with CLBP (3.9 kg) (P = 0.03) or the patients with fibromyalgia (3.5 kg) (P = 0.006). When equal amounts of pressure were applied to the 3 groups, fMRI detected 5 common regions of neuronal activation in pain‐related cortical areas in the CLBP and fibromyalgia groups (in the contralateral primary and secondary [S2] somatosensory cortices, inferior parietal lobule, cerebellum, and ipsilateral S2). This same stimulus resulted in only a single activation in controls (in the contralateral S2 somatosensory cortex). When subjects in the 3 groups received stimuli that evoked subjectively equal pain, fMRI revealed common neuronal activations in all 3 groups.ConclusionAt equal levels of pressure, patients with CLBP or fibromyalgia experienced significantly more pain and showed more extensive, common patterns of neuronal activation in pain‐related cortical areas. When stimuli that elicited equally painful responses were applied (requiring significantly lower pressure in both patient groups as compared with the control group), neuronal activations were similar among the 3 groups. These findings are consistent with the occurrence of augmented central pain processing in patients with idiopathic CLBP.
The TNF‐863A allele strongly associates with anticentromere antibody positivity in scleroderma
Authors: Sato Hiroe , Lagan Anna L. , Alexopoulou Christina , Vassilakis Dimitris A. , Ahmad Tariq , Pantelidis Panagiotis , Veeraraghavan Srihari , Renzoni Elisabetta , Denton Chris , Black Carol , Wells Athol U. , du Bois Roland M. , Welsh Kenneth I. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveScleroderma is characterized by the presence of 3 predominant, yet almost mutually exclusive, antibodies: anticentromere antibody (ACA), antitopoisomerase antibody, and anti–RNA polymerase antibody. The purpose of this study was to investigate tumor necrosis factor (TNF) polymorphisms in scleroderma, with the specific aim of determining whether TNF polymorphisms would prove to be stronger markers for ACA than class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC).MethodsWe studied 214 UK white scleroderma patients and 354 healthy controls. All subjects were investigated for 5 TNF promoter region polymorphisms by sequence‐specific polymerase chain reaction.ResultsWe showed that an NF‐κB binding site polymorphism (known to be functionally relevant) in the TNF promoter region was present in 51.8% of patients with ACA and 16.3% of patients without ACA (χ2 = 25.1, P = 0.000004 [corrected P = 0.00002]). Using haplotype mapping, we showed that this was a primary TNF association that could explain the previous weak links between ACA production and class II MHC alleles. In marked contrast to our ACA results, HLA class II (especially DRB1*11) appeared to be primary in that it could explain the weaker TNF association with antitopoisomerase production. Further, we observed a separate TNF haplotype to be associated with scleroderma per se, although the level of significance was much lower (χ2 = 8.7, P = 0.003 [corrected P = 0.02]).ConclusionWe believe these findings may have importance both for the directional pathogenesis of scleroderma progression and for the treatment of scleroderma with anti‐TNF agents.
Validity of self‐administered quality of well‐being scale in musculoskeletal disease
Authors: Frosch Dominick L. , Kaplan Robert M. , Ganiats Theodore G. , Groessl Erik J. , Sieber William J. , Weisman Michael H. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the self‐administered Quality of Well‐Being (QWB‐SA) Scale for patients with rheumatic diseases.MethodsFamily medicine patients (n = 562) and rheumatology patients (n = 334) were assessed using the following tools: QWB‐SA, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS), and Rapid Assessment of Disease Activity in Rheumatology (RADAR).ResultsPatients with arthritis had significantly lower QWB‐SA scores and significantly higher HAQ scores than family medicine patients with and without adjustment for covariates. The QWB‐SA was significantly associated with quartiles from the RADAR, AIMS, and HAQ, providing evidence for the validity of the generic measure in patients with arthritis. Discriminant function analysis was used to create an arthritis‐specific scoring system for the QWB‐SA. Analyses demonstrated systematic relationships between the Quality of Well‐Being arthritis composite and the disease‐specific RADAR, AIMS, and HAQ.ConclusionsEvidence supports the validity of the QWB‐SA for patients with rheumatic diseases. QWB‐SA items can be used to calculate an arthritis‐specific score. The QWB‐SA can be used to gain generic information for cost‐utility analysis and disease‐specific outcomes information for patients with arthritis.
Treatment of fibromyalgia with cyclobenzaprine: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tofferi Jeanne K. , Jackson Jeffrey L. , O'Malley Patrick G. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review the effectiveness of cyclobenzaprine in the treatment of fibromyalgia.MethodsArticles describing randomized, placebo‐controlled trials of cyclobenzaprine in people with fibromyalgia were obtained from Medline, EMBase, Psyclit, the Cochrane Library, and Federal Research in Progress Database. Unpublished literature and bibliographies were also reviewed. Outcomes, including global improvement, treatment effects on pain, fatigue, sleep, and tender points over time, were abstracted.ResultsFive randomized, placebo‐controlled trials were identified. The odds ratio for global improvement with therapy was 3.0 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.6–5.6) with a pooled risk difference of 0.21 (95% CI 0.09–0.34), which calculates to 4.8 (95% CI 3.0–11) individuals needing treatment for 1 patient to experience symptom improvement. Pain improved early on, but there was no improvement in fatigue or tender points at any time.ConclusionCyclobenzaprine‐treated patients were 3 times as likely to report overall improvement and to report moderate reductions in individual symptoms, particularly sleep.
Positive affect and disability among older Mexican Americans with arthritis
Authors: Fisher Michielle N. , Snih Soham Al , Ostir Glenn V. , Goodwin James S. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the relationship between positive affect and subsequent functional disability in older Mexican Americans with self‐reported physician‐diagnosed arthritis.MethodsWe conducted a 2‐year prospective cohort study using a population‐based sample of 1,084 noninstitutionalized Mexican American subjects aged ≥65 years residing in 5 southwestern states. Measures included self‐reported diagnoses of various medical conditions, functional ability, body mass index, and ratings of positive and negative affect.ResultsFor 937 subjects with arthritis who reported no limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) at baseline, 697 remained ADL independent, 84 became ADL dependent, 41 died, and 115 were lost to followup 2 years later. There was a significant association between high positive affect (score = 12) and reduced risk of ADL disability 2 years later, controlling for baseline sociodemographic variables, medical conditions, and negative affect (odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.94). There was an interaction effect between positive affect and sex, with positive affect having a larger effect in reducing risk of ADL dependence in men than in women.ConclusionHigh positive affect was associated with lower incidence of ADL disability in older Mexican Americans with self‐reported physician‐diagnosed arthritis. The strength of the positive affect is stronger in men than in women.
Quadriceps activation failure as a moderator of the relationship between quadriceps strength and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Fitzgerald G. Kelley , Piva Sara R. , Irrgang James J. , Bouzubar Fawzi , Starz Terence W. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if quadriceps activation failure (QAF) moderates the relationship between quadriceps strength and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsQuadriceps strength and QAF were measured in 105 subjects (80 females) with radiographically confirmed knee OA using a burst‐superimposition maximum voluntary isometric quadriceps torque test procedure. Subjects performed the Get Up and Go test as a physical performance measure of function and completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) as a self‐report measure of function. A principal component analysis was performed to combine the Get Up and Go score and the WOMAC subscores into a single function score. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine the ability of 3 models to predict physical function (strength = function; strength + QAF = function; strength + QAF + [strength × QAF] = function). Partial F tests were used to compare differences in R2values between each model.ResultsEach model independently predicted the principal component score for function. Adding the strength × QAF interaction term with strength to the model resulted in the highest prediction of function. The strength × QAF interaction indicated that subjects with lower levels of quadriceps strength and higher levels of QAF had lower levels of function than those with comparable levels of weakness but low levels of QAF.ConclusionThe magnitude of QAF serves to moderate the relationship between quadriceps strength and physical function. Physical function may be more severely affected by weakness of the quadriceps muscles in individuals with knee OA who have higher degrees of QAF than those who may have quadriceps weakness, but do not have QAF.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in three ethnic groups. XIV. Poverty, wealth, and their influence on disease activity
Authors: Alarcón Graciela S. , McGwin Gerald , Sanchez Martha L. , Bastian Holly M. , Fessler Barri J. , Friedman Alan W. , Baethge Bruce A. , Roseman Jeffrey , Reveille John D. ,   The Lumina Study Group
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the impact of wealth on disease activity in the multiethnic (Hispanic, African American, and Caucasian) LUMINA (Lupus in Minorities, Nature versus nurture) cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and disease duration ≤5 years at enrollment.MethodsVariables (socioeconomic, demographic, clinical, immunologic, immunogenetic, behavioral, and psychological) were measured at enrollment and annually thereafter. Four questions from the Women's Health Initiative study were used to measure wealth. Disease activity was measured with the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM). The relationship between the different variables and wealth was then examined. Next, the impact of wealth on disease activity was examined in regression models where the dependent variables were the SLAM score and SLAM global (physician). Variables previously found to impact disease activity plus the wealth questions were included in the models.ResultsQuestions on income, assets, and debt were found to distinguish patients into groups, wealthier and less wealthy. Less wealthy patients tended to be younger, women, noncaucasian, less educated, unmarried, less likely to have health insurance, and more likely to live below the poverty line. They also tended to have more active disease, more abnormal illness‐related behaviors, less social support, and lower levels of self reported mental functioning. None of the wealth questions was retained in the regression models, although other socioeconomic features (such as African American ethnicity, poverty, and younger age) did.ConclusionsWealth, per se, does not appear to have an additional predictive value, over and above traditional measures of socioeconomic status, in SLE disease activity.
A home‐based two‐year strength training period in early rheumatoid arthritis led to good long‐term compliance: A five‐year followup
Authors: Häkkinen Arja , Sokka Tuulikki , Hannonen Pekka 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of a 2‐year home‐based strength‐training program on physical function in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after a subsequent 3‐year followup.MethodsSeventy patients with early RA were randomized to perform either strength training (experimental group [EG]) or range‐of‐motion exercises (control group [CG]). Maximal strength values were recorded by dynamometers. The Modified Disease Activity Score (DAS28), pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), walking speed, and stair‐climbing speed were also measured.ResultsThe maximum strength of assessed muscle groups increased by 19–59% in the EG during the training period and remained at the reached level throughout the subsequent 3 years. Muscle strength improved in the CG by 1–31%, but less compared with the EG. During the 2‐year training period, DAS28 decreased by 50% and 45% and pain by 67% and 39% in the EG and CG, respectively. The differences in muscle strength, DAS28, and HAQ were significantly in favor of the EG both at the 2‐year and 5‐year followup assessments.ConclusionsThe improvements achieved during the 2‐year strength‐training period were sustained for 3 years in patients with early RA.
Translation and validation of Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 into Chinese: CAIMS2
Authors: Chu E. M. Y. , Chiu K. Y. , Wong R. W. S. , Tang W. M. , Lau C. S. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the validity, reliability, and cultural relevance of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (AIMS2) as a health assessment tool for Chinese‐speaking patients with arthritis.MethodsThe cultural relevance, language equivalency, and content validity of the AIMS2, Chinese version (CAIMS2) were evaluated by an expert panel. Measurement performance was tested on 240 subjects (rheumatoid arthritis = 81, osteoarthritis = 77, healthy = 82). Subjects (n = 175) were retested within 2 weeks for testing of reliability.ResultsThree items were modified and 2 items were added, as suggested by the expert panel. Interitem reliability was satisfactory (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.8552–0.9594). Test–retest reliability of the CAIMS2 subscales ranged from 0.770 to 0.952 in subjects in whom the CAIMS2 was self administered. Significant score differences between patients with arthritis and healthy subjects were found in all 12 subscales, except for the support from family and friends and tension subscales. CAIMS2 subscale scores correlated with clinical and laboratory measures of disease activity and patients' perceived quality of life as measured using the Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument.ConclusionEmpirical data support CAIMS2 is a valid and reliable health status measure for Chinese speaking patients with arthritis.
Patient quality of life during the 12 months following joint replacement surgery
Authors: Fitzgerald John D. , Orav E. John , Lee Thomas H. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Poss Robert , Goldman Lee , Mangione Carol M. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether preoperative characteristics influence quality of life outcomes 1, 6, and 12 months after joint replacement surgery.MethodsPatients (n = 222) with osteoarthritis undergoing primary joint replacement surgery at a university hospital between November 1990 and March 1993 were prospectively studied. Bodily pain and physical function were assessed preoperatively and at the 3 postoperative time points using the Medical Outcomes Study 36 Item Short Form Health Survey.ResultsBodily pain and physical function improved after joint replacement. At 1 month after surgery, despite improvements in bodily pain, physical function deteriorated. Preoperative bodily pain and physical function, demographic characteristics, and social support were significant correlates of improvement in bodily pain and physical function.ConclusionsPatients experienced dramatic improvements in bodily pain and physical function after joint replacement. However, decline in physical function at 1 month implies significant need for prolonged informal or formal patient assistance with basic physical function after surgery. Greater preoperative social support was associated with improved bodily pain and physical function outcomes.
Issues in cross‐cultural validity: Example from the adaptation, reliability, and validity testing of a Turkish version of the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire
Authors: Küçükdeveci Ayse A. , Sahin Hülya , Ataman Sebnem , Griffiths Bridget , Tennant Alan 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveGuidelines have been established for cross‐cultural adaptation of outcome measures. However, invariance across cultures must also be demonstrated through analysis of Differential Item Functioning (DIF). This is tested in the context of a Turkish adaptation of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).MethodsInternal construct validity of the adapted HAQ is assessed by Rasch analysis; reliability, by internal consistency and the intraclass correlation coefficient; external construct validity, by association with impairments and American College of Rheumatology functional stages. Cross‐cultural validity is tested through DIF by comparison with data from the UK version of the HAQ.ResultsThe adapted version of the HAQ demonstrated good internal construct validity through fit of the data to the Rasch model (mean item fit 0.205; SD 0.998). Reliability was excellent (α = 0.97) and external construct validity was confirmed by expected associations. DIF for culture was found in only 1 item.ConclusionsCross‐cultural validity was found to be sufficient for use in international studies between the UK and Turkey. Future adaptation of instruments should include analysis of DIF at the field testing stage in the adaptation process.
Is osteoarthritis a systemic disorder of bone?
Authors: Rogers Juliet , Shepstone Lee , Dieppe Paul 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the osteologic findings associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of a variety of joints.MethodsWe performed visual examination of 563 skeletons of which ≥80% of the skeleton was available, from an archaeologic site in England. The surfaces and margins of several different joints (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, hands, knees, and ankles) were studied for evidence of eburnation and osteophytes, respectively, and the entire skeleton was examined for evidence of generalized enthesophyte formation. Associations between changes in different joint sites and between enthesophyte formation and evidence of OA were sought.ResultsEburnation and osteophyte formation at the hand, hip, and knee were strongly associated with eburnation and osteophytes at other joint sites not commonly thought to be prone to OA, including the elbow and wrist. Only the ankle was rarely involved. There was also a strong relationship between both bone eburnation and osteophytes and generalized enthesophyte formation. These findings remained statistically significant after adjustment for the age, sex, and historical period of the skeletons.ConclusionOur findings indicate that skeletal OA is more widespread in the body than is apparent from clinical studies and are consistent with other data suggesting that OA is a disease that is primarily dependent on systemic predisposition to a particular type of bone response to mechanical stress.