bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multifaceted intervention to improve rheumatologists' management of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Solomon Daniel H. , Katz Jeffrey N. , La Tourette Alison M. , Coblyn Jonathan S. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention to improve the management of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis (GIOP).MethodsOf 21 rheumatologists, 11 were randomly assigned to a 3‐part intervention consisting of a lecture and discussion regarding optimal management of GIOP, a confidential doctor‐specific audit regarding management of GIOP, and a reminder mailing including concise pharmacologic recommendations. The remaining 10 rheumatologists received no special education. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) taking oral glucocorticoids seen in the 2 months after the intervention were followed for 6 months. Medical records were assessed to determine the proportion undergoing bone mineral density testing or receiving pharmacologic interventions for GIOP during the 6 months before and 6 months after the intervention.ResultsThere were 373 patients with RA taking oral glucocorticoids whose records were assessed. Patients in both arms of the trial were similar with respect to age, sex, menopausal status, glucocorticoid dosage and duration, duration of RA, disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug use, and the proportion with comorbid conditions. At baseline, there was no significant difference between the patients with respect to osteoporosis medication use (intervention 32% versus control 34%) or bone densitometry use (intervention 9% versus control 5%). After the intervention and a 6‐month followup period, there were no differences in treatment (intervention 33% versus control 38%) or bone densitometry use (intervention 8% versus control 8%). Adjusting for patient and physician characteristics did not significantly change these results.ConclusionA multifaceted intervention for GIOP, including doctor education, practice audit, and treatment suggestions, had no significant benefit on testing or treatment by rheumatologists over a 6‐month followup period. Other intervention approaches need to be tested.
A retrospective study of the relationship between serum urate level and recurrent attacks of gouty arthritis: Evidence for reduction of recurrent gouty arthritis with antihyperuricemic therapy
Authors: Shoji Akira , Yamanaka Hisashi , Kamatani Naoyuki 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the proposed relationship between persistent reduction of serum urate into the subsaturating range and reduction in the frequency of acute gouty attacks.MethodsWe retrospectively examined data derived from 267 patients who had experienced at least 1 gouty attack before their first visit to our clinic. Serum urate concentration, history of recurrent gouty attacks, and information about antihyperuricemic drug use were collected on each visit for up to 3 years from the first visit of each patient. Data derived from visits >1 year after study entry were subjected to statistical analysis.ResultsWhen adjusted for baseline serum urate level and the number of gouty attacks prior to study entry, reduction of followup serum urate concentration and antihyperuricemic drug use were each significantly associated with a reduced risk of gouty attacks (odds ratio [OR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.31–0.57; OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.10–0.47, respectively).ConclusionThe data indicate that reduction of serum urate concentrations to 6 mg/dl or lower will eventually result in a reduced frequency or prevention of future gouty attacks.
Active but transient improvement of endothelial function in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing long‐term treatment with anti–tumor necrosis factor α antibody
Authors: Gonzalez‐Juanatey Carlos , Testa Ana , Garcia‐Castelo Alberto , Garcia‐Porrua Carlos , Llorca Javier , Gonzalez‐Gay Miguel A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveCardiovascular disease is the major cause of excessive mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Atherosclerosis and RA share similar inflammatory mechanisms that include involvement of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Anti‐TNFα antibody improved endothelial function in RA patients after a 12‐week treatment. The aim of the present study was to assess whether improvement of endothelial function is still effective in long‐term infliximab‐treated RA patients.MethodsSeven RA patients (5 women; age range 25–73 years) were studied. They had been treated with infliximab for at least 1 year and were currently being treated with this drug every 8 weeks. Endothelial‐dependent and independent vasodilatation were measured by brachial ultrasonography.ResultsFollowing infliximab infusion, a rapid increase in the percentage of endothelial‐dependent vasodilatation was found in all patients (mean ± SD 9.4 ± 5.5% 2 days postinfusion compared with 2.8 ± 2.5% 2 days before infusion). However, values returned to baseline by 4 weeks after infusion. There were no differences in the percentage of endothelial‐independent vasodilatation prior to and after infusion. A decrease in the individual disease activity score for each patient was observed at day 7 postinfusion (P = 0.02).ConclusionOur study confirms an active but transient effect of infliximab on endothelial function in RA patients treated periodically with this drug. It may support long‐term use of drugs that block TNFα function to reduce the high incidence of cardiovascular complications in RA.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in a multiethnic lupus cohort (LUMINA). XVII. Predictors of self‐reported health‐related quality of life early in the disease course
Authors: Alarcón Graciela S. , McGwin Gerald , Uribe América , Friedman Alan W. , Roseman Jeffrey M. , Fessler Barri J. , Bastian Holly M. , Baethge Bruce A. , Vilá Luis M. , Reveille John D. ,   for the LUMINA Study Group
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the baseline factors predictive of self‐reported health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) early in the course of systemic lupus erythematosus patients (SLE) from a multiethnic LUMINA (Lupus in Minorities: Nature versus nurture) cohort.MethodsLUMINA patients with ≥2 visits were studied. Self‐reported HRQOL was examined with the 8 subscales and 2 summary measures (the Physical Component Summary [PCS], and the Mental Component Summary [MCS]) of the Short Form 36 (SF‐36). Bivariable and multivariable analyses were done with the PCS, MCS and 8 subscales as the dependent variables. The analyses were performed including and excluding the corresponding SF‐36 measure from the independent variables. Age, sex, and ethnicity were included in all models. Time was modeled in all regressions.ResultsA total of 1,351 visits (346 patients [80 Hispanics‐Texas, 34 Hispanics‐Puerto Rico, 126 African Americans, and 106 Caucasians]) were included in these analyses. Mean ± SD PCS and MCS scores were 36.7 ± 12.0 and 46.6 ± 11.5, respectively. The scores for the eight subscales of the SF‐36 were also lower than those for the general population. Baseline SF‐36 measures were highly predictive of subsequent HRQOL. In the same set of regressions, older age was found to consistently predict poor self‐reported HRQOL whereas fibromyalgia, helplessness, fatigue, and abnormal illness‐related behaviors were also predictive, but less consistently. Estimated adjusted variances in these regressions ranged from 23% (Role‐Emotional [RE]) to 43% (Physical Functioning [PF]).ConclusionIn patients with SLE, poor baseline HRQOL was highly predictive of subsequent poor HRQOL. Other predictive variables of poor functioning were primarily psychological/behavioral and socioeconomic‐demographic.
Survey of the use and effect of assistive devices in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: A two‐year followup of women and men
Authors: Thyberg Ingrid , Hass Ursula A. M. , Nordenskiöld Ulla , Skogh Thomas 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo identify activity limitation in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to detect patients needing assistive devices. To evaluate the effects of assistive devices.MethodsA multicenter cohort of 284 early RA patients was examined using the Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire 12 and 24 months after diagnosis.ResultsThe extent of activity limitation was stable over time for both women and men. Most limitations concerned eating and drinking. Women reported more difficulties than did men. The use of assistive devices was related to subgroups with severe disease and more disability. Use of assistive devices reduced difficulties significantly. For both women and men, assistive devices were mostly used in activities related to eating and drinking.ConclusionAlready 1 year after diagnosis, RA patients reported activity limitation that remained stable over time. Use of assistive devices was related to more severe disease and more pronounced disability. Use of devices reduced difficulties significantly.
Factors associated with attrition of African Americans during the recruitment phase of a clinical trial examining adherence among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Dunbar‐Jacob Jacqueline , Holmes Janice L. , Sereika Susan , Kwoh C. Kent , Burke Lora E. , Starz Terence W. , McCall Maura , Foley Susan M. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo examine factors contributing to the loss of potential minority participants in a study of medication adherence among rheumatoid arthritis patients.MethodsChi‐square statistics were used to test for differences in refusal/ineligibility by race and site at 4 screening points (initial eligibility review, initial patient contact, adherence screening, and informed consent). Differences in criteria‐specific risks for exclusion at initial eligibility review were examined across 4 sites by race. Odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were estimated if differences were significant. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine sociodemographic factors associated with the probability for ineligibility at the initial eligibility review. Stated reasons for refusal were qualitatively quantified.ResultsA greater percentage of African Americans were lost at every screening point when compared with whites, but only the difference at the initial eligibility review was statistically significant.ConclusionFactors associated with attrition included selection of area medical sites, research design issues, comorbid conditions, alcohol abuse, and being younger, unmarried, African American, and male.
Validation exercise of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Assessment Study (ASAS) group response criteria in ankylosing spondylitis patients treated with biologics
Authors: Stone Millicent A. , Inman Robert D. , Wright James G. , Maetzel Andreas 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo define what expert clinicians consider a dramatic response in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients treated with biologic therapies based on patient and physician assessments of global disease activity. To compare this expert clinician‐derived criteria to the Ankylosing Spondylitis Assessment Study (ASAS) Group criteria for improvement.MethodsForty consecutive AS patients were treated in a 1‐year open‐label protocol with infliximab. Response to treatment at week 52 was defined using ASAS response criteria. For the purpose of this exercise, improvement using ASAS criteria was defined by consensus among experts as good with 50% improvement from baseline (ASAS50) and dramatic with 70% improvement from baseline (ASAS70). Experts established separate criteria for improvement in disease activity as good or dramatic based on patient and physician global assessment of disease activity.ResultsTwelve of 40 patients met the ASAS70 criteria, however, only 8 met the expert definition of a dramatic improvement based on physician global scores and 5 met the expert definition of a dramatic improvement based on patient global assessment of disease activity. Agreement was poor between ASAS50 or ASAS70 and expert definition of improvement based on physician global scores (κ < 0.3), but agreement was moderate to good between ASAS50 or ASAS70 and expert definition of improvement based on patient global scores, (κ = 0.6–0.7).ConclusionsDifferential response experienced by AS patients treated with infliximab was adequately captured by the ASAS composite improvement criteria. Overall, this study demonstrates the validity of the ASAS criteria for the detection of improvement in AS patients treated with biologics. However, the patient global assessment of disease activity may be sufficient to monitor changes in disease activity in these patients.
High work disability rate among rheumatoid arthritis patients in Lithuania
Authors: Dadoniene Jolanta , Stropuviene Sigita , Venalis Algirdas , Boonen Annelies 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate labor force characteristics among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Lithuania. To assess if Lithuania's transition from a state‐planned to a free‐market economy after 1990 changed the employment perspectives of patients with RA.MethodsRA patients, age 16–65 years (n = 238), were randomly selected from the RA register in Vilnius. They completed questions about sociodemographics, working status, and disease characteristics, they underwent a clinical examination, and they completed the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Short Form 36.ResultsAge‐ and sex‐adjusted employment was 24.2% lower and work disability 51.7% higher in patients compared with the general population in Lithuania. After 10 years of disease, 48% of the patients had withdrawn from the labor force. In those with a paid job, the average sick leave in the past year was 31.9 days compared with the national average of 10.8 days. Although disease activity was not significantly different in employed compared with work‐disabled patients, physical function and perceived quality of life (except general health) were worse among patients with work disability. The change in economic organization in 1990 was noted to increase the risk for work withdrawal by a factor of 2.75 (95% confidence interval 1.68–4.53).ConclusionIn Lithuania, the impact of RA on work disability is important. Although work disability in Lithuanian patients with RA seems more pronounced compared with reports from Western societies, variables associated with work disability are comparable. The transition to a market‐orientated economy in 1990 increased the risk of becoming work disabled.
Cardiovascular care and cancer screening in female nurses with and without rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Solomon Daniel H. , Karlson Elizabeth W. , Curhan Gary C. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo compare frequencies of cancer screening and cardiovascular treatments aimed at reducing acute myocardial infarction in women with and without rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsData from the prospective Nurses' Health Study were analyzed for the 491 women diagnosed with RA prior to 1998 and the 82,884 women without RA. Cardiovascular treatments included aspirin use, treatment with a cholesterol‐lowering agent, cardiac catheterization, and coronary artery revascularization; cancer screening consisted of mammography and bimanual pelvic examinations. Adjustments were made for potential confounders using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsAfter adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and a history of gastric or duodenal ulcer, women with RA and no history of cardiac disease were 35% less likely to report taking aspirin regularly (odds ratio [OR] 0.65, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.51–0.84). The use of cholesterol‐lowering treatment, angiography, and revascularization was not statistically different in women with and without RA. After adjusting for cancer risk factors, there appeared to be an increased likelihood of mammography in women with RA compared with those without RA (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.97–2.04), although this result was not statistically significant. Bimanual pelvic examination was reported with similar frequency between the 2 groups.ConclusionOther than aspirin use, care to prevent acute myocardial infarction and cancer screening practices were similar among women with RA compared with women without RA.
Could the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) be a valid measure of disease activity in patients with psoriatic arthritis?
Authors: Taylor William J. , Harrison Andrew A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) could be a valid indicator of disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).MethodsPatients with PsA identified from a disease‐register and case‐note review answered a questionnaire by mail (n = 133); some patients (n = 86) consented to examination. In a second sample of 47 consecutive clinic attendees with PsA, logistic regression examined the independent contribution of BASDAI to disease activity, as judged by treatment decisions at that time.ResultsBASDAI correlated highly with patient perception of disease activity (r = 0.739) and there was no significant effect of the pattern of disease (axial or peripheral) on this relationship. However, only physician perception of disease activity was significantly associated with high or low disease activity (odds ratio 18.4, 95% confidence interval 2.9–118.3). BASDAI, patient perception, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate failed to contribute significantly to the model.ConclusionBASDAI performs similarly for axial and peripheral PsA but does not correlate well with external indicators of disease activity, such as treatment decisions.
Measuring quality in arthritis care: The Arthritis Foundation's quality indicator set for analgesics
Authors: Saag Kenneth G. , Olivieri Jason J. , Patino Fausto , Mikuls Ted R. , Allison Jeroan J. , MacLean Catherine H. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo develop systematically validated quality indicators (QIs) addressing analgesic safety.MethodsA comprehensive literature review of existing quality measures, clinical guidelines, and evidence supporting potential QIs concerning nonselective (traditional) nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and newer cyclooxygenase 2–selective NSAIDs was undertaken. An expert panel then validated or refuted potential indicators utilizing a proven methodology.ResultsEleven potential QIs were proposed. After panel review, 8 were judged to be valid; an additional 10 were proposed by the panel, of which 7 were rated as valid. Quality indicators focused upon informing patients about risk, NSAID choice and gastrointestinal prophylaxis, and side effect monitoring.ConclusionThe 15 validated indicators were combined, where appropriate, to yield 10 validated processes of care indicators for the safe use of NSAIDs. These indicators developed by literature review and finalized by our expert panel process can serve as a basis to compare the quality of analgesic use provided by health care providers and delivery systems.
Increased risk of coccidioidomycosis in patients treated with tumor necrosis factor α antagonists
Authors: Bergstrom Laurie , Yocum David E. , Ampel Neil M. , Villanueva Isidro , Lisse Jeffrey , Gluck Oscar , Tesser John , Posever James , Miller Margaret , Araujo Julio , Kageyama Dana M. , Berry Martin , Karl Linda , Yung Christianne M. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a group of patients who were treated with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) antagonists and who developed coccidioidomycosis, and to test the hypothesis that patients with inflammatory arthritis receiving TNFα antagonist therapy are at higher risk for developing symptomatic coccidioidomycosis.MethodsCases of coccidioidomycosis were identified and reviewed from among patients receiving TNFα antagonist therapy from May 1998 through February 2003 in 5 practices within the areas endemic for coccidioidomycosis (Arizona, California, and Nevada). In addition, the relative risk of developing symptomatic coccidioidomycosis was calculated in patients with inflammatory arthritis who were receiving treatment with infliximab, in comparison with patients with inflammatory arthritis who were not receiving infliximab, from January 2000 to February 2003 in a single medical center.ResultsThirteen cases of documented coccidioidomycosis were associated with TNFα antagonist therapy. Twelve cases were associated with the use of infliximab and 1 case with etanercept. Among the cohort of patients from a single medical center, 7 of the 247 patients receiving infliximab and 4 of the 738 patients receiving other therapies developed symptomatic coccidioidomycosis (relative risk 5.23, 95% confidence interval 1.54–17.71; P < 0.01).ConclusionPatients with inflammatory arthritis who are undergoing treatment with infliximab appear to be at higher risk for developing symptomatic coccidioidomycosis as compared with those not receiving infliximab.
An architecture for effective music information retrieval
Authors: Uitdenbogerd Alexandra L. , Zobel Justin 
Published: June 2004

AbstractWe have explored methods for music information retrieval for polyphonic music stored in the MIDI format. These methods use a query, expressed as a series of notes that are intended to represent a melody or theme, to identify similar pieces. Our work has shown that a three‐phase architecture is appropriate for this task in which the first phase is melody extraction, the second is standardization, and the third is query‐to‐melody matching. We have investigated and systematically compared algorithms for each of these phases. To ensure that our results are robust, we have applied methodologies that are derived from text information retrieval: We developed test collections and compared different ways of acquiring test queries and relevance judgments. In this article we review this program of work, compare it to other approaches to music information retrieval, and identify outstanding issues.
Ineffective oesophageal motility does not affect the clinical outcome of open Nissen fundoplication
Authors: Munitiz V , Ortiz A , Martinez de Haro L F , Molina J , Parrilla P 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackgroundNissen fundoplication is considered the ‘gold standard’ in antireflux surgery but some surgeons employ a different surgical strategy when gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is associated with motor disorders of the oesophageal body.MethodsNinety-three patients undergoing surgery for GORD were divided into two groups: 52 patients (group 1) had normal oesophageal body motility and 41 (group 2) had ineffective oesophageal motility (IOM). All patients had a short Nissen fundoplication via a laparotomy. The median follow-up was 5 years in group 1 and 6·5 years in group 2.ResultsThe clinical outcome was satisfactory in more than 90 per cent of the patients in both groups. Only one of ten patients with IOM and dysphagia before operation still had dysphagia after surgery. One patient in each group developed postoperative dysphagia. Six of 52 patients with normal motility and eight of 41 with IOM had persistent pathological acid reflux after surgery. Significant increases in contractile wave pressure and a decrease in the percentage of non-propagated waves were found in group 2 after fundoplication.ConclusionPatients with IOM did not have an increased rate of dysphagia after total fundoplication compared with those with normal motility, but they did have a higher rate of recurrence of endoscopic and pH-proven reflux.