Impact of disease activity on health-related quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus - a cross-sectional analysis of the Swiss Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Cohort Study (SSCS).

PubMed

Chaigne, Benjamin; Chizzolini, Carlo; Perneger, Thomas; Trendelenburg, Marten; Huynh-Do, Uyen; Dayer, Eric; Stoll, Thomas; von Kempis, Johannes; Ribi, Camillo

2017-03-28

To assess the impact of disease activity on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cross-sectional study of patients included in the Swiss SLE Cohort Study between April 2007 and June 2014. HRQoL outcomes were based on the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (SF-36). Disease activity was assessed by the SLE Disease Activity Index score with the Safety of Estrogens in SLE National Assessment modification (SELENA-SLEDAI) and by the physican's global assessment (PGA). Of the 252 patients included, 207 (82%) were women. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] age was 43 [32-57] years. SLE was active in 125 patients (49.6%). Median [IQR] mental component summary (MCS) in active vs inactive SLE was 40.0 [30.2-51.0] compared to 47.3 [39.2-52.8] (p < 0.01) and median [IQR] physical component summary (PCS) 43.7 [37.0-52.8] compared to 49.1 [38.4-55.6], respectively (p < 0.05). Increase in SELENA-SLEDAI or increase in PGA were negatively correlated with PCS and/or MCS. After adjusting for gender, age and disease duration, disease activity impacted on both PCS and MCS and all subscales except general health. Active lupus nephritis and musculoskeletal involvement were associated with physical limitations and emotional problems, increased bodily pain and poor social functioning. Low complement and/or presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies were associated with increased fatigue and reduced mental health. In patients with SLE, HRQoL is reduced in those with active disease. Impact of disease activity on HRQoL dimensions depends on SELENA-SLEDAI system components.

Liver injury correlates with biomarkers of autoimmunity and disease activity and represents an organ system involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

PubMed Central

Liu, Yuxin; Yu, Jianghong; Oaks, Zachary; Marchena-Mendez, Ivan; Francis, Lisa; Bonilla, Eduardo; Aleksiejuk, Phillip; Patel, Jessica; Banki, Katalin; Landas, Steve K.; Perl, Andras

2015-01-01

Liver disease (LD), defined as ≥2-fold elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT), was examined in a longitudinal study of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Among 435 patients, 90 (20.7%) had LD with a greater prevalence in males (15/39; 38.5%) than females (75/396; 18.9%; p = 0.01). SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was greater in LD patients (7.8 ± 0.7) relative to those without (5.8 ± 0.3; p = 0.0025). Anti-smooth muscle antibodies, anti-DNA antibodies, hypocomplementemia, proteinuria, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anti-phospholipid syndrome were increased in LD. An absence of LD was noted in patients receiving rapamycin relative to azathioprine, cyclosporine A, or cyclophosphamide. An absence of LD was also noted in patients treated with N-acetylcysteine. LFTs were normalized and SLEDAI was diminished with increased prednisone use in 76/90 LD patients over 12.1 ± 2.6 months. Thus, LD is attributed to autoimmunity and disease activity, it responds to prednisone, and it is potentially preventable by rapamycin or N-acetylcysteine treatment. PMID:26160213

Lower vitamin D levels are associated with higher systemic lupus erythematosus activity, but not predictive of disease flare-up

PubMed Central

Schoindre, Yoland; Jallouli, Moez; Tanguy, Marie-Laure; Ghillani, Pascale; Galicier, Lionel; Aumaître, Olivier; Francès, Camille; Le Guern, Véronique; Lioté, Frédéric; Smail, Amar; Limal, Nicolas; Perard, Laurent; Desmurs-Clavel, Hélène; Thi Huong, Du Le; Asli, Bouchra; Kahn, Jean-Emmanuel; Sailler, Laurent; Ackermann, Félix; Papo, Thomas; Sacré, Karim; Fain, Olivier; Stirnemann, Jérôme; Cacoub, Patrice; Leroux, Gaëlle; Cohen-Bittan, Judith; Hulot, Jean-Sébastien; Lechat, Philippe; Musset, Lucile; Piette, Jean-Charles; Amoura, Zahir; Souberbielle, Jean-Claude; Costedoat-Chalumeau, Nathalie

2014-01-01

Objectives Growing evidence suggests that vitamin D plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent studies have found an association between lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and higher SLE activity. We studied the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, and we assessed for the first time the role of vitamin D in predicting SLE flare-ups. Methods Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured in 170 patients with SLE who were prospectively followed up for 6 months (Plaquenil LUpus Systemic study, ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00413361). Results The mean SLEDAI score was 2.03±2.43 and 12.3% patients had active disease (SLEDAI ≥6). The mean 25(OH)D level was 20.6±9.8 ng/mL. Deficiency (25(OH)D <10 ng/mL) was observed in 27 (15.9%), insufficiency (10≤25(OH)D<30) in 112 (65.9%) and optimal vitamin D status (25(OH)D≥30) in 31 (18.2%) patients. In multivariate analysis, female gender (p=0.018), absence of defined antiphospholipid syndrome (p=0.002) and higher creatinine clearance (p=0.004) were predictive of lower 25(OH)D levels. In multivariate analysis, lower 25(OH)D levels were associated with high SLE activity (p=0.02). Relapse-free survival rate was not statistically different according to the vitamin D status during the 6-month follow-up (p=0.22). Conclusions We found a low vitamin D status in the majority of patients with SLE, and a modest association between lower 25(OH)D levels and high disease activity. There was no association between baseline 25(OH)D levels and relapse-free survival rate. PMID:25379192

Lower vitamin D levels are associated with higher systemic lupus erythematosus activity, but not predictive of disease flare-up.

PubMed

Schoindre, Yoland; Jallouli, Moez; Tanguy, Marie-Laure; Ghillani, Pascale; Galicier, Lionel; Aumaître, Olivier; Francès, Camille; Le Guern, Véronique; Lioté, Frédéric; Smail, Amar; Limal, Nicolas; Perard, Laurent; Desmurs-Clavel, Hélène; Le Thi Huong, Du; Asli, Bouchra; Kahn, Jean-Emmanuel; Sailler, Laurent; Ackermann, Félix; Papo, Thomas; Sacré, Karim; Fain, Olivier; Stirnemann, Jérôme; Cacoub, Patrice; Leroux, Gaëlle; Cohen-Bittan, Judith; Hulot, Jean-Sébastien; Lechat, Philippe; Musset, Lucile; Piette, Jean-Charles; Amoura, Zahir; Souberbielle, Jean-Claude; Costedoat-Chalumeau, Nathalie

2014-01-01

Growing evidence suggests that vitamin D plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent studies have found an association between lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and higher SLE activity. We studied the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, and we assessed for the first time the role of vitamin D in predicting SLE flare-ups. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured in 170 patients with SLE who were prospectively followed up for 6 months (Plaquenil LUpus Systemic study, ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00413361). The mean SLEDAI score was 2.03±2.43 and 12.3% patients had active disease (SLEDAI ≥6). The mean 25(OH)D level was 20.6±9.8 ng/mL. Deficiency (25(OH)D <10 ng/mL) was observed in 27 (15.9%), insufficiency (10≤25(OH)D<30) in 112 (65.9%) and optimal vitamin D status (25(OH)D≥30) in 31 (18.2%) patients. In multivariate analysis, female gender (p=0.018), absence of defined antiphospholipid syndrome (p=0.002) and higher creatinine clearance (p=0.004) were predictive of lower 25(OH)D levels. In multivariate analysis, lower 25(OH)D levels were associated with high SLE activity (p=0.02). Relapse-free survival rate was not statistically different according to the vitamin D status during the 6-month follow-up (p=0.22). We found a low vitamin D status in the majority of patients with SLE, and a modest association between lower 25(OH)D levels and high disease activity. There was no association between baseline 25(OH)D levels and relapse-free survival rate.

MTOR ACTIVATION TRIGGERS IL-4 PRODUCTION AND NECROTIC DEATH OF DOUBLE-NEGATIVE T CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYHTHEMATOSUS

PubMed Central

Lai, Zhi-Wei; Borsuk, Rebecca; Shadakshari, Ashwini; Yu, Jianghong; Dawood, Maha; Garcia, Ricardo; Francis, Lisa; Tily, Hajra; Bartos, Adam; Faraone, Stephen V.; Phillips, Paul; Perl, Andras

2013-01-01

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is recognized as a sensor of mitochondrial dysfunction and effector of T-cell lineage development, however, its role in autoimmunity, including systemic lupus erythematosus, remains unclear. Here, we prospectively evaluated mitochondrial dysfunction and mTOR activation in PBL relative to SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) during 274 visits of 59 patients and 54 matched healthy subjects. Partial least square-discriminant analysis identified 15 of 212 parameters that accounted for 70.2% of the total variance and discriminated lupus and control samples (p<0.0005); increased mitochondrial mass of CD3+/CD4−/CD8− double-negative (DN) T cells (p=1.1×10−22) and FoxP3 depletion in CD4+/CD25+ T cells were top contributors (p=6.7×10−7). Prominent necrosis and mTOR activation were noted in DN T cells during 15 visits characterized by flares (SLEDAI increase ≥4) relative to 61 visits of remission (SLEDAI decrease ≥4). mTOR activation in DN T cells was also noted at pre-flare visits of SLE patients relative to those of stable disease or healthy controls. DN lupus T cells showed increased production of IL-4, which correlated with depletion of CD25+/CD19+B cells. Rapamycin treatment in vivo blocked the IL-4 production and necrosis of DN T cells, increased the expression of FoxP3 in CD25+/CD4+T cells, and expanded CD25+/CD19+ B cells. These results identify mTOR activation to be a trigger of IL-4 production and necrotic death of DN T cells in patients with SLE. PMID:23913957

CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ T regulatory cells as a biomarker of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective study.

PubMed

Tselios, Konstantinos; Sarantopoulos, Alexandros; Gkougkourelas, Ioannis; Boura, Panagiota

2014-01-01

Several studies have reported low numbers of T regulatory cells (Tregs) in active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, it is not evident if these cells may be utilised as a biomarker in assessing disease activity. Tregs (CD4+CD25highFOXP3+) were prospectively assessed by flow cytometry in 285 separate blood samples from 100 white Caucasian SLE patients and 20 healthy controls. Patients were divided, according to disease activity (as measured by SLEDAI) into groups A (n=39, samples=94, SLEDAI=0), B (n=33, samples=92, SLEDAI=1-5), C (n=10, samples=53, SLEDAI=6-10) and D (n=18, samples=46, SLEDAI>10). Longitudinal measurements were performed in 131 cases (37 relapses, 44 remissions and 50 cases with stable disease activity) during three years. Statistics were performed by Student's t-test or one-way ANOVA; correlations with Pearson co-efficient, while p<0.05 was considered significant. Tregs were found significantly lower in severely active disease (group D), compared to healthy controls, inactive disease, mild and moderate disease activity (0.57±0.16% vs. 1.49±0.19%, 1.19±0.34% and 1.05±0.36%, 0.72±0.21%, p<0.05, respectively). There was a strongly inverse correlation between Tregs and SLEDAI (r=-0.644, p<0.001). Alterations in disease activity were characterised by inverse alterations in Tregs: relapse (from 1.23±0.44% to 0.64±0.19%, p<0.001, mean change 0.59±0.41%), remission (from 0.65±0.27% to 1.17±0.30%, p<0.001, mean change 0.52±0.35%). In cases with unaltered disease activity, Treg numbers remained stable (from 0.98±0.35% to 1.03±0.34%, p=0.245). Tregs were practically halved during relapse (mean reduction 42.6±22.2%), and doubled during remission (mean increment 113±120.9%). Mean change of Tregs in stable disease was significantly lower (7.3±20.6%, p<0.001). A clinically significant change in SLEDAI (sum of cases with relapse and remission, n=81) was followed by a significant (>20%) inverse change in Tregs in 71/81 cases (sensitivity

Increased serum APRIL differentially correlates with distinct cytokine profiles and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

PubMed

Boghdadi, Ghada; Elewa, Enass A

2014-09-01

Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Among the cytokines that regulate B cell homeostasis is a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). This study aimed to determine whether serum levels of APRIL are raised in patients with SLE and correlate with disease activity or proinflammatory cytokines production, or both. Serum APRIL, interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-4 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels were measured in forty patients with SLE and 30 healthy controls. Disease activity was assessed by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and results were correlated with serum APRIL levels. Serum APRIL levels were significantly higher in patients with SLE than in healthy controls. Positive correlation was found between serum APRIL levels and total SLEDAI score and anti-dsDNA antibody titers. Moreover, serum APRIL levels was significantly higher in patients with arthritis, mucocutaneous manifestations and proteinuria. APRIL is increased in patients with active SLE accompanying the increase of IL-17 and IFN-γ. Significant positive correlations between serum levels of APRIL and IL-17 and IFN-γ and a negative correlation between serum levels of APRIL and IL-4 were found. The results suggest that APRIL may be an important marker of disease activity in patients with SLE. We provide the analyses of APRIL levels in patients with SLE, suggesting new tools for the diagnosis, prognosis and possible therapeutic management of SLE.

Serum free light chains, interferon-alpha, and interleukins in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Jolly, M; Francis, S; Aggarwal, R; Mikolaitis, R A; Niewold, T B; Chubinskaya, S; Block, J A; Scanzello, C; Sequeira, W

2014-08-01

Interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon-alpha (IFN-α), and free light chains (FLCs: lambda, kappa) have all been noted to be of importance in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Herein, we quantified and explored the relationship between these inflammatory mediators and disease activity in SLE; and stratified by their current anti-dsDNA antibody status. Seventy-seven SLE patients underwent assessment of disease activity using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). Serum FLC (lambda, kappa, and total), IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-α were quantified. Demographics of disease characteristics were determined by chart reviews. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney test, chi square, and linear regression analyses. Mean (SD) age of the patients was 44.9 ± 12.7 years; SLEDAI (mean ± SD) was 3.4 ± 4.0. Serum lambda FLC levels had a moderate correlation (r = 0.46 with physician global assessment, 0.44 with SLEDAI) and the strongest correlation with disease activity as compared with other inflammatory mediators including current dsDNA antibody status. After adjusting for prednisone use, the correlation of lambda FLC with PGA (r = 0.48) and SLEDAI (r = 0.52) was better than of current dsDNA antibody status with PGA (r = 0.33) and adjusted SLEDAI (r = 0.24), respectively. IL-10 and IFN-α activity did not correlate with disease activity. Serum FLC and IL-6 levels could differentiate between active and inactive SLE patients. Serum lambda FLC and IL-6 levels differed significantly among patients with and without current dsDNA antibodies. Serum lambda FLC levels accounted for 31% of variance in SLEDAI scores. Serum FLC and IL-6 are potentially useful biomarkers of disease activity in SLE. Further studies, with larger study sample and longitudinal design, are indicated. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Distinct Subtypes of Microparticle-containing Immune Complexes Are Associated with Disease Activity, Damage, and Carotid Intima-media Thickness in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PubMed

Fortin, Paul R; Cloutier, Nathalie; Bissonnette, Vincent; Aghdassi, Ellie; Eder, Lihi; Simonyan, David; Laflamme, Nathalie; Boilard, Eric

2016-11-01

Microparticles (MP) are small extracellular vesicles present in body fluids. MP originate from different cellular lineages, principally from platelets in blood, and may expose phosphatidylserine (PS). In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), MP harbor immunoglobulin G (IgG), thereby forming MP-containing immune complexes (mpIC). We aimed to verify an association between SLE disease activity, damage, and surrogate markers of atherosclerosis and MP harboring IgG, taking into account the platelet origin and PS exposure of MP. MP expressing surface IgG, platelet antigen (CD41+), and PS were quantified using flow cytometry in plasma of 191 women with SLE. Carotid ultrasounds (US) were available in 113 patients. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze whether levels of MP were associated with the following outcomes: SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI), and carotid US plaques and intima-media thickness (CIMT) as surrogates for vascular damage. We found CD41+ MP harboring IgG present in SLE. A positive correlation was found between SLEDAI-2K and levels of CD41+ MP harboring IgG and exposing (p = 0.027) and non-exposing PS (p = 0.001). Conversely, SDI (p = 0.024) and CIMT (p = 0.016) correlated with concentrations of CD41- MP harboring IgG and exposing PS. Associations were independent of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, body mass index, and antimalarial drug use. Different subtypes of mpIC are produced in SLE and are associated with distinct clinical characteristics such as disease activity and vascular damage. The assessment of MP subtypes might serve for the design of predictive markers of disease activity and vascular damage in patients.

Reduced ADAMTS13 activity is associated with thrombotic risk in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Martin-Rodriguez, S; Reverter, J C; Tàssies, D; Espinosa, G; Heras, M; Pino, M; Escolar, G; Diaz-Ricart, M

2015-10-01

Severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity leads to von Willebrand factor (VWF) ultralarge multimers with high affinity for platelets, causing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Other pathological conditions with moderate ADAMTS13 activity exhibit a thrombotic risk. We examined the ADAMTS13 activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its value as a thrombotic biomarker. ADAMTS13 activity, VWF antigen and multimeric structure, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) were measured in plasma samples from 50 SLE patients and 50 healthy donors. Disease activity (systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index; SLEDAI) and organ damage (systemic lupus international collaborating clinics) scores, thrombotic events, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) were registered. SLE patients showed decreased ADAMTS13 activity and high VWF levels compared with controls (66 ± 27% vs. 101 ± 8%, P < 0.01, and 325 ± 151% vs. 81 ± 14%, P < 0.001). VCAM-1 levels were higher in SLE patients (P < 0.05). Considering three groups of SLE patients depending on ADAMTS13 activity (>60%, 60-40% and <40%), comparative analysis showed significant association between ADAMTS13 activity and SLEDAI (P < 0.05), presence of aPLs (P < 0.001), APS (P < 0.01) and thrombotic events (P < 0.01). Reduced ADAMTS13 activity together with increased VWF levels were especially notable in patients with active disease and with aPLs. ADAMTS13 activity, in combination with other laboratory parameters, could constitute a potential prognostic biomarker of thrombotic risk in SLE. © The Author(s) 2015 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Association of large intergenic noncoding RNA expression with disease activity and organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Wu, Yanfang; Zhang, Feifei; Ma, Jianyang; Zhang, Xiaoyan; Wu, Lingling; Qu, Bo; Xia, Shiwei; Chen, Shunle; Tang, Yuanjia; Shen, Nan

2015-05-21

Despite growing evidence that large intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) can regulate gene expression and widely take part in normal physiological and disease conditions, our knowledge of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-related lincRNAs remains limited. The aim of this study was to detect the levels of four lincRNAs (ENST00000500949: linc0949, ENST00000500597: linc0597, ENST00000501992: linc1992, and ENST00000523995: linc3995) involved in innate immunity in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with SLE and correlate these lincRNA levels with disease activity, organ damage, clinical features and medical therapies. PBMCs were obtained from 102 patients with SLE, 54 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 76 healthy donors. lincRNA expression levels were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Disease activity was assessed using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores, and organ damage was evaluated with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index. linc0949 and linc0597 were significantly decreased in patients with SLE compared with patients with RA and healthy control subjects. linc0949 was correlated with SLEDAI-2K score (r = -0.329, P = 0.0007), as well as with complement component C3 level (r = 0.348, P = 0.0003). The level of linc0949 was also reduced in patients with SLE who had the presence of cumulative organ damage. In addition, decreasing expression of linc0949 was associated with lupus nephritis. linc0949 expression significantly increased after treatment, whereas neither disease activity nor organ damage correlated with linc0597 expression. Our results provide novel empirical evidence that linc0949 could be a potential biomarker for diagnosis, disease activity and therapeutic response in SLE.

Mean platelet volume as an indicator of disease activity in juvenile SLE.

PubMed

Yavuz, Sevgi; Ece, Aydin

2014-05-01

The aim of the study was to assess mean platelet volume (MPV) in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the active and inactive stages. Twenty children with SLE and 30 age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled. Demographic data, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), MPV, complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4), urine protein (Up), and urine creatinine (Ucr) values upon reactivation and remission phases were recorded. MPV was statistically higher in patients than in controls and significantly increased in active phase compared to inactive phase (p = 0.001). A MPV level of 8.4 fL was determined as predictive cutoff value of activation of SLE (sensitivity 75 %, specificity 90 %). MPV was positively correlated with SLEDAI (p = 0.01, r = 0.55), ESR (p = 0.01, r = 0.45), CRP (p = 0.04, r = 0.24), and Up/Ucr (p = 0.01, r = 0.45) and negatively correlated with C3 (p = 0.02, r = -0.36), albumin (p = 0.01, r = -0.63), and Hb (p = 0.01, r = -0.48). There was not any significant association between MPV and the histological classification of lupus nephritis (p = 0.65). MPV might be used as an early indicator of reactivation in children with SLE. MPV seemed to be more accurate than ESR, CRP, and C3 for monitoring the disease activity in SLE.

Lupus nephritis: prolonged immunoadsorption (IAS) reduces proteinuria and stabilizes global disease activity.

PubMed

Stummvoll, Georg H; Schmaldienst, Sabine; Smolen, Josef S; Derfler, Kurt; Biesenbach, Peter

2012-02-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by pathogenic autoantibodies, which can be removed by extracorporeal procedures. While previous studies have shown short-term efficacy of immunoadsorption (IAS) in SLE, no information on long-term benefit and safety is available. IAS was offered to patients with highly active renal disease when conventional therapy had failed. Eleven patients entered the prolonged IAS programme and were followed for up to 10 years (mean 6.4 ± 3.5). Efficacy of IAS was determined by reduction in proteinuria (primary outcome), global disease activity [SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)] and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) levels (secondary outcomes). Full/partial remission was defined as ≤ 0.5/≤ 1.0 g/day for proteinuria, ≤ 5/≤ 8 for SLEDAI and ≤ 25/≤ 50 IU/mL for anti-dsDNA levels. We further assessed flares, infections, malignancies and procedure-related adverse events. Short-term IAS (≤ 1 year) resulted in a significant reduction of proteinuria (9.2 ± 3.7 to 2.3 ± 2.4, P = 0.0001), disease activity (SLEDAI 19 ± 8 to 4 ± 2, P = 0.0004) and dsDNA levels (168 ± 205 to 45 ± 34, P = 0.001). In patients without remission after 1 year (n = 5), prolonged IAS decreased proteinuria from 4.3 ± 2.4 to 0.5 ± 0.4 g/day, P = 0.02. At the end of observation, complete remission in proteinuria was achieved in seven patients (64%) and partial remission in two (18%) additional patients. One patient flared and was discontinued; in all other patients, disease activity and anti-dsDNA stabilized at remission levels. Flares (0.28 ± 0.30) and infections (0.66 ± 0.70 per patient/year) were relatively uncommon; no malignancies, anaphylactic or orthostatic adverse events were observed. IAS is effective in short-term use but prolonged IAS can provide additional therapeutic benefit while showing an acceptable safety profile. The vast majority of initially therapy-refractory patients met the remission criteria at the end of

Erythrocyte-bound C4d in combination with complement and autoantibody status for the monitoring of SLE.

PubMed

Merrill, Joan T; Petri, Michelle A; Buyon, Jill; Ramsey-Goldman, Rosalind; Kalunian, Kenneth; Putterman, Chaim; Conklin, John; Furie, Richard A; Dervieux, Thierry

2018-01-01

We examined the usefulness of erythrocyte-bound C4d (EC4d) to monitor disease activity in SLE. Data and blood samples were collected from three different studies, each of which included longitudinal evaluations using the Physicians Global Assessment (PGA) of disease activity and the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment (SELENA) SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), which was assessed without anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and low complement C3/C4 (clinical SELENA-SLEDAI). EC4d levels were determined using flow cytometry; other laboratory measures included antibodies to dsDNA, C3 and C4 proteins. Relationships between clinical SELENA-SLEDAI, PGA and the laboratory measures were analysed using linear mixed effect models. The three studies combined enrolled 124 patients with SLE (mean age 42 years, 97% women, 31% Caucasians and 34% African-Americans) followed for an average of 5 consecutive visits (range 2-13 visits). EC4d levels and low C3/C4 status were significantly associated the clinical SELENA-SLEDAI or PGA in each of the three study groups (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that EC4d levels (estimate=0.94±0.28) and low complement C3/C4 (estimate=1.24±0.43) were both independently and significantly associated with the clinical SELENA-SLEDAI (p<0.01) and PGA. EC4d levels were also associated with the clinical SELENA-SLEDAI (estimate: 1.20±0.29) and PGA (estimate=0.19±0.04) among patients with chronically low or normal C3/C4 (p<0.01). Anti-dsDNA titres were generally associated with disease activity. These data support the association of EC4d with disease activity regardless of complement C3/C4 status and its usefulness in monitoring SLE disease. Additional studies will be required to support these validation data.

Definition and initial validation of a Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS).

PubMed

Franklyn, Kate; Lau, Chak Sing; Navarra, Sandra V; Louthrenoo, Worawit; Lateef, Aisha; Hamijoyo, Laniyati; Wahono, C Singgih; Chen, Shun Le; Jin, Ou; Morton, Susan; Hoi, Alberta; Huq, Molla; Nikpour, Mandana; Morand, Eric F

2016-09-01

Treating to low disease activity is routine in rheumatoid arthritis, but no comparable goal has been defined for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We sought to define and validate a Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS). A consensus definition of LLDAS was generated using Delphi and nominal group techniques. Criterion validity was determined by measuring the ability of LLDAS attainment, in a single-centre SLE cohort, to predict non-accrual of irreversible organ damage, measured using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI). Consensus methodology led to the following definition of LLDAS: (1) SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2K ≤4, with no activity in major organ systems (renal, central nervous system (CNS), cardiopulmonary, vasculitis, fever) and no haemolytic anaemia or gastrointestinal activity; (2) no new lupus disease activity compared with the previous assessment; (3) a Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment (SELENA)-SLEDAI physician global assessment (scale 0-3) ≤1; (4) a current prednisolone (or equivalent) dose ≤7.5 mg daily; and (5) well tolerated standard maintenance doses of immunosuppressive drugs and approved biological agents. Achievement of LLDAS was determined in 191 patients followed for a mean of 3.9 years. Patients who spent greater than 50% of their observed time in LLDAS had significantly reduced organ damage accrual compared with patients who spent less than 50% of their time in LLDAS (p=0.0007) and were significantly less likely to have an increase in SDI of ≥1 (relative risk 0.47, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.79, p=0.005). A definition of LLDAS has been generated, and preliminary validation demonstrates its attainment to be associated with improved outcomes in SLE. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Impact of heart rate variability, a marker for cardiac health, on lupus disease activity.

PubMed

Thanou, Aikaterini; Stavrakis, Stavros; Dyer, John W; Munroe, Melissa E; James, Judith A; Merrill, Joan T

2016-09-02

Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with adverse outcomes in cardiovascular diseases and has been observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We examined the relationship of HRV with SLE disease activity and selected cytokine pathways. Fifty-three patients from the Oklahoma Lupus Cohort were evaluated at two visits each. Clinical assessments included the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index, physician global assessment (PGA), and Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLEDAI Flare Index. HRV was assessed with a 5-minute electrocardiogram, and the following HRV parameters were calculated: square root of the mean of the squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD), percentage of pairs of adjacent NN intervals differing by more than 50 milliseconds (pNN50), high-frequency power (HF power), and low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio, which reflects sympathetic/vagal balance. Plasma cytokine levels were measured with a multiplex, bead-based immunoassay. Serum B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Linear regression analysis was applied. Baseline HRV (pNN50, HF power, LF/HF ratio) was inversely related to disease activity (BILAG, PGA) and flare. Changes in RMSSD between visits were inversely related to changes in SLEDAI (p = 0.007). Age, caffeine, tobacco and medication use had no impact on HRV. Plasma soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II (sTNFRII) and monokine induced by interferon gamma (MIG) were inversely related with all baseline measures of HRV (p = 0.039 to <0.001). Plasma stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and IL-15 showed similar inverse relationships with baseline HRV, and weaker trends were observed for interferon (IFN)-α, interferon gamma-induced protein (IP)-10

Combined mepacrine-hydroxychloroquine treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and refractory cutaneous and articular activity.

PubMed

Ugarte, A; Porta, S; Ríos, R; Martinez-Zapico, A; Ortego-Centeno, N; Agesta, N; Ruiz-Irastorza, G

2018-01-01

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical response to combined therapy with hydroxychloroquine and mepacrine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and refractory joint and/or skin disease. Methods Mepacrine was added to 46 systemic lupus erythematosus patients unresponsive to treatment with the following drug combinations: hydroxychloroquine + prednisone + immunosuppressive drugs ( n = 24), hydroxychloroquine + prednisone ( n = 16), hydroxychloroquine + prednisone + retinoids ( n = 2), hydroxychloroquine alone ( n = 1), hydroxychloroquine + one immunosuppressive drug ( n = 1), hydroxychloroquine + prednisone + one immunosuppressive drug + belimumab ( n = 1) or hydroxychloroquine + prednisone + belimumab ( n = 1). The outcome variable was the clinical response, either complete or partial, based on clinical judgement. The Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score were additionally used. Results A total of 91% patients showed complete/partial response, with similar rates among those with joint or skin disease. In patients with cutaneous activity, a statistically significant decrease in the CLASI was seen. There also was a statistically significant decrease in the SLEDAI. The mean daily dose of prednisone decreased from 5.8 to 3.4 mg/d ( p = 0.001). Prednisone could be discontinued in 20% of patients. No serious adverse events were seen. Smoking was the only predictor of complete response. Conclusion In the setting of refractory skin and/or joint disease, the addition of mepacrine to previous therapy including hydroxychloroquine was safe and effective in reducing disease activity and decreasing prednisone doses. The fact that smokers responded better opens the door to further studying the combination of mepacrine-hydroxychloroquine as a first-line therapy in such

Disease activity and transition outcomes in a childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus cohort.

PubMed

Son, M B; Sergeyenko, Y; Guan, H; Costenbader, K H

2016-11-01

Objective The chronicity and severity of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) necessitate effective transition from pediatric to adult providers. We studied transition outcomes in a cSLE cohort. Methods We identified patients at an adult lupus clinic diagnosed with SLE ≤ 18 years who had been followed by a pediatric rheumatologist. Data extracted from the first three years in adult care ("post-transition period") included: sociodemographics, depression, anxiety, SLE manifestations, SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index for SLE (SLICC) scores, non-adherence, and gaps in care (no appointments in the recommended time frame). Multivariable logistic regression analyses for predictors of: (1) time between pediatric and adult providers, (2) gaps in care, (3) unscheduled utilization (emergency department visits and admissions) (4) depression and/or anxiety were performed, as was a multivariable Poisson regression analysis for number of missed appointments. Results In 50 patients, SLEDAI scores were stable (mean 5.7 ± 5.0 at start vs. 4.7 ± 4.8 at year 3, p = 0.2), but SLICC scores increased (0.46 ± 0.84, vs. 0.78 ± 1.25, p = 0.01). Depression and anxiety increased significantly (10% vs. 26%, p = 0.02). Mean time from last pediatric to first adult provider visit was almost nine months (253 ± 392 days). Nearly 75% of patients had ≥ 1 gap in care. White race, low education level and non-adherence were significantly associated with missed appointments. Conclusion Despite moderate disease activity in this cSLE transition cohort, prolonged time between pediatric and adult providers and gaps in care in the post-transition period occurred. Anxiety and depression were frequently reported. Future work should identify methods to improve transition.

Efficacy of abatacept in systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective analysis of 11 patients with refractory disease.

PubMed

Danion, F; Rosine, N; Belkhir, R; Gottenberg, J E; Hachulla, E; Chatelus, E; Pugnet, G; Pers, Y M; Mariette, X; Sibilia, J; Seror, R

2016-11-01

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of abatacept in patients with SLE refractory to conventional treatment in routine clinical practice. Methods This retrospective study included 11 SLE patients treated with abatacept for an active and refractory disease. The primary endpoint was the change in SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score at six months. Response was defined as a decrease of SLEDAI ≥4 in a patient continuing abatacept. Results Indications of abatacept treatment were articular ( n=8), renal ( n=1) and cutaneous ( n=1) involvement and autoimmune thrombocytopenia ( n=1). Abatacept was discontinued before six months in two patients, because of adverse event ( n=1) and/or lupus flare ( n=2). The median SLEDAI decreased from 6 (2-20) to 4 (0-20) ( p=0.031). Decrease of SLEDAI ≥4 was observed in 6/11 patients (55%) and response to treatment according to the physician's judgement in 8/11 (73%) patients. Improvement of articular involvement was observed in 7/8 (87.5%) patients. Four adverse events were observed in three patients, but no severe infection occurred. Conclusion This study suggests some efficacy of abatacept in patients with refractory disease in routine clinical practice, particularly in the case of articular manifestations, with an acceptable safety profile. These data support conducting new controlled trials of abatacept in SLE patients.

MCP-1 in urine as biomarker of disease activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PubMed

Barbado, Julia; Martin, Debora; Vega, Luisa; Almansa, Raquel; Gonçalves, Lisbeth; Nocito, Mercedes; Jimeno, Antonio; Ortiz de Lejarazu, Raúl; Bermejo-Martin, Jesus F

2012-11-01

Conventional clinical parameters are not sensitive or specific enough for detecting ongoing disease activity in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Measurement of cytokines in urine is an encouraging approach to detection of early flares in this disease. Here we have profiled 27 different cytokines, chemokines and celular growth factors in the urine of 48 patients previously diagnosed of SLE as potential biomarkers of disease activity. Correlation analysis with Bonferroni correction showed that MCP-1 was the only immune mediator which levels in urine correlated directly with the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score (correlation coefficient, p): MCP-1 (0.45,0.003). MCP-1 correlated inversely with levels of C3 complement protein in serum (-0.50,0.001). MCP-1 showed significant higher levels in patients with severe disease activity in comparison with those exhibiting mild activity. Levels of this chemokine were also higher in patients with severe disease activity in comparison with patients with inactive disease and healthy controls. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) for detection of severe disease (SLEDAI⩾8) was as follows for MCP-1: [AUROC, (IC95%), p]: [0.81 (0.65-0.96) 0.003]. In addition, MCP-1 showed a good result in the AUROC analysis for detecting renal involvement [0.70 (0.52-0.87) 0.050]. When correlation analysis were repeated excluding those patients with active renal disease (n=14), levels of MCP-1 in urine kept on showing a significant positive association with SLEDAI-2K score. In conclusion, multiplex-based cytokine profiling in urine demonstrated the superiority of MCP-1 over a wide range of cytokines as biomarker of disease activity in SLE. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reticulocytes bearing C4d as biomarkers of disease activity for systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Liu, Chau-Ching; Manzi, Susan; Kao, Amy H; Navratil, Jeannine S; Ruffing, Margie J; Ahearn, Joseph M

2005-10-01

There is an urgent need for biomarkers with which to monitor disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We recently showed that abnormal levels of C4d, an activation-derived fragment of complement component C4, are deposited on the surface of erythrocytes from patients with SLE. This study focused on reticulocytes, the youngest and shortest-lived erythrocytes (lifespan 24-48 hours), with the objective of testing our hypothesis that when reticulocytes emerge from the bone marrow, they are immediately exposed to and acquire C4d at levels proportionate to the extent of complement activation at that time, thereby reflecting disease activity in SLE. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 156 patients with SLE, 140 patients with other diseases, and 159 healthy controls. Levels of C4d on the surface of reticulocytes were examined using a 2-color flow cytometric assay. The results were analyzed for correlations with SLE disease activity. A wide range of increased levels of reticulocyte C4d was specifically detected in SLE patients. These levels fluctuated in SLE patients and correlated with clinical disease activity, as determined by the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus: National Assessment (SELENA) version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM). Specifically, in cross-sectional analyses, patients with reticulocyte C4d levels in the highest quartile compared with those in the lowest quartile had significantly higher SELENA-SLEDAI (P = 0.00002) and SLAM (P = 0.02) scores. Longitudinal observation demonstrated that the reticulocyte C4d levels changed in relation to the clinical course in individual patients. These findings support our hypothesis that C4d-bearing reticulocytes may serve as biomarkers of disease activity in patients with SLE.

Serum calcification propensity is independently associated with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

PubMed Central

Chalikias, George; Tziakas, Dimitrios; Chizzolini, Carlo; Ribi, Camillo; Trendelenburg, Marten; Eisenberger, Ute; Hauser, Thomas; Pasch, Andreas; Huynh-Do, Uyen; Arampatzis, Spyridon

2018-01-01

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with severe cardiovascular complications. The T50 score is a novel functional blood test quantifying calcification propensity in serum. High calcification propensity (or low T50) is a strong and independent determinant of all-cause mortality in various patient populations. Methods A total of 168 patients with ≥ 4 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria from the Swiss Systemic lupus erythematosus Cohort Study (SSCS) were included in this analysis. Serum calcification propensity was assessed using time-resolved nephelometry. Results The cohort mainly consisted of female (85%), middle-aged (43±14 years) Caucasians (77%). The major determinants of T50 levels included hemoglobin, serum creatinine and serum protein levels explaining 43% of the variation at baseline. Integrating disease activity (SELENA-SLEDAI) into this multivariate model revealed a significant association between disease activity and T50 levels. In a subgroup analysis considering only patients with active disease (SELENA-SLEDAI score ≥4) we found a negative association between T50 and SELENA-SLEDAI score at baseline (Spearman’s rho -0.233, P = 0.02). Conclusions Disease activity and T50 are closely associated. Moreover, T50 levels identify a subgroup of SLE patients with ongoing systemic inflammation as mirrored by increased disease activity. T50 could be a promising biomarker reflecting SLE disease activity and might offer an earlier detection tool for high-risk patients. PMID:29364894

International multi-center evaluation of a novel chemiluminescence assay for the detection of anti-dsDNA antibodies.

PubMed

Bentow, C; Lakos, G; Martis, P; Wahl, E; Garcia, M; Viñas, O; Espinosa, G; Cervera, R; Sjöwall, C; Carmona-Fernandes, D; Santos, M J; Hanly, J G; Mahler, M

2016-07-01

Anti-double stranded desoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) antibodies are considered fairly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their quantification is useful for the clinical management of SLE patients. We assessed the diagnostic performance of the QUANTA Flash dsDNA chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA) in comparison to an ELISA, using patients from five participating countries. The main focus was to evaluate the correlation between anti-dsDNA antibody results from the CIA and global SLE disease activity, as measured by the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). A total of 1431 samples (SLE, n = 843; disease controls, n = 588) from five countries (Canada, USA, Portugal, Sweden and Spain) were tested with QUANTA Flash dsDNA (Inova Diagnostics, San Diego, CA, USA). Data obtained with the QUANTA Lite dsDNA SC ELISA (Inova Diagnostics) were available for samples from three sites (Canada, USA and Sweden, n = 566). The SLEDAI-2K scores were available for 805 SLE patients and a cut-off of > 4 was used to define active disease. QUANTA Flash dsDNA had a sensitivity of 54.3% for the diagnosis of SLE, combined with 89.8% specificity. Anti-dsDNA antibody levels were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in active SLE (SLEDAI-2K > 4; n = 232; median value 83.0 IU/mL) versus the inactive patients (n = 573; median value 22.3 IU/mL), and the SLEDAI-2K scoring correlated with their dsDNA antibody levels (Spearman's rho = 0.44, p < 0.0001). Similar but less pronounced findings were also found for the ELISA, in relation to disease activity. The QUANTA Flash dsDNA assay showed good clinical performance in a large international multi-center study. Additionally, the strong correlation between anti-dsDNA antibody results and SLEDAI-2K scores supported the potential utility of QUANTA Flash dsDNA for monitoring disease activity. © The Author(s) 2016.

A critique of the Active Ageing Index.

PubMed

São José, José Manuel de; Timonen, Virpi; Amado, Carla Alexandra Filipe; Santos, Sérgio Pereira

2017-01-01

Active ageing and successful ageing are ubiquitous concepts in contemporary societies. In the European Union, active ageing is monitored and promoted chiefly by the Active Ageing Index, a policy tool in use since 2012. We acknowledge that the AAI may contribute to sensitizing people, including policymakers, to the multidimensionality and complexity of the process of "ageing well". However, we note that despite being widely used and promoted, the Active Ageing Index remains under-scrutinized. In this article, we undertake a comprehensive critical analysis of the Active Ageing Index. This critical analysis is supported by the Theory of Model Ageing, the Capability Approach and, to a lesser extent, by relevant literature on composite indices. We conclude that the Active Ageing Index was developed with the paradoxical aim of deriving "the solution" from "the problem". It is an under-theorized and narrowly conceptualized index that contributes to the process of Model Ageing, as its conceptual foundation, and its domains and indicators, convey a certain model of active ageing. This model is expert-based and ingrained with a priori assumptions about the potential of older people, the domains of life and activities they value and how strongly they value them. Finally, the Active Ageing Index measures current achievements, not capabilities (i.e. the opportunity set of achievable "doings" and "beings"), resulting in a valuable but incomplete tool for policymaking purposes. We hope that this critical analysis will initiate a debate on the Active Ageing Index that, in our view, is overdue. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of three anti-dsDNA assays: performance and correlation with systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity.

PubMed

Venner, Allison A; Ibañez, Dominique; Gladman, Dafna D; Urowitz, Murray B; MacKinnon, Anne; Blasutig, Ivan M; Yip, Paul M

2013-03-01

To investigate the BioPlex 2200 multiplex immunoassay and Farrzyme ELISA assays as alternatives to the established Farr radioimmunoassay for the correlation of anti-dsDNA antibodies in the assessment of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Standard protocols were used to verify analytical performance claims. Anti-dsDNA antibody levels in SLE patient specimens (N=105) were measured and assessed for clinical performance using manufacturer cut-off limits along with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score. Assay precision, measurable range and normal reference interval met the manufacturers' stated claims. Agreement between Farr and BioPlex assays was moderate (positive agreement=62%; negative agreement=85%; kappa=0.48), as was agreement between Farr and Farrzyme assays (positive agreement=56%; negative agreement=91%; kappa=0.51). Mean SLEDAI-2K scores differed significantly between the anti-dsDNA positive and negative groups for BioPlex (p=0.0006), but not Farr (p=0.11) or Farrzyme (p=0.34). ROC curve analysis showed a similar area under the curve (AUC) for all three assays (0.76, 0.74, and 0.73 for Farr, BioPlex, and Farrzyme, respectively) in the discrimination of clinically active disease. Furthermore, increased anti-dsDNA levels from BioPlex showed significant correlation with active renal disease. However, results suggested a lower cut-off for the Farrzyme assay for assessment of global disease activity. BioPlex and Farrzyme assays had similar overall agreement with the Farr assay, with BioPlex best reflecting disease activity in SLE patients. Copyright © 2012 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Clinical significance of fibromyalgia syndrome in different rheumatic diseases: Relation to disease activity and quality of life.

PubMed

El-Rabbat M, Sarah; Mahmoud, Nermeen K; Gheita, Tamer A

2017-04-11

To describe the frequencies of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in various rheumatic diseases; rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Behçets disease (BD) patients and to study the relation to clinical manifestations and quality of life (QoL). 160 patients (50 RA, 50 SLE, 30 SSc and 30 BD) and matched corresponding healthy controls were included. Disease activity was assessed using disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) for RA, SLE Disease Activity index (SLEDAI), modified Rodnan skin score for SSc and BD Current Activity Form (BDCAF). The QoL was also recorded. Severity in FMS cases was estimated using the revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score. In the RA, SLE, SSc and BD patients, FMS was found in 14%, 18%, 6.67% and 3.33% respectively compared to 2.1%, 3%, 3.3% and 0% in their corresponding controls. In RA patients, DAS28 was significantly higher in those with FMS (p=0.009) and significantly correlated with both Widespread Pain Index (WPI) (p=0.011) and Symptom Severity (SS) scale (p=0.012). The QoL scale in those with FMS was significantly worse (62.3±7.9) compared to those without (71.7±14.4) (p=0.023). In SLE patients, The WPI and SS both significantly correlated with the presence of thrombosis (r=0.28, p=0.049 and r=0.43, p=0.002 respectively). The SS scale tended to correlate with the SLEDAI (r=0.28, p=0.05). In BD patients, BDCAF and WPI significantly correlated (p=0.03). Fibromyalgia syndrome is more frequent in rheumatic diseases, could be related to the disease activity in RA and BD patients and to thrombosis in SLE and affected the QoL in RA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Reumatología y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. All rights reserved.

High Avidity dsDNA Autoantibodies in Brazilian Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Correlation with Active Disease and Renal Dysfunction.

PubMed

Oliveira, Rodrigo C; Oliveira, Isabela S; Santiago, Mittermayer B; Sousa Atta, Maria L B; Atta, Ajax M

2015-01-01

We investigated in Brazilian women with SLE the prevalence and levels of high avidity (HA) dsDNA antibodies and tested their correlation with lupus activity and biomarkers of renal disease. We also compared these correlations to those observed with total dsDNA antibodies and antibodies against nucleosome (ANuA). Autoantibodies were detected by ELISA, while C3 and C4 levels were determined by nephelometry. Urine protein/creatinine ratio was determined, and lupus activity was measured by SLEDAI-2K. The prevalence of total and HA dsDNA antibodies was similar to but lower than that verified for ANuA. The levels of the three types of antibodies were correlated, but the correlation was more significant between HA dsDNA antibodies and ANuA. High avidity dsDNA antibodies correlated positively with ESR and SLEDAI and inversely with C3 and C4. Similar correlations were observed for ANuA levels, whereas total dsDNA antibodies only correlated with SLEDAI and C3. The levels of HA dsDNA antibodies were higher in patients with proteinuria, but their levels of total dsDNA antibodies and ANuA were unaltered. High avidity dsDNA antibodies can be found in high prevalence in Brazilian women with SLE and are important biomarkers of active disease and kidney dysfunction.

The improved physical activity index for measuring physical activity in EPIC Germany.

PubMed

Wientzek, Angelika; Vigl, Matthäus; Steindorf, Karen; Brühmann, Boris; Bergmann, Manuela M; Harttig, Ulrich; Katzke, Verena; Kaaks, Rudolf; Boeing, Heiner

2014-01-01

In the European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study (EPIC), physical activity (PA) has been indexed as a cross-tabulation between PA at work and recreational activity. As the proportion of non-working participants increases, other categorization strategies are needed. Therefore, our aim was to develop a valid PA index for this population, which will also be able to express PA continuously. In the German EPIC centers Potsdam and Heidelberg, a clustered sample of 3,766 participants was re-invited to the study center. 1,615 participants agreed to participate and 1,344 participants were finally included in this study. PA was measured by questionnaires on defined activities and a 7-day combined heart rate and acceleration sensor. In a training sample of 433 participants, the Improved Physical Activity Index (IPAI) was developed. Its performance was evaluated in a validation sample of 911 participants and compared with the Cambridge Index and the Total PA Index. The IPAI consists of items covering five areas including PA at work, sport, cycling, television viewing, and computer use. The correlations of the IPAI with accelerometer counts in the training and validation sample ranged r = 0.40-0.43 and with physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) r = 0.33-0.40 and were higher than for the Cambridge Index and the Total PA Index previously applied in EPIC. In non-working participants the IPAI showed higher correlations than the Cambridge Index and the Total PA Index, with r = 0.34 for accelerometer counts and r = 0.29 for PAEE. In conclusion, we developed a valid physical activity index which is able to express PA continuously as well as to categorize participants according to their PA level. In populations with increasing rates of non-working people the performance of the IPAI is better than the established indices used in EPIC.

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: onset patterns and short-term outcome in Egyptian children, a single-center experience.

PubMed

Abdel-Hafez, M A; Abdel-Nabi, H

2015-11-01

The objective of this article is to define disease onset pattern and understand the response to therapy in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Egypt. A prospective cohort of 41 Egyptian children diagnosed with SLE was analyzed. SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score was used to record disease activity at onset, and renal biopsy was performed to define the stage of lupus nephritis. Response to therapy over a follow-up period ranging from 10 to 50 months was evaluated. The mean age at diagnosis was 12.12 ± 3.45 years. Thirty-six (87.8%) patients were females. Most patients had multiple manifestations at onset. The most common presenting symptoms were pallor and fever (51.2% and 43.9%, respectively). Lupus nephritis was found in 27 (65.9%) children. International Society of Nephrology (ISN) classes I and III were the most common findings on renal biopsy. Neuropsychiatric manifestations were present at disease onset in 19 patients (46.3%) with a bad prognostic course. At diagnosis, high SLEDAI scores were recorded (mean: 29.95 ± 2.06). The mean renal SLEDAI score was 10.2 ± 4. At follow-up 16 (39.02%) patients were in complete remission, 10 (24.39%) were in partial remission, two (4.87%) had active disease, five (12.9%) had relapsed, four (9.75%) had died and four (9.75%) patients were lost to follow-up. Egyptian children with SLE appear to have severe disease on presentation with high SLEDAI scores and high prevalence of lupus nephritis, but respond well to therapy with a favorable short-term prognosis. © The Author(s) 2015.

Elevated Concentrations of Serum Immunoglobulin Free Light Chains in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients in Relation to Disease Activity, Inflammatory Status, B Cell Activity and Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies

PubMed Central

Draborg, Anette H.; Lydolph, Magnus C.; Westergaard, Marie; Olesen Larsen, Severin; Nielsen, Christoffer T.; Duus, Karen; Jacobsen, Søren; Houen, Gunnar

2015-01-01

Objective In this study, we examined the concentration of serum immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and investigated its association with various disease parameters in order to evaluate the role of FLCs as a potential biomarker in SLE. Furthermore, FLCs’ association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies was examined. Methods Using a nephelometric assay, κFLC and λFLC concentrations were quantified in sera from 45 SLE patients and 40 healthy controls. SLE patients with renal insufficiency were excluded in order to preclude high concentrations of serum FLCs due to decreased clearance. Results Serum FLC concentrations were significantly elevated in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.0001) also after adjusting for Ig levels (p<0.0001). The concentration of serum FLCs correlated with a global disease activity (SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI)) score of the SLE patients (r = 0.399, p = 0.007). Furthermore, concentrations of FLCs correlated with titers of dsDNA antibodies (r = 0.383, p = 0.009), and FLC levels and SLEDAI scores correlated in the anti-dsDNA-positive SLE patients, but not in anti-dsDNA-negative SLE patients. Total immunoglobulin (IgG and IgA) concentrations correlated with FLC concentrations and elevated FLC levels were additionally shown to associate with the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein and also with complement consumption determined by low C4 in SLE patients. Collectively, results indicated that elevated serum FLCs reflects increased B cell activity in relation to inflammation. SLE patients had an increased seropositivity of EBV-directed antibodies that did not associate with elevated FLC concentrations. An explanation for this could be that serum FLC concentrations reflect the current EBV activity (reactivation) whereas EBV-directed antibodies reflect the extent of previous infection/reactivations. Conclusion SLE patients have elevated concentrations of serum FLCs that

Association of Asian ethnicity with disease activity in SLE: an observational study from the Monash Lupus Clinic.

PubMed

Golder, V; Connelly, K; Staples, M; Morand, E; Hoi, A

2013-11-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition with diverse clinical manifestations, is reported to have different expression in populations of different ancestry. Most previous studies compared patients of different ethnic groups from geographically distinct cohorts. In our study, we aimed to characterize disease manifestations in patients of different ethnic groups from a single centre, and studied patterns of disease activity over time. Demographics, baseline disease characteristics and autoantibody profiles, and disease activity (SLEDAI) measured at each visit, were captured from all consenting patients prospectively followed between 2007 and 2011 in an urban teaching hospital lupus clinic. Ethnicity was self-reported. Asian ethnicity was significantly associated with more clinically severe SLE. Time-adjusted mean SLEDAI (p = 0.01) and maximum SLEDAI (p = 0.0018) were significantly higher in Asian patients. Asians were more likely to have renal disease (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4-5.98; p = 0.004) and persistently active disease (PAD) (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.05-4.38, p = 0.04). Asian lupus patients also had a significantly higher proportion of autoantibody positivity to anti-dsDNA, anti-RNP, anti-Sm, anti-Ro and anti-La, as well as increased likelihood of hypocomplementaemia and immunosuppressant use. In this single-cohort study, Asian ethnicity was found to be associated with increased SLE disease activity. This suggests significant inter-ethnic genetic contributions to the regulation of autoimmune responses and disease severity in SLE.

Correlation of rheumatoid arthritis activity indexes (Disease Activity Score 28 measured with ESR and CRP, Simplified Disease Activity Index and Clinical Disease Activity Index) and agreement of disease activity states with various cut-off points in a Northeastern Brazilian population.

PubMed

Medeiros, Marta Maria das Chagas; de Oliveira, Brenda Maria Gurgel Barreto; de Cerqueira, João Victor Medeiros; Quixadá, Raquel Telles de Souza; de Oliveira, Ídila Mont'Alverne Xavier

2015-01-01

The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) and its versions have been used to measure rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity, but there is no consensus about which one is the best. Determine the correlation among indexes (DAS28 ESR, DAS28 CRP, SDAI and CDAI) and evaluate agreement of activity strata using different cutoff points. Rheumatoid arthritis patients were cross-sectionally evaluated with data collection to calculate the DAS28 (ESR and CRP), SDAI and CDAI, using different cut-offs for defining remission, mild, moderate and high activity. Pearson correlations were calculated for continuous measures and agreement (kappa test) for the strata (remission, mild, moderate and high activity). Of 111 patients included, 108 were women, age 55.6 years, 11-year disease duration. DAS28 (ESR) was significantly higher than DAS28 (CRP) (4.0 vs. 3.5; p<0.001) and the values remained higher after stratification by age, gender, disease duration, rheumatoid factor and HAQ. Correlations among indexes ranged from 0.84 to 0.99, with better correlation between SDAI and CDAI. Agreements among activity strata ranged from 46.8% to 95.8%. DAS28 (CRP) with cut-off point for the remission of 2.3 underestimated disease activity by 45.8% compared with DAS28 (ESR). SDAI and CDAI showed agreement of 95.8%. The four indexes were associated with disease duration and HAQ. Although the activity indexes show good correlation, they show discrepancies in activity strata, thus requiring more researches to define a better index and better cutoff points. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

The Improved Physical Activity Index for Measuring Physical Activity in EPIC Germany

PubMed Central

Wientzek, Angelika; Vigl, Matthäus; Steindorf, Karen; Brühmann, Boris; Bergmann, Manuela M.; Harttig, Ulrich; Katzke, Verena; Kaaks, Rudolf; Boeing, Heiner

2014-01-01

In the European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study (EPIC), physical activity (PA) has been indexed as a cross-tabulation between PA at work and recreational activity. As the proportion of non-working participants increases, other categorization strategies are needed. Therefore, our aim was to develop a valid PA index for this population, which will also be able to express PA continuously. In the German EPIC centers Potsdam and Heidelberg, a clustered sample of 3,766 participants was re-invited to the study center. 1,615 participants agreed to participate and 1,344 participants were finally included in this study. PA was measured by questionnaires on defined activities and a 7-day combined heart rate and acceleration sensor. In a training sample of 433 participants, the Improved Physical Activity Index (IPAI) was developed. Its performance was evaluated in a validation sample of 911 participants and compared with the Cambridge Index and the Total PA Index. The IPAI consists of items covering five areas including PA at work, sport, cycling, television viewing, and computer use. The correlations of the IPAI with accelerometer counts in the training and validation sample ranged r = 0.40–0.43 and with physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) r = 0.33–0.40 and were higher than for the Cambridge Index and the Total PA Index previously applied in EPIC. In non-working participants the IPAI showed higher correlations than the Cambridge Index and the Total PA Index, with r = 0.34 for accelerometer counts and r = 0.29 for PAEE. In conclusion, we developed a valid physical activity index which is able to express PA continuously as well as to categorize participants according to their PA level. In populations with increasing rates of non-working people the performance of the IPAI is better than the established indices used in EPIC. PMID:24642812

Correlation between clinical severity of central nervous system (CNS) lupus and findings on single photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) images of the brain; preliminary results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Silverman, I.E.; Zeit, R.M.; Von Feldt, J.M.

1994-05-01

Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) commonly causes significant neuropsychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study was to review the brain SPECT studies of SLE patients with clinical evidence of CNS involvement and determine whether there is a correlation between the findings on SPECT images and the clinical manifestations of this serious phase of the disease. We enrolled 19 SLE patients and 12 normal controls in this study. The level of each patient`s disease activity was determined by the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), an established method of scoring disease severity which is heavily weighted toward neuropsychiatric symptomatology, for 15 of themore » 19 SLE patients. The SLEDAI was calculated within a 10 day window of the date when the SPECT scan was obtained. SPECT scans were performed 30 minutes following the intravenous administration of 99mTc-HMPAO. Results are discussed.« less

High Avidity dsDNA Autoantibodies in Brazilian Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Correlation with Active Disease and Renal Dysfunction

PubMed Central

Oliveira, Rodrigo C.; Oliveira, Isabela S.; Santiago, Mittermayer B.; Sousa Atta, Maria L. B.; Atta, Ajax M.

2015-01-01

We investigated in Brazilian women with SLE the prevalence and levels of high avidity (HA) dsDNA antibodies and tested their correlation with lupus activity and biomarkers of renal disease. We also compared these correlations to those observed with total dsDNA antibodies and antibodies against nucleosome (ANuA). Autoantibodies were detected by ELISA, while C3 and C4 levels were determined by nephelometry. Urine protein/creatinine ratio was determined, and lupus activity was measured by SLEDAI-2K. The prevalence of total and HA dsDNA antibodies was similar to but lower than that verified for ANuA. The levels of the three types of antibodies were correlated, but the correlation was more significant between HA dsDNA antibodies and ANuA. High avidity dsDNA antibodies correlated positively with ESR and SLEDAI and inversely with C3 and C4. Similar correlations were observed for ANuA levels, whereas total dsDNA antibodies only correlated with SLEDAI and C3. The levels of HA dsDNA antibodies were higher in patients with proteinuria, but their levels of total dsDNA antibodies and ANuA were unaltered. High avidity dsDNA antibodies can be found in high prevalence in Brazilian women with SLE and are important biomarkers of active disease and kidney dysfunction. PMID:26583157

Noninvasive evaluation of gastric emptying and gastric wall thickness in SLE patients.

PubMed

Shen, Hao-Lin; Yang, Shu-Ping; Wang, Kang-Jian; Huang, Bei-Lei; Huang, Wen-Bao; Wu, Jin-Zhi; Lyu, Guo-Rong

2017-04-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the gastric emptying in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with gastrointestinal involvement using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography. The gastric emptying times at 25% (T1), 50% (T2), and 75% (T3) of SLE patients with gastrointestinal involvement (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 80) were evaluated and compared. In addition, the correlations among the gastric wall thickness, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and upper gastrointestinal symptoms were calculated. The gastric wall thickness was correlated with the SLEDAI (r = 0.928, p < 0.001) and the upper gastrointestinal symptom index (r = 0.848, p < 0.001). The emptying times T1, T2, and T3 of the SLE patients were 17.08 ± 2.65 min (mean ± standard deviation), 39.85 ± 6.54 min, and 83.58 ± 7.12 min, respectively. For healthy controls, they were 19.65 ± 5.39 min, 41.08 ± 7.51 min, and 70.34 ± 8.03 min. The T1 of the SLE patients was shorter (p < 0.01), while the T3 was longer (p < 0.001). Moreover, T3 in the SLE group had the best correlation with the upper gastrointestinal symptom index (r = 0.553, p < 0.001). T1 in the SLE group was anti-correlated with early satiety (r = -0.366, p < 0.05). Combining the emptying times T1 and T3, as well as the gastric wall thickness, the SLEDAI and the upper gastrointestinal symptoms index can provide accurate clinical diagnosis of SLE with gastric involvement.

Independent association of glucocorticoids with damage accrual in SLE.

PubMed

Apostolopoulos, Diane; Kandane-Rathnayake, Rangi; Raghunath, Sudha; Hoi, Alberta; Nikpour, Mandana; Morand, Eric F

2016-01-01

To determine factors associated with damage accrual in a prospective cohort of patients with SLE. Patients with SLE who attended the Lupus Clinic at Monash Health, Australia, between 2007 and 2013 were studied. Clinical variables included disease activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2K, SLEDAI-2K), time-adjusted mean SLEDAI, cumulative glucocorticoid dose and organ damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI)). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with damage accrual. A total of 162 patients were observed over a median (IQR) 3.6 (2.0-4.7) years. Seventy-five per cent (n=121) of patients received glucocorticoids. Damage accrual was significantly more frequent in glucocorticoid-exposed patients (42% vs 15%, p<0.01). Higher glucocorticoid exposure was independently associated with overall damage accrual after controlling for factors including ethnicity and disease activity and was significant at time-adjusted mean doses above 4.42 mg prednisolone/day; the OR of damage accrual in patients in the highest quartile of cumulative glucocorticoid exposure was over 10. Glucocorticoid exposure was independently associated with damage accrual in glucocorticoid-related and non-glucocorticoid related domains of the SDI. Glucocorticoid use is independently associated with the accrual of damage in SLE, including in non-glucocorticoid related domains.

Study on the evaluation index of active power reserve

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xiaorui; Liu, Jiantao; Wang, Ke; Min, Lu

2018-01-01

Based on the role of active reserve at different time scales, divides the evaluation dimension of active reserve. Analysis the calculation principle of traditional reliability index such as probability of system safety, lack of power shortage and electricity shortage expectancy, and studies the applicability of these indicators to evaluate the reserve capacity on different dimensions. Resolves the evaluation index of active reserve capacity from the dimensions of time dimension, spatial dimension, system state, risk degree and economy, then construct evaluation index of active reserve capacity.

Clinical and financial burden of active lupus in Greece: a nationwide study.

PubMed

Bertsias, G; Karampli, E; Sidiropoulos, P; Gergianaki, I; Drosos, A; Sakkas, L; Garyfallos, A; Tzioufas, A; Vassilopoulos, D; Tsalapaki, C; Sfikakis, P; Panopoulos, S; Athanasakis, K; Perna, A; Psomali, D; Kyriopoulos, J; Boumpas, D

2016-10-01

Analyses of the medical and economic burden of chronic disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are valuable for clinical and health policy decisions. We performed a chart-based review of 215 adult SLE patients with active autoantibody-positive disease at the predefined ratio of 30% severe (involvement of major organs requiring treatment) and 70% non-severe, followed at seven hospital centres in Greece. We reviewed 318 patients consecutively registered over three months (sub-study). Disease activity, organ damage, flares and healthcare resource utilization were recorded. Costs were assessed from the third-party payer perspective. Severe SLE patients had chronic active disease more frequently (22.4% vs 4.7%), higher average SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) (10.5 vs 6.1) and systemic lupus international collaborating clinics (SLICC) damage index (1.1 vs 0.6) than non-severe patients. The mean annual direct medical cost was €3741 for severe vs €1225 for non-severe patients. Severe flares, active renal disease and organ damage were independent cost predictors. In the sub-study, 19% of unselected patients were classified as severe SLE, and 30% of them had chronic active disease. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate the significant clinical and financial burden of Greek SLE patients with active major organ disease. Among them, 30% display chronic activity, in spite of standard care, which represents a significant unmet medical need. © The Author(s) 2016.

Concordance between the tuberculin skin test and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) for diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and patient characteristics associated with an indeterminate IGRA.

PubMed

Cho, H; Kim, Y W; Suh, C-H; Jung, J-Y; Um, Y-J; Jung, J-H; Kim, H-A

2016-10-01

We investigated the agreement between the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the QuantiFERON-TB gold (QFT-G) assay in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Furthermore, we evaluated the factors associated with indeterminate results in the QFT-G assay in patients with SLE. We enrolled 136 patients with SLE prospectively, and compared them to 66 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition to the TST, QFT-G assay, patients' medications, and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination status were also investigated. A positive TST or QFT-G assay result without an active tuberculosis lesion on chest x-ray was considered to indicate a diagnosis of LTBI. The prevalence of LTBI was 26.5% in patients with SLE and 30.3% in patients with RA. The agreement between the TST and QFT-G assay was fair in SLE patients, but poor in RA patients. BCG vaccination was one factor associated with discordance between TST and QFT-G. Older age and higher SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score were associated with a negative TST/positive QFT-G result in patients with SLE. Higher SLEDAI score and increased glucocorticoid dose were associated with an indeterminate result in the QFT-G assay for patients with SLE. Agreement between the QFT-G assay and TST in patients with SLE was found to be fair. However, BCG vaccination status, age, and SLEDAI score are all factors that could result in discordance between the two tests. Indeterminate results from the QFT-G assay may be caused by a higher SLEDAI score or increased glucocorticoid dose. © The Author(s) 2016.

Real-Time PCR of cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in adult Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Mohamed, Aly E; Hasen, Amany M; Mohammed, Ghada F A; Elmaraghy, Nermin N

2015-05-01

Infections may act as environmental triggers for induction of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We sought to explore the relative frequencies of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (CMV) in adult Egyptian patients with SLE and their correlation with disease activity and damage. Thirty-three consecutive adult patients satisfying the 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Classification Criteria for SLE and 30 healthy controls were included in this case-control study. All patients were subjected to complete clinical and laboratory evaluation to determine the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR). Sera from both groups were analyzed for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies against CMV and EBV. Qualitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for both viruses was performed for all SLE patients. Almost all SLE patients 32/33 (96.9%) were positive for IgG anti-CMV antibodies versus 20/30 in the control group (66.6%) (P = 0.002). All SLE patients were positive for IgG anti-EBV antibodies compared to 25 in the control group (100% vs. 83.3%, P = 0.02). CMV and EBV DNA were detected by PCR in 30.3% and 51.5% of SLE patients, respectively. A statistically significant lower SLEDAI was found in PCR positive patients for EBV compared to negative patients (9.6 ± 5.2 vs. 13.1 ± 3.1, respectively P = 0.041). Adult Egyptian patients with SLE had higher frequencies of anti-CMV and EBV IgG compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, our single point assessment of SLEDAI suggested that exposure to EBV infection might be associated with a lower disease activity. © 2013 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Cathelicidin (LL-37) and its correlation with pro-oxidant, antioxidant balance and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional human study.

PubMed

Sahebari, M; Roshandel, G; Saadati, N; Saghafi, M; Abdolahi, N; Rezaieyazdi, Z

2017-08-01

Background Cathelicidin (LL-37), an endogenous antimicrobial peptide, has recently been involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. To assess whether LL-37 reflects disease activity, we measured serum levels of it in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with active and inactive disease compared to healthy controls. LL-37 was also compared between new and old cases. Moreover, the correlation of LL-37 and pro-oxidant, antioxidant balance (PAB) was measured. Methods The study population consisted of 50 SLE patients and 28 healthy controls. Of those, 39 patients had active and 11 patients had inactive disease. Serum levels of LL-37 were measured by ELISA and PAB values by a special method. Results There was no difference in levels of LL-37 between patients and healthy controls (50.9 ± 20.8 vs. 67.7 ± 43.3 ng/ml, P = 0.31). LL-37 did not correlate with SLEDAI and its items in total patients. LL-37 had a positive correlation with SLEDAI in active patients ( P = 0.01, r = 0.4). In active patients (78% of patients), multivariate regression analysis showed significant negative correlation between LL-37 and C3 ( P = 0.01, standardized beta -0.50). No difference was found in levels of PAB between patients and controls (90.4 ± 34.1 vs. 86.9 ± 25.6 HK, P = 0.4).There was no difference in the levels of PAB between patients with active and inactive disease (93.2 ± 34.1 vs. 80.2 ± 33.7 HK, P = 0.27). No correlation was found between levels of PAB and SLEDAI items and total score. However, a positive correlation between the levels of LL-37 and PAB in SLE patients was found ( r = 0.3, P < 0.01). Conclusion Based on this study, serum LL-37 and PAB did not increase in lupus compared with healthy individuals. LL-37 serum values rose in parallel with SLEDAI in active disease. Positive correlation between serum PAB and LL-37 could be a great achievement of this study that may suggest the role of

Clinical composite measures of disease activity and damage used to evaluate patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic literature review.

PubMed

Castrejón, Isabel; Rúa-Figueroa, Iñigo; Rosario, María Piedad; Carmona, Loreto

2014-01-01

To determine the most appropriate indices to evaluate the disease activity and damage in patients with sytemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A systematic literature search was performed to identify validation studies of indices used to evaluate disease activity and damage. We collected information for each instrument on every aspect of validation including feasibility, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change using ad hoc forms. A total of 38 articles were included addressing the validation of 6 composite indices to evaluate disease activity (BILAG, ECLAM, SLAM, SLEDAI, LAI and SLAQ); and 3 indices to evaluate damage (SLICC/ACE-DI, LDIQ and BILD). Only the SLAQ, LIDIQ and the BILD were self-administered. Feasibility and internal consistency was only studied in 3 indices (BILAG, SLAQ and SDI) with a Cronbach's α ranging from 0.35 to 0.87. The intra-observer reliability was examined by the intraclass correlation coefficient for BILAG with a result of 0.48 (95%CI: 0,23-0,81) and using analysis of variance for SLAM-R (0,78), SLEDAI (0,33) and the LAI (0,81). The inter-observer feasibility was evaluated using the correlation coefficient for ECLAM (0,90-0,93), the SLAM (0,86) and MEX-SLEDAI (0,97-0,89). The construct validity was examined by means of convergence with other instruments, specifically with global assessment by the physician, with similar results between indices (0,48-0,75). Lastly, responsiveness was tested in all indices except LAI, SDI and LDIQ, with a standardized response mean ranging from 0.12 to 0.75. Although multiple instruments have been validated for use in SLE it was not possible to find direct evidence of which is the most appropriate. BILAG and SLEDAI, with moderate feasibility and low responsiveness, are the 2 indices with a most complete validation and more extensively used. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Immunoserological parameters in SLE: high-avidity anti-dsDNA detected by ELISA are the most closely associated with the disease activity.

PubMed

Andrejevic, Sladjana; Jeremic, Ivica; Sefik-Bukilica, Mirjana; Nikolic, Milos; Stojimirovic, Biljana; Bonaci-Nikolic, Branka

2013-11-01

We assessed the relationship between the serum levels of antibodies against double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), C1q, nucleosomes, histones, C3 and C4 complement components with one another, with organ involvement and overall disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). One hundred seventy-five sera from 99 patients with SLE, 31 sera of patients with other connective tissue diseases, and 20 sera from healthy blood donors were tested. SLE disease activity was assessed by modified SLEDAI-2K (M-SLEDAI-2K), not including complement and anti-dsDNA descriptors. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were measured by indirect immunofluorescence on Crithidia luciliae (CLIFT), standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ELISA for high-avidity antibodies. The most significant risk factor for renal involvement were anti-C1q antibodies (OR = 3.88, p < 0.05), high-avidity anti-dsDNA antibodies for polyserositis (OR = 7.99, p < 0.01), anti-histone antibodies for joint involvement (OR = 2.75, p < 0.05), and low C3 for cytopenia (OR = 11.96, p < 0.001) and mucocutaneous lesions (OR = 3.32, p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that disease activity in SLE could be predicted by the levels of antibodies against dsDNA determined by standard (p < 0.05) and high-avidity (p < 0.001) ELISA, and inversely associated with concentration of C3 (p < 0.001). Using stepwise method, high-avidity anti-dsDNA antibodies were found to be in the closest association to M-SLEDAI-2K. Moreover, positive test for high-avidity anti-dsDNA antibodies appeared as an independent risk factor for moderately to severely active disease (M-SLEDAI-2K>5) (OR = 5.5, p < 0.01). The presence of high-avidity anti-dsDNA antibodies represented a risk for renal, joint, and most importantly for serosal involvement. Our results suggest that simple and reliable ELISA for high-avidity anti-dsDNA antibodies is the test of good clinical utility

The feet in systemic lupus erythematosus; are we underestimating their involvement and functional impact?

PubMed

Morales-Lozano, Rosario; Martínez-Barrio, Julia; González-Fernández, María Luz; López-Longo, Francisco Javier; Ovalles-Bonilla, Juan Gabriel; Valor, Lara; Janta, Iustina; Nieto, Juan Carlos; Hernández-Flórez, Diana; González, Carlos M; Monteagudo, Indalecio; Garrido, Jesús; Carreño, Luis; Naredo, Esperanza

2016-01-01

To evaluate biomechanical and ultrasound (US) abnormalities in SLE patients as compared with controls and to assess the relationship between these abnormalities and SLE activity. Fifty-four consecutive female patients with SLE with and without foot pain and 60 female controls (30 with foot pain and 30 without foot pain) were recruited. SLE activity was assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). SLE patients and controls blindly underwent a comprehensive podiatric, biomechanical and US evaluation of the feet. US assessment included detection of B-mode synovitis, tenosynovitis, enthesopathy, bone changes and synovial, tenosynovial and entheseal power Doppler (PD) signal. Thirty-one (57.4%) SLE patients had bilateral foot pain and 5 (9.3%) had unilateral foot pain. Metatarsalgia was the most common location for pain but without significant difference between groups (p=0.284). Toe joint deformities were significantly more common in SLE feet as compared with control feet (p<0.0005). SLE feet showed significantly more biomechanical abnormalities than control feet (p<0.05). B-mode synovitis in the tibiotalar joint was strongly associated with having SLE (p<0.0005) and the presence of synovial PD signal in the MTP joints was found only in painful feet of SLE patients. SLEDAI was significantly higher in patients with foot pain than in those with painless feet (p=0.008). However, SLEDAI did not discriminate between patients with and without biomechanical or US abnormalities. SLE patients showed more biomechanical and US abnormalities in the feet than controls, which were not captured by standardised assessment of the disease activity.

Intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy in Japanese children with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Igarashi, Toru; Igarashi, Tsutomu; Shimizu, Akira; Itoh, Yasuhiko

2013-01-01

Intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCY) pulse therapy has been used for lupus nephritis since the latter half of the 1980s; it has been shown to be effective for lupus nephritis and vasculitis and has become a standard therapy for the diffuse proliferative type of lupus nephritis in adults. IVCY therapy has also come to be used in children. This paper reports the long-term outcomes of IVCY therapy in children. Six female patients (age range, 13 to 18 years) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Three patients had lupus nephritis (World Health Organization class IIb, IVa, IVc), 2 had central nervous system (CNS) lupus, and 1 had neither lupus nephritis nor CNS lupus. The mean pretreatment SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score was 18.8 ± 4.6. Cyclophosphamide (initial dose, 500 mg/m(2)) was administered intravenously each month for 6 months and then given every 3 months for maintenance. Prednisolone was given in dosages ranging from 5 to 60 mg/day, adjusted according to laboratory data and clinical symptoms. Levels of C3, C4, CH50, and creatinine; the SLEDAI score; and the SLE responder index were monitored and evaluated. The SLE responder index was considered to have improved if the SLEDAI score had decreased by 4 points or more after 52 weeks. Prednisolone doses were reduced in all patients. Because methylprednisolone pulse therapy was administered before IVCY therapy, some patients had low titers of immunoglobin G antibodies against double-stranded DNA at the start of IVCY therapy. All patients had low serum creatinine levels. Proteinuria resolved in 1 of the 3 patients with lupus nephritis. The SLEDAI scores improved after 52 weeks in 5 of 6 patients (mean, 5.2 ± 2.6). No patients had severe bone marrow suppression or hemorrhagic cystitis during IVCY pulse therapy. IVCY pulse therapy for SLE in children achieved good long-term outcomes with no serious adverse effects, such as digestive symptoms, bone marrow

Independent association of glucocorticoids with damage accrual in SLE

PubMed Central

Apostolopoulos, Diane; Kandane-Rathnayake, Rangi; Raghunath, Sudha; Hoi, Alberta; Nikpour, Mandana; Morand, Eric F

2016-01-01

Objectives To determine factors associated with damage accrual in a prospective cohort of patients with SLE. Methods Patients with SLE who attended the Lupus Clinic at Monash Health, Australia, between 2007 and 2013 were studied. Clinical variables included disease activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2K, SLEDAI-2K), time-adjusted mean SLEDAI, cumulative glucocorticoid dose and organ damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI)). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with damage accrual. Results A total of 162 patients were observed over a median (IQR) 3.6 (2.0–4.7) years. Seventy-five per cent (n=121) of patients received glucocorticoids. Damage accrual was significantly more frequent in glucocorticoid-exposed patients (42% vs 15%, p<0.01). Higher glucocorticoid exposure was independently associated with overall damage accrual after controlling for factors including ethnicity and disease activity and was significant at time-adjusted mean doses above 4.42 mg prednisolone/day; the OR of damage accrual in patients in the highest quartile of cumulative glucocorticoid exposure was over 10. Glucocorticoid exposure was independently associated with damage accrual in glucocorticoid-related and non-glucocorticoid related domains of the SDI. Conclusions Glucocorticoid use is independently associated with the accrual of damage in SLE, including in non-glucocorticoid related domains. PMID:27933196

Laboratory markers of cardiovascular risk in pediatric SLE: the APPLE baseline cohort.

PubMed

Ardoin, S P; Schanberg, L E; Sandborg, C; Yow, E; Barnhart, H X; Mieszkalski, K l; Ilowite, N T; von Scheven, E; Eberhard, A; Levy, D M; Kimura, Y; Silverman, E; Bowyer, S L; Punaro, L; Singer, N G; Sherry, D D; McCurdy, D; Klein-Gitelman, M; Wallace, C; Silver, R; Wagner-Weiner, L; Higgins, G C; Brunner, H I; Jung, L K; Imundo, L; Soep, J B; Reed, A M

2010-10-01

As part of the Atherosclerosis Prevention in Pediatric Lupus Erythematosus (APPLE) Trial, a prospective multicenter cohort of 221 children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (mean age 15.7 years, 83% female) underwent baseline measurement of markers of cardiovascular risk, including fasting levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein A (Lpa), homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). A cross-sectional analysis of the baseline laboratory values and clinical characteristics of this cohort was performed. Univariable relationships between the cardiovascular markers of interest and clinical variables were assessed, followed by multivariable linear regression modeling. Mean levels of LDL, HDL, Lpa, TG, hs-CRP and homocysteine were in the normal or borderline ranges. In multivariable analysis, increased Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), prednisone dose, and hypertension (HTN) were independently associated with higher LDL levels. Higher hs-CRP and creatinine clearance were independently related to lower HDL levels. Higher body mass index (BMI), prednisone dose, and homocysteine levels were independently associated with higher TG levels. Only Hispanic or non-White status predicted higher Lpa levels. Proteinuria, higher TG and lower creatinine clearance were independently associated with higher homocysteine levels, while use of multivitamin with folate predicted lower homocysteine levels. Higher BMI, lower HDL, and longer SLE disease duration, but not SLEDAI, were independently associated with higher hs-CRP levels. The R(2) for these models ranged from 7% to 23%. SLE disease activity as measured by the SLEDAI was associated only with higher LDL levels and not with hs-CRP. Markers of renal injury (HTN, proteinuria, and creatinine clearance) were independently associated with levels of LDL, HDL, and homocysteine, highlighting the importance of

Toward electronic health recording: evaluation of electronic patient reported outcome measures (e-PROMs) system for remote monitoring of early systemic lupus patients.

PubMed

El Miedany, Y; El Gaafary, M; El Aroussy, Nadia; Bahlas, S; Hegazi, M; Palmer, D; Youssef, S

2017-11-01

The study aimed to assess the value of evaluation of electronic patient reported outcome measures (e-PROMs) in the assessment and management of SLE disease activity flares, its association with adherence to therapy as well as organ damage. A randomized, controlled crossover study was carried out over a 24-month duration. One hundred forty-seven SLE patients meeting the revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were enrolled. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was used to assess disease activity, whereas organ damage was scored using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/ACR Damage Index. In the first 12 months, the patients were assessed every 3 months. At 12 months, the patients were randomized into a cohort of 73 patients who continued their care in the same style and 74 patients who completed an online e-PROMs questionnaire on monthly basis for another 12-month period. The data captured were then retrospectively analyzed at the end of the 24-month study period. At the end of the first year of the study, the mean SLEDAI and SDI scores were 8.72 (6.1) and 1.9 (2.2). At the end of the second year, the mean SLEDAI and SDI scores in the e-PROMs cohort were 3.1 (2.6) and 1.2 (1.3), whereas in the control group, the scores were 7.63 (6.7) and 1.8 (2.3), respectively (p < 0.01). Adjusting for possible confounding variables, the number of flares, regardless of their severity, was associated with damage accrual (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.83, p < 0.001). Adherence to therapy was significantly (p < 0.1) higher in the e-PROMs group. e-PROMs was equivalent to PROMs paper format and has a potential disease-modifying effect as it facilitated close monitoring of disease activity with an option of management escalation whenever indicated.

Detection of asymptomatic cranial neuropathies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and their relation to antiribosomal P antibody levels and disease activity.

PubMed

Gaber, Wafaa; Ezzat, Yasser; El Fayoumy, Neveen M; Helmy, Hanan; Mohey, Abeer M

2014-01-01

The objectives of this study are to assess the risk of asymptomatic cranial neuropathy among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and find any association with disease activity and antiribosomal P antibodies. This study is a case-control study including 60 female patients and 30 healthy female controls. Disease activity was measured with the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). All patients were evaluated using evoked potentials, blink reflex, and levels of antiribosomal P antibodies. Patients with abnormal electrophysiological parameters had significantly higher levels of antiribosomal P antibodies (P = 0.034) and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (P = 0.044). Antiribosomal P antibodies (odds ratio 5.4, 95 % confidence interval 1.002-1.03, P = 0.002) and presence of anti-DNA antibodies (odds ratio 1.01, 95 % confidence interval 1.2-24.8, P = 0.032) were independent risk factors for the presence of the abnormal electrophysiological parameters. Disease duration was positively correlated with wave 1 of the auditory brain reflex (P < 0.001) and a latency of the evoked blink reflex (component R1, P = 0.013). SLEDAI scores were positively correlated with latencies of the visually evoked potential (P100, P = 0.02), wave 1 of the auditory brain reflex (P < 0.001), and a latency of the evoked blink reflex (R2c, P = 0.005). Steroid dosage was negatively correlated with P100 latencies (P = 0.042) and components of the evoked blink reflex (R1, P = 0.042; R2i, P = 0.041; R2c, P < 0.001). Because abnormalities in the visually evoked potential and blink reflex were associated with antiribosomal P antibodies, they can be useful for detecting asymptomatic cranial neuropathy. Further studies on large number of patients should be done to determine any association.

A new activity index for comets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whipple, Fred L.

1992-01-01

An activity index, AI, is derived from observational data to measure the increase of activity in magnitudes for comets when brightest near perihelion as compared to their inactive reflective brightness at great solar distances. Because the observational data are still instrumentally limited in the latter case and because many comets carry particulate clouds about them at great solar distances, the application of the activity index is still limited. A tentative application is made for the comets observed by Max Beyer over a period of nearly 40 years, providing a uniform magnitude system for the near-perihelion observations. In all, 32 determinations are made for long-period (L-P) comets and 15 for short-period (S-P). Although the correlations are scarcely definitive, the data suggest that the faintest comets are just as active as the brightest and that the S-P comets are almost as active as those with periods (P) exceeding 10(exp 4) years or those with orbital inclinations of i less than 120 deg. Comets in the range 10(exp 2) less than P less than 10(exp 4) yr. or with i greater than 120 deg appear to be somewhat more active than the others. There is no evidence to suggest aging among the L-P comets or to suggest other than a common nature for comets generally.

An assessment study of the wavelet-based index of magnetic storm activity (WISA) and its comparison to the Dst index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhonghua; Zhu, Lie; Sojka, Jan; Kokoszka, Piotr; Jach, Agnieszka

2008-08-01

A wavelet-based index of storm activity (WISA) has been recently developed [Jach, A., Kokoszka, P., Sojka, L., Zhu, L., 2006. Wavelet-based index of magnetic storm activity. Journal of Geophysical Research 111, A09215, doi:10.1029/2006JA011635] to complement the traditional Dst index. The new index can be computed automatically by using the wavelet-based statistical procedure without human intervention on the selection of quiet days and the removal of secular variations. In addition, the WISA is flexible on data stretch and has a higher temporal resolution (1 min), which can provide a better description of the dynamical variations of magnetic storms. In this work, we perform a systematic assessment study on the WISA index. First, we statistically compare the WISA to the Dst for various quiet and disturbed periods and analyze the differences of their spectral features. Then we quantitatively assess the flexibility of the WISA on data stretch and study the effects of varying number of stations on the index. In addition, the ability of the WISA for handling the missing data is also quantitatively assessed. The assessment results show that the hourly averaged WISA index can describe storm activities equally well as the Dst index, but its full automation, high flexibility on data stretch, easiness of using the data from varying number of stations, high temporal resolution, and high tolerance to missing data from individual station can be very valuable and essential for real-time monitoring of the dynamical variations of magnetic storm activities and space weather applications, thus significantly complementing the existing Dst index.

An assessment study of the wavelet-based index of magnetic storm activity (WISA) and its comparison to the Dst index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Z.; Zhu, L.; Sojka, J. J.; Kokoszka, P.; Jach, A.

2006-12-01

A wavelet-based index of storm activities (WISA) has been recently developed (Jach et al., 2006) to complement the traditional Dst index. The new index can be computed automatically using the wavelet-based statistical procedure without human intervention on the selection of quiet days and the removal of secular variations. In addition, the WISA is flexible on data stretch and has a higher temporal resolution (one minute), which can provide a better description of the dynamical variations of magnetic storms. In this work, we perform a systematic assessment study on the WISA index. First, we statistically compare the WISA to the Dst for various quiet and disturbing periods and analyze the differences of their spectrum features. Then we quantitatively assess the flexibility of the WISA on data stretch and study the effects of varying number of stations on the index. In addition, how well the WISA can handle the missing data is also quantitatively assessed. The assessment results show that the hourly-averaged WISA index can describe storm activities equally well as the Dst index, but its full automation, high flexibility on data stretch, easiness of using the data from varying number of stations, high temporal resolution, and high tolerance on missing data from individual station can be very valuable and essential for real-time monitoring of the dynamical variations of magnetic storm activities and space weather applications, thus significantly complementing the existing Dst index. Jach, A., P. Kokoszka, J. Sojka, and L. Zhu, Wavelet-based index of magnetic storm activity, J. Geophys. Res., in press, 2006.

[Serum levels of vitamin D in systemic lupus erythematosus patients (SLE) and their relationship with disease activity: longitudinal study].

PubMed

García-Carrasco, Mario; Mendoza-Pinto, Claudia; Ayón-Aguilar, Jorge; Soto-Santillán, Pamela; Rodríguez-Gallegos, Alma; Escamilla-Márquez, Marco Antonio; Méndez-Martínez, Socorro

2016-10-01

To determine changes over time of serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) in Mexican patients with SLE and their relationship with disease activity. Longitudinal and observational study. Women with SLE were included. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured at baseline and after two years; the disease activity was measured with MEX-SLEDAI. Patients with initial suboptimal levels of 25(OH)D received supplements or increased doses of calcitriol. 105 women with SLE were included, mean age 49.4 ± 11 years. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were higher at two years (baseline 20 ± 6.8 vs. follow-up 22.7 ± 7.7; p = < 0.001). There were no differences between disease activity scores at baseline and two years (baseline 1.7 ± 1.9 vs. follow-up 1.1 ± 1.7; p = 0.7). Serum levels of 25(OH)D did not correlate with disease activity during the follow up, p = 0.7. No correlation was found between changes in MEX-SLEDAI scores and serum levels of 25(OH)D, p = 0.87. Mexican women with SLE had increased serum levels of 25(OH)D. No correlation between serum levels of 25(OH)D and disease activity was found.

The number of flares patients experience impacts on damage accrual in systemic lupus erythematosus: data from a multiethnic Latin American cohort.

PubMed

Ugarte-Gil, Manuel F; Acevedo-Vásquez, Eduardo; Alarcón, Graciela S; Pastor-Asurza, Cesar A; Alfaro-Lozano, José L; Cucho-Venegas, Jorge M; Segami, Maria I; Wojdyla, Daniel; Soriano, Enrique R; Drenkard, Cristina; Brenol, João Carlos; de Oliveira e Silva Montandon, Ana Carolina; Costallat, Lilian T Lavras; Massardo, Loreto; Molina-Restrepo, José F; Guibert-Toledano, Marlene; Silveira, Luis H; Amigo, Mary Carmen; Barile-Fabris, Leonor A; Chacón-Díaz, Rosa; Esteva-Spinetti, Maria H; Pons-Estel, Guillermo J; McGwin, Gerald; Pons-Estel, Bernardo A

2015-06-01

To determine the association between the number of flares systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients experience and damage accrual, independently of other known risk factors. SLE patients (34 centres, nine Latin American countries) with a recent diagnosis (≤2 years) and ≥3 evaluations were studied. Disease activity was ascertained with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and damage with the SLICC/ACR Damage Index (SDI). Flare was defined as an increase ≥4 points in the SLEDAI between two study visits. An ambidirectional case- crossover design was used to determine the association between the number of flares and damage accrual. 901 patients were eligible for the study; 500 of them (55.5%) experienced at least one flare, being the mean number of flares 0.9 (SD: 1.0). 574 intervals from 251 patients were included in the case-crossover design since they have case and control intervals, whereas, the remaining patients did not. Their mean age at diagnosis was 27.9 years (SD: 11.1), 213 (84.9%) were women. The mean baseline SDI and SLEDAI were 1.3 (1.3) and 13.6 (8.1), respectively. Other features were comparable to those of the entire sample. After adjusting for possible confounding variables, the number of flares, regardless of their severity, was associated with damage accrual (SDI) OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.43 to 2.94, p<0.001 (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.31 to 5.24, p=0.006 for severe and OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.83, p=0.001 for mild-moderate). The number of flares patients experience, regardless of their severity, increases the risk of damage accrual, independently of other known risk factors. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Clinical predictors of response and discontinuation of belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in real life setting. Results of a large, multicentric, nationwide study.

PubMed

Iaccarino, Luca; Andreoli, Laura; Bocci, Elena Bartoloni; Bortoluzzi, Alessandra; Ceccarelli, Fulvia; Conti, Fabrizio; De Angelis, Rossella; De Marchi, Ginevra; De Vita, Salvatore; Di Matteo, Andrea; Emmi, Giacomo; Emmi, Lorenzo; Gatto, Mariele; Gerli, Roberto; Gerosa, Maria; Govoni, Marcello; Larosa, Maddalena; Meroni, Pier Luigi; Mosca, Marta; Pazzola, Giulia; Reggia, Rossella; Saccon, Francesca; Salvarani, Carlo; Tani, Chiara; Zen, Margherita; Frigo, Anna Chiara; Tincani, Angela; Doria, Andrea

2018-01-01

To investigate efficacy, safety and survival of belimumab and to identify predictors of drug response and drug discontinuation in patients with active SLE in clinical practice. Data of SLE patients, treated with belimumab, from 11 Italian prospective cohorts were analyzed. SLEDAI-2K, anti-dsDNA, C3, C4, prednisone daily dose, DAS-28, 24-h proteinuria, CLASIa (Cutaneous LE Disease Area and Severity Index Activity) were recorded at baseline and every 6 months. SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI-4) was calculated at 12 and 24 months. Demographic and clinical features and comorbidities were included in the univariate and multivariate analysis. Adverse events were recorded at each visit. Statistics was performed using the SPSS software. We studied 188 SLE patients, mean follow-up 17.5 ± 10.6 months. The most frequent manifestations, which required the use of belimumab, were polyarthritis (45.2%) and skin rashes (25.5%). SRI-4 was achieved by 77.0% and 68.7% of patients at 12 and 24-months. Independent predictors of 12-month response were SLEDAI-2K ≥ 10 (OR 40.46, p = 0.001) and polyarthritis (OR 12.64, p = 0.001) and of 24-month response were SLEDAI-2K ≥ 10 (OR 15.97, p = 0.008), polyarthritis (OR 32.36, p = 0.006), and prednisone ≥7.5 mg/day (OR 9.94, p = 0.026). We observed a low rate of severe adverse events. Fifty-eight patients (30.8%) discontinued belimumab after a mean follow-up of 10.4 ± 7.5 months. The drug survival was 86.9%, 76.9%, 69.4%, 67.1%, and 61.9% at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months, respectively. No factors associated with drug discontinuation were found. Belimumab is effective and safe when used in clinical practice setting. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficacy and Safety of Epratuzumab in Moderately to Severely Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results From Two Phase III Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials.

PubMed

Clowse, Megan E B; Wallace, Daniel J; Furie, Richard A; Petri, Michelle A; Pike, Marilyn C; Leszczyński, Piotr; Neuwelt, C Michael; Hobbs, Kathryn; Keiserman, Mauro; Duca, Liliana; Kalunian, Kenneth C; Galateanu, Catrinel; Bongardt, Sabine; Stach, Christian; Beaudot, Carolyn; Kilgallen, Brian; Gordon, Caroline

2017-02-01

Epratuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets CD22, modulates B cell signaling without substantial reductions in the number of B cells. The aim of this study was to report the results of 2 phase III multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, the EMBODY 1 and EMBODY 2 trials, assessing the efficacy and safety of epratuzumab in patients with moderately to severely active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients met ≥4 of the American College of Rheumatology revised classification criteria for SLE, were positive for antinuclear antibodies and/or anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, had an SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score of ≥6 (increased disease activity), had British Isles Lupus Assessment Group 2004 index (BILAG-2004) scores of grade A (severe disease activity) in ≥1 body system or grade B (moderate disease activity) in ≥2 body systems (in the mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, or cardiorespiratory domains), and were receiving standard therapy, including mandatory treatment with corticosteroids (5-60 mg/day). BILAG-2004 grade A scores in the renal and central nervous system domains were excluded. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either placebo, epratuzumab 600 mg every week, or epratuzumab 1,200 mg every other week, with infusions delivered for the first 4 weeks of each 12-week dosing cycle, for 4 cycles. Patients across all 3 treatment groups also continued with their standard therapy. The primary end point was the response rate at week 48 according to the BILAG-based Combined Lupus Assessment (BICLA) definition, requiring improvement in the BILAG-2004 score, no worsening in the BILAG-2004 score, SLEDAI-2K score, or physician's global assessment of disease activity, and no disallowed changes in concomitant medications. Patients who discontinued the study medication were classified as nonresponders. In the EMBODY 1 and EMBODY 2 trials of epratuzumab, 793 patients and 791 patients, respectively, were

Association between body mass index and activities of daily living in homecare patients.

PubMed

Ozturk, Guzin Zeren; Egici, Memet Taskın; Bukhari, Mulazim Hussain; Toprak, Dilek

2017-01-01

Overweight or obesity may cause many chronic illnesses. Furthermore, several studies have shown that high body mass index is associated with mortality and morbidity among the elderly. Therefore, obesity or being overweight could adversely affect the performance of activities of daily living. In this study our aim was to investigate the association between Body Mass Index and Activity of Daily Living in Homecare Patients. The records of 2016 from the homecare unit of Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. During this period, 1105 patients visited this facility. Unconscious or bedridden patients (hemiplegia, hemiparesia, and tetraparesis) and patients with incomplete data were excluded from the study. Therefore, the survey was completed with 250 files, which included all the data needed for our research. Age, gender, Body Mass Index and Barthel Index scores were recorded to the statistical program; p≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. One hundred fifty one (60.4%) were women, and 99 (39.6%) were men. The relations between gender and age, weight, and Barthel index scores were not statistically significant. There was a significant positive correlation between weight and Barthel index scores as well as between Body Mass Index and Barthel index scores (r = 0.190; p = 0.003). The patients were divided into two groups: Group-I (underweight and normal weight) and Group-II (overweight and obese). Group-II exhibited a much higher ability to perform Activity of Daily Living than Group-I (p = 0.002). Some studies report that obesity is protective against Activity of Daily Living, but the opposite is reported in some others. Our study showed increased values of Body Mass Index and Activity of Daily Living ability, which are indicative of protective effects. The relationship between Body Mass Index and physical disability is not yet proven to be linear.

The HMI Magnetic Activity Index for Local-Area Helioseismology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogart, Richard S.; Baldner, Charles

2017-08-01

In order to provide context for the mapping of sub-surface flows and thermal structure by local helioseismic techniques and the study of their relation to local magnetic activity, a local Magnetic Activity Index (MAI) was introduced. The MAI provides an appropriate index value corresponding precisely to the extent in space and time of each region analyzed. It is intended to be a measure of the total magnetic flux in the region. Hemispheric averages of the MAI are very well correlated with independent global measures of solar magnetic activity. Improvements in the determination of the MAI from Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) measurements have revealed statistical anomalies affecting a small but significant number of high-cadence (45-sec) magnetograms. We describe modifications to the MAI being explored, the identification and treatment of anomalous magnetic field values, and explore likely causes.

Forest fire danger index based on modifying Nesterov Index, fuel, and anthropogenic activities using MODIS TERRA, AQUA and TRMM satellite datasets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh Babu, K. V.; Roy, Arijit; Ramachandra Prasad, P.

2016-05-01

Forest fire has been regarded as one of the major causes of degradation of Himalayan forests in Uttarakhand. Forest fires occur annually in more than 50% of forests in Uttarakhand state, mostly due to anthropogenic activities and spreads due to moisture conditions and type of forest fuels. Empirical drought indices such as Keetch-Byram drought index, the Nesterov index, Modified Nesterov index, the Zhdanko index which belongs to the cumulative type and the Angstrom Index which belongs to the daily type have been used throughout the world to assess the potential fire danger. In this study, the forest fire danger index has been developed from slightly modified Nesterov index, fuel and anthropogenic activities. Datasets such as MODIS TERRA Land Surface Temperature and emissivity (MOD11A1), MODIS AQUA Atmospheric profile product (MYD07) have been used to determine the dew point temperature and land surface temperature. Precipitation coefficient has been computed from Tropical Rainfall measuring Mission (TRMM) product (3B42RT). Nesterov index has been slightly modified according to the Indian context and computed using land surface temperature, dew point temperature and precipitation coefficient. Fuel type danger index has been derived from forest type map of ISRO based on historical fire location information and disturbance danger index has been derived from disturbance map of ISRO. Finally, forest fire danger index has been developed from the above mentioned indices and MODIS Thermal anomaly product (MOD14) has been used for validating the forest fire danger index.

Associations of Circulating CXCR3-PD-1+CD4+T cells with Disease Activity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PubMed

Lei, Han; Xue, Yang; Yiyun, Yu; Weiguo, Wan; Ling, Lv; Zou, Hejian

2018-04-25

Which helper CD4 + T cell subset contributes to autoantibodies generation and severity of end-organ involvement in lupus patients remains to be explored. Our research aims to investigate the roles of circulating Tfh (cTfh) cell subsets and corresponding CXCR5 - Th cells in lupus patients and their correlation with SLEDAI. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from blood of SLE patients as well as healthy donors. The proportion of Th cell Subsets classified from cell surface markers (CD45RO, CXCR5, CXCR3, CCR6, PD-1, ICOS, and CCR7) is detected by flow cytometry. We found no difference in the frequency of CD45RO + CXCR5 + CD4 + T cells between SLE patients and health controls. As previous reported, SLE patients showed an increase in the percentage of CXCR5 + PD-1 + , CXCR5 + ICOS + PD-1 + and CXCR5 + CCR7 lo PD-1 hi cTfh subset, however, none of these populations had correlation with SLEDAI. Therefore, we further investigated the CXCR5 - subsets, and surprisingly we found that the frequency of CXCR3 - PD-1 + subset was correlated with SLEDAI, ds-DNA IgG, anti-nucleosome antibody, C3, and C4 independent of CXCR5. Consistently, CXCR3 - PD-1 + CD45RO + CD4 + T cells expressed factors associated with B-cell-help for the autoantibody production. CXCR3 - PD-1 + CD4 + T cells are a sensitive indicator to assess SLE disease activity and might contribute B cell help and the generation of autoantibodies in patients.

On lupus, vitamin D and leukopenia.

PubMed

Simioni, Juliana A; Heimovski, Flavia; Skare, Thelma L

2016-01-01

Immune regulation is among the noncalcemic effects of vitamin D. So, this vitamin may play a role in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in SLE and its association with clinical, serological and treatment profile as well as with disease activity. Serum OH vitamin D3 levels were measured in 153 SLE patients and 85 controls. Data on clinical, serological and treatment profile of lupus patients were obtained through chart review. Blood cell count and SLEDAI (SLE disease activity index) were measured simultaneously with vitamin D determination. SLE patients have lower levels of vitamin D than controls (p=0.03). In univariate analysis serum vitamin D was associated with leukopenia (p=0.02), use of cyclophosphamide (p=0.007) and methotrexate (p=0.03). A negative correlation was verified with prednisone dose (p=0.003). No association was found with disease activity measured by SLEDAI (p=0.88). In a multiple regression study only leukopenia remained as an independent association (B=4.04; p=0.02). A negative correlation of serum vitamin level with granulocyte (p=0.01) was also found, but not with lymphocyte count (p=0.33). SLE patients have more deficiency of vitamin D than controls. This deficiency is not associated with disease activity but with leucopenia (granulocytopenia). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Serum Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PubMed

Mende, Rachel; Vincent, Fabien B; Kandane-Rathnayake, Rangi; Koelmeyer, Rachel; Lin, Emily; Chang, Janet; Hoi, Alberta Y; Morand, Eric F; Harris, James; Lang, Tali

2018-01-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by biological and clinical heterogeneity. The interleukin (IL)-1 superfamily is a group of innate cytokines that contribute to pathogenesis in many autoimmune diseases. IL-1β and IL-18 are two members that have been shown to play a role in murine lupus-like models, but their role in human SLE remains poorly understood. Here, IL-1β and IL-18 were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the serum of healthy controls (HCs) and SLE patients from a prospectively followed cohort. Disease activity and organ damage were assessed using SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and SLE damage index scores (SDI), respectively. 184 SLE patients (mean age 44.9 years, 91% female, 56% double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid positive) were compared to 52 HC. SLE patients had median [IQR] SLEDAI-2K of 4 [2,6], and SDI of 1 [0-2]. Serum IL-18 levels were statistically significantly higher in SLE patients compared to HCs. Univariable linear regression analyses showed that patients with active renal disease or irreversible organ damage had statistically significantly elevated serum IL-18 levels. The association between serum IL-18 and active renal disease was confirmed in multivariable analysis after adjusting for ethnicity and organ damage. High baseline serum IL-18 levels were associated with organ damage at the subsequent visit. Serum IL-1β levels were not significantly elevated in SLE patients when compared to HCs and had no association with overall or organ-specific disease activity or organ damage in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Our data suggest that serum IL-18 and IL-1β have different clinical implications in SLE, with IL-18 being potentially associated with active renal disease.

Anti-nucleosome antibodies as a disease marker in systemic lupus erythematosus and its correlation with disease activity and other autoantibodies.

PubMed

Pradhan, Vandana D; Patwardhan, Manisha M; Ghosh, Kanjaksha

2010-01-01

Detection of anti-nucleosome antibodies (anti-nuc) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been well established and it is claimed that their presence is associated with disease activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of anti-nuc antibodies and to correlate them with disease activity and its association with other autoantibodies like anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), anti-histone antibodies (AHA), as well as autoantibodies to histone subfractions like H1, (H2A-H4) complex, H2B, and H3. This cross-sectional study included 100 SLE patients referred from the Rheumatology, Dermatology, and Nephrology Departments. SLE disease activity was evaluated by using SLE-Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. A patient was defined as having active SLE when the SLEDAI score was more than 5.0. Fifty normal controls were also tested as a healthy control group. Anti-nuc antibodies, anti-dsDNA, and AHA were tested by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and ANA was detected by an indirect immunofluorescence test. All patients studied were in an active stage of disease and were untreated, of which 44 patients had renal biopsy-proven kidney involvement, which was categorized as lupus nephritis (LN) and 56 patients did not show any renal manifestations (SLE without LN). Anti-nuc antibodies were positive in 88%, anti-dsDNA in 80%, and AHA in 38% of the cases. ANA was positive in all SLE patients studied. None of the normal controls was found to be positive for these antibodies. Although a slightly higher incidence of autoantibodies were noted in LN, there was no statistical difference noted between LN and SLE without LN groups for anti-nuc and anti-dsDNA antibodies (p > 0.05). A higher incidence of autoantibodies to ANA specificities were noted in anti-nuc positive cases, but there was no statistical difference between anti-nuc positive and anti-nuc negative cases for ANA specificities among LN and SLE without

Dissociation of Subjectively Reported and Behaviorally Indexed Mind Wandering by EEG Rhythmic Activity

PubMed Central

Qin, Jungang; Perdoni, Christopher; He, Bin

2011-01-01

Inattention to current activity is ubiquitous in everyday situations. Mind wandering is an example of such a state, and its related brain areas have been examined in the literature. However, there is no clear evidence regarding neural rhythmic activities linked to mind wandering. Using a vigilance task with thought sampling and electroencephalography recording, the current study simultaneously examined neural oscillatory activities related to subjectively reported and behaviorally indexed mind wandering. By implementing time-frequency analysis, we found that subjectively reported mind wandering, relative to behaviorally indexed, showed increased gamma band activity at bilateral frontal-central areas. By means of beamformer source imaging, we found subjectively reported mind wandering within the gamma band to be characterized by increased activation in bilateral frontal cortices, supplemental motor area, paracentral cortex and right inferior temporal cortex in comparison to behaviorally indexed mind wandering. These findings dissociate subjectively reported and behaviorally indexed mind wandering and suggest that a higher degree of executive control processes are engaged in subjectively reported mind wandering. PMID:21915257

A Phase II study of the efficacy and safety of rontalizumab (rhuMAb interferon-α) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (ROSE).

PubMed

Kalunian, Kenneth C; Merrill, Joan T; Maciuca, Romeo; McBride, Jacqueline M; Townsend, Michael J; Wei, Xiaohui; Davis, John C; Kennedy, William P

2016-01-01

To examine the safety and efficacy of rontalizumab, a humanised IgG1 anti-interferon α (anti-IFN-α) monoclonal antibody, in patients with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients with active SLE were randomised (2:1) to 750 mg intravenous rontalizumab every 4 weeks or placebo (Part 1), and 300 mg subcutaneous rontalizumab every 2 weeks or placebo (Part 2). Hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids were allowed. Patients taking immunosuppressants at baseline were required per protocol to discontinue. Efficacy end points included reduction in disease activity by British Isles Lupus Disease Activity Group (BILAG)-2004 (primary), and SLE response index (SRI, secondary) at Week 24. Efficacy was also examined by an exploratory measure of IFN-regulated gene expression (interferon signature metric, ISM). Patients (n=238) received rontalizumab (n=159) or placebo (n=79). At baseline, the mean Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment version of the SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score in all cohorts was ~10, and 75.6% of patients had a high ISM (ISM-High). Efficacy response rates by BILAG and SRI were similar between rontalizumab and placebo groups. However, in the exploratory subgroup of ISM-Low patients, SRI response was higher and steroid use was lower in the rontalizumab-treated patients. There was also a reduction in SELENA-SLEDAI flare index rates (HR 0.61, 0.46 to 0.81, p=0.004) in this subgroup. Adverse events were similar between placebo and rontalizumab groups. The primary and secondary end points of this trial were not met in all patients or in patients with high ISM scores. In an exploratory analysis, rontalizumab treatment was associated with improvements in disease activity, reduced flares and decreased steroid use in patients with SLE with low ISM scores. NCT00962832. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Sirolimus in patients with clinically active systemic lupus erythematosus resistant to, or intolerant of, conventional medications: a single-arm, open-label, phase 1/2 trial.

PubMed

Lai, Zhi-Wei; Kelly, Ryan; Winans, Thomas; Marchena, Ivan; Shadakshari, Ashwini; Yu, Julie; Dawood, Maha; Garcia, Ricardo; Tily, Hajra; Francis, Lisa; Faraone, Stephen V; Phillips, Paul E; Perl, Andras

2018-03-24

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have T-cell dysfunction that has been attributed to the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Rapamycin inhibits antigen-induced T-cell proliferation and has been developed as a medication under the generic designation of sirolimus. We assessed safety, tolerance, and efficacy of sirolimus in a prospective, biomarker-driven, open-label clinical trial. We did a single-arm, open-label, phase 1/2 trial of sirolimus in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus disease unresponsive to, or intolerant of, conventional medications at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University (Syracuse, NY, USA). Eligible participants (aged ≥18 years) had active systemic lupus erythematosus fulfilling four or more of 11 diagnostic criteria defined by the American College of Rheumatology. We excluded patients with allergy or intolerance to sirolimus, patients with life-threatening manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus, proteinuria, a urine protein to creatinine ratio higher than 0·5, anaemia, leucopenia, or thrombocytopenia. Patients received oral sirolimus at a starting dose of 2 mg per day, with dose adjusted according to tolerance and to maintain a therapeutic range of 6-15 ng/mL. Patients were treated with sirolimus for 12 months. Safety outcomes included tolerance as assessed by the occurrence of common side-effects. The primary efficacy endpoint was decrease in disease activity, assessed using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Blood samples of 56 matched healthy individuals were obtained as controls for immunobiological outcomes monitored at each visit. The primary efficacy endpoint was assessed in all patients who completed 12 months of treatment, and all patients who received at least one dose of treatment were included in the safety analyses. This trial is registered with Clinical

Frequency of dental caries in active and inactive systemic lupus erythematous patients: salivary and bacterial factors.

PubMed

Loyola Rodriguez, J P; Galvan Torres, L J; Martinez Martinez, R E; Abud Mendoza, C; Medina Solis, C E; Ramos Coronel, S; Garcia Cortes, J O; Domínguez Pérez, R A

2016-10-01

The objective of this study was to determine dental caries frequency and to analyze salivary and bacterial factors associated with active and inactive systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) patients. Also, a proposal to identify dental caries by a surface, teeth, and the patient was developed. A cross-sectional, blinded study that included 60 SLE patients divided into two groups of 30 subjects each, according to the Activity Index for Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLEDAI). The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and Integrative Dental Caries Index (IDCI) were used for analyzing dental caries. The saliva variables recorded were: flow, pH, and buffer capacity. The DNA copies of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus were estimated by real-time PCR. The caries frequency was 85% for SLE subjects (73.3% for inactive systemic lupus erythematous (ISLE) and 100% for active systemic lupus erythematous (ASLE)); DMFT for the SLE group was 12.6 ± 5.7 and the IDCI was (9.8 ± 5.9). The ASLE group showed a salivary flow of 0.65 compared with 0.97 ml/1 min from the ISLE group; all variables mentioned above showed a statistical difference (p < 0.05). The salivary pH was 4.6 (6.06 for ISLE and 3.9 for ASLE). The DNA copies of S. mutans and S. sobrinus were high; all variables mentioned above show a significant statistical difference (p < 0.05) between groups. SLE patients had high DMFT and IDCI scores that were associated with a decrease in salivary flow, pH, and buffer capacity. There were high counts of S. sobrinus and S. mutans species, and IDCI is a useful tool to provide more detail about dental caries in epidemiological studies. © The Author(s) 2016.

Hydroxychloroquine Use in Lupus Patients during Pregnancy Is Associated with Longer Pregnancy Duration in Preterm Births.

PubMed

Kroese, S J; de Hair, M J H; Limper, M; Lely, A T; van Laar, J M; Derksen, R H W M; Fritsch-Stork, R D E

2017-01-01

To investigate the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In SLE pregnancies of a single Dutch center (2000-2015), lupus activity and flares before and during pregnancy and postpartum were assessed using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)/SLEPDAI (SLEDAI adjusted for pregnancy). The association between HCQ use and pregnancy outcomes (early spontaneous abortion, fetal death, and preterm and term live birth) was analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) accounting for the occurrence of multiple pregnancies per patient. Analyses were adjusted for antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) status. 110 pregnancies (63 mostly Caucasian patients) were included, of which, in 30, HCQ was used; overall occurrence of flares was low (non-HCQ group: 5 mild (6.4%) and 2 severe (2.6%); HCQ group: 2 mild (6.7%) and no severe flares). The HCQ group showed a trend towards lower dosage of prednisone (OR 0.2 (95% CI 0.0-1.4); p = 0.10). Pregnancy outcomes were comparable between groups. Among preterm live births, pregnancy duration was significantly longer in HCQ users (2.4 weeks (95% CI 1.0-3.8; p ≤ 0.001)). HCQ use was associated with longer pregnancy duration in the vulnerable preterm birth population, underscoring the beneficial effect of HCQ use during pregnancy.

[Depressive disorder in Mexican pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)].

PubMed

Carbajal-Alonso, Hilda Lilian; García-Moreno, Norberta Prisilia; Rodríguez-Arreola, Brenda; Barrera de León, Juan Carlos

2016-01-01

To identify the prevalence of depression in Mexican pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Analytical transversal study including patients aged 7-16 years with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus seen at the Pediatric Rheumatology Consultation Service. The disease was classified by means of the MEX-SLEDAI questionnaire. Descriptive statistics with central tendency and dispersion and comparative measurements with chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests. Logistic regression and association with odds ratios. SPSS v.21.0 statistical software package. We evaluated 45 patients who presented depression, n=9 (20%), including eight females (89%) and one male (11%), median age 13 years (range, 7-16) in children with depression vs. 13 years (range, 9-14) p=0.941, depression more frequent in schoolchildren. Habitual residence, disease evolution time, and duration of the immunosuppressor did not show a significant difference between both groups. Divorced parents p=0.037. Neuropsychiatric manifestations of lupus presented in 2.2% of all patients and in 100% of patients with depression. Disease activity index (MEX-SLEDAI) did not demonstrate a relationship with the presence of depression. Prevalences in pediatric populations are less that that reported in adults, association with disease activity, evolution time, and immunosuppressor use and duration not found.

Antigen-specific antibody response in juvenile-onset SLE patients following routine immunization with tetanus toxoid.

PubMed

Kashef, Sara; Ghazizadeh, Farid; Derakhshan, Ali; Farjadian, Shirin; Alyasin, Soheila

2008-09-01

Infection is now the most common cause of morbidity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). There is lack of information regarding the specific antibody formation in response to vaccines in young SLE patients. To determine the efficacy of anti-tetanus antibody response in young patients with SLE. Forty SLE patients with mean age of 14.1 years (range: 7-21) and 60 age and sex matched normal controls were enrolled in this study over a period of one year. Diagnosis was made according to the ACR criteria and disease activity was determined based on SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). All patients and controls had received the complete schedule of tetanus vaccinations consisting of three primary doses and two boosters by the age of six. Serum immunoglobulins and anti-tetanus antibody titers were determined by Nephelometry and ELISA. Anti-tetanus antibody levels greater than 0.1 IU/ml have been suggested as protective. In all of the patients and controls anti-tetanus antibody titer was > 0.1 IU/ml. IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were in the normal range for their age. Mean disease activity score was 4.9 (range: 0-16). There was no association between SLEDAI score and anti-tetanus antibody response. School age onset and immunosuppressive therapy does not seem to interfere with development of consistent immunity to tetanus vaccine in young SLE patients.

Preliminary study of a traditional Chinese medicine formula in systemic lupus erythematosus patients to taper steroid dose and prevent disease flare-up.

PubMed

Liao, Yen-Nung; Liu, Ching-Shen; Tsai, Tong-Rong; Hung, Yu-Chiang; Chang, Shun-Jen; Lin, Hong-Long; Chen, Ying-Chou; Lai, Han-Ming; Yu, Shan-Fu; Chen, Chung-Jen

2011-07-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease. Prolonged complete remission is rare. Most patients with SLE need long-term treatment with glucocorticoid and immunomodulators. However, side effects because of the above medications are common. We evaluated the effect of adding-on Dan-Chi-Liu-Wei combination (DCLWC) on SLE patients with conventional therapy in tapering steroid and preventing disease flare-up. This was a double-blind and randomized controlled trial. Sixty-six SLE patients were recruited into this study and 53 patients who fulfilled the 1997 revised criteria for the classification of SLE with an SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score of 2-12 and a steroid (measured with prednisolone) daily dose of less than 20mg/d were enrolled. The patients were randomized into either an experimental or control group. We checked the urine analysis, hemogram, liver function, renal function, C3, C4, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and anti-dsDNA, evaluated the SLEDAI score, and recorded the steroid dose at 0 months, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. After 6 months of study, the C4 and blood urea nitrogen level revealed a statistically significant difference in either group. There was a tendency toward a decreased SLEDAI score in the experimental group (p=0.083) but not in the control group (p=0.867). The steroid dose was not statistically significant in either group. Renal function and liver function revealed no statistically significant statistics changes in either group. Adding-on DCLWC to conventional therapy for the treatment of SLE was safe and might have a borderline effect in decreasing disease activity, but it was not possible to taper the dosage of steroid after 6 months of clinical trial. Therefore, a long-term follow-up and a large-scale study are necessary to confirm the effect of DCLWC. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved.

[Active Substance Index (AKS) percentile distribution in pediatric ages].

PubMed

Henriquez-Pérez, Gladys; Rached-Paoli, Ingrid; Azuaje-Sánchez, Arelis

2009-12-01

The aim of this study was to discern the percentile distribution of the Active Substance Index (AKS) in boys and girls aged 4 to 9 years in order to obtain reference values for this indicator. This index was calculated in 3634 healthy and well-nourished children with normal stature from a poor urban community at Centro de Atención Nutricional Infantil Antímano (CANIA), within the period between January 1999 and December 2007. Children with prematurity backgrounds, pubertal growth spurts, or with chronic pathologies, whether defined or under study, were excluded. The Dugdale & Griffiths two-skinfold equation for boys and girls shorter than 150 cm and 140 cm, respectively was used to obtain the fat body mass required to estimate the AKS index. The variables were measured by standardized anthropometrics technicians, with quality control every 4 months as recommended by international standards. Descriptive statistics of the AKS index and variables used for their calculation were obtained, as well as index percentiles 3, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, and 97. Tests applied included Kolmogorov-Smirnoff, Anova one-way, Chi Square, Tukey and bivariated correlations (p < 0.05). The AKS index behavior exhibited higher values in the boys, decreasing with age in both sexes, ranging from 1.28 to 1.04 in the boys and from 1.17 to 0.94 in the girls. Statistically significant differences were found for each age and sex. These results provide the AKS index percentile distribution values needed for nutritional assessments in pediatric ages. These values should be validated and their effectiveness should be studied.

Initial Validation of the Activity Choice Index among Overweight Women

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mullen, Sean P.; Silva, Marlene N.; Sardinha, Luís B.; Teixeira, Pedro J.

2016-01-01

Purpose: This prospective study was designed to evaluate psychometric properties of the Activity Choice Index (ACI), a measure for assessing one's choice to engage in more effortful, physically active behaviors in the course of daily routines over less-demanding, sedentary behaviors, in a sample of overweight women. Method: The sample included 192…

Evaluation of early cardiac dysfunction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with or without anticardiolipin antibodies.

PubMed

Barutcu, A; Aksu, F; Ozcelik, F; Barutcu, C A E; Umit, G E; Pamuk, O N; Altun, A

2015-09-01

The aim of this study was to use transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic (TTE) imaging methods to identify cardiac dysfunction, an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in terms of cardiac effects. This study involved 80 patients: a study group (n = 50) and control group (n = 30). They were categorized into four subgroups: anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) (+) (n = 14) and aCL (-) (n = 36); systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) ≥ 6 (n = 15) and SLEDAI < 6 (n = 35); disease period ≥ 5 years (n = 21) and disease period < 5 years (n = 29); major organ involvement (+) (n = 19), major organ involvement (-) (n = 31). The ratio of mitral peak velocity of early filling to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/E') for the study group was found to be higher than the control (p < 0.01). Systolic septal motion velocity (Ssm) was lower in the study group compared with the control (p < 0.01). Left atrium (LA) dimension was greater in the study group than the control (p < 0.01). Ssm was found to be lower in the aCL (+) patients compared with the control and aCL (-) groups (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). LA dimension was greater in the aCL (+) and (-) groups compared with the control, (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively) and aCL groups compared with each other (p < 0.05). The E/E' ratio for the aCL (+) and (-) groups was found to be greater than the control (p < 0.05). In the study, both the Ssm and the late diastolic septal velocity (sA') was found to be lower in the SLEDAI ≥ 6 group compared with SLEDAI<6 group, (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). LA dimension was statistically greater in the SLEDAI ≥ 6 group compared with the SLEDAI <6 group (p < 0.001). E' and early diastolic septal velocity (sE') were statistically lower in the disease period >5 years group compared with the disease period <5 years group (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). Carrying out regular scans with TTE

Toward an objective indexing system for ADHD-screening using children's activity monitoring.

PubMed

Kam, Hye Jin; Choi, Jong Pil; Park, Rae Woong

2008-11-06

Signs of ADHD are discernible in specific situations, and usually assessed according to subjective impressions. We performed a preliminary comparative study from children's activity at a natural classroom environment with 3-axis accelerator for a feasible objective index. From a total of 157 children (7-9 yrs) and clinically diagnosed 24 children out of them, variances in 1-min epoch mean activity had shown significant differences among the subgroups: (1) ADHD=.0194, Other Diseases=.0080, Normal=.0009; (2) ADHD=.0194, non-ADHD=.0057(p<.01, respectively). There were also significant differences in high-level activity (>1.6G) features among subgroups with the same order (p<.01, respectively). ADHD patients exhibited more dispersed activities and higher high-level activity ratio than normal. Activity features can be useful to build an objective indexing system for screening ADHD patients.

Selfie Aging Index: An Index for the Self-assessment of Healthy and Active Aging.

PubMed

Gonçalves, Judite; Gomes, Maria Isabel; Fonseca, Miguel; Teodoro, Tomás; Barros, Pedro Pita; Botelho, Maria-Amália

2017-01-01

Governments across Europe want to promote healthy and active aging, as a matter of both public health and economic sustainability. Designing policies focused on the most vulnerable groups requires information at the individual level. However, a measure of healthy and active aging at the individual level does not yet exist. This paper develops the Selfie Aging Index (SAI), an individual-level index of healthy and active aging. The SAI is developed thinking about a tool that would allow each person to take a selfie of her aging status. Therefore, it is based entirely on self-assessed indicators. This paper also illustrates how the SAI may look like in practice. The SAI is based on the Biopsychosocial Assessment Model (MAB), a tool for the multidimensional assessment of older adults along three domains: biological, psychological, and social. Indicators are selected and their weights determined based on an ordered probit model that relates the MAB indicators to self-assessed health, which proxies healthy and active aging. The ordered probit model predicts the SAI based on the estimated parameters. Finally, predictions are rescaled to the 0-1 interval. Data for the SAI development come from the Study of the Aging Profiles of the Portuguese Population and the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe. The selected indicators are BMI, having difficulties moving around indoors and performing the activities of daily living, feeling depressed, feeling nervous, lacking energy, time awareness score, marital status, having someone to confide in, education, type of job, exercise, and smoking status. The model also determines their weights. Results shed light on various factors that contribute significantly to healthy and active aging. Two examples are mental health and exercise, which deserve more attention from individuals themselves, health-care professionals, and public health policy. The SAI has the potential to put the individual at the center of the healthy and

The Tie2 receptor antagonist angiopoietin-2 in systemic lupus erythematosus: its correlation with various disease activity parameters.

PubMed

Salama, Maysa K; Taha, Fatma M; Safwat, Miriam; Darweesh, Hanan E A; Basel, Mohamed El

2012-01-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus is one of the autoimmune diseases characterized by multisystem involvement associated with autoantibody and immune complex vasculitis along with endothelial cell damage. to study the possible role of Angiopoietin- 2 (Ang-2) as a recently highlighted inflammatory and angiogenic mediator in the pathogenesis of SLE and its correlation with the state of another inflammatory marker, P-Selectin, as well as with various markers of the disease activity. The present study included 3 main groups: active SLE patients (group I), inactive SLE patients (group II) and healthy normal control subjects (group III). Groups I and II were subjected to disease activity assessment using the SLEDAI scoring system and measurement of plasma Ang-2 and P-Selectin by ELISA in addition to various laboratory investigations to assess disease activity as: Complete blood count, ESR, serum creatinine, C3, C4 and 24-h urinary proteins. The mean level of Plasma Ang-2 and P-selectin showed a high significant increase in active group compared to inactive SLE patients and control subjects (p < 0.001).There was a significant positive correlation between Ang-2, P-Selectin, and each of SLEDAI score and 24-h urinary proteins in all SLE patients as well as in the active group, and Ang-2 was a significant independent marker for proteinuria. A significant negative correlation was found between Ang-2, P-Selectin and each of C3, C4. Ang-2 and P-Selectin showed a high sensitivity and specificity in the patients with SLE. Our study suggests that Ang-2 may be a more useful marker than P-Selectin, C3 and C4 in the assessment of disease activity.

Physiological investigation of automobile driver's activation index using simulated monotonous driving.

PubMed

Yamakoshi, T; Yamakoshi, K; Tanaka, S; Nogawa, M; Kusakabe, M; Kusumi, M; Tanida, K

2004-01-01

Monotonous automobile operation in our daily life may cause the lowering of what might be termed an activation state of the human body, resulting in an increased risk of an accident. We therefore propose to create a more suitable environment in-car so as to allow active operation of the vehicle, hopefully thus avoiding potentially dangerous situations during driving. In order to develop such an activation method as a final goal, we have firstly focused on the acquisition of physiological variables, including cardiovascular parameters, during presentation to the driver of a monotonous screen image, simulating autonomous travel of constant-speed on a motorway. Subsequently, we investigated the derivation of a driver's activation index. During the screen image presentation, a momentary electrical stimulation of about 1 second duration was involuntarily applied to a subject's shoulder to obtain a physiological response. We have successfully monitored various physiological variables during the image presentation, and results suggest that a peculiar pattern in the beat-by-beat change of blood pressure in response to the involuntary stimulus may be an appropriate, and feasible, index relevant to activation state.

Preliminary criteria for global flares in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Brunner, Hermine I; Mina, Rina; Pilkington, Clarissa; Beresford, Michael W; Reiff, Andreas; Levy, Deborah M; Tucker, Lori B; Eberhard, B Anne; Ravelli, Angelo; Schanberg, Laura E; Saad-Magalhaes, Claudia; Higgins, Gloria C; Onel, Karen; Singer, Nora G; von Scheven, Emily; Itert, Lukasz; Klein-Gitelman, Marisa S; Punaro, Marilynn; Ying, Jun; Giannini, Edward H

2011-09-01

To develop widely acceptable preliminary criteria of global flare for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Pediatric rheumatologists (n = 138) rated a total of 358 unique patient profiles with information about the cSLE flare descriptors from 2 consecutive visits: patient global assessment of well-being, physician global assessment of disease activity (MD-global), health-related quality of life, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, disease activity index scores, protein:creatinine (P:C) ratio, complement levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Based on 2,996 rater responses about the course of cSLE (baseline versus followup), the accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) of candidate flare criteria was assessed. An international consensus conference was held to rank these candidate flare criteria as per the American College of Rheumatology recommendations for the development and validation of criteria sets. The highest-ranked candidate criteria considered absolute changes (Δ) of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) or British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG), MD-global, P:C ratio, and ESR; flare scores can be calculated (0.5 × ΔSLEDAI + 0.45 × ΔP:C ratio + 0.5 × ΔMD-global + 0.02 × ΔESR), where values of ≥1.04 are reflective of a flare. Similarly, BILAG-based flare scores (0.4 × ΔBILAG + 0.65 × ΔP:C ratio + 0.5 × ΔMD-global + 0.02 × ΔESR) of ≥1.15 were diagnostic of a flare. Flare scores increased with flare severity. Consensus has been reached on preliminary criteria for global flares in cSLE. Further validation studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of the cSLE flare criteria in research and for clinical care. Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Disease evolution in late-onset and early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Aljohani, R; Gladman, D D; Su, J; Urowitz, M B

2017-10-01

Objective The objective of this study was to compare clinical features, disease activity, and outcome in late-onset versus early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) over 5 years of follow up Method Patients with SLE since 1970 were followed prospectively according to standard protocol and tracked on a computerized database. Patients entering the cohort within one year of diagnosis constitute the inception cohort. Patients with late-onset (age at diagnosis ≥50) disease were identified and matched 1:2 based on gender and first clinic visit (±5) years with patients with early-onset disease (age at diagnosis 18-40 years). Results A total of 86 patients with late-onset disease (84.9% female, 81.4% Caucasian, mean age at SLE diagnosis ± SD 58.05 ± 7.30) and 169 patients with early-onset disease (86.4% female, 71% Caucasian, mean age at SLE diagnosis ± SD 27.80 ± 5.90) were identified. At enrollment, late-onset SLE patients had a lower total number of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, with less renal and neurologic manifestations. Mean SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores were lower in late-onset SLE, especially renal features and anti-dsDNA positivity. Over 5 years, mean SLEDAI-2K scores decreased in both groups, while mean Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index (SDI) scores increased more significantly in the late-onset group; they developed more cardiovascular, renal, and ocular damage, and had higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion Although the late-onset SLE group had a milder presentation and less active disease, with the evolution of disease, they developed more organ damage likely as a consequence of cardiovascular risk factors and aging.

Organ damage accrual and distribution in systemic lupus erythematosus patients followed-up for more than 10 years.

PubMed

Taraborelli, M; Cavazzana, I; Martinazzi, N; Lazzaroni, M Grazia; Fredi, M; Andreoli, L; Franceschini, F; Tincani, A

2017-10-01

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, predictors and progression of organ damage in a monocentric cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with a long follow-up. Organ damage was assessed by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index one year after diagnosis and every five years. Disease activity was measured by the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI)-2K at the beginning of the follow-up. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to detect items associated with damage. A total of 511 systemic lupus erythematosus patients (92% females, 95% Caucasian), prospectively followed from 1972 to 2014, were included. Results After a mean disease duration of 16 years (SD: 9.5) and a mean follow-up of 12.9 years (SD: 8.8), 354 patients (69.3%) had accrued some damage: 49.7% developed mild/moderate damage, while 19.5% showed severe damage. Damage was evident in 40% of 511 patients one year after diagnosis, and its prevalence linearly increased over time. Longer disease duration, higher SLEDAI, severe Raynaud's, chronic alopecia and cerebral ischaemia were significantly associated with organ damage. No associations between damage and autoantibodies, including anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm or antiphospholipid antibodies, were observed. Anyway, antiphospholipid syndrome and anticardiolipin antibodies predicted the development of neuropsychiatric damage. The ocular, musculoskeletal and neuropsychiatric systems were the most frequently damaged organs, with a linear increase during follow-up. Conclusion A high rate of moderate and severe damage has been detected early in a wide cohort of young lupus patients, with a linear trend of increase over time. Disease activity and long duration of disease predict damage, while antiphospholipid antibodies play a role in determining neuropsychiatric damage.

Clinical and serologic factors associated with lupus pleuritis.

PubMed

Mittoo, Shikha; Gelber, Allan C; Hitchon, Carol A; Silverman, Earl D; Pope, Janet E; Fortin, Paul R; Pineau, Christian; Smith, C Douglas; Arbillaga, Hector; Gladman, Dafna D; Urowitz, Murray B; Zummer, Michel; Clarke, Ann E; Bernatsky, Sasha; Hudson, Marie; Tucker, Lori B; Petty, Ross E; Peschken, Christine A

2010-04-01

Pleuritis is a common manifestation and independent predictor of mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We examined the prevalence of pleuritis and factors associated with pleuritis in a multicenter Canadian SLE cohort. We studied consecutive adults satisfying the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for SLE who had a completed Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index (SDI) score, at least 1 evaluable extractable nuclear antigen assay, and either a SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) or a SLE Activity Measure score. Pleuritis was defined as having pleuritis by satisfying the ACR criteria or the SLEDAI. Factors related to pleuritis were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. In our cohort of 876 patients, 91% were women, 65% Caucasian, mean age (+/- SD) was 46.8 +/- 13.5 years, and disease duration at study entry was 12.1 +/- 9.9 years; the prevalence of pleuritis was 34% (n = 296). Notably, greater disease duration (p = 0.002), higher SDI score (p

GlycA, a novel marker of inflammation, is elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Chung, C P; Ormseth, M J; Connelly, M A; Oeser, A; Solus, J F; Otvos, J D; Raggi, P; Stein, C M

2016-03-01

GlycA is a novel marker of systemic inflammation detected by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In the general population, GlycA is correlated with inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and associated with coronary heart disease and diabetes. The utility of GlycA in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been defined. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that GlycA concentrations are elevated in patients with SLE and associated with other markers of inflammation and coronary atherosclerosis. We compared concentrations of GlycA, detected by NMR, in 116 patients with SLE and 84 control subjects frequency-matched for age, sex, and race. SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and the SLE Collaborating Clinics damage index (SLICC) were calculated. Acute phase reactants, a panel of cytokines, and a lipid panel were measured. Electron beam computer tomography (EBCT) was used to quantify coronary artery calcification, a measure of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Patients with SLE had higher concentrations of GlycA (398 (350-445)) than control subjects (339 (299-391)) µmol/L, p < 0.001. In patients with SLE, concentrations of GlycA were significantly associated with sedimentation rate (rho = 0.43), C-reactive protein (rho = 0.59), e-selectin (rho = 0.28), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (rho = 0.30), triglycerides (rho = 0.45), all p < 0.0023 to account for multiple comparisons, but not with creatinine, SLEDAI, SLICC, or coronary calcium scores. Concentrations of GlycA are higher in patients with SLE than control subjects and associated with markers of inflammation but not with SLE disease activity or chronicity scores or coronary artery calcification. © The Author(s) 2015.

Urinary vitamin D-binding protein, a novel biomarker for lupus nephritis, predicts the development of proteinuric flare.

PubMed

Go, D J; Lee, J Y; Kang, M J; Lee, E Y; Lee, E B; Yi, E C; Song, Y W

2018-01-01

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Conventional biomarkers for assessing renal disease activity are imperfect in predicting clinical outcomes associated with LN. The aim of this study is to identify urinary protein biomarkers that reliably reflect the disease activity or predict clinical outcomes. A quantitative proteomic analysis was performed to identify protein biomarker candidates that can differentiate between SLE patients with and without LN. Selected biomarker candidates were further verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using urine samples from a larger cohort of SLE patients ( n = 121) to investigate their predictive values for LN activity measure. Furthermore, the association between urinary levels of a selected panel of potential biomarkers and prognosis of LN was assessed with a four-year follow-up study of renal outcomes. Urinary vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), transthyretin (TTR), retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), and prostaglandin D synthase (PTGDS) were significantly elevated in SLE patients with LN, especially in patients with active LN ( n = 21). Among them, VDBP well correlated with severity of proteinuria (rho = 0.661, p < 0.001) and renal SLE Disease Activity Index (renal SLEDAI) (rho = 0.520, p < 0.001). In the four-year follow-up, VDBP was a significant risk factor (hazard ratio 9.627, 95% confidence interval 1.698 to 54.571, p = 0.011) for the development of proteinuric flare in SLE patients without proteinuria ( n = 100) after adjustments for multiple confounders. Urinary VDBP correlated with proteinuria and renal SLEDAI, and predicted the development of proteinuria.

First Real-World Insights into Belimumab Use and Outcomes in Routine Clinical Care of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Germany: Results from the OBSErve Germany Study.

PubMed

Schwarting, Andreas; Schroeder, Johann O; Alexander, Tobias; Schmalzing, Marc; Fiehn, Christoph; Specker, Christof; Perna, Alessandra; Cholmakow-Bodechtel, Constanze; Koscielny, Volker B; Carnarius, Heike

2016-12-01

OBSErve Germany was the first observational study of belimumab as add-on treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in routine clinical care in Germany, retrospectively collecting data from 102 SLE patients, 6 months before and after belimumab initiation. Most patients had moderate or severe SLE and several SLE manifestations. After 6 months of belimumab treatment, 78% of patients showed an improvement in overall disease activity of at least 20% in their physician's judgment and for 42% of patients the improvement was at least 50%. Similar results were observed for the most common manifestations: arthritis, fatigue, rash, alopecia, increased anti-dsDNA antibody levels, and low complement. The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI/SELENA-SLEDAI) decreased from 10.6 to 5.6 (n = 65), with other indices also showing improvement. A notable dose reduction was seen for concomitant oral corticosteroids, from 13.7 to 7.6 mg/day overall (n = 91), and from 17.5 to 8.6 mg/day in patients with a high corticosteroid dose at belimumab initiation (≥7.5 mg; n = 63). Six patients discontinued belimumab therapy within 6 months. Overall, belimumab showed promising results for SLE patients in real-world settings. After 6 months of belimumab treatment, disease activity and corticosteroid use were reduced. The discontinuation rate was low and belimumab appeared to be well tolerated. Funding GlaxoSmithKline UK.

Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in mexican patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Prevalence and relationship with disease activity.

PubMed

García-Carrasco, Mario; Mendoza-Pinto, Claudia; Etchegaray-Morales, Ivet; Soto-Santillán, Pamela; Jiménez-Herrera, Erick Alejandro; Robles-Sánchez, Viridiana; Rodríguez-Gallegos, Alma; Ramos-Varela, Araceli; Muñoz-Guarneros, Margarita; Ruiz-Argüelles, Alejandro

To determine and compare the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with and without disease activity. We made a comparative, observational, cross-sectional, prospective study of 137 women with SLE according to American College of Rheumatology criteria. Patients with chronic kidney disease, cancer, hyperparathyroidism, pregnancy, and lactation were excluded. Disease activity was assessed using the MEX-SLEDAI score: a score of ≥3 was considered as disease activity. Data were collected on diabetes mellitus, the use of corticosteroids, chloroquine, and immunosuppressants, photoprotection and vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D levels were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay: insufficiency was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D <30ng/ml and deficiency as <10ng/ml. 137 women with SLE (mean age 45.9±11.6 years, disease duration 7.7±3.4 years) were evaluated. Mean disease activity was 2 (0-8): 106 patients had no disease activity and 31 had active disease (77.4% versus 22.6%). Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was found in 122(89.0%) and 4 (2.9%) patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in vitamin D levels between patients with and without active disease (19.3±4.5 versus 19.7±6.8; P=.75). No correlation between the MEX-SLEDAI score (P=.21), photosensitivity, photoprotection, prednisone or chloroquine use and vitamin D supplementation was found. Women with SLE had a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficient. No association between vitamin D levels and disease activity was found. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Reumatología y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. All rights reserved.

The BILAG-2004 index is sensitive to change for assessment of SLE disease activity.

PubMed

Yee, Chee-Seng; Farewell, Vernon; Isenberg, David A; Griffiths, Bridget; Teh, Lee-Suan; Bruce, Ian N; Ahmad, Yasmeen; Rahman, Anisur; Prabu, Athiveeraramapandian; Akil, Mohammed; McHugh, Neil; Edwards, Christopher; D'Cruz, David; Khamashta, Munther A; Maddison, Peter; Gordon, Caroline

2009-06-01

To determine if the BILAG-2004 index is sensitive to change for assessment of SLE disease activity. This was a prospective multi-centre longitudinal study of SLE patients. At every assessment, data were collected on disease activity (BILAG-2004 index) and treatment. Analyses were performed using overall BILAG-2004 index score (as determined by the highest score achieved by any of the individual systems) and all the systems scores. Sensitivity to change was assessed by determining the relationship between change in disease activity and change in therapy between two consecutive visits. Statistical analyses were performed using multinomial logistic regression. There were 1761 assessments from 347 SLE patients that contributed 1414 observations for analysis. An increase in therapy between visits occurred in 22.7% observations, while 37.3% had a decrease in therapy and in 40.0% therapy was unchanged. Increase in overall BILAG-2004 index score was associated with increase in therapy and inversely associated with decrease in therapy. Decrease in overall BILAG-2004 index score was associated with decrease in therapy and was inversely associated with increase in therapy. Changes in overall BILAG-2004 index score were differentially related to change in therapy, with greater change in score having greater predictive power. Increase in the scores of most systems was independently associated with an increase in treatment and there was no significant association between decreases in the score of any system with an increase in therapy. The BILAG-2004 index is sensitive to change and is suitable for use in longitudinal studies of SLE.

The BILAG-2004 index is sensitive to change for assessment of SLE disease activity

PubMed Central

Farewell, Vernon; Isenberg, David A.; Griffiths, Bridget; Teh, Lee-Suan; Bruce, Ian N.; Ahmad, Yasmeen; Rahman, Anisur; Prabu, Athiveeraramapandian; Akil, Mohammed; McHugh, Neil; Edwards, Christopher; D’Cruz, David; Khamashta, Munther A.; Maddison, Peter; Gordon, Caroline

2009-01-01

Objective. To determine if the BILAG-2004 index is sensitive to change for assessment of SLE disease activity. Methods. This was a prospective multi-centre longitudinal study of SLE patients. At every assessment, data were collected on disease activity (BILAG-2004 index) and treatment. Analyses were performed using overall BILAG-2004 index score (as determined by the highest score achieved by any of the individual systems) and all the systems scores. Sensitivity to change was assessed by determining the relationship between change in disease activity and change in therapy between two consecutive visits. Statistical analyses were performed using multinomial logistic regression. Results. There were 1761 assessments from 347 SLE patients that contributed 1414 observations for analysis. An increase in therapy between visits occurred in 22.7% observations, while 37.3% had a decrease in therapy and in 40.0% therapy was unchanged. Increase in overall BILAG-2004 index score was associated with increase in therapy and inversely associated with decrease in therapy. Decrease in overall BILAG-2004 index score was associated with decrease in therapy and was inversely associated with increase in therapy. Changes in overall BILAG-2004 index score were differentially related to change in therapy, with greater change in score having greater predictive power. Increase in the scores of most systems was independently associated with an increase in treatment and there was no significant association between decreases in the score of any system with an increase in therapy. Conclusions. The BILAG-2004 index is sensitive to change and is suitable for use in longitudinal studies of SLE. PMID:19395542

An activity index for geomagnetic paleosecular variation, excursions, and reversals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panovska, S.; Constable, C. G.

2017-04-01

Magnetic indices provide quantitative measures of space weather phenomena that are widely used by researchers in geomagnetism. We introduce an index focused on the internally generated field that can be used to evaluate long term variations or climatology of modern and paleomagnetic secular variation, including geomagnetic excursions, polarity reversals, and changes in reversal rate. The paleosecular variation index, Pi, represents instantaneous or average deviation from a geocentric axial dipole field using normalized ratios of virtual geomagnetic pole colatitude and virtual dipole moment. The activity level of the index, σPi, provides a measure of field stability through the temporal standard deviation of Pi. Pi can be calculated on a global grid from geomagnetic field models to reveal large scale geographic variations in field structure. It can be determined for individual time series, or averaged at local, regional, and global scales to detect long term changes in geomagnetic activity, identify excursions, and transitional field behavior. For recent field models, Pi ranges from less than 0.05 to 0.30. Conventional definitions for geomagnetic excursions are characterized by Pi exceeding 0.5. Strong field intensities are associated with low Pi unless they are accompanied by large deviations from axial dipole field directions. σPi provides a measure of geomagnetic stability that is modulated by the level of PSV or frequency of excursional activity and reversal rate. We demonstrate uses of Pi for paleomagnetic observations and field models and show how it could be used to assess whether numerical simulations of the geodynamo exhibit Earth-like properties.

The associations between diet quality, body mass index (BMI) and health and activity limitation index (HALEX) in the Geisinger Rural Aging Study (GRAS)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Objectives To determine the associations between diet quality, body mass index (BMI), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as assessed by the health and activity limitation index (HALex) in older adults. Design Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze associations between Di...

Clinical significance of nailfold capillaroscopy in systemic lupus erythematosus: correlation with endothelial cell activation markers and disease activity.

PubMed

Kuryliszyn-Moskal, A; Ciolkiewicz, M; Klimiuk, P A; Sierakowski, S

2009-01-01

To evaluate whether nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) changes are associated with the main serum endothelial cell activation markers and the disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 80 SLE patients and 33 healthy controls. Nailfold capillary abnormalities were seen in 74 out of 80 (92.5%) SLE patients. A normal capillaroscopic pattern or mild changes were found in 33 (41.25%) and moderate/severe abnormalities in 47 (58.75%) of all SLE patients. In SLE patients a capillaroscopic score >1 was more frequently associated with the presence of internal organ involvement (p < 0.001) as well as with immunosuppressive therapy (p < 0.01). Significant differences were found in VEGF (p < 0.001), ET-1 (p < 0.001), sE-selectin (p < 0.01), and sTM (p < 0.001) serum concentrations between SLE patients with a capillaroscopic score > 1 and controls. SLE patients with severe/moderate capillaroscopic abnormalities showed significantly higher VEGF serum levels than patients with mild changes (p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between the severity of capillaroscopic changes and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) (p < 0.005) as well as between capillaroscopic score and VEGF serum levels (p < 0.001). Our findings confirm the usefulness of NC as a non-invasive technique for the evaluation of microvascular involvement in SLE patients. A relationship between changes in NC, endothelial cell activation markers and clinical features of SLE suggest an important role for microvascular abnormalities in clinical manifestation of the disease.

The Role of CXC Chemokines in Pulmonary Fibrosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients.

PubMed

Nielepkowicz-Goździńska, Agnieszka; Fendler, Wojciech; Robak, Ewa; Kulczycka-Siennicka, Lilianna; Górski, Paweł; Pietras, Tadeusz; Brzeziańska, Ewa; Pietrusińska, Małgorzata; Antczak, Adam

2015-12-01

The inflammatory process in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects many organs including the lungs. CXC chemokines are suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE and pulmonary fibrosis. To estimate the concentrations of CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with and without pulmonary involvements of SLE to evaluate CXC chemokines role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis in SLE. Twenty-six SLE patients and 31 healthy controls were evaluated using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary function tests, the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), assessing CXCL9, CXCL11, CXCL10 level in BALF (an enzyme-immunosorbent assay kit). The mean CXCL9 and CXCL11 concentrations in BALF were higher in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (34.09 ± 102.34 vs 10.98 ± 14.65 pg/mL, p < 0.001; 72.65 ± 112.89 vs 16.12 ± 83.75 pg/mL, p = 0.012, respectively). The disease activity scored by SLEDAI and the concentration of CXCL10 in BALF were significantly higher in the SLE patients with pulmonary fibrosis when compared with patients with normal HRCT (8.23 ± 3.19 vs 5.01 ± 2.41; 73.45 ± 34.12 vs 40.76 ± 41.65, respectively, in both p < 0.05). In SLE patients positive correlations were found between SLEDAI and the percentage of lymphocytes in BALF (r = 0.51, p < 0.05); CXCL9 and CXCL10 concentrations in BALF (r = 0.65, p < 0.001); CXCL9 and CXCL11 concentrations in BALF (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). In lupus patients with pulmonary manifestations positive correlations were found between CXCL11 concentration in BALF and SLEDAI (r = 0.55, p < 0.05), CXCL11 concentration and the percentage of neutrophils in BALF (r = 0.69, p < 0.05), CXCL10 concentration and the percentage of neutrophils in BALF (r = 0.57, p < 0.05). Our observations indicate that CXCL9 and CXCL11 play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE but it needs further studies. These results suggest that CXCL10 and CXCL11 are associated with

Correlation between Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Disease Activity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Cross-Sectional Study

PubMed

Piroozmand, Ahmad; Haddad Kashani, Hamed; Zamani, Batool

2017-02-01

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease for whose pathogenesis viral infections are important. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the main infectious etiological agent. This study aimed to quantitative evaluation of EBV in SLE patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 40 patients with SLE diagnosed based on American College of Rheumatology criteria were selected using purposive sampling. All were included in the study after obtaining informed consent for participation. Whole blood samples were taken and buffy coat preparations were isolated to determine viral load using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method and assessment with the SLE disease activity index (SLE-DAI). Results: From a total of 40 patients, 37 cases (92.5%) were women. The EBV test was positive in 67.5% and mean viral load was 5396 ± 1891.9 copy/ml. Twenty of forty patients had active and 50% inactive disease, mean EBV viral loads being 6798 and 28.25 copy/ml, respectively (P-value = 0.003). In terms of the severity of disease activity, 17.5 % of female patients had mild to moderate activity, whilst 32.5% of them had severe activity, with respective viral loads of 5,803.3 and 29.73 copy/ml (P-value = 0.003). Conclusion: The Epstein-Barr viral load in SLE patients with active disease was found to be markedly higher than in inactive cases. Thus, EBV may have an important role in the pathogenesis and activity of SLE. Creative Commons Attribution License

CXCL13 is an activity marker for systemic, but not cutaneous lupus erythematosus: a longitudinal cohort study.

PubMed

Niederkorn, Anna; Frühauf, Julia; Schwantzer, Gerold; Wutte, Nora; Painsi, Clemens; Werner, Stefan; Stradner, Martin; Berghold, Andrea; Hermann, Josef; Aberer, Elisabeth

2018-05-04

Serum levels of the IFN-regulated cytokine CXCL13 have been found to correlate with SLEDAI and renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus. This study investigates whether CXCL13 can also be a marker of disease activity in patients with subacute cutaneous or chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE, CCLE). We analysed CXCL13 levels in 60 patients' sera (18 SLE, 19 SCLE, 23 CCLE) at five time points within 1 year and correlated these levels with disease activity scores and laboratory markers. Clinical scores with no/mild, moderate or high/severe disease activity were categorized by SLEDAI in SLE, by CLASI in SCLE/CCLE. CXCL13 levels were significantly higher in SLE (median 122.5, IQR 88.0-239.0 pg/ml) than in CCLE patients (median 69.0, IQR 60.0-102.0 pg/ml) (p = 0.006). CXCL13 levels were elevated in 59% (41/70) of SLE patient visits with mild or no disease activity, but in 90% (9/10) with high disease activity. CXCL13 levels correlated with ECLAM, dsDNA-antibodies, and inversely with complement factors C3 and C4 in SLE, and with IgA and ESR in SCLE. In CCLE CXCL13 did not correlate with CLASI or laboratory markers. One SCLE and two CCLE patients with CXCL13 levels > 500 pg/ml had conversion to SLE or an underlying autoimmune disease. CXCL13 seems to be a useful marker of disease activity in SLE, but not in SCLE and CCLE. Conversion from normal to elevated CXCL13 may indicate a flare of SLE. Whether high CXCL13 levels in cutaneous LE indicate the development of SLE should be further investigated.

N-ACETYLCYSTEINE REDUCES DISEASE ACTIVITY BY BLOCKING MTOR IN T CELLS OF LUPUS PATIENTS

PubMed Central

Lai, Zhi-Wei; Hanczko, Robert; Bonilla, Eduardo; Caza, Tiffany N.; Clair, Brandon; Bartos, Adam; Miklossy, Gabriella; Jimah, John; Doherty, Edward; Tily, Hajra; Francis, Lisa; Garcia, Ricardo; Dawood, Maha; Yu, Jianghong; Ramos, Irene; Coman, Ioana; Faraone, Stephen V.; Phillips, Paul E.; Perl, Andras

2012-01-01

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients exhibit T-cell dysfunction which can be regulated through the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) by glutathione. Therefore, the safety, tolerance, and efficacy of glutathione-precursor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were examined in this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Methods 36 SLE patients received daily placebo or 1.2 g, 2.4 g or 4.8 g of NAC. Disease activity was monthly evaluated by BILAG, SLEDAI and fatigue assessment scale (FAS) before, during, and after 3-month treatment. Δψm and mTOR were assessed by flow cytometry. 42 healthy subjects matched for patients’ age, gender, and ethnicity were studied as controls. Results NAC was tolerated by all patients up to 2.4 g/day while 33% of those receiving 4.8 g/day had reversible nausea. Placebo or 1.2 g/day NAC did not influence disease activity. Considered together, 2.4 g and 4.8 g NAC reduced: 1) SLEDAI after 1 month (p=0.0007), 2 months (p=0.0009), 3 months (p=0.0030) and 4 months (p=0.0046); 2) BILAG after 1 month (p=0.029) and 3 months (p=0.0009); and 3) FAS after 2 months (p=0.002) and 3 months (p=0.004). NAC increased Δψm (p=0.0001) in all T cells, it profoundly reduced mTOR activity (p=0.0001), enhanced apoptosis (p=0.0004) and reversed expansion of CD4−/CD8− T cells (1.35 ± 0.12-fold; p=0.008), stimulated Foxp3 expression in CD4+/CD25+ T cells (p=0.045), and reduced anti-DNA production (p=0.049). Conclusions This pilot study suggests that NAC safely improves lupus disease activity by blocking mTOR in T lymphocytes. PMID:22549432

Indications for colonoscopy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Iwamuro, Masaya; Okada, Hiroyuki; Kato, Jun; Tanaka, Takehiro; Sada, Ken-Ei; Makino, Hirofumi; Yamamoto, Kazuhide

2013-01-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disorder that sometimes involves the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with colorectal involvement, and to provide criteria for colonoscopy. Among 288 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 29 patients underwent colonoscopy. The clinical backgrounds were comparatively analyzed between the patients with colorectal involvements (n = 11, group A) and the patients without colorectal involvements (n = 18, group B). Endoscopic features were also evaluated in group A patients. The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) of the group A patients was higher than that of the group B patients. Abdominal pain (n = 6) and diarrhea (n = 5) were significantly correlated with the presence of colorectal involvements, and other manifestations in group A patients included visible blood in stools (n = 5) and fever (n = 1). In colonoscopy, discrete ulcers (n = 5), longitudinal ulcers (n = 1), erosions and/or small ulcers (n = 2), edematous mucosa (n = 2), and concurrent ulcerative colitis (n = 1) were identified. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with SLEDAI scores > or = 5, or with gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly those who present with abdominal pain or diarrhea should undergo colonoscopy, because these patients are likely to have mucosal damage in the colorectum.

Relationship Between Clinical and Immunological Features with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Female Patients with Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PubMed Central

Wang, Hai-Peng; Wang, Cui-Yan; Pan, Zheng-Lun; Zhao, Jun-Yu; Zhao, Bin

2016-01-01

Background: Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred neuroimaging method in the evaluation of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between clinical and immunological features with MRI abnormalities in female patients with NPSLE, to screen for the value of conventional MRI in NPSLE. Methods: A total of 59 female NPSLE patients with conventional MRI examinations were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients were classified into different groups according to MRI abnormalities. Both clinical and immunological features were compared between MRI abnormal and normal groups. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score for MRI abnormalities. Multivariate logistic regression analysis investigated the correlation between immunological features, neuropsychiatric manifestations, and MRI abnormalities. Results: Thirty-six NPSLE patients (61%) showed a variety of MRI abnormalities. There were statistically significant differences in SLEDAI scores (P < 0.001), incidence of neurologic disorders (P = 0.001), levels of 24-h proteinuria (P = 0.001) and immunoglobulin M (P = 0.004), and incidence of acute confusional state (P = 0.002), cerebrovascular disease (P = 0.004), and seizure disorder (P = 0.028) between MRI abnormal and normal groups. In the MRI abnormal group, SLEDAI scores for cerebral atrophy (CA), cortex involvement, and restricted diffusion (RD) were much higher than in the MRI normal group (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.038, respectively). Statistically significant positive correlations between seizure disorder and cortex involvement (odds ratio [OR] = 14.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50–151.70; P = 0.023) and cerebrovascular disease and infratentorial involvement (OR = 10.00; 95% CI, 1.70–60.00; P = 0.012) were found. Conclusions: MRI abnormalities in NPSLE, especially CA

Baseline predictors of systemic lupus erythematosus flares: data from the combined placebo groups in the phase III belimumab trials.

PubMed

Petri, Michelle A; van Vollenhoven, Ronald F; Buyon, Jill; Levy, Roger A; Navarra, Sandra V; Cervera, Ricard; Zhong, Z John; Freimuth, William W

2013-08-01

To identify predictors of moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flare in 562 patients treated with standard therapy alone in phase III belimumab trials, and to evaluate the impact of standard therapies on preventing flares. Post hoc analysis assessed baseline demographics, disease activity, and biomarkers in patients with and those without flare at treatment weeks 24 and 52. Severe flare was defined by the modified SLE Flare Index (SFI) and the development of any new British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) A domain score. Severe and moderate flare was defined by development of 1 new BILAG A domain score or 2 new BILAG B domain scores. Baseline characteristics associated with a ≥10% absolute difference or a ≥50% increase in flare rates were considered predictive. Frequencies of flares over 52 weeks according to the SFI, any new BILAG A domain score, and 1 new BILAG A domain score or 2 new BILAG B domain scores were 23.7%, 23.1%, and 32.0%, respectively. Flare predictors by univariate analysis on all 3 indices at weeks 24 and 52 were a score ≥12 on the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment version of the SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI); anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) positivity; proteinuria (≥0.5 gm/24 hours); BILAG renal, vasculitic, and hematologic scores; elevated C-reactive protein levels; and B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) levels ≥2 ng/ml. Independent predictors by multivariate analysis at week 52 were SELENA-SLEDAI and/or BILAG renal involvement and anti-dsDNA ≥200 IU/ml (on all 3 indices); SELENA-SLEDAI and/or BILAG neurologic and vasculitic involvement (on 2 indices: any new BILAG A domain score and 1 new BILAG A domain score or 2 new BILAG B domain scores); BLyS levels ≥2 ng/ml (on 2 indices: the SFI and 1 new BILAG A domain score or 2 new BILAG B domain scores); and low C3 level (on the SFI). Baseline medications did not significantly decrease or increase moderate-to-severe SLE

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Scores Are Elevated and Respond to N-Acetylcysteine Treatment in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PubMed Central

Garcia, Ricardo J.; Francis, Lisa; Dawood, Maha; Lai, Zhi-wei; Faraone, Stephen V.; Perl, Andras

2014-01-01

Objective To investigate whether attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may serve as a marker of neuropsychiatric disease and as a target for N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods The ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) was used to assess 49 patients with SLE and 46 matched healthy control subjects. Twenty-four of the patients with SLE were randomized to receive either placebo, NAC at a dosage of 2.4 gm/day, or NAC at a dosage of 4.8 gm/day. Disease activity was evaluated monthly using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), and the ASRS, before and during the 3-month treatment period and after a 1-month washout period. Results The cognitive/inattentive (ASRS part A), hyperactivity/impulsive (ASRS part B), and combined (total) ASRS scores were increased in patients with SLE compared with control subjects (mean ± SEM 17.37 ± 1.03 [P = 3 × 10−7], 14.51 ± 0.89 [P = 2 × 10−4], and 31.92 ± 1.74 [P = 8 × 10−7], respectively, versus 10.41 ± 1.02, 9.61 ± 1.21, and 20.02 ± 1.98, respectively. ASRS part A scores correlated with SLEDAI (r = 0.53, P < 0.0001) and BILAG scores (r = 0.36, P = 0.011). ASRS total scores also correlated with SLEDAI (r = 0.45, P = 0.0009) and BILAG scores (r = 0.31, P = 0.025). ASRS part A (r = 0.73, P < 0.0001), ASRS part B (r = 0.47, P = 0.0006), and ASRS total scores (r = 0.67, P < 0.0001) correlated with the FAS score. Relative to the scores in placebo-treated patients, ASRS total scores were reduced in SLE patients treated with NAC dosages of 2.4 gm/day and 4.8 gm/day combined (P = 0.037). ASRS part A scores were reduced by NAC dosages of 2.4 gm/day (P = 0.001) and 4.8 gm/day (P < 0.0001) as well as by NAC at dosages of 2.4 gm/day and 4.8 gm/day combined (P = 0.001). Conclusion In patients with SLE, elevated ASRS scores reveal previously unrecognized and

Prospective validation of a novel renal activity index of lupus nephritis.

PubMed

Gulati, G; Bennett, M R; Abulaban, K; Song, H; Zhang, X; Ma, Q; Brodsky, S V; Nadasdy, T; Haffner, C; Wiley, K; Ardoin, S P; Devarajan, P; Ying, J; Rovin, B H; Brunner, H I

2017-08-01

Objectives The renal activity index for lupus (RAIL) score was developed in children with lupus nephritis as a weighted sum of six urine biomarkers (UBMs) (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, ceruloplasmin, adiponectin, hemopexin and kidney injury molecule 1) measured in a random urine sample. We aimed at prospectively validating the RAIL in adults with lupus nephritis. Methods Urine from 79 adults was collected at the time of kidney biopsy to assay the RAIL UBMs. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, we evaluated the accuracy of the RAIL to discriminate high lupus nephritis activity status (National Institutes of Health activity index (NIH-AI) score >10), from low/moderate lupus nephritis activity status (NIH-AI score ≤10). Results In this mixed racial cohort, high lupus nephritis activity was present in 15 patients (19%), and 71% had proliferative lupus nephritis. Use of the identical RAIL algorithm developed in children resulted in only fair prediction of lupus nephritis activity status of adults (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.62). Alternative weightings of the six RAIL UBMs as suggested by logistic regression yielded excellent accuracy to predict lupus nephritis activity status (AUC 0.88). Accuracy of the model did not improve with adjustment of the UBMs for urine creatinine or albumin, and was little influenced by concurrent kidney damage. Conclusions The RAIL UBMs provide excellent prediction of lupus nephritis activity in adults. Age adaption of the RAIL is warranted to optimize its discriminative validity to predict high lupus nephritis activity status non-invasively.

Factors Related to Blood Hydroxychloroquine Concentration in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PubMed

Yeon Lee, Ji; Lee, Jennifer; Ki Kwok, Seung; Hyeon Ju, Ji; Su Park, Kyung; Park, Sung-Hwan

2017-04-01

To identify factors associated with blood concentrations of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its major metabolite, N-desethylhydroxychloroquine (DHCQ), in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; lupus) receiving long-term oral HCQ treatment. SLE patients who had been taking HCQ for more than 3 months were recruited. Various clinical characteristics, laboratory values, and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores were examined. The concentrations of HCQ and DHCQ ([HCQ] and [DHCQ]) were measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and the relationship between [HCQ], [DHCQ], and [HCQ]:[DHCQ] ratio to various factors was investigated. In total, 189 SLE patients receiving long-term HCQ treatment were included in the analysis. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) [HCQ] was 515 (IQR 353-720) ng/ml, the median [DHCQ] was 417 (IQR 266-591) ng/ml, and the median [HCQ]:[DHCQ] ratio was 1.3 (range 1.0-1.7). [HCQ] was closely associated with [DHCQ] (r = 0.81, P < 0.0001). The weight-adjusted oral HCQ dose was strongly associated with both [HCQ] (P < 0.001) and [DHCQ] (P < 0.001). Time since last dose was associated with [HCQ] (P < 0.001). No statistically significant association was found between renal function or smoking and [HCQ] or [DHCQ]. Use of additional immunosuppressants increased both [HCQ] and [DHCQ] after adjusting for possible confounders (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). The lower SLEDAI score was significantly related to higher [HCQ], after adjusting for age, sex, weight-adjusted HCQ dose, time since last dose, number of other immunosuppressants, and smoking status (P = 0.007). Various factors affected blood levels of [HCQ], [DHCQ], or the [HCQ]:[DHCQ] ratio of SLE patients receiving long-term oral HCQ treatment. Notably, higher [HCQ] was associated with a lower SLEDAI score in our typical outpatient clinic population with lupus. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

Assessment of premature atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with and without nephritis.

PubMed

Sharma, S K; Rathi, M; Sahoo, S; Prakash, M; Dhir, V; Singh, S

2016-04-01

Risk of subclinical atherosclerosis is increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We correlated carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and endothelial dysfunction through flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in SLE patients with the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). This single-centre cross-sectional study recruited 100 consenting SLE outpatients (ACR 1997 criteria) out of which 50 had nephritis, with disease duration of ≥2 years for SLE and ≥6 months for lupus nephritis. We measured baseline laboratory levels, CIMT and FMD (after brachial BP cuff inflation up to 200 mmHg for five minutes), and calculated SLEDAI. Mean age was 29.88 ± 6.53 years; 95/100 were female. CIMT showed positive correlation (p = 0.037; rho = 0.209), and FMD showed inverse correlation with patient's age (p = 0.011; rho = -0.252). CIMT and FMD were more deranged in patients aged ≥25 years (p < 0.05). CIMT was not significantly different between SLE patients with and without nephritis (p > 0.05), whereas SLEDAI and FMD were more deranged in nephritis patients (p < 0.05). In patients without nephritis, FMD showed significant inverse correlation with disease duration (p = 0.043; rho = -0.288) and urine albumin (p = 0.045; rho = -0.285). In nephritis patients, the correlation between age of the patient was significantly positive with CIMT (p = 0.001; rho = 0.441) and significantly inverse with FMD (p = 0.028; rho = -0.312). SLE patients with nephritis are at a higher risk to develop arterial stiffening, leading to early end-organ damage. Early aggressive treatment may prevent endothelial dysfunction. FMD using vascular ultrasonography on the brachial artery represents a non-invasive, repeatable and useful method for the assessment of endothelial dysfunction. © The Author(s) 2015.

Analysis of disease activity and response to treatment in a large Spanish cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Pego-Reigosa, J M; Rúa-Figueroa, Í; López-Longo, F J; Galindo-Izquierdo, M; Calvo-Alén, J; Olivé-Marqués, A; del Campo, V; García-Yébenes, M J; Loza-Santamaría, E; Blanco, R; Melero-González, R; Vela-Casasempere, P; Otón-Sánchez, T; Tomero-Muriel, E; Uriarte-Isacelaya, E; Fito-Manteca, M C; Freire-González, M; Narváez, J; Fernández-Nebro, A; Zea-Mendoza, A; Rosas, J; Carlos Rosas, J

2015-06-01

The objectives of this paper are to study the impact of disease activity in a large cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and estimate the rate of response to therapies. We conducted a nationwide, retrospective, multicenter, cross-sectional cohort study of 3658 SLE patients. Data on demographics, disease characteristics: activity (SELENA-SLEDAI), damage, severity, hospitalizations and therapies were collected. Factors associated with refractory disease were identified by logistic regression. A total of 3658 patients (90% female; median SLE duration (interquartile range): 10.4 years (5.3-17.1)) were included. At the time of their last evaluation, 14.7% of the patients had moderate-severe SLE (SELENA-SLEDAI score ≥6). There were 1954 (53.4%) patients who were hospitalized for activity at least once over the course of the disease. At some stage, 84.6% and 78.8% of the patients received glucocorticoids and antimalarials, respectively, and 51.3% of the patients received at least one immunosuppressant. Owing to either toxicity or ineffectiveness, cyclophosphamide was withdrawn in 21.5% of the cases, mycophenolate mofetil in 24.9%, azathioprine in 40.2% and methotrexate in 46.8%. At some stage, 7.3% of the patients received at least one biologic. A total of 898 (24.5%) patients had refractory SLE at some stage. Renal, neuropsychiatric, vasculitic, hematological and musculoskeletal involvement, a younger age at diagnosis and male gender were associated with refractory disease. A significant percentage of patients have moderately-to-severely active SLE at some stage. Disease activity has a big impact in terms of need for treatment and cause of hospitalization. The effectiveness of the standard therapies for reducing disease activity is clearly insufficient. Some clinical features are associated with refractory SLE. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Active microwave negative-index metamaterial transmission line with gain.

PubMed

Jiang, Tao; Chang, Kihun; Si, Li-Ming; Ran, Lixin; Xin, Hao

2011-11-11

We studied the active metamaterial transmission line at microwave frequency. The active composite right-handed or left-handed transmission line was designed to incorporate a germanium tunnel diode with a negative differential resistance property as the gain device at the unit cell level. Measurements of the fabricated planar transmission line structures with one-, two-, and three-unit cells showed that the addition of the dc pumped tunnel diodes not only provided gain but also maintained the left handedness of the transmission line metamaterial. Simulation results agree well with experimental observation. This work demonstrated that negative index material can be obtained with a net gain when an external source is incorporated.

A study on the association of autoantibodies, chemokine, and its receptor with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus in North Indian population.

PubMed

Bidyalaxmi Devi, Leishangthem; Bhatnagar, Archana; Wanchu, Ajay; Sharma, Aman

2013-11-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic and complex autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies against a spectrum of nuclear antigens. RANTES and its receptor CCR5 have been associated with the pathogenesis of SLE. The objective of this study is to analyze autoantibodies (DNA/RNA), allelic distribution of RANTES and the association of levels of RANTES and its receptor CCR5 in SLE patients in North Indian region. The RANTES-403 and RANTES-28 polymorphism in the promoter region of RANTES gene was studied in 80 patients and 80 healthy controls. The levels of chemokine RANTES, its receptor CCR5, anti-dsDNA, and anti-SSA antibodies levels were determined. Disease activity was assessed with the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score. All the parameters were studied for statistical analysis by using t test (graph pad prism) and correlation by SPSS data. PCR-RFLP performed showed 28C/C and the 403G/G genotypes in both patients and controls, but no other genotypes such as 28C/G, 28G/G and 403A/G, 403A/A were found. Patients had higher levels of RANTES (1840.48 ± 739.42 vs. 835.44 ± 70.48 pg/ml; P < 0.0001) and its receptor CCR5 expression (26.49 ± 0.16 vs. 24.72 ± 3.02 %; P < 0.05) compared to controls. The levels of autoantibodies anti-dsDNA and anti-SSA were also higher in patients than controls. The patients showing elevated anti-dsDNA had negative correlation with SLEDAI score (P < 0.05) while borderline patients were not found to be correlated. In case of anti-Ro/anti-SSA antibody levels, the borderline patients showed a moderately significant negative correlation as compared to controls than patients with elevated autoantibody (P < 0.01). The levels of RANTES and CCR5 were also higher in case of patients than controls. But there was no significant correlation of RANTES and CCR5 with disease activity. We were unable to find an association of RANTES polymorphism with SLE in North Indian population in our

A New Polar Magnetic Index of Geomagnetic Activity and its Application to Monitoring Ionospheric Parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lyatsky, Wladislaw; Khazanov, George V.

2008-01-01

For improving the reliability of Space Weather prediction, we developed a new, Polar Magnetic (PM) index of geomagnetic activity, which shows high correlation with both upstream solar wind data and related events in the magnetosphere and ionosphere. Similarly to the existing polar cap PC index, the new, PM index was computed from data from two near-pole geomagnetic observatories; however, the method for computing the PM index is different. The high correlation of the PM index with both solar wind data and events in Geospace environment makes possible to improve significantly forecasting geomagnetic disturbances and such important parameters as the cross-polar-cap voltage and global Joule heating in high latitude ionosphere, which play an important role in the development of geomagnetic, ionospheric and thermospheric disturbances. We tested the PM index for 10-year period (1995-2004). The correlation between PM index and upstream solar wind data for these years is very high (the average correlation coefficient R approximately equal to 0.86). The PM index also shows the high correlation with the cross-polar-cap voltage and hemispheric Joule heating (the correlation coefficient between the actual and predicted values of these parameters is approximately 0.9), which results in significant increasing the prediction reliability of these parameters. Using the PM index of geomagnetic activity provides a significant increase in the forecasting reliability of geomagnetic disturbances and related events in Geospace environment. The PM index may be also used as an important input parameter in modeling ionospheric, magnetospheric, and thermospheric processes.

Hematocrit Level could Reflect Inflammatory Response and Disease Activity in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PubMed

Yang, Min; Ma, Ning; Fu, Haitao; Wei, Tingting; Tang, Qingqin; Qin, Baodong; Yang, Zaixing; Zhong, Renqian

2015-01-01

The previous study has reported the association of hematocrit (HCT) with inflammation in several diseases. But the role of HCT in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remained unclear. We tried to evaluate the clinical significance of HCT levels in patients with SLE. A retrospective study including 127 adult SLE patients and 146 normal healthy controls was performed. HCT levels between SLE patients and normal healthy controls were compared, and correlations between HCT and clinical characteristics were evaluated. HCT levels in SLE patients were significantly decreased as compared with the normal healthy controls and negatively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = -0.336, p < 0.01), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (r = -0.332, p < 0.01), and SLEDAI scores (r = -0.376, p < 0.01). HCT levels were also significantly lower in SLE patients with decreased C3 and C4 as compared with those in SLE patients with normal C3 and C4, indicating that HCT was positively correlated with C3 and C4 levels (r = 0.272, p < 0.01; r = 0.273, p < 0.01). HCT was decreased in SLE patients with the presence of anti-Sm and anti-RNP antibodies as compared with those without these auto-antibodies (p = 0.013, p < 0.01). After adjusting RBC count and hemoglobin level, multiple linear regression analysis showed that HCT was independently associated with disease activity in SLE patients. In addition, HCT levels were elevated after treatment. HCT is correlated with CRP, ESR, and SLEDAI, suggesting that HCT could reflect inflammatory response and disease activity in SLE patients.

Association of depressive/anxiety symptoms with quality of life and work ability in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Mok, Chi Chiu; Chan, Kar Li; Ho, Ling Yin

2016-01-01

To study the association of depressive/anxiety symptoms with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work ability in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Consecutive patients with ≥4 ACR criteria for SLE were recruited. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS). HRQoL was assessed by the Chinese version of MOS-Short Form (SF)-36. Disease activity of SLE was assessed by the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and organ damage was assessed by the ACR/SLICC damage index (SDI). The relationship between HAD scores, work ability and HRQoL was studied. A total of 367 SLE patients were studied (95% women; age 40.2±12.9 years; disease duration 9.3±7.2 years). Fifty-five (15%) patients had HADS-depression score ≥10 and 70 (19%) patients had HADS-anxiety score ≥10. Patients with either score ≥10 had significantly lower SF36 score (physical and mental component) than those with score <10. In separate linear regression models, the mental and physical component scores of SF36 were significantly associated with the HAD-depression and HAD-anxiety score after adjustment for age, sex, SLE duration, years of education, religious belief, marital status, employment status, poverty, SDI and mean SLEDAI score in the preceding year. Among those who were working in the preceding year (n=190), 30(16%) patients either quitted their job (n=22) or reduced working hours (n=8). Patients with work disability had significantly higher HAD-depression score than those without (6.31±5.51 vs 3.93±3.72; p=0.03). Depressive/anxiety symptoms were fairly common in SLE patients and independently associated with poorer HRQoL. Patients with more depressive symptoms were more likely to experience work disability.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INDEX FOR CHILDREN: A COMPARISON OF LITERATURE VALUES AND EPA'S CHAD

EPA Science Inventory

The physical activity index (PAI) is a measure of an individual's energy expenditure level (and thus oxygen consumption) calculated as a time-weighted average of metabolic equivalents (METS) over the individual's activities. Many exposure models rely upon EPA's CHAD data base to ...

C-reactive protein +1444CT (rs1130864) genetic polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus and C-reactive protein levels.

PubMed

Delongui, Francieli; Lozovoy, Marcell Allyson Batisti; Iriyoda, Tatiana Mayiumi Veiga; Costa, Neide Tomimura; Stadtlober, Nicole Perugini; Alfieri, Daniela Frizon; Flauzino, Tamires; Dichi, Isaias; Simão, Andréa Name Colado; Reiche, Edna Maria Vissoci

2017-08-01

The T rare allele of +1444CT (rs1130864) polymorphism of C-reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with increased CRP levels in some inflammatory conditions, but its role on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility and on CRP levels in SLE patients remains uncertain. The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between the rs1130864 CRP polymorphism with SLE susceptibility, disease activity, and CRP levels in SLE Brazilian patients. The study enrolled 176 SLE patients and 137 controls. SLE disease activity was assessed using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). The rs1130864 CRP polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. SLE patients presented higher body mass index (p = 0.046) and CRP levels (p = 0.017) than controls. The genotype and allele frequencies of patients differed from controls [CC vs. CT = odds ratio (OR) 1.730, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.068-2.803, p = 0.035; CC vs. TT = OR 3.667, 95% CI 1.410-9.533, p = 0.009; C vs. T = OR 1.883, 95% CI 1.299-2.728, p = 0.001)]. Patients carrying the T allele presented higher CRP levels (p = 0.009), were more frequent Caucasians (p = 0.018), and with no use of immunosuppressive treatment (p = 0.004) than those carrying the C allele. However, the SLEDAI and anti-double-stranded DNA positivity did not differ from those carrying T vs. C allele (p = 0.595 and p = 0.243, respectively). The rs1130864 CRP polymorphism was associated with SLE susceptibility and CRP levels, but not with disease activity, suggesting that this polymorphism may play a role in the pathophysiology of SLE through increasing the CRP that, probably, plays an inflammatory role in SLE pathophysiology.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Belimumab in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Continuation of a Seventy-Six-Week Phase III Parent Study in the United States.

PubMed

Furie, Richard A; Wallace, Daniel J; Aranow, Cynthia; Fettiplace, James; Wilson, Barbara; Mistry, Prafull; Roth, David A; Gordon, David

2018-06-01

We undertook this US multicenter continuation study (GlaxoSmithKline study BEL112233; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00724867) to assess long-term safety and efficacy of belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who completed the Study of Belimumab in Subjects with SLE 76-week trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00410384). Patients continued to receive the same belimumab dose plus standard therapy; patients previously receiving placebo received 10 mg/kg belimumab. The primary outcome measure was long-term safety of belimumab (frequency of adverse events [AEs] and damage assessed using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index [SDI], evaluated every 48 weeks [1 study year]). Other assessments included the SLE Responder Index (SRI), flare rates (using the modified SLE Flare Index [SFI]), prednisone use, and B cell levels. Of 268 patients, 140 completed the study and 128 withdrew. The mean ± SD score on the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment version of the SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) at baseline was 7.8 ± 3.86. The mean ± SD SDI score increased by 0.4 ± 0.68 from its value at baseline (1.2 ± 1.51). The overall incidence of treatment-related and serious AEs remained stable or declined through study year 7. An SRI response was achieved by 41.9% and 75.6% of patients at the study year 1 and study year 7 midpoints, respectively. At the study year 7 midpoint, relative to baseline, 78.2% had achieved a ≥4-point reduction in the SELENA-SLEDAI score, 98.4% had no new British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) A organ domain score and no more than 1 new BILAG B organ domain score, 93.7% had no worsening in the physician's global assessment of disease activity, 20.6% had experienced ≥1 severe SFI flare, the mean decrease in prednisone dose was 31.4%, and the median change in CD20+ B cell numbers was -83.2%. These long-term exposure results

Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Association with Antiphospholipid Antibodies, Disease Activity and Chronic Damage

PubMed Central

Conti, Fabrizio; Alessandri, Cristiano; Perricone, Carlo; Scrivo, Rossana; Rezai, Soheila; Ceccarelli, Fulvia; Spinelli, Francesca Romana; Ortona, Elena; Marianetti, Massimo; Mina, Concetta; Valesini, Guido

2012-01-01

Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by frequent neuropsychiatric involvement, which includes cognitive impairment (CI). We aimed at assessing CI in a cohort of Italian SLE patients by using a wide range of neurocognitive tests specifically designed to evaluate the fronto-subcortical dysfunction. Furthermore, we aimed at testing whether CI in SLE is associated with serum autoantibodies, disease activity and chronic damage. Methods Fifty-eight consecutive patients were enrolled. Study protocol included data collection, evaluation of serum levels of ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-cardiolipin, anti-β2-glycoprotein I, anti-P ribosomal, anti-endothelial cell, and anti-Nedd5 antibodies. SLEDAI-2000 and SLICC were used to assess disease activity and chronic damage. Patients were administered a test battery specifically designed to detect fronto-subcortical dysfunction across five domains: memory, attention, abstract reasoning, executive function and visuospatial function. For each patient, the raw scores from each test were compared with published norms, then transformed into Z scores (deviation from normal mean), and finally summed in the Global Cognitive Dysfunction score (GCDs). Results Nineteen percent of patients had mild GCDs impairment (GCDs 2–3), 7% moderate (GCDs 4–5) and 5% severe (GCDs≥6). The visuospatial domain was the most compromised (MDZs = −0.89±1.23). Anti-cardiolipin IgM levels were associated with visuospatial domain impairment (r = 0.331, P = 0.005). SLEDAI correlated with GCDs, and attentional and executive domains; SLICC correlated with GCDs, and with visuospatial and attentional domains impairment. Conclusions Anti-phospholipids, disease activity, and chronic damage are associated with cognitive dysfunction in SLE. The use of a wide spectrum of tests allowed for a better selection of the relevant factors involved in SLE cognitive dysfunction, and standardized neuropsychological testing methods should be used

University Students Meeting the Recommended Standards of Physical Activity and Body Mass Index

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deng, Xiaofen; Castelli, Darla; Castro-Pinero, Jose; Guan, Hongwei

2011-01-01

This study investigated student physical activity (PA) and body mass index (BMI) in relation to the "Healthy Campus 2010" objectives set by the American College Health Association in 2002. Students (N = 1125) at a U.S. southern state university participated in the study. The percentages of students who were physically active and whose…

Expression of autophagy related genes mTOR, Becline-1, LC3 and p62 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Wu, Zhen-Zhen; Zhang, Jun-Jun; Gao, Cong-Cong; Zhao, Man; Liu, Sheng-Yun; Gao, Guan-Min; Zheng, Zhao-Hui

2017-01-01

To determine the expression of mTOR, Becline-1, LC3 and p62 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and assess their relationship with disease activity and immunologic features. The expression of mTOR, Becline-1, LC3 and p62 was detected by RT-PCR in 81 SLE subjects and 86 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Data regarding demographics and clinical parameters were collected. Disease activity of SLE was evaluated according to the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. Independent sample t-test was used to analyze the expression of mTOR, Becline-1, LC3, and p62 in the two groups. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation was performed to analyze their relationship with disease activity and immunologic features. The mean levels of Becline-1, LC3 and p62 mRNA were significantly higher in SLE patients than the controls (9.96×10 -4 vs 7.38×10 -4 for Becline-1 with P <0.001; 4.04×10 -5 vs 2.62×10 -5 for LC3 with P <0.001; 9.51×10 -4 vs 7.59×10 -4 for p62 with P =0.008). However, the levels of mTOR mRNA in SLE patients were not significantly different from that in controls. Correlation analysis showed that Becline-1, LC3 and p62 mRNA levels correlated positively with SLEDAI, IgG and ds-DNA, negatively with C3. Our results suggested that autophagosomes formation were activated and their degradation were blocked in SLE. Moreover, the maintenance of autophagy balance can improve disease activity and immune disorders in SLE patients.

Oxygen Desaturation Index Estimation through Unconstrained Cardiac Sympathetic Activity Assessment Using Three Ballistocardiographic Systems.

PubMed

Jung, Da Woon; Hwang, Su Hwan; Lee, Yu Jin; Jeong, Do-Un; Park, Kwang Suk

2016-01-01

Nocturnal hypoxemia, characterized by abnormally low oxygen saturation levels in arterial blood during sleep, is a significant feature of various pathological conditions. The oxygen desaturation index, commonly used to evaluate the nocturnal hypoxemia severity, is acquired using nocturnal pulse oximetry that requires the overnight wear of a pulse oximeter probe. This study aimed to suggest a method for the unconstrained estimation of the oxygen desaturation index. We hypothesized that the severity of nocturnal hypoxemia would be positively associated with cardiac sympathetic activation during sleep. Unconstrained heart rate variability monitoring was conducted using three different ballistocardiographic systems to assess cardiac sympathetic activity. Overnight polysomnographic and ballistocardiographic recording pairs were collected from the 20 non-nocturnal hypoxemia (oxygen desaturation index <5 events/h) subjects and the 76 nocturnal hypoxemia patients. Among the 96 recording pairs, 48 were used as training data and the remaining 48 as test data. The regression analysis, performed using the low-frequency component of heart rate variability, exhibited a root mean square error of 3.33 events/h between the estimates and the reference values of the oxygen desaturation index. The nocturnal hypoxemia diagnostic performance produced by our method was presented with an average accuracy of 96.5% at oxygen desaturation index cutoffs of ≥5, 15, and 30 events/h. Our method has the potential to serve as a complementary measure against the accidental slip-out of a pulse oximeter probe during nocturnal pulse oximetry. The independent application of our method could facilitate home-based long-term oxygen desaturation index monitoring. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Apoptosis of keratinocytes and serum DNase I activity in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus: relationship with clinical and immunoserological parameters.

PubMed

Skiljevic, D; Bonaci-Nikolic, B; Brasanac, D; Nikolic, M

2017-03-01

Dysregulation of apoptosis has an important role in the induction of autoimmunity. To evaluate the influence of keratinocyte apoptosis and deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) activity on the clinical and immunoserological parameters of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). We studied 69 CLE patients (39 with discoid LE (DLE), 12 with subacute CLE (SCLE), 12 with acute and 6 with intermittent CLE). Thirty of sixty-nine patients fulfilled criteria for systemic LE (SLE). Apoptotic index (AI) was evaluated immunohistochemically in lesional and non-lesional, photoprotected skin. Serum DNase I activity, antichromatin and anti-ENA antibodies were measured by ELISA. Disease activity was determined by SLEDAI-2K, SLICC/ACR, CLASI and RCLASI. AI in lesions was higher than in non-lesional skin (P < 0.001). There was no difference in AI between CLE and SLE patients. Patients with SCLE had higher lesional AI than patients with DLE (P < 0.05). We found a positive correlation between the lesional AI with CLASI A (P < 0.05) and RCLASI D (P < 0.05). CLE and SLE patients had significantly lower DNase I activity than healthy controls (P < 0.001). Patients with normal DNase I activity and low AI had significantly lower CLASI A than patients with decreased DNase I activity and/or elevated AI (P < 0.05). Increased keratinocyte apoptosis characterizes lesions of all CLE forms, especially of SCLE. AI correlates with CLE markers of acute and chronic inflammation. Normal level of apoptosis and DNase I activity simultaneously reduce the level of acute inflammation in CLE. Serum DNase I activity and AI might be important biomarkers in the evaluation of CLE patients. © 2016 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Association between electronic equipment in the bedroom and sedentary lifestyle, physical activity, and body mass index of children.

PubMed

Ferrari, Gerson Luis de Moraes; Araújo, Timóteo Leandro; Oliveira, Luis Carlos; Matsudo, Victor; Fisberg, Mauro

2015-01-01

To describe the association between electronic devices in the bedroom with sedentary time and physical activity, both assessed by accelerometry, in addition to body mass index in children from São Caetano do Sul. The sample consisted of 441 children. The presence of electronic equipment (television, personal computer, and videogames) in the bedroom was assessed by a questionnaire. For seven consecutive days, children used an accelerometer to objectively monitor the sedentary time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Body mass index was categorized as suggested by the World Health Organization. Overall, 73.9%, 54.2% and 42.8% of children had TV, computer, and videogames in the bedroom, respectively, and spent an average of 500.7 and 59.1 min/day of sedentary time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Of the children, 45.3% were overweight/obese. Girls with a computer in the bedroom (45 min/day) performed less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than those without it (51.4 min/day). Similar results were observed for body mass index in boys. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was higher and body mass index was lower in children that had no electronic equipment in the bedroom. Presence of a computer (β=-4.798) and the combination TV+computer (β=-3.233) were negatively associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Videogames and the combinations with two or three electronic devices were positively associated with body mass index. Sedentary time was not associated with electronic equipment. Electronic equipment in the children's bedroom can negatively affect moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and body mass index regardless of gender, school, and annual family income, which can contribute to physical inactivity and childhood obesity. Copyright © 2015 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

EULAR Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI): a user guide

PubMed Central

Seror, Raphaèle; Bowman, Simon J; Brito-Zeron, Pilar; Theander, Elke; Bootsma, Hendrika; Tzioufas, Athanasios; Gottenberg, Jacques-Eric; Ramos-Casals, Manel; Dörner, Thomas; Ravaud, Philippe; Vitali, Claudio; Mariette, Xavier

2015-01-01

The EULAR Sjögren's syndrome (SS) disease activity index (ESSDAI) is a systemic disease activity index that was designed to measure disease activity in patients with primary SS. With the growing use of the ESSDAI, some domains appear to be more challenging to rate than others. The ESSDAI is now in use as a gold standard to measure disease activity in clinical studies, and as an outcome measure, even a primary outcome measure, in current randomised clinical trials. Therefore, ensuring an accurate and reproducible rating of each domain, by providing a more detailed definition of each domain, has emerged as an urgent need. The purpose of the present article is to provide a user guide for the ESSDAI. This guide provides definitions and precisions on the rating of each domain. It also includes some minor improvement of the score to integrate advance in knowledge of disease manifestations. This user guide may help clinicians to use the ESSDAI, and increase the reliability of rating and consequently of the ability to detect true changes over time. This better appraisal of ESSDAI items, along with the recent definition of disease activity levels and minimal clinically important change, will improve the assessment of patients with primary SS and facilitate the demonstration of effectiveness of treatment for patients with primary SS. PMID:26509054

Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper expression is associated with response to treatment and immunoregulation in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Saeed; Ebadpour, Mohammad Reza; Sedighi, Sima; Saeedi, Mohsen; Memarian, Ali

2017-08-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder in which cytokine balance is disturbed. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are shown to balance immune response by transcriptional regulation of glucocorticoid receptor target genes such as Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) which has been introduced as an endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator. In the present study, we assessed the expression of GILZ in association with interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukine-10 (IL-10), and B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) plasma levels in SLE patients. A total of 40 female patients (18 under treatment and 22 newly diagnosed) were recruited in this study. Real-time RT PCR was conducted to quantify the mRNA expression of GILZ. The plasma levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, and BLyS were evaluated using ELISA method. GILZ was overexpressed among under treatment SLE patients. The mRNA expression of GILZ was significantly correlated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. IFN-γ and BLyS were downregulated in response to therapies with negative correlations to GILZ. Moreover, IL-10 was upregulated among treated patients. The levels of IFN-γ and BLyS were correlated with the severity of disease, while IL-10 was negatively correlated with SLEDAI score. GILZ could be introduced as one of the acting molecules in mediating the regulatory effects of GCs on producing pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in SLE.

Relationships of Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Sociodemographics, and Body Mass Index With Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among Nurses.

PubMed

Nam, Soohyun; Song, MinKyoung; Lee, Soo-Jeong

2018-05-01

Nurses have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms from patient handling tasks such as lifting, transferring, and repositioning. Comorbidities such as musculoskeletal symptoms may negatively affect engagement in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). However, limited data are available on the relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and LTPA among nurses. The purpose of this study was to describe musculoskeletal symptoms and LTPA, and to examine the relationships of musculoskeletal symptoms, sociodemographics, and body mass index with LTPA among nurses. Cross-sectional data on sociodemographics, employment characteristics, musculoskeletal symptoms, body mass index, and LTPA were collected from a statewide random sample of 454 California nurses from January to July 2013. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were performed. We observed that non-White nurses were less likely to engage in regular aerobic physical activity than White nurses (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.40, 0.94]). Currently working nurses were less likely to engage in regular aerobic physical activity than their counterparts (OR = 0.48; 95% CI = [0.25, 0.91]). Nurses with higher body mass index were less likely to perform regular aerobic physical activity (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = [0.89, 0.97]) or muscle-strengthening physical activity (OR = 0.92; 95% CI = [0.88, 0.96]). This study found no evidence that musculoskeletal symptoms may interfere with regular engagement in LTPA. Physical activity promotion interventions should address employment-related barriers, and particularly target racial minority nurses and those who have a high body mass index.

Effect of physical activity after a cardiac event on smoking habits and/or Quetelet index.

PubMed

Huijbrechts, I P A M; Duivenvoorden, H J; Passchier, J; Deckers, J W; Kazemier, M; Erdman, R A M

2003-02-01

To further elucidate earlier findings, the present study investigated whether physical activity could serve as a positive stimulus to modify other changeable cardiac risk factors. Participants were 140 patients who had completed a cardiac rehabilitation programme focused on physical activity. Their present level of physical activity, smoking habits and Quetelet index were investigated as well as that before the cardiac event, in retrospect. Current feelings of anxiety and depression were also assessed. Participants were divided into two categories according to their present level of physical activity after finishing the rehabilitation programme, compared with that before the cardiac event. It appeared that the more physically active category contained more smokers. Although many of them had quitted smoking, significantly more persisted in their smoking habits compared with the patients who did not increase their physical activity. Significantly less depression was found in the more active patients. Although it could not be confirmed that physical activity stimulated a positive change in smoking and Quetelet index, the more active patients appeared to be less depressed.

Plasma levels of osteopontin identify patients at risk for organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction Osteopontin (OPN) has been implicated as a mediator of Th17 regulation via type I interferon (IFN) receptor signaling and in macrophage activity at sites of tissue repair. This study assessed whether increased circulating plasma OPN (cOPN) precedes development of organ damage in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) and compared it to circulating plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (cNGAL), a predictor of increased SLE disease activity. Methods cOPN and cNGAL were measured in prospectively followed pSLE (n = 42) and adult SLE (aSLE; n = 23) patients and age-matched controls. Time-adjusted cumulative disease activity and disease damage were respectively assessed using adjusted-mean SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) (AMS) and SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI). Results Compared to controls, elevated cOPN and cNGAL were observed in pSLE and aSLE. cNGAL preceded worsening SLEDAI by 3-6 months (P = 0.04), but was not associated with increased 6-month AMS. High baseline cOPN, which was associated with high IFNalpha activity and expression of autoantibodies to nucleic acids, positively correlated with 6-month AMS (r = 0.51 and 0.52, P = 0.001 and 0.01 in pSLE and aSLE, respectively) and was associated with SDI increase at 12 months in pSLE (P = 0.001). Risk factors for change in SDI in pSLE were cOPN (OR 7.5, 95% CI [2.9-20], P = 0.03), but not cNGAL, cumulative prednisone, disease duration, immunosuppression use, gender or ancestry using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The area under the curve (AUC) when generating the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) of baseline cOPN sensitivity and specificity for the indication of SLE patients with an increase of SDI over a 12 month period is 0.543 (95% CI 0.347-0.738; positive predictive value 95% and negative predictive value 38%). Conclusion High circulating OPN levels preceded increased cumulative disease activity and organ damage in SLE patients, especially in pSLE, and its

Vascular endothelial growth factor in systemic lupus erythematosus - correlations with disease activity and nailfold capillaroscopy changes.

PubMed

Bărbulescu, Andreea Lili; Vreju, Ananu Florentin; Bugă, Ana Maria; Sandu, Raluca Elena; Criveanu, Cristina; Tudoraşcu, Diana Rodica; Gheonea, Ioana Andreea; Ciurea, Paulina Lucia

2015-01-01

Our study aimed to quantify serum VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and its inter-relation with the severity of microvascular damage, assessed by nailfold capillaroscopy (NC), and to establish the possible relationship with disease activity score. We included 18 patients, diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 17 gender and age-matched control subjects. For determining serum VEGF, we used a Human VEGF Assay kit-IBL. NC was performed, according to the standard method, using a video-capillaroscope Videocap 3.0, DS Medica, by the same examiner, blinded to clinical and laboratory data. Serum VEGF registered a mean value of 68.99±71.06 pg/mL for SLE patients and 31.84±11.74 pg/mL for controls, differences statistically significant; depending on disease activity, we found a mean value of 60.11±57.74 pg/mL, for patients with moderate disease activity vs. 30.96±11.51 pg/mL for the ones with a low activity (p=0.014). We found a moderately positive correlation, statistically significant (p=0.015), between serum level of VEGF and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Performing NC, we found changes in 88.88% of the patients; the most frequent were increased tortuosity, dilated capillaries, an increased length and a prominent subpapillary plexus. The presence of nailfold capillaroscopy changes and serum level of VEGF, correlated moderately, positive. Since serum levels of VEGF are higher in SLE patients, compared to controls, significantly different according to disease activity degree, and directly inter-related to abnormal NC patterns and a more active disease, we can include these accessible parameters in the routine evaluation, in order to better quantify the systemic damage, individualize the treatment, improve the outcome and life quality for these patients.

The Mid-Latitude Positive Bay and the MPB Index of Substorm Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McPherron, Robert L.; Chu, Xiangning

2017-03-01

Substorms are a major source of magnetic activity. At substorm expansion phase onset a westward current flows through the expanding aurora. This current is the ionospheric closure of the substorm current wedge produced by diversion of tail current along magnetic field lines. At low latitudes the field-aligned currents create a systematic pattern in the north (X) and east (Y) components of the surface magnetic field. The rise and decay in X is called a midlatitude positive bay whose start is a proxy for expansion onset. In this paper we describe a new index called the midlatitude positive bay index (MPB) which monitors the power in the substorm perturbations of X and Y. The index is obtained by removing the main field, storm time variations, and the solar quiet (Sq) variation from the measured field. These are estimated with spline fits and principal component analysis. The residuals of X and Y are high pass filtered to eliminate variations with period longer than 3 hours. The sum of squares of the X and Y power is determined at each of 35 midlatitude stations. The average power in night time stations is the MPB index. The index series is standardized and intervals above a fixed threshold are taken as possible bay signatures. Post processing constrains these to have reasonable values of rise time, strength, and duration. Minima in the index before and after the peak are taken as the start and end of the bay. The MPB and AL indices can be used to identify quiet intervals in the magnetic field.

CENDI Indexing Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

The CENDI Indexing Workshop held at NASA Headquarters, Two Independence Square, 300 E Street, Washington, DC, on September 21-22, 1994 focused on the following topics: machine aided indexing, indexing quality, an indexing pilot project, the MedIndEx Prototype, Department of Energy/Office of Scientific and Technical Information indexing activities, high-tech coding structures, category indexing schemes, and the Government Information Locator Service. This publication consists mostly of viewgraphs related to the above noted topics. In an appendix is a description of the Government Information Locator Service.

Plasma DNA aberrations in systemic lupus erythematosus revealed by genomic and methylomic sequencing

PubMed Central

Chan, Rebecca W. Y.; Jiang, Peiyong; Peng, Xianlu; Tam, Lai-Shan; Liao, Gary J. W.; Li, Edmund K. M.; Wong, Priscilla C. H.; Sun, Hao; Chan, K. C. Allen; Chiu, Rossa W. K.; Lo, Y. M. Dennis

2014-01-01

We performed a high-resolution analysis of the biological characteristics of plasma DNA in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients using massively parallel genomic and methylomic sequencing. A number of plasma DNA abnormalities were found. First, aberrations in measured genomic representations (MGRs) were identified in the plasma DNA of SLE patients. The extent of the aberrations in MGRs correlated with anti-double–stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody level. Second, the plasma DNA of active SLE patients exhibited skewed molecular size-distribution profiles with a significantly increased proportion of short DNA fragments. The extent of plasma DNA shortening in SLE patients correlated with the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and anti-dsDNA antibody level. Third, the plasma DNA of active SLE patients showed decreased methylation densities. The extent of hypomethylation correlated with SLEDAI and anti-dsDNA antibody level. To explore the impact of anti-dsDNA antibody on plasma DNA in SLE, a column-based protein G capture approach was used to fractionate the IgG-bound and non–IgG-bound DNA in plasma. Compared with healthy individuals, SLE patients had higher concentrations of IgG-bound DNA in plasma. More IgG binding occurs at genomic locations showing increased MGRs. Furthermore, the IgG-bound plasma DNA was shorter in size and more hypomethylated than the non–IgG-bound plasma DNA. These observations have enhanced our understanding of the spectrum of plasma DNA aberrations in SLE and may provide new molecular markers for SLE. Our results also suggest that caution should be exercised when interpreting plasma DNA-based noninvasive prenatal testing and cancer testing conducted for SLE patients. PMID:25427797

Quality indexing with computer-aided lexicography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buchan, Ronald L.

1992-01-01

Indexing with computers is a far cry from indexing with the first indexing tool, the manual card sorter. With the aid of computer-aided lexicography, both indexing and indexing tools can provide standardization, consistency, and accuracy, resulting in greater quality control than ever before. A brief survey of computer activity in indexing is presented with detailed illustrations from NASA activity. Applications from techniques mentioned, such as Retrospective Indexing (RI), can be made to many indexing systems. In addition to improving the quality of indexing with computers, the improved efficiency with which certain tasks can be done is demonstrated.

The role of physical activity, body mass index and maturity status in body-related perceptions and self-esteem of adolescents.

PubMed

Altıntaş, A; Aşçı, F H; Kin-İşler, A; Güven-Karahan, B; Kelecek, S; Özkan, A; Yılmaz, A; Kara, F M

2014-01-01

Adolescence represents a transitional period which is marked by physical, social and psychological changes. Changes in body shape and physical activity especially alter and shape the psychological well-being of adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of physical activity level, body mass index and maturity status in body-related perception and self-esteem of 11-18 years old adolescents. A total of 1012 adolescents participated in this study. The "Social Physique Anxiety Scale", "Body Image Satisfaction Scale", "Physical Self-Perception Profile for Children" and "Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory" were administered. Physical activity level and body mass index were assessed using the "Physical Activity Questionnaire" and "Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer", respectively. Regression analysis indicated that body mass index was the only predictor of perceived body attractiveness, social physique anxiety, body image satisfaction and self-esteem for female adolescents. For male adolescents, both physical activity and body mass index were correlated with perceived body attractiveness and social physique anxiety. Pubertal status were not correlated with self-esteem and body-related perceptions for both males and females adolescents. In summary, body mass index and physical activity plays an important role in body-related perceptions and self-esteem of adolescents.

A/H1N1 influenza vaccination in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: safety and immunity.

PubMed

Lu, Chun-Chi; Wang, Yeau-Ching; Lai, Jenn-Haung; Lee, Tony Szu-Hsien; Lin, Hui-Tsu; Chang, Deh-Ming

2011-01-10

To determine the safety of and immunogenicity induced by A/H1N1 influenza vaccination in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study population comprised 21 SLE patients and 15 healthy control subjects who underwent split-virion, inactivated monovalent A/H1N1 vaccination between December 2009 and January 2010. Sera were obtained before, three weeks after, and six months after vaccination. SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) scores and autoantibodies were measured at every visit in SLE patients. Haemagglutination inhibition and the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) level were calculated using the World Health Organization (WHO) procedure to evaluate the antibody responses. We also recorded current medications and past seasonal influenza vaccinations to analyse the interactions between vaccinations and the autoimmunity of SLE patients. The mean age of the enrolled population was 34.3 years for SLE patients and 39.4 years for control subjects. The average SLEDAI score for SLE patients was 4.1 at vaccination, 4.5 at three weeks, and 4.3 at six months. The seroprotection rate at three weeks was 76.2% in SLE patients and 80.0% in healthy control subjects; by six months, the seroprotection rate was 66.7% in SLE patients and 60% in healthy control subjects. The seroconversion rate was 76.2% in SLE patients and 80% in healthy controls at three weeks; by six months, the seroconversion rate was 52.4% in SLE patients and 53.3% in healthy controls. The response in SLE patients met the criteria of the European Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products guidelines at three weeks, while the percentage of seroprotection did not at six months. The clinical disease activity and SLEDAI scores did not differ significantly from before to after vaccination in SLE patients, although the level of anticardiolipin IgG increased at three weeks after vaccination, but with no apparent clinical manifestations. The A/H1N1 influenza vaccine is safe and effective in SLE patients and

Impact on enzyme activity as a new quality index of wastewater.

PubMed

Balestri, Francesco; Moschini, Roberta; Cappiello, Mario; Del-Corso, Antonella; Mura, Umberto

2013-03-15

The aim of this study was to define a new indicator for the quality of wastewaters that are released into the environment. A quality index is proposed for wastewater samples in terms of the inertness of wastewater samples toward enzyme activity. This involves taking advantage of the sensitivity of enzymes to pollutants that may be present in the waste samples. The effect of wastewater samples on the rate of a number of different enzyme-catalyzed reactions was measured, and the results for all the selected enzymes were analyzed in an integrated fashion (multi-enzymatic sensor). This approach enabled us to define an overall quality index, the "Impact on Enzyme Function" (IEF-index), which is composed of three indicators: i) the Synoptic parameter, related to the average effect of the waste sample on each component of the enzymatic sensor; ii) the Peak parameter, related to the maximum effect observed among all the effects exerted by the sample on the sensor components; and, iii) the Interference parameter, related to the number of sensor components that are affected less than a fixed threshold value. A number of water based samples including public potable tap water, fluids from urban sewage systems, wastewater disposal from leather, paper and dye industries were analyzed and the IEF-index was then determined. Although the IEF-index cannot discriminate between different types of wastewater samples, it could be a useful parameter in monitoring the improvement of the quality of a specific sample. However, by analyzing an adequate number of waste samples of the same type, even from different local contexts, the profile of the impact of each component of the multi-enzymatic sensor could be typical for specific types of waste. The IEF-index is proposed as a supplementary qualification score for wastewaters, in addition to the certification of the waste's conformity to legal requirements. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association of BAFF, APRIL serum levels, BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA expression on peripheral B-cell subsets with clinical manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Salazar-Camarena, D C; Ortiz-Lazareno, P C; Cruz, A; Oregon-Romero, E; Machado-Contreras, J R; Muñoz-Valle, J F; Orozco-López, M; Marín-Rosales, M; Palafox-Sánchez, C A

2016-05-01

B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) signaling pathways regulate B-cell survival through interactions with their receptors BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA. We evaluated the association of these ligands/receptors on B-cell subsets according to clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). BAFF and APRIL serum concentrations were measured in 30 SLE patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA expression was analyzed on each B cell subset (CD19 + CD27-CD38-/ + naïve; CD19 + CD27 + CD38-/ + memory; CD19 + CD27-CD38 + + immature and CD19 + CD27 + CD38 + + plasma cells) by flow cytometry, and compared among patients with different clinical manifestations as well as healthy controls (HCs). Serum BAFF and APRIL levels were high in SLE patients and correlated with the Mex-SLEDAI disease activity index (r = 0.584; p = 0.001 and r = 0.456; p = 0.011, respectively). The SLE patients showed an increased proportion of memory and plasma B cells (p < 0.05). BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA expression in SLE patients was decreased in almost all B cell subsets compared to HCs (p < 0.05). A lower BCMA expression was associated with severe disease activity, glomerulonephritis, serositis and hemolytic anemia (p < 0.01). BCMA expression showed a negative correlation with Mex-SLEDAI score (r = -0.494, p = 0.006). Decreased BCMA expression on peripheral B cells according to severe disease activity suggests that BCMA plays an important regulating role in B-cell hyperactivity and immune tolerance homeostasis in SLE patients. © The Author(s) 2015.

Links between Adolescent Physical Activity, Body Mass Index, and Adolescent and Parent Characteristics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Susan Lee; Mummery, W. Kerry

2011-01-01

Identification of the relationships between adolescent overweight and obesity and physical activity and a range of intrapersonal and interpersonal factors is necessary to develop relevant interventions which target the health needs of adolescents. This study examined adolescent body mass index (BMI) and participation in moderate and vigorous…

Indexing Natural Products for Their Potential Anti-Diabetic Activity: Filtering and Mapping Discriminative Physicochemical Properties.

PubMed

Zeidan, Mouhammad; Rayan, Mahmoud; Zeidan, Nuha; Falah, Mizied; Rayan, Anwar

2017-09-17

Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a major health problem, for which there is an unmet need to develop novel drugs. The application of in silico techniques and optimization algorithms is instrumental to achieving this goal. A set of 97 approved anti-diabetic drugs, representing the active domain, and a set of 2892 natural products, representing the inactive domain, were used to construct predictive models and to index anti-diabetic bioactivity. Our recently-developed approach of 'iterative stochastic elimination' was utilized. This article describes a highly discriminative and robust model, with an area under the curve above 0.96. Using the indexing model and a mix ratio of 1:1000 (active/inactive), 65% of the anti-diabetic drugs in the sample were captured in the top 1% of the screened compounds, compared to 1% in the random model. Some of the natural products that scored highly as potential anti-diabetic drug candidates are disclosed. One of those natural products is caffeine, which is noted in the scientific literature as having the capability to decrease blood glucose levels. The other nine phytochemicals await evaluation in a wet lab for their anti-diabetic activity. The indexing model proposed herein is useful for the virtual screening of large chemical databases and for the construction of anti-diabetes focused libraries.

Salmon diet in patients with active ulcerative colitis reduced the simple clinical colitis activity index and increased the anti-inflammatory fatty acid index--a pilot study.

PubMed

Grimstad, Tore; Berge, Rolf K; Bohov, Pavol; Skorve, Jon; Gøransson, Lasse; Omdal, Roald; Aasprong, Ole G; Haugen, Margaretha; Meltzer, Helle M; Hausken, Trygve

2011-02-01

Data concerning the anti-inflammatory effect of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are inconsistent. Salmon fillet contains n-3 PUFAs and bioactive peptides that may improve its effects compared to fish oil alone. We assessed the efficacy of a salmon-rich diet in patients with mild ulcerative colitis. An 8-week intervention pilot study was designed to assess the effects of 600 grams Atlantic salmon consumption weekly in 12 UC patients. Simple clinical colitis activity index (SCCAI), a dietary questionnaire, sigmoidoscopy, selected serum inflammatory markers, fecal calprotectin, and plasma and rectal biopsy fatty acid profiles were assessed before and after intervention. The levels of C20:4n-6 arachidonic acid in biopsies after dietary intervention were correlated with histology and endoscopy scores. The concentrations of n-3 PUFAs, C20:5n-3 eicosapentaenoic acid, C22:6n-3 docosahexaenoic acid, and the n-3/n-6 ratio increased in plasma and rectal biopsies. The anti-inflammatory fatty acid index (AIFAI) increased both in biopsies and plasma accompanied with a significantly reduced SCCAI. Based on evidence of SCCAI and AIFAI and a tendency of decreased levels of CRP and homocysteine, intake of Atlantic salmon may have beneficial effects on disease activity in patients with mild ulcerative colitis.

Toward Development of a Fibromyalgia Responder Index and Disease Activity Score: OMERACT Module Update

PubMed Central

Mease, PJ; Clauw, DJ; Christensen, R; Crofford, L; Gendreau, M; Martin, SA; Simon, L; Strand, V; Williams, DA; Arnold, LM

2012-01-01

Following development of the core domain set for fibromyalgia (FM) in OMERACT 7–9, the FM working group has progressed toward the development of an FM responder index and a disease activity score based on these domains, utilizing outcome indices of these domains from archived randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in FM. Possible clinical domains that could be included in a responder index and disease activity score include: pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction, mood disturbance, tenderness, stiffness, and functional impairment. Outcome measures for these domains demonstrate good to adequate psychometric properties, although measures of cognitive dysfunction need to be further developed. The approach used in the development of responder indices and disease activity scores for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis represent heuristic models for our work, but FM is challenging in that there is no clear algorithm of treatment that defines disease activity based on treatment decisions, nor are there objective markers that define thresholds of severity or response to treatment. The process of developing candidate dichotomous responder definitions and continuous quantitative disease activity measures is described, as is participant discussion that transpired at OMERACT 10. Final results of this work will be published in a separate manuscript pending completion of analyses. PMID:21724721

Nanoimprinted High-Refractive Index Active Photonic Nanostructures Based on Quantum Dots for Visible Light

DOE PAGES

Pina-Hernandez, Carlos; Koshelev, Alexander; Dhuey, Scott; ...

2017-12-15

A novel method to realizing printed active photonic devices was developed using nanoimprint lithography (NIL), combining a printable high-refractive index material and colloidal CdSe/CdS quantum dots (QDs) for applications in the visible region. Active media QDs were applied in two different ways: embedded inside a printable high-refractive index matrix to form an active printable hybrid nanocomposite, and used as a uniform coating on top of printed photonic devices. As a proof-of-demonstration for printed active photonic devices, two-dimensional (2-D) photonic crystals as well as 1D and 2D photonic nanocavities were successfully fabricated following a simple reverse-nanoimprint process. We observed enhanced photoluminescencemore » from the 2D photonic crystal and the 1D nanocavities. Outstandingly, the process presented in this study is fully compatible with large-scale manufacturing where the patterning areas are only limited by the size of the corresponding mold. This work shows that the integration of active media and functional materials is a promising approach to the realization of integrated photonics for visible light using high throughput technologies. We believe that this work represents a powerful and cost-effective route for the development of numerous nanophotonic structures and devices that will lead to the emergence of new applications.« less

Periodontitis treatment improves systemic lupus erythematosus response to immunosuppressive therapy.

PubMed

Fabbri, Cristiana; Fuller, Ricardo; Bonfá, Eloisa; Guedes, Lissiane K N; D'Alleva, Paulo Sergio R; Borba, Eduardo F

2014-04-01

Periodontal disease (POD) may affect rheumatic diseases severity, but there are no data regarding the effect of its treatment on disease activity in SLE patients under immunosuppressive therapy. Forty-nine consecutive SLE patients (SLEDAI ≥ 2) with POD and under corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy (IVCYC) were selected. Periodontal assessment included bleeding gingival index (BGI), probing depth (PD), and probing attachment level (PAL). At entry, POD was defined as BGI > 1 and patients were assigned to groups according to the availability of odontological intervention in TREATED (n = 32) and NOT TREATED (n = 17). SLEDAI and POD parameters were determined at entry and after 3 months. Age, female gender, and race were alike among TREATED and NOT TREATED (p > 0.05). Both groups had also comparable disease duration (10.7 ± 6.8 vs. 11.0 ± 6.6, p = 0.83), IVCYC number (5.8 ± 4.8 vs. 4.5 ± 4.8, p = 0.17), and SLEDAI (5.9 ± 4.2 vs. 6.3 ± 4.3, p = 0.73) as well as POD parameters [BGI (40.8 ± 31.0 vs. 40.7 ± 36.2 %, p = 0.89), PD (1.7 ± 1.8 vs. 1.5 ± 0.60 mm, p = 0.80), and PAL (2.5 ± 1.9 vs. 1.9 ± 1.1 mm, p = 0.18)]. At the end of the study, TREATED group had a significant improvement in SLEDAI (5.9 ± 4.2 vs. 3.4 ± 3.3, p = 0.04) with a paralleled reduction in BGI (40.8 ± 31.0 vs. 15.2 ± 17.2 %, p < 0.01), PD (1.7 ± 1.8 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3 mm, p < 0.01), and PAL (2.5 ± 1.9 vs. 1.7 ± 0.9 mm, p < 0.01). In contrast, SLEDAI (6.3 ± 4.3 vs. 6.0 ± 5.5, p = 0.40) and POD parameters [BGI (p = 0.33), PD (p = 0.91), and PAL (p = 0.39)] remained largely unchanged in NOT TREATED group. Periodontal disease treatment seems to have a beneficial effect in controlling disease activity in SLE patients under immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, management of this modifiable risk factor is

Longitudinal associations of active commuting with body mass index.

PubMed

Mytton, Oliver Tristan; Panter, Jenna; Ogilvie, David

2016-09-01

To investigate the longitudinal associations between active commuting (walking and cycling to work) and body mass index (BMI). We used self-reported data on height, weight and active commuting from the Commuting and Health in Cambridge study (2009 to 2012; n=809). We used linear regression to test the associations between: a) maintenance of active commuting over one year and BMI at the end of that year; and b) change in weekly time spent in active commuting and change in BMI over one year. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, other physical activity, physical wellbeing and maintenance of walking, those who maintained cycle commuting reported a lower BMI on average at one year follow-up (1.14kg/m(2), 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.98, n=579) than those who never cycled to work. No significant association remained after adjustment for baseline BMI. No significant associations were observed for maintenance of walking. An increase in walking was associated with a reduction in BMI (0.32kg/m(2), 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.62, n=651, after adjustment for co-variates and baseline BMI) only when restricting the analysis to those who did not move. No other significant associations between changes in weekly time spent walking or cycling on the commute and changes in BMI were observed. This work provides further evidence of the contribution of active commuting, particularly cycling, to preventing weight gain or facilitating weight loss. The findings may be valuable for employees choosing how to commute and engaging employers in the promotion of active travel. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Locomotor activity: A distinctive index in morphine self-administration in rats

PubMed Central

Kong, Qingyao

2017-01-01

Self-administration of addictive drugs is a widely used tool for studying behavioral, neurobiological, and genetic factors in addiction. However, how locomotor activity is affected during self-administration of addictive drugs has not been extensively studied. In our present study, we tested the locomotor activity levels during acquisition, extinction and reinstatement of morphine self-administration in rats. We found that compared with saline self-administration (SA), rats that trained with morphine SA had higher locomotor activity. Rats that successfully acquired SA also showed higher locomotor activity than rats that failed in acquiring SA. Moreover, locomotor activity was correlated with the number of drug infusions but not with the number of inactive pokes. We also tested the locomotor activity in the extinction and the morphine-primed reinstatement session. Interestingly, we found that in the first extinction session, although the number of active pokes did not change, the locomotor activity was significantly lower than in the last acquisition session, and this decrease can be maintained for at least six days. Finally, morphine priming enhanced the locomotor activity during the reinstatement test, regardless of if the active pokes were significantly increased or not. Our results clearly suggest that locomotor activity, which may reflect the pharmacological effects of morphine, is different from drug seeking behavior and is a distinctive index in drug self-administration. PMID:28380023

Locomotor activity: A distinctive index in morphine self-administration in rats.

PubMed

Zhang, Jian-Jun; Kong, Qingyao

2017-01-01

Self-administration of addictive drugs is a widely used tool for studying behavioral, neurobiological, and genetic factors in addiction. However, how locomotor activity is affected during self-administration of addictive drugs has not been extensively studied. In our present study, we tested the locomotor activity levels during acquisition, extinction and reinstatement of morphine self-administration in rats. We found that compared with saline self-administration (SA), rats that trained with morphine SA had higher locomotor activity. Rats that successfully acquired SA also showed higher locomotor activity than rats that failed in acquiring SA. Moreover, locomotor activity was correlated with the number of drug infusions but not with the number of inactive pokes. We also tested the locomotor activity in the extinction and the morphine-primed reinstatement session. Interestingly, we found that in the first extinction session, although the number of active pokes did not change, the locomotor activity was significantly lower than in the last acquisition session, and this decrease can be maintained for at least six days. Finally, morphine priming enhanced the locomotor activity during the reinstatement test, regardless of if the active pokes were significantly increased or not. Our results clearly suggest that locomotor activity, which may reflect the pharmacological effects of morphine, is different from drug seeking behavior and is a distinctive index in drug self-administration.

Preliminary Criteria for Global Flares in Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PubMed Central

Brunner, Hermine I.; Mina, Rina; Pilkington, Clarissa; Beresford, Michael W.; Reiff, Andreas; Levy, Deborah M.; Tucker, Lori B.; Eberhard, B. Anne; Ravelli, Angelo; Schanberg, Laura E.; Saad-Magalhaes, Claudia; Higgins, Gloria C.; Onel, Karen; Singer, Nora G.; von Scheven, Emily; Itert, Lukasz; Klein-Gitelman, Marisa S.; Punaro, Marilynn; Ying, Jun; Giannini, Edward H.

2011-01-01

Objectives To develop widely acceptable preliminary criteria of global flare for childhood-onset SLE (cSLE). Methods Pediatric rheumatologists (n=138) rated a total of 358 unique patient profiles (PP) with information about the cSLE flare descriptors (cSLE-FD) from two consecutive visits: patient global assessment of well-being, physician global assessment of disease activity (MD-global), health-related quality of life, anti-dsDNA antibodies, disease activity index score, protein/creatinine (P/C) ratio, complement levels and ESR. Based on 2996 rater responses about the course of cSLE (baseline vs. follow-up) the accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) of candidate flare criteria was assessed. An international consensus conference was held to rank these candidate flare criteria as per the ACR-recommendations for the development and validation of criteria sets. Results The highest ranked candidate criteria considered absolute changes (Δ) of the SLEDAI or BILAG, MD-global, P/C ratio, and ESR; Flare scores can be calculated [0.5 × ΔSLEDAI + 0.45 × ΔP/C ratio + 0.5 × ΔMD-global + 0.02 × ΔESR], where values ≥ 1.04 are reflective of a flare. Similarly, BILAG-based flare scores [0.4 × ΔBILAG + 0.65 × ΔP/C ratio + 0.5 × ΔMD-global + 0.02 × ΔESR] of ≥ 1.15 were diagnostic of a flare. Flare scores increase with flare severity. Conclusions Consensus has been reached on preliminary criteria for global flares in cSLE. Further validation studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of the cSLE flare criteria in research and for clinical care. PMID:21618452

The green corona database and the coronal index of solar activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minarovjech, M.; Rušin, V.; Saniga, M.

2011-10-01

The green coronal line Fe XIV 530.3 nm ranks amongst the most pronounced emission lines in the visible part of the solar spectrum. Its observations outside solar eclipses started sporadically in 1939 (the Arosa coronal station), being extended, in 1946, to more coronal stations. It was found that the green corona intensities vary with solar cycle, so they are a good candidate to express solar activity in the corona. Several attempts have been made to create a single homogeneous coronal data set from different coronal stations. We will present our homogeneous coronal data set, based on the Lomnický Štít photometric scale. Also, the coronal index of solar activity as created from this database in the period 1939—2010 will be discussed.

Anti-nucleosome antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: potential utility as a diagnostic tool and disease activity marker and its comparison with anti-dsDNA antibody.

PubMed

Saigal, Renu; Goyal, Laxmi Kant; Agrawal, Abhishek; Mehta, Archna; Mittal, Pradeep; Yadav, R N; Meena, P D; Wadhvani, Dilip

2013-06-01

To compare the utility of anti-nucleosome antibodies and anti-dsDNA antibodies in diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and as a marker of disease activity. This is a hospital based observational study among 40 (37 females and 3 males) selected cases of SLE (> or = 4 ACR criteria) and 80 control. 40 cases of other systemic autoimmune disease (SAD) [e g. 29 cases of Rheumatoid arthritis, 4 cases of Systemic sclerosis/scleroderma, 4 cases of Sjögren syndrome, 3 cases of MCTD and 40 Healthy blood were taken as control. From each patient venous blood samples were collected and submitted for anti-nucleosome and anti-dsDNA antibodies assay by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-nucleosome antibodies were positive in 19 (47.5%) SLE, 02 (05%) other SAD and none of the healthy persons. Anti dsDNA antibodies were positive in 15 (37.5%) SLE patients, 07 (17.5%) other SAD and 01(2.5%) healthy persons. For diagnosis of SLE, sensitivity of anti-ds DNA and anti-nucleosome antibody was found to be 37.5% and 47.50% respectively. The specificity of anti-nucleosome was 100% and that of anti-dsDNA was 97.50%. So, anti-nucleosome antibody test is more specific and more sensitive for diagnosis of SLE than anti-dsDNA. When SLE cases were compared with SAD, sensitivity of anti-dsDNA and anti-nucleosome antibody, for diagnosis of SLE, found to be 37.50% and 47.50% respectively but the specificity of anti-nucleosome was 95% and that of anti-dsDNA was 82.50%. Both antibodies show positive correlation with SLEDAI score .The correlation coefficient was stronger for anti-dsDNA antibodies (r = +0.550, P = < .001) than anti-nucleosome antibodies (r = +0.332, P = < .05) CONCLUSIONS: Anti-nucleosome antibodies show higher positivity than anti-dsDNA antibodies among SLE than other SAD and healthy population. Anti-nucleosome antibodies are more sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of SLE than anti-dsDNA antibodies. Anti-nucleosome and anti-dsDNA both show positive

Ionospheric reflection of the magnetic activity described by the index η

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dziak-Jankowska, Beata; Stanisławska, Iwona; Ernst, Tomasz; Tomasik, Łukasz

2011-09-01

Differences in the external part of the vertical geomagnetic component point to the existence of local inhomogeneities in the magnetosphere or the ionosphere. Usually used magnetic indices are not sufficient to express the state of ionosphere, the common used global Kp index derived in the three-hour interval does not indicate much more rapidly changes appearing in ionosphere. Magnetic index η reflects ionospheric disturbances when other indices show very quiet conditions. Data of ionospheric characteristics (foE, foEs, h'E, h'F2) during 28-day long quiet day conditions (Kp = 0-2) in 2004 were analyzed. The correlations between strong local disturbances in ionosphere during very quiet days and high values of magnetic index η were found. The most sensitive to magnetic influence - ionospheric E layer data (foE characteristic) - reaches median deviations up to (+0.8 MHz and -0.8 MHz) during very low magnetic activity (Kp = 0-1). The high peaks (2-2.7) of the magnetic index η correlate in time with large local median deviations of foE. Such local deviations can suggest local inhomogeneities (vertical drifts) in the ionosphere. The correlation in space is not trivial. The strong peak of η is situated between the positive and negative deviations of foE. Additional observation is connected with correlation in time of the high η value with the negative median deviations of h'F2 (in some cases up to -90 km). The analysis was based on one-minute data recorded at each of 20 European Magnetic Observatories working in the INTERMAGNET network and from 19 ionosondes for 2004. Ionospheric data are sparse in time and in space in opposite to the magnetic data. The map of the magnetic indices can suggest the behavior of ionospheric characteristics in the areas where we have no data.

Urban sprawl, physical activity, and body mass index: Nurses' Health Study and Nurses' Health Study II.

PubMed

James, Peter; Troped, Philip J; Hart, Jaime E; Joshu, Corinne E; Colditz, Graham A; Brownson, Ross C; Ewing, Reid; Laden, Francine

2013-02-01

We evaluated the association between the county sprawl index, a measure of residential density and street accessibility, and physical activity and body mass index (BMI). We conducted a multilevel cross-sectional analysis in a sample of Nurses' Health Study participants living throughout the United States in 2000 to 2001 (n = 136 592). In analyses adjusted for age, smoking status, race, and husband's education, a 1-SD (25.7) increase in the county sprawl index (indicating a denser, more compact county) was associated with a 0.13 kilograms per meters squared (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.18, -0.07) lower BMI and 0.41 (95% CI = 0.17, 0.65) more metabolic equivalent (MET) hours per week of total physical activity, 0.26 (95% CI = 0.19, 0.33) more MET hours per week of walking, and 0.47 (95% CI = 0.34, 0.59) more MET hours per week of walking, bicycling, jogging, and running. We detected potential effect modification for age, previous disease status, husband's education level (a proxy for socioeconomic status), and race. Our results suggest that living in a dense, compact county may be conducive to higher levels of physical activity and lower BMI in women.

Index to NASA tech briefs, 1973. [technology transfer of research and development activities chemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

Short announcements of technology derived from the research and development activities of NASA or the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission are issued to encourage commercial application. Emphasis is placed on information considered likely to be transferrable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines. Abstracts and indexes are given.

High-cadence nowcast of a proxy K-type index of the local magnetic activity for improved space weather monitoring applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stankov, S.; Verhulst, T. G. W.; Sapundjiev, D.

2016-12-01

The K index is a quasi-logarithmic index characterizing the 3-hourly range in the transient geomagnetic field activity at a certain location relative to its regular "quiet-day" variation. It is a popular choice among researchers; however, the 3-hour time scale is much larger than the characteristic time of various phenomena associated with an elevated geomagnetic activity. These include disturbances in the ionosphere that are of particular interest because of their (adverse) effects on present-day radio communications and navigation practices. From this aspect, there is an on-going demand for services providing real-time assessment of the (local and global) magnetic activity and alerting the users for the purpose of taking mitigating actions. An obstacle to the real-time estimation of the K index stems from the fact that the original definition of this index postulates the use of measurements from both sides of the abovementioned 3-hour interval. We offer a method for estimating, in real time, the local magnetic activity via a K-type index (K*) which closely resembles the "classical" K index. The main difference is in the way of determining the solar regular variation of the geomagnetic field - the new, real-time approach uses data from past measurements only. Another difference is that the concept of fixed 3-hour time periods (0-3, 3-6, …, 21-24), each characterized with a single K value, is abolished; instead, in the new approach, a K* value is derived at any time using data from the most recent 3 hours. Following this approach, a novel nowcast system was developed based on a fully automated computer procedure for real-time digital magnetogram data acquisition, data screening, establishing the field's regular variation, calculating the K* index, and issuing an alert if storm-level activity is indicated. The nominal cadence is envisaged to be as high as one K* value per minute. Another important feature of this nowcast system is the strict control on the data

Severe disease presentation and poor outcomes among pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus patients in South Africa

PubMed Central

Lewandowski, Laura B; Schanberg, Laura E; Thielman, Nathan; Phuti, Angel; Kalla, Asgar A; Okpechi, Ikechi; Nourse, Peter; Gajjar, Priya; Faller, Gail; Ambaram, Priya; Reuter, Helmuth; Spittal, Graeme; Scott, Christiaan

2016-01-01

Background Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a life-threatening multisystem autoimmune disease that is more severe in patients of African ancestry and children, yet pediatric SLE (pSLE) on the African continent has been understudied. This study describes a cohort of pediatric SLE (PULSE) patients in South Africa (SA). Methods Patients with a diagnosis of SLE (1997 American College of Rheumatology criteria) diagnosed prior to age 19 years in Cape Town, South Africa, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from September 2013 to December 2014. Information on clinical and serologic characteristics was extracted from medical records. Results were compared to a well-described North American pSLE cohort. Results Seventy-two SA patients were enrolled in the study; mean age 11.5 years, 82% female. The racial distribution was 68% Coloured, 24% Black, 5% White, and 3% Asian/Indian. Most patients presented with severe lupus nephritis (LN) documented by renal biopsy (61%). Of patients with LN, 63% presented with International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) class III or IV. Patients in the PULSE cohort were more likely to be treated with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and azathioprine. The PULSE cohort had high disease activity at diagnosis (mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2K [SLEDAI-2K] 20.6). The SLEDAI-2K at enrollment in the PULSE cohort (5.0) did not differ from the North American pSLE cohort (4.8). Sixty three % of PULSE cohort had end organ damage with System Lupus International Collaborating Clinic-Damage Index (SLICC-DI) score >0 (mean SLICC-DI 1.9), compared to 23% in a previously reported US cohort. Within the PULSE cohort, 9 (13%) developed ESRD with 6 (8%) requiring transplant, strikingly higher than North American peers (transplant rate <1%). Conclusions The PULSE cohort had highly active multiorgan disease at diagnosis and significant disease damage at enrollment in the SA registry. SA patients have

Severe disease presentation and poor outcomes among pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus patients in South Africa.

PubMed

Lewandowski, L B; Schanberg, L E; Thielman, N; Phuti, A; Kalla, A A; Okpechi, I; Nourse, P; Gajjar, P; Faller, G; Ambaram, P; Reuter, H; Spittal, G; Scott, C

2017-02-01

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a life-threatening multisystem autoimmune disease that is more severe in patients of African ancestry and children, yet pediatric SLE on the African continent has been understudied. This study describes a cohort of pediatric SLE (PULSE) patients in South Africa. Methods Patients with a diagnosis of SLE (1997 American College of Rheumatology criteria) diagnosed prior to age 19 years in Cape Town, South Africa, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from September 2013 to December 2014. Information on clinical and serological characteristics was extracted from medical records. Results were compared to a well-described North American pediatric SLE cohort. Results Seventy-two South African patients were enrolled in the study; mean age 11.5 years; 82% were girls. The racial distribution was 68% Coloured, 24% Black, 5% White and 3% Asian/Indian. Most patients presented with severe lupus nephritis documented by renal biopsy (61%). Of patients with lupus nephritis, 63% presented with International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society class III or IV. Patients in the PULSE cohort were more likely to be treated with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and azathioprine. The PULSE cohort had high disease activity at diagnosis (mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2K (SLEDAI-2K) 20.6). The SLEDAI-2K at enrolment in the PULSE cohort (5.0) did not differ from the North American pediatric SLE cohort (4.8). Sixty-three per cent of the PULSE cohort had end organ damage with Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SLICC-DI) score >0 (mean SLICC-DI 1.9), compared to 23% in a previously reported US cohort. Within the PULSE cohort, nine (13%) developed end-stage renal disease with six (8%) requiring transplant, strikingly higher than North American peers (transplant rate <1%). Conclusions The PULSE cohort had highly active multiorgan disease at diagnosis and significant disease damage

The impact of obesity in systemic lupus erythematosus on disease parameters, quality of life, functional capacity and the risk of atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Rizk, Amal; Gheita, Tamer A; Nassef, Sahar; Abdallah, Abeer

2012-06-01

To study the effect of obesity on the quality of life (QoL), functional capacity and the risk of carotid atherosclerotic plaque formation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and to correlate the findings with disease parameters, activity and damage. Sixty SLE patients were clinically examined, investigated and their carotid intima media thickness (IMT) measured by ultrasonography. Assessment of the QoL, Health Assessment Questionnaire(HAQ-II), fatigue severity scale (FSS), the disease activity using Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and the damage by Systemic Lupus International Collaboration Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) damage index were performed on all patients. Patients were grouped according to their body mass index (BMI). The mean age of the patients was 28.55 8.08 years, disease duration 6.49 5.18 years with a female : male ratio of 5.67 : 1. There was a significant association of increased BMI with lupus nephritis and hypertension. In obese SLE patients, there was a significant decrease in QoL and functional capacity and obvious dyslipidemia. The IMT was increased and significantly correlated with waist circumference. In SLE patients, there is an association of BMI with dyslipidemia and decreased QoL. Its role in disease activity is not clear and obesity was associated with SLE damage accrual, especially lupus nephritis among other risk factors, including age, disease duration and increased steroid use. Increased waist circumference increases the risk of atherosclerosis.

Validation of the "German Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index (GIBDI)": An Instrument for Patient-Based Disease Activity Assessment in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

PubMed

Hüppe, Angelika; Langbrandtner, Jana; Häuser, Winfried; Raspe, Heiner; Bokemeyer, Bernd

2018-05-09

 Assessment of disease activity in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is usually based on the physician's evaluation of clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings, and biomarker analysis. The German Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index for CD (GIBDI CD ) and UC (GIBDI UC ) uses data from patient-reported questionnaires. It is unclear to what extent the GIBDI agrees with the physicians' documented activity indices.  Data from 2 studies were reanalyzed. In both, gastroenterologists had documented disease activity in UC with the partial Mayo Score (pMS) and in CD with the Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI). Patient-completed GIBDI questionnaires had also been assessed. The analysis sample consisted of 151 UC and 150 CD patients. Kappa coefficients were determined as agreement measurements.  Rank correlations were 0.56 (pMS, GIBDI UC ) and 0.57 (HBI, GIBDI CD ), with p < 0.001. The absolute agreement for 2 categories of disease activity (remission yes/no) was 74.2 % (UC) and 76.6 % (CD), and for 4 categories (none/mild/moderate/severe) 60.3 % (UC) and 61.9 % (CD). The kappa values ranged between 0.47 for UC (2 categories) and 0.58 for CD (4 categories).  There is satisfactory agreement of GIBDI with the physician-documented disease activity indices. GIBDI can be used in health care research without access to assessments of medical practitioners. In clinical practice, the index offers a supplementary source of information. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Posterior versus frontal theta activity indexes approach motivation during affective autobiographical memories.

PubMed

Walden, K; Pornpattananangkul, N; Curlee, A; McAdams, D P; Nusslock, R

2015-03-01

Research has recently identified a promising neurophysiological marker of approach motivation involving posterior versus frontal (Pz - Fz) electroencephalographic (EEG) theta activity PFTA; Wacker, Chavanon, & Stemmler (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 91:171-187, 2006). Preliminary evidence indicated that PFTA is modulated by dopaminergic activity, thought to underlie appetitive tendencies, and that it indexes self-reported behavioral activation system (BAS) sensitivity. To date, research has largely relied on resting indices of PFTA and has yet to examine the relationship between PFTA and specific approach-related affective states generated by emotionally salient laboratory tasks. Accordingly, the present study evaluated PFTA both at rest and during an ecologically valid autobiographical memory task in which participants recalled personal life experiences involving a goal-striving, an anxious apprehension, a low-point (i.e., difficult), and a neutral memory while EEG data were recorded. In line with prediction, elevated PFTA was observed during both goal-striving and anxious apprehension autobiographical memories. PFTA was particularly elevated during anxious apprehension memories coded as being high on approach-related tendencies. Elevated PFTA during anxious apprehension is consistent with a growing literature indicating that anxious apprehension is associated with elevated approach- and reward-related brain function. Lastly, elevated resting PFTA was positively correlated with self-reported trait anger, a negatively valenced emotion characterized by approach-related tendencies. These results have implications for (a) enhancing our understanding of the neurophysiology of approach-related emotions, (b) establishing PFTA as an index of appetitive motivational states, and (c) clarifying our understanding of the neurophysiology and approach-related tendencies associated with both anxious apprehension and anger.

The effects of rituximab on the lipid profile of patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus: results from a nationwide cohort in Spain (LESIMAB).

PubMed

Fernández-Nebro, A; Marenco, J L; López-Longo, F; Galindo, M; Hernández-Cruz, B E; Narváez, J; Rúa-Figueroa, I; Raya-Alvarez, E; Zea, A; Freire, M; Sánchez-Atrio, A I; García-Vicuña, R; Pego-Reigosa, J M; Manrique-Arija, S; Nieves-Martín, L; Carreño, L

2014-09-01

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased cardiovascular risk related to lipid changes induced by inflammatory activity, proteinuria and treatments. Our objective was to analyse lipid changes in a cohort of patients with SLE resistant to standard treatments who were treated with rituximab. The study population comprised a retrospective multicentre, national cohort of patients with SLE resistant to standard treatments who were treated with rituximab. The basic lipid profile, concomitant treatment and disease activity were analysed at the start of the treatment, 24 weeks later, and at the end of the follow-up period. The effects of the main lupus variables and therapy on the lipid changes were analysed. Seventy-nine patients with active lupus treated with rituximab were assessed during 149.3 patient-years. Prior to the treatment, 69% had dyslipidaemia. The most frequent abnormalities were a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level of ≥100 mg/dl (34%) and a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level of <50 mg/dl (27%). Baseline total cholesterol (TC) and LDL levels correlated with the degree of proteinuria, while the concentration of triglycerides (TGs) correlated with the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). TGs were reduced at short- and long-term follow-up after rituximab treatment. A multiple linear regression analysis identified that the reduction of the lupus inflammatory activity, particularly changes in proteinuria, was the only independent variable that was positively associated with the reduction in TGs after 24 weeks (p=0.001) and with TC (p=0.005) and TGs (p<0.001) at the end of the follow-up period. Our results suggest that rituximab may improve the long-term lipid profile of patients with SLE refractory to standard treatment, mainly by reducing inflammatory activity. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Metabolic syndrome in Iranian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its determinants.

PubMed

Fatemi, Alimohammad; Ghanbarian, Azadeh; Sayedbonakdar, Zahra; Kazemi, Mehdi; Smiley, Abbas

2018-06-01

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Iranian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its determinants. In a cross-sectional study, 98 patients with SLE and 95 controls were enrolled. Prevalence of MetS was determined based on American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI) and 2009 harmonizing criteria. In addition, demographic features and lupus characteristics such as disease duration, pharmacological treatment, laboratory data, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage index (SDI) were recorded. The predictors of MetS were obtained by backward stepwise regression analysis. Using AHA/NHLBI, MetS was observed in 35 (35.7%) patients and 28 (29.8%) controls (P = 0.4). Using harmonizing criteria, MetS was observed in 37 (37.7%) patients and 33 (35.1%) controls (P = 0.7). There was no difference in frequency distribution of MetS components between the patients and the controls. In multivariate regression analysis, low C3, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and body mass index were independent determinants of MetS in lupus patients. BUN, low C3, and body mass index were the major determinants of MetS in lupus patients.

Evaluation of a new paleosecular variation activity index as a diagnostic tool for geomagnetic field variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panovska, Sanja; Constable, Catherine

2015-04-01

Geomagnetic indices like Dst, K and A, have been used since the early twentieth century to characterize activity in the external part of the modern geomagnetic field and as a diagnostic for space weather. These indices reflect regional and global activity and serve as a proxy for associated physical processes. However, no such tools are yet available for the internal geomagnetic field driven by the geodynamo in Earth's liquid outer core. To some extent this reflects limited spatial and temporal sampling for longer timescales associated with paleomagnetic secular variation, but recent efforts in both paleomagnetic data gathering and modeling activity suggest that longer term characterization of the internal geomagnetic weather/climate and its variability would be useful. Specifically, we propose an index for activity in paleosecular variation, useful as both a local and global measure of field stability during so-called normal secular variation and as a means of identifying more extreme behavior associated with geomagnetic excursions and reversals. To date, geomagnetic excursions have been identified by virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs) deviating more than some conventional limit from the geographic pole (often 45 degrees), and/or by periods of significant intensity drops below some critical value, for example 50% of the present-day field. We seek to establish a quantitative definition of excursions in paleomagnetic records by searching for synchronous directional deviations and lows in relative paleointensity. We combine paleointensity variations with deviations from the expected geocentric axial dipole (GAD) inclination in a single parameter, which we call the paleosecular variation (PSV) activity index. This new diagnostic can be used on any geomagnetic time series (individual data records, model predictions, spherical harmonic coefficients, etc.) to characterize the level of paleosecular variation activity, find excursions, or even study incipient reversals

Prospective and Bidirectional Cross-Sectional Associations between Body Mass Index and Physical Activity following Liposuction: A Cohort Study.

PubMed

Valente, Denis Souto; Padoin, Alexandre Vontobel; Carvalho, Lauro Aita; Pereira Filho, Gustavo de Azambuja; Ribeiro, Vinicius Weissheimer; Zanella, Rafaela Koehler

2016-07-01

It has been speculated that the immediate decrease in body fat following liposuction may affect body composition by feedback mechanisms of body fat regain. Physical activity has both short- and long-term impacts on health. Although the lay public often associates higher levels of physical activity with body fat distribution changes, studies on the association between physical activity and body fat distribution present inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective associations between physical activity and body mass index following liposuction. This is a prospective, bidirectional, cross-sectional study, including 526 liposuction patients, who were followed up at a mean of 11.7 and 24.3 months after surgery. The sum of skinfolds at 11.7 months was highly correlated with skinfolds at 24.3 months (rho = 0.74, p < 0.001). More than 85 percent of participants remained in the same quintile or changed by not more than one quintile during the 13.6-month period. Tracking of physical activity was considerably lower but still significant; the correlation was 0.24 (p < 0.001), and 61.4 percent of the patients moved one or less quintiles. In fully adjusted models, no significant cross-sectional or longitudinal associations were found between physical activity and body mass index. The authors provide evidence of tracking of physical activity and particularly body mass index following liposuction. The authors' results do not support the hypothesis that physical activity and fatness are strongly related following liposuction.

Urban Sprawl, Physical Activity, and Body Mass Index: Nurses’ Health Study and Nurses’ Health Study II

PubMed Central

Troped, Philip J.; Hart, Jaime E.; Joshu, Corinne E.; Colditz, Graham A.; Brownson, Ross C.; Ewing, Reid; Laden, Francine

2013-01-01

Objectives. We evaluated the association between the county sprawl index, a measure of residential density and street accessibility, and physical activity and body mass index (BMI). Methods. We conducted a multilevel cross-sectional analysis in a sample of Nurses’ Health Study participants living throughout the United States in 2000 to 2001 (n = 136 592). Results. In analyses adjusted for age, smoking status, race, and husband’s education, a 1-SD (25.7) increase in the county sprawl index (indicating a denser, more compact county) was associated with a 0.13 kilograms per meters squared (95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.18, −0.07) lower BMI and 0.41 (95% CI = 0.17, 0.65) more metabolic equivalent (MET) hours per week of total physical activity, 0.26 (95% CI = 0.19, 0.33) more MET hours per week of walking, and 0.47 (95% CI = 0.34, 0.59) more MET hours per week of walking, bicycling, jogging, and running. We detected potential effect modification for age, previous disease status, husband’s education level (a proxy for socioeconomic status), and race. Conclusions. Our results suggest that living in a dense, compact county may be conducive to higher levels of physical activity and lower BMI in women. PMID:22698015

Total RNA concentration as an index of microbial activity and oxygen supply in an oxidation ditch.

PubMed

Kanazawa, Nobuhiro; Urushigawa, Yoshikuni; Yato, Yumio

2005-06-01

Total RNA and chromosomal DNA concentrations at a municipal wastewater treatment plant with an oxidation ditch (OD) were monitored for 1.5 years using commercial extraction kits for DNA and RNA. No parameters correlated with the chromosomal DNA concentration. The total RNA concentration exhibited better correlation than the solids retention time and the mixed liquor suspended solids with the removal rate of total organic carbon, and can be regarded as an index of microbial activity. The total RNA concentration varied with a cycle of one year and increased at lower water temperatures in this OD. When diffusion theory was taken into account, it was found that the oxygen dissolution rate increased at lower temperature, and a small change in the oxygen dissolution rate caused a large variation in microbial activity and also affected nitrification and denitrification. The information was insufficient to clarify the various reaction relationships, but total RNA concentration will likely be useful as an index of microbial activity in actual wastewater treatment reactors.

Evaluating the biological activity of oil-polluted soils using a complex index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabirov, R. R.; Kireeva, N. A.; Kabirov, T. R.; Dubovik, I. Ye.; Yakupova, A. B.; Safiullina, L. M.

2012-02-01

A complex index characterizing the biological activity of soils (BAS) is suggested. It is based on an estimate of the level of activity of catalase; the number of heterotrophic and hydrocarbon oxidizing microorganisms, microscopic fungi, algae, and cyanobacteria; and the degree of development of higher plants and insects in the studied soil. The data on using the BAS coefficient for evaluating the efficiency of rehabilitation measures for oil-polluted soils are given. Such measures included introducing the following biological preparations: Lenoil based on a natural consortium of microorganisms Bacillus brevis and Arthrobacter sp.; the Azolen biofertilizer with complex action based on Azotobacter vinelandii; the Belvitamil biopreparation, which is the active silt of pulp and paper production; and a ready-mixed industrial association of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms that contains hydrocarbon oxidizing microorganisms of the Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Candida, Desulfovibrio, and Pseudomonas genera.

Effect of Physically Active Academic Lessons on Body Mass Index and Physical Fitness in Primary School Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Greeff, Johannes W.; Hartman, Esther; Mullender-Wijnsma, Marijke J.; Bosker, Roel J.; Doolaard, Simone; Visscher, Chris

2016-01-01

Background: Preventing overweight and improving physical fitness in primary school children is a worldwide challenge, and physically active intervention programs usually come with the cost of academic instruction time. This study aimed to investigate effects of physically active academic lessons on body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness in…

Peripheral CD24hi CD27+ CD19+ B cells subset as a potential biomarker in naïve systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Jin, Lin; Weiqian, Chen; Lihuan, Yue

2013-12-01

B cells are likely to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our aim was to investigate the role of peripheral CD24(hi) CD27(+) CD19(+) B cells in Chinese patients with new-onset SLE. Peripheral CD24(hi) CD27(+) CD19(+) B cells were analyzed in 55 new-onset lupus and 36 healthy controls by flow cytometry. All SLE cases were treated with prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine during a 1-year follow-up. Thirteen cases were added with cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil. The CD24(hi) CD27(+) CD19(+) B cells were analyzed at days 0, 7, 14 and months 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12. Interleukin-10 (IL-10)-producing B cell was detected in eight naïve lupus and 10 healthy controls. Compared to healthy controls, the frequency and number of primary circulating CD24(hi) CD27(+) CD19(+) B cells was significantly reduced in SLE cases (8.22 ± 3.48% vs. 31.67 ± 5.53%, P < 0.0001; 4.04 ± 2.85 vs. 38.66 ± 10.22 10(3) cells/mL, P = 0.0001) before treatment; IL-10(+) CD19(+) B cells and IL-10(+) CD24(hi) CD27(+) CD19(+) B cells also decreased in SLE. Interestingly, primary CD24(hi) CD27(+) CD19(+) B cells inversely correlated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score. Patients with arthritis and hematologic disorders had a lower primary CD24(hi) CD27(+) CD19(+) B cells. In 48 SLE cases who finished the 1-year follow-up, the frequency and number of CD24(hi) CD27(+) CD19(+) B cells increased from 8.26 ± 3.61% to 25.51 ± 4.56%; 3.99 ± 2.86 to 28.64 ± 11.81 10(3) cells/mm(3) (P < 0.0001), accompanied by a significantly decreased SLEDAI score. Of note, CD24(hi) CD27(+) CD19(+) B cells decreased in some flare cases with an elevated SLEDAI score. These results demonstrate that a lower primary CD24(hi) CD27(+) CD19(+) B cells may be an immunologic aspect of new-onset SLE. CD24(hi) CD27(+) CD19(+) B cells may be a useful tool to evaluate lupus activity and monitor the response to therapy. © 2013 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology

Relation of body mass index and body fat mass for Spanish university students, taking into account leisure-time physical activity.

PubMed

Molina-García, Javier; Castillo, Isabel; Pablos, Carlos; Queralt, Ana

2009-04-01

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the relation of Body Mass Index with body fat mass while taking into account the amount of leisure-time physical activity for 299 male university students. Body fat mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. An estimation of energy expenditure in leisure-time physical activity in metabolic equivalents (METs) was obtained so participants were divided into six activity groups by percentile: no physical activity by the first group and participants physically active were divided into five groups by percentiles: < 25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, 76-90%, and 91-100%. Correlations of Body Mass Index with body fat mass were strong in different groups-values ranged from .76 to .85, except for the > 90% group.

Monitoring of ionospheric irregularities with multi-GNSS observations: a new ionosphere activity index and product services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ningbo; Li, Zishen; Yuan, Yunbin; Yuan, Hong

2017-04-01

Key words: Ionospheric irregularity, Rate of TEC (ROT), Rate of ROT index (RROT), GPS and GLONASS The ionospheric irregularities have a strong impact on many applications of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and other space-based radio systems. The rate of ionospheric total electron content (TEC) change index (ROTI, TECu/min), defined as the standard deviation of rate of TEC change (ROT) within a short time (e.g. 5 minutes), has been developed to describe the ionospheric irregularities and associated scintillations. However, ROT parameter may still contain the trend term of ionospheric TEC in spite of small-scale fluctuations. On the basis of single-differenced ROT (dROT) values, we develop a new ionosphere activity index, rate of ROT change index (RROT, TECu/min), to characterize the irregularity degree of the ionosphere. To illustrate the use of the index, we investigated the consistency between ROTI and RROT indexes, through the analysis of GPS data and S4 observations collected at two high-latitude stations of the northern hemisphere. It is confirmed that the correlation coefficients between RROT and S4 are higher than those between ROTI and S4 for the test period, meaning that the proposed RROT index is applicable to monitor the ionospheric irregularities and associated scintillations. RROT index can be easily calculated from dual-frequency GNSS signals (like GPS L1 and L2 carrier phase measurements). On the basis of GPS and GLONASS data provided by the IGS, ARGN, EPN and USCORS tracking networks (more than 1500 stations per day), absolute ROT (AROT), gradient of TEC index (GOTI), ROTI and RROT maps are generated to reflect the ionospheric irregularity activities. These maps are provided in an IONEX-like format on a global scale with a temporal resolution of 15 minutes and a spatial resolution of 5 and 2.5 degrees in longitude and latitude, respectively, and the maps with high spatial resolution (2x2 degrees) are also generated for European, Australia

Urinary Angiostatin - A Novel Putative Marker of Renal Pathology Chronicity in Lupus Nephritis*

PubMed Central

Wu, Tianfu; Du, Yong; Han, Jie; Singh, Sandeep; Xie, Chun; Guo, Yuyuan; Zhou, Xin J.; Ahn, Chul; Saxena, Ramesh; Mohan, Chandra

2013-01-01

There is a critical need to identify biomarkers for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) which has a high prevalence of renal failure. When urine from patients with lupus nephritis was recently screened for the levels of ∼280 molecules using an exploratory array-based proteomic platform, elevated angiostatin levels were noted. Angiostatin is a bioactive fragment of plasminogen, and has been known to have modulatory function in angiogenesis and inflammation. The significant elevation in urinary angiostatin was next validated in an independent cohort of SLE patients (n = 100) using ELISA. Among patients with SLE, urine angiostatin was significantly increased in active SLE compared with inactive SLE, correlating well with the SLEDAI disease activity index and SLICC renal activity score (r = 0.66, p < 0.0001). ROC curve analysis further confirmed that urinary angiostatin had the capacity to discriminate patients with active SLE from those with inactive disease. Patients with Class IV lupus nephritis exhibited the highest levels of urinary angiostatin. Immunohistochemistry staining localized angiostatin expression to the renal tubular cells in these patients. Finally, when paired urine-kidney samples procured concurrently from patients with LN were next examined, urine angiostatin levels correlated strongly with the renal pathology chronicity index, but not with the activity index. Given that Class IV lupus nephritis and renal pathology chronicity changes forebode poor renal and patient survival, urinary angiostatin emerges as a novel noninvasive marker of renal disease in SLE. Longitudinal studies are in progress to further assess the disease-predictive potential of urinary angiostatin. PMID:23345539

Sarcopenia is a risk factor for elevated aminotransferase in men independently of body mass index, dietary habits, and physical activity.

PubMed

Yoo, Ki Deok; Jun, Dae Won; Lee, Kang Nyeong; Lee, Hang Lak; Lee, Oh Young; Yoon, Byung Chul; Choi, Ho Soon

2015-04-01

Aminotransferase activity is a surrogate marker of liver injury showing strong correlations with obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, elevated aminotransferase activity is not uncommon in non-obese and non-alcoholic patients in clinical practice. To examine the relationship between sarcopenia and aminotransferase activity in a large population-based cohort. Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examinations were used. A total of 13,431 subjects were included. A whole-body dual X-ray absorptiometry scan was performed on each patient to measure total and regional muscle mass. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass indices were also obtained. The prevalence of sarcopenia was significantly higher in the group with elevated aminotransferase levels than in the normal liver enzyme group (males: 26.5% vs. 16.9%; females: 38.3% vs. 22.1%, p<0.05). The skeletal muscle index was negatively correlated with most cardiometabolic risk factors, including fasting glucose and cholesterol levels. The frequency of elevated aminotransferase increased in male patients with sarcopenia after adjusting for potential confounding factors including age, body mass index, fasting glucose level, dietary, and exercise habits. However, the correlation was no longer observed in women after adjusting for body mass index. Sarcopenia is a risk factor for elevated aminotransferase in men, independently of body mass index, dietary habits, and physical activity. Copyright © 2015 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the college alumnus questionnaire physical activity index with objective monitoring.

PubMed

Strath, Scott J; Bassett, David R; Swartz, Ann M

2004-07-01

Two methods of measuring physical activity (PA) were compared over a consecutive 7-day period among 25 adults (12 men and 13 women). Each day estimates of energy expended in light, moderate, vigorous, and total PA were derived from the simultaneous heart-rate motion sensor (HR+M) technique. At the end of the 7-day period participants completed the College Alumnus Questionnaire Physical Activity Index (CAQ-PAI) and results were compared with HR+M technique estimates. Correlations between the two methods in the four activity categories ranged from r=0.20 to r=0.47, with vigorous and total PA showing higher associations than light and moderate PA. Mean levels of PA (MET-minxwk(-1)) obtained using the two methods were similar in the moderate and vigorous categories, but individual differences were large. Energy expended in light PA was significantly underestimated on the CAQ-PAI, resulting in lower total activity scores on this questionnaire as compared with the HR+M. The CAQ-PAI accurately reflected mean moderate and vigorous activity in comparison with the HR+M technique. The results are consistent with other studies which have shown that physical activity questionnaires are better at assessing vigorous PA than ubiquitous light-moderate activities.

Cross-cultural validation of Lupus Impact Tracker in five European clinical practice settings.

PubMed

Schneider, Matthias; Mosca, Marta; Pego-Reigosa, José-Maria; Gunnarsson, Iva; Maurel, Frédérique; Garofano, Anna; Perna, Alessandra; Porcasi, Rolando; Devilliers, Hervé

2017-05-01

The aim was to evaluate the cross-cultural validity of the Lupus Impact Tracker (LIT) in five European countries and to assess its acceptability and feasibility from the patient and physician perspectives. A prospective, observational, cross-sectional and multicentre validation study was conducted in clinical settings. Before the visit, patients completed LIT, Short Form 36 (SF-36) and care satisfaction questionnaires. During the visit, physicians assessed disease activity [Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment (SELENA)-SLEDAI], organ damage [SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI)] and flare occurrence. Cross-cultural validity was assessed using the Differential Item Functioning method. Five hundred and sixty-nine SLE patients were included by 25 specialists; 91.7% were outpatients and 89.9% female, with mean age 43.5 (13.0) years. Disease profile was as follows: 18.3% experienced flares; mean SELENA-SLEDAI score 3.4 (4.5); mean SDI score 0.8 (1.4); and SF-36 mean physical and mental component summary scores: physical component summary 42.8 (10.8) and mental component summary 43.0 (12.3). Mean LIT score was 34.2 (22.3) (median: 32.5), indicating that lupus moderately impacted patients' daily life. A cultural Differential Item Functioning of negligible magnitude was detected across countries (pseudo- R 2 difference of 0.01-0.04). Differences were observed between LIT scores and Physician Global Assessment, SELENA-SLEDAI, SDI scores = 0 (P < 0.035) and absence of flares (P = 0.004). The LIT showed a strong association with SF-36 physical and social role functioning, vitality, bodily pain and mental health (P < 0.001). The LIT was well accepted by patients and physicians. It was reliable, with Cronbach α coefficients ranging from 0.89 to 0.92 among countries. The LIT is validated in the five participating European countries. The results show its reliability and cultural invariability across countries. They suggest that LIT can be used in routine

Influence of body mass index, gender, and Hispanic ethnicity on physical activity in urban children.

PubMed

Wright, Kynna N

2011-04-01

This community-based participatory research study examined the association between overweight status and activity among Hispanic urban, school-age children. In a sample of 140 children, activities were assessed using the Youth Risk Behavior Survey's questions about physical activity (PA) and team sports. Thirty-nine percent were overweight (body mass index [BMI] >85%). Normal-weight children had higher levels of PA and team sports. Females had lower levels of PA and team sports. Significant associations included BMI and sports team participation, and BMI and Hispanic ethnicity. Nurses should be aware that Hispanic urban children are at risk for lower activity. © 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mood Disorders in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PubMed Central

Hanly, John G.; Su, Li; Urowitz, Murray B.; Romero-Diaz, Juanita; Gordon, Caroline; Bae, Sang-Cheol; Bernatsky, Sasha; Clarke, Ann E.; Wallace, Daniel J.; Merrill, Joan T.; Isenberg, David A.; Rahman, Anisur; Ginzler, Ellen M.; Petri, Michelle; Bruce, Ian N.; Dooley, M. A.; Fortin, Paul; Gladman, Dafna D.; Sanchez-Guerrero, Jorge; Steinsson, Kristjan; Ramsey-Goldman, Rosalind; Khamashta, Munther A.; Aranow, Cynthia; Alarcón, Graciela S.; Fessler, Barri J.; Manzi, Susan; Nived, Ola; Sturfelt, Gunnar K.; Zoma, Asad A.; van Vollenhoven, Ronald F.; Ramos-Casals, Manuel; Ruiz-Irastorza, Guillermo; Lim, S. Sam; Kalunian, Kenneth C.; Inanc, Murat; Kamen, Diane L.; Peschken, Christine A.; Jacobsen, Soren; Askanase, Anca; Theriault, Chris; Thompson, Kara; Farewell, Vernon

2015-01-01

Objective To determine the frequency, clinical and autoantibody associations and outcome of mood disorders in a multi-ethnic/racial, prospective, inception cohort of SLE patients. Methods Patients were assessed annually for mood disorders (4 types as per DSM-IV) and 18 other neuropsychiatric (NP) events. Global disease activity (SLEDAI-2K), SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI) and SF-36 subscale, mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) component summary scores were collected. Time to event, linear and ordinal regressions and multi-state models were used as appropriate. Results Of 1,827 SLE patients, 88.9% were female, 48.9% Caucasian, mean ± SD age 35.1±13.3 years, disease duration 5.6±4.8 months and follow-up 4.73±3.45 years. Over the study 863 (47.2%) patients had 1,627 NP events. Mood disorders occurred in 232/1827 (12.7%) patients and 98/256 (38.3%) events were attributed to SLE. The estimated cumulative incidence of any mood disorder after 10 years was 17.7% (95%CI=[15.1%,20.2%]). There was a greater risk of mood disorder in patients with concurrent NP events (p ≤ 0.01) and lower risk with Asian race/ethnicity (p=0.01) and immunosuppressive drugs (p=0.003). Mood disorders were associated with lower mental health subscale and MCS scores but not with SLEDAI-2K, SDI scores or lupus autoantibodies. Antidepressants were used in 168/232 (72.4%) patients with depression. 126/256 (49.2%) mood disorders resolved in 117/232 (50.4%) patients. Conclusion Mood disorders, the second most frequent NP event in SLE patients, have a negative impact on HRQoL and improve over time. The lack of association with global SLE disease activity, cumulative organ damage and lupus autoantibodies emphasize their multifactorial etiology and a role for non-lupus specific therapies. PMID:25778456

The validity and reliability of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Quality of Life Questionnaire (L-QoL) in a Turkish population.

PubMed

Duruöz, M T; Unal, C; Toprak, C Sanal; Sezer, I; Yilmaz, F; Ulutatar, F; Atagündüz, P; Baklacioglu, H S

2017-12-01

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may have a profound impact on quality of life. There is increasing interest in measuring quality of life in lupus patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of SLE Quality of Life Questionnaire (L-QoL) in Turkish SLE patients. Methods SLE according to 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Classification Criteria were recruited into the study. Demographic data, clinical parameters and disease activity measured with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K); were noted. Nottingham Health Profile and Health Assessment Questionnaire were filled out in addition to the Turkish L-QoL (LQoL-TR). Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated. Results The mean age of participants was 43.55 ± 14.33 years and the mean disease duration was 89.8 ± 92.1 months. The patients filled out LQoL-TR in 2.5 min. Strong correlation of LQoL-TR with all subgroups of the Nottingham Health Profile and the Health Assessment Questionnaire were established showing the convergent validity. The highest correlation was demonstrated with emotional reactions (rho = 0.72) and sleep component (rho = 0.65) of the Nottingham Health Profile scale ( p < 0.0001). Its poor and not significant correlation with nonfunctional parameters (age, disease duration, perceived general health, SLEDAI-2K) showed its discriminative properties. LQoL-TR demonstrated good internal reliability with a Cronbach's α of 0.93 and test-retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.87. Conclusion The LQoL-TR is a practical and useful tool which demonstrates good validity and reliability.

Elevated Prostate Health Index (phi) and Biopsy Reclassification During Active Surveillance of Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Andreas, Darian; Tosoian, Jeffrey J; Landis, Patricia; Wolf, Sacha; Glavaris, Stephanie; Lotan, Tamara L; Schaeffer, Edward M; Sokoll, Lori J; Ross, Ashley E

2016-07-01

The Prostate Health Index (phi) has been FDA approved for decision-making regarding prostate biopsy. Phi has additionally been shown to positively correlate with tumor volume, extraprostatic disease and higher Gleason grade tumors. Here we describe a case in which an elevated phi encouraged biopsy of a gentleman undergoing active surveillance leading to reclassification of his disease as high risk prostate cancer.

Acetone leaf extracts of some South African trees with high activity against Escherichia coli also have good antimycobacterial activity and selectivity index.

PubMed

Elisha, Ishaku L; Botha, Francien S; Madikizela, Balungile; McGaw, Lyndy J; Eloff, Jacobus N

2017-06-19

Tuberculosis is a world-wide problem affecting humans and animals. There is increasing development of resistance of the pathogens to current antimycobacterial agents. Many authors have investigated activities of extracts and isolated compounds from plants. The traditional uses of plants have frequently been the criterion to select plants investigated. In this contribution, we investigate whether plant extracts with very good activity against Escherichia coli may also be active against mycobacteria. The antimycobacterial activity of eight South African tree leaf extracts with high activity against Escherichia coli were determined in vitro against Mycobacterium smegmatis, M. fortuitum and M. aurum, using a serial microdilution method. The cellular cytotoxicity was also determined by the MTT assay using Vero monkey kidney cells. The selectivity index was determined by dividing the cytotoxicity of extracts by MIC. The antimycobacterial activity of the extracts ranged from 0.02 to 2.5 mg/ml. Mycobacterium smegmatis was more sensitive to the extracts (Average MIC = 0.96 mg/ml) and Mycobacterium aurum was comparatively resistant (Average MIC = 2.04 mg/ml). The extracts of Cremaspora triflora had strong antimycobacterial activity with a MIC of 0.05 mg/ml that compared reasonably well with that of streptomycin (0.01 mg/ml) and rifampicin (0.03 mg/ml), p > 0.05. Cremaspora triflora had the best selectivity index of 2.87 against Mycobacterium fortuitum. The high activity of C. triflora extracts against the fast-growing mycobacteria and good cellular safety is promising. It may be interesting to investigate extracts against pathogenic M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and M. avium cultures and to isolate active antimycobacterial compounds.

The chronic damage in systemic lupus erythematosus is driven by flares, glucocorticoids and antiphospholipid antibodies: results from a monocentric cohort.

PubMed

Conti, F; Ceccarelli, F; Perricone, C; Leccese, I; Massaro, L; Pacucci, V A; Truglia, S; Miranda, F; Spinelli, F R; Alessandri, C; Valesini, G

2016-06-01

Literature data suggest a significantly higher mortality in patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developing chronic damage. Therefore, damage prevention is a major goal in the management of SLE patients. In the present study, we assessed damage by means of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborative Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) damage index (SDI), in a large cohort of SLE patients. Additionally, we aimed at evaluating its association with demographic and clinical features as well as with disease activity and laboratory findings. We enrolled consecutive patients affected by SLE diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997 revised criteria. Chronic damage was determined by SDI calculated at the last examination in all patients with at least six months of follow-up. Disease activity was assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K); flare was defined as an increase of SLEDAI-2K ≥ 4 compared with the previous visit. We evaluated 349 SLE patients (M/F 25/324, mean age ± SD 42.7 ± 12.4 years, mean disease duration ± SD 164.9 ± 105.2 months). Among the enrolled patients, 125 (35.8%) showed a SDI ≥ 1 (mean SDI ± SD 1.7 ± 0.9, range 0-5). The musculo-skeletal was the most frequently involved organ/system in SDI score (41/349 patients, 11.7%), with deforming/erosive arthritis in 21/349 (6.0%). The presence of chronic damage was associated with age (P < 0.001), disease duration (P < 0.001), number of flares (P = 0.02) and with the use of glucocorticoids (P = 0.02). The logistic regression analysis revealed the association between neuropsychiatric damage and antiphospholipid syndrome (P = 0.01, OR = 3.9) and between the presence of cardiovascular damage and anti-β2GPI antibodies (P = 0.01, OR 6.2). In the present study chronic damage was identified in about one third of SLE patients. The

Predicting fiber refractive index from a measured preform index profile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiiveri, P.; Koponen, J.; Harra, J.; Novotny, S.; Husu, H.; Ihalainen, H.; Kokki, T.; Aallos, V.; Kimmelma, O.; Paul, J.

2018-02-01

When producing fiber lasers and amplifiers, silica glass compositions consisting of three to six different materials are needed. Due to the varying needs of different applications, substantial number of different glass compositions are used in the active fiber structures. Often it is not possible to find material parameters for theoretical models to estimate thermal and mechanical properties of those glass compositions. This makes it challenging to predict accurately fiber core refractive index values, even if the preform index profile is measured. Usually the desired fiber refractive index value is achieved experimentally, which is expensive. To overcome this problem, we analyzed statistically the changes between the measured preform and fiber index values. We searched for correlations that would help to predict the Δn-value change from preform to fiber in a situation where we don't know the values of the glass material parameters that define the change. Our index change models were built using the data collected from preforms and fibers made by the Direct Nanoparticle Deposition (DND) technology.

Development and assessment of users' satisfaction with the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000 responder index-50 website.

PubMed

Touma, Zahi; Gladman, Dafna D; MacKinnon, Anne; Carette, Simon; Abu-Shakra, Mahmoud; Askanase, Anca; Nived, Ola; Hanly, John G; Landolt-Marticorena, Carolina; Tam, Lai-Shan; Toloza, Sergio; Nikpour, Mandana; Riddell, Claire; Steiman, Amanda; Eder, Lihi; Haddad, Amir; Barber, Claire; Urowitz, Murray B

2013-01-01

To describe the development of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 Responder Index-50 (S2K RI-50) Website (www.s2k-ri-50.com) and to assess satisfaction with its training and examination modules among rheumatologists and rheumatology fellows. The development of the Website occurred in 3 phases. The first was a deployment phase that consisted of preparing the site map along with its content. The content included the S2K RI-50 training manual, the tests and corresponding question bank, and the online adaptive training module, along with the extensive site testing. The second phase included the participation of rheumatologists and trainees who completed the Website modules. The third was a quality assurance phase in which an online survey was developed to determine the satisfaction level of its users. Further modifications were implemented per participants' recommendations. The site has been online since it was registered in September 2010. Fourteen rheumatologists and rheumatology trainees from different centers reviewed and completed the material contained in the Website. The survey revealed acceptance among rheumatologists for the Website's content, design, and presentation. The Website was rated as user-friendly and useful in familiarizing investigators with the S2K RI-50. After completion of the training and examination modules, participants reported a suitable level of preparation to implement the S2K RI-50 in clinical trials and research settings in a timely manner. The Website includes training and examination modules that familiarize rheumatologists with the S2K RI-50 and assesses their competence to use the index. This prepares them for the use of the S2K RI-50 in clinical trials and research settings.

Ultrasonography and detection of subclinical joints and tendons involvements in Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients: A cross-sectional multicenter study.

PubMed

Salliot, Carine; Denis, Amélie; Dernis, Emmanuelle; Andre, Vincent; Perdriger, Aleth; Albert, Jean-David; Mammou Mraghni, Saloua; Griffoul-Espitalier, Isabelle; Hamidou, Mohamed; Le Goff, Benoit; Joulin, Sandrine Jousse; Marhadour, Thierry; Richez, Christophe; Poursac, Nicolas; Lazaro, Estebaliz; Rist, Stéphanie; Corondan, Anca; Quinten, Clara; Martaillé, Virginie; Valéry, Antoine; Ducourau, Emilie

2018-02-15

The aims of this study in SLE population were (1) to describe ultrasonography (US) joint abnormalities, (2) to estimate the reliability of clinical swollen joint count (C-SJC) and SLEDAI (C-SLEDAI) versus US-SJC and US-SLEDAI scores, (3) to highlight specific patterns of lupus patients with Power Doppler (PD) abnormalities. For this cross-sectional multicenter study, 151 consecutive adult SLE patients were recruited. Evaluation included a clinical standardized joint assessment, B-mode and PD US of 40 joints and 26 tendons blinded for clinical examination. Reliability and agreement between clinical and B-mode US were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [95% Confidence Interval]). We found a very high frequency of subclinical US abnormalities in asymptomatic patients: 85% of patients without joint symptoms had at least 1 US abnormality. Among them 46 patients (87%) had a history of joint involvement. The most frequent abnormalities were joint effusmaions (108 patients), synovial hypertrophy (SH, 109 patients) and synovitis (61 patients). Joint or tendon PD signal (grade>1) was found in 44% of patients (67/151). Synovitis were mainly located especially on MCPs and wrists. Even if reliability between clinical and grey-scale US SJC assessments was poor, reliability between clinical and US SLEDAI was good. Comparison between SLE patients with and without PD signal did not show any specific SLE pattern. US may be useful to assess joint involvement in SLE patients but did not significantly change SLEDAI score. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier SAS.

The SLE-key test serological signature: new insights into the course of lupus.

PubMed

Putterman, Chaim; Pisetsky, David S; Petri, Michelle; Caricchio, Roberto; Wu, Alan H B; Sanz, Ignacio; Oates, Jim C; Wallace, Steve; Sorek, Rachel; Gerwien, Robert; Safer, Pennina; Jakobi-Brook, Keren; Cohen, Irun R

2018-06-04

We previously described the multiplex autoantibody SLE-key Rule-Out test, which detects a signature of autoantibody reactivity that distinguishes healthy subjects from SLE patients with 94% sensitivity, 75% specificity and 93% negative predictive value; thus, an individual manifesting a positive Rule-Out test score is unlikely to have SLE (e.g. lupus is excluded). The objective of this current study was to evaluate the stability of the lupus-associated signature over time. We used banked serum samples from healthy subjects (n = 51) and lupus patients (n = 50 individual samples and n = 181 paired samples, for a total of n = 412 serum samples). The samples were drawn at different times after diagnosis to analyse the impact on the SLE-key Rule-Out test of time elapsed since diagnosis and any changes in disease activity (as reflected by the SLEDAI score). The SLE signature remains stable for the first 10 years after diagnosis; in this time frame, <10% of patients manifested a positive Rule-Out score and the SLE-key Rule-Out score was independent of the underlying disease activity as reflected by the SLEDAI score. After ⩾10 years, ∼30% of lupus subjects scored as SLE Ruled-Out; the proportion of patients manifesting this status was even greater in the subset of individuals with a SLEDAI score of 0. These findings raise the possibility that a significant number of SLE patients manifest a change in their serological signature over time, and that such a signature change may signify an evolution in the immunological features of their disease relevant to patient management.

Predictive value of European Scleroderma Group Activity Index in an early scleroderma cohort.

PubMed

Nevskaya, Tatiana; Baron, Murray; Pope, Janet E

2017-07-01

To estimate the effect of disease activity, as measured by the European Scleroderma Research Group Activity Index (EScSG-AI), on the risk of subsequent organ damage in a large systemic sclerosis (SSc) cohort. Of 421 SSc patients from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group database with disease duration of ⩽ 3 years, 197 who had no evidence of end-stage organ damage initially and available 3 year follow-up were included. Disease activity was assessed by the EScSG-AI with two variability measures: the adjusted mean EScSG-AI (the area under the curve of the EScSG-AI over the observation period) and persistently active disease/flare. Outcomes were based on the Medsger severity scale and included accrual of a new severity score (Δ ⩾ 1) overall and within organ systems or reaching a significant level of deterioration in health status. After adjustment for covariates, the adjusted mean EScSG-AI was the most consistent predictor of risk across the study outcomes over 3 years in dcSSc: disease progression defined as Δ ⩾ 1 in any major internal organ, significant decline in forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide, severity of visceral disease and HAQ Disability Index worsening. In multivariate analysis, progression of lung disease was predicted solely by adjusted mean EScSG-AI, while the severity of lung disease was predicted the adjusted mean EScSG-AI, older age, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and initial severity. The EScSG-AI was associated with patient- and physician-assessed measures of health status and overpowered the mRSS in predicting disease outcomes. Disease activity burden quantified with the adjusted mean EScSG-AI predicted the risk of deterioration in health status and severe organ involvement in dcSSc. The EScSG-AI is more responsive when done repeatedly and averaged. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email

[Association between health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness in physically active elderly women].

PubMed

Valdés-Badilla, Pablo; Godoy-Cumillaf, Andrés; Ortega-Spuler, Jenny; Herrera-Valenzuela, Tomás; Durán-Agüero, Samuel; Zapata-Bastias, José; Vargas-Vitoria, Rodrigo; Guzmán-Muñoz, Eduardo; López-Fuenzalida, Antonio

2017-01-01

To associate health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness of elderly women (EW) who participate in physical exercise workshops. 272 Chilean women over 60 years took part in the study. The variables studied were BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-height index (WHI) and physical fitness (PF). Correlations were made through the Pearson or Spearman coefficient, and bivariate associations using Pearson's Chi-square and the Fisher's exact test, considering p<0.05. 70.8% of the EW were overweight or obese; 68.8% and 96% were at cardiometabolic risk due to their WC and WHI, respectively. Their PF showed equal performance (53.5%) or higher (33.8%) according to their age and gender. Inverse correlations were found between nutritional status and cardiometabolic risk with PF tests (except for agility and dynamic balance [direct]), and direct association with back scratch test. Excess weight in physically active EW would not affect their physical-functional performance; however, cardiometabolic risk would be inversely associated with motor function.

Associations of Body Mass Index and Physical Activity With Sexual Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Survivors.

PubMed

Paiva, Carlos Eduardo; Rezende, Fabiana Faria; Paiva, Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro; Mauad, Edmundo Carvalho; Zucca-Matthes, Gustavo; Carneseca, Estela Cristina; Syrjänen, Kari Juhani; Schover, Leslie R

2016-11-01

Sexual dysfunction is a common and distressing consequence of breast cancer (BC) treatment. In the present study, we investigated the sexual functioning of BC patients and its association with women's personal characteristics and cancer treatments. In this cross-sectional study, sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and its breast module BR-23. Of the 235 participants approached, 216 participants were included in the study. Of these, 63 patients reported no sexual activity in the last month and thus were analyzed only in relation to the sexual desire domain of FSFI. A total of 154 (71.3 %) patients were classified with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). From those patients reporting sexual activity in the last month, 63.3 % (97 out of 153) were classified with sexual dysfunction. Using hierarchical logistic regression, the variance explained (change in R 2 ) by the addition of body mass index (BMI) and mild to moderate physical activity in the prediction models of sexual dysfunction and HSDD were 6.8 and 7.2 %, respectively. Age, BMI, and physical activity were independently associated with sexual dysfunction and HSDD. Additionally, BC patients with sexual dysfunction reported lower scores on global HRQOL, role functioning, and fatigue. Based on our findings, BC survivors should be encouraged to practice regular physical activity and to lose weight in order to avoid sexual dysfunction. However, future clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Low dynamic muscle strength and its associations with fatigue, functional performance, and quality of life in premenopausal patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and low disease activity: a case–control study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The purpose of the present study was to compare dynamic muscle strength, functional performance, fatigue, and quality of life in premenopausal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with low disease activity versus matched-healthy controls and to determine the association of dynamic muscle strength with fatigue, functional performance, and quality of life in SLE patients. Methods We evaluated premenopausal (18–45 years) SLE patients with low disease activity (Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index [SLEDAI]: mean 1.5 ± 1.2). The control (n = 25) and patient (n = 25) groups were matched by age, physical characteristics, and the level of physical activities in daily life (International Physical Activity Questionnaire IPAQ). Both groups had not participated in regular exercise programs for at least six months prior to the study. Dynamic muscle strength was assessed by one-repetition maximum (1-RM) tests. Functional performance was assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG), in 30-s test a chair stand and arm curl using a 2-kg dumbbell and balance test, handgrip strength and a sit-and-reach flexibility test. Quality of life (SF-36) and fatigue were also measured. Results The SLE patients showed significantly lower dynamic muscle strength in all exercises (leg press 25.63%, leg extension 11.19%, leg curl 15.71%, chest press 18.33%, lat pulldown 13.56%, 1-RM total load 18.12%, P < 0.001-0.02) compared to the controls. The SLE patients also had lower functional performance, greater fatigue and poorer quality of life. In addition, fatigue, SF-36 and functional performance accounted for 52% of the variance in dynamic muscle strength in the SLE patients. Conclusions Premenopausal SLE patients with low disease activity showed lower dynamic muscle strength, along with increased fatigue, reduced functional performance, and poorer quality of life when compared to matched controls. PMID:24011222

Brief Report: Physical Activity, Body Mass Index and Arterial Stiffness in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Preliminary Findings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heffernan, Kevin S.; Columna, Luis; Russo, Natalie; Myers, Beth A.; Ashby, Christine E.; Norris, Michael L.; Barreira, Tiago V.

2018-01-01

We examined the association between physical activity (PA), body mass index (BMI) and novel measures of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 15 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (mean age 7 ± 2 years, 2 girls). PA was objectively assessed using accelerometry as time spent in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Arterial…

Effects of physical activity on colorectal cancer risk among family history and body mass index subgroups: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Shaw, Eileen; Farris, Megan S; Stone, Chelsea R; Derksen, Jeroen W G; Johnson, Rhys; Hilsden, Robert J; Friedenreich, Christine M; Brenner, Darren R

2018-01-11

Physical activity is consistently associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in epidemiologic studies. This association among higher risk subgroups, such as those with a first-degree family history of colorectal cancer or high body mass index remains unclear. We searched MEDLINE for studies examining physical activity and colorectal cancer risk among higher risk subgroups through July 11, 2017. Fifteen and three studies were eligible for inclusion for body mass index and first-degree family history of colorectal cancer subgroups, respectively. Estimates of the highest to lowest comparison of physical activity for each subgroup of risk were pooled using random-effects models. The pooled associations of physical activity and colorectal cancer risk for those without and with a first-degree family history of colorectal cancer were 0.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.39-0.80) and 0.72 (95% CI = 0.39-1.32), respectively (p heterogeneity  = 0.586). The pooled associations of physical activity and colorectal cancer risk for the low and high body mass index groups were 0.74 (95% CI = 0.66-0.83) and 0.65 (95% CI = 0.53-0.79), respectively (p heterogeneity  = 0.389). Overall, a stronger relative risk of physical activity on colorectal cancer risk was observed in the higher body mass index group, although the difference was not statistically significant, suggesting an added benefit of physical activity as a cancer prevention strategy in population groups with strong risk factors for colorectal cancer. Additional research among these subgroups is warranted.

Posterior versus Frontal Theta Activity Indexes Approach Motivation during Affective Autobiographical Memories

PubMed Central

Walden, Keegan; Pornpattananangkul, Narun; Curlee, Alexandria; McAdams, Dan P.; Nusslock, Robin

2016-01-01

Research has recently identified a promising neurophysiological marker of approach motivation involving posterior versus frontal (Pz-Fz) electroencephalographic (EEG) theta activity (PFTA; Wacker, Chavanon, & Stemmler, 2006). Preliminary evidence indicates that PFTA is modulated by dopaminergic activity thought to underlie appetitive tendencies, and that it indexes self-reported Behavioral Approach System (BAS) sensitivity. To date, research has largely relied on resting indices of PFTA and has yet to examine the relationship between PFTA and specific approach-related affective states generated by emotionally salient laboratory tasks. Accordingly, the present study evaluated PFTA both at rest and during an ecologically valid autobiographical memory task in which participants recalled personal life experiences involving a goal-striving, an anxious apprehension, a low-point (i.e., difficult) and a neutral memory while EEG data were recorded. In line with prediction, elevated PFTA was observed during both goal-striving and anxious apprehension autobiographical memories. PFTA was particularly elevated during anxious apprehension memories coded as being high on approach-related tendencies. Elevated PFTA during anxious apprehension is consistent with a growing literature indicating that anxious apprehension is associated with elevated approach and reward-related brain function. Lastly, elevated resting PFTA was positively correlated with self-reported trait anger, a negatively valenced emotion characterized by approach-related tendencies. Results have implications for a) enhancing our understanding of the neurophysiology of approach-related emotions, b) establishing PFTA as an index of appetitive motivational states, and c) clarifying our understanding of the neurophysiology and approach-related tendencies associated with both anxious apprehension and anger. PMID:25245178

Evaluation of environmental impact produced by different economic activities with the global pollution index.

PubMed

Zaharia, Carmen

2012-07-01

The paper analyses the environment pollution state in different case studies of economic activities (i.e. co-generation electric and thermal power production, iron profile manufacturing, cement processing, waste landfilling, and wood furniture manufacturing), evaluating mainly the environmental cumulative impacts (e.g. cumulative impact against the health of the environment and different life forms). The status of the environment (air, water resources, soil, and noise) is analysed with respect to discharges such as gaseous discharges in the air, final effluents discharged in natural receiving basins or sewerage system, and discharges onto the soil together with the principal pollutants expressed by different environmental indicators corresponding to each specific productive activity. The alternative methodology of global pollution index (I (GP)*) for quantification of environmental impacts is applied. Environmental data analysis permits the identification of potential impact, prediction of significant impact, and evaluation of cumulative impact on a commensurate scale by evaluation scores (ES(i)) for discharge quality, and global effect to the environment pollution state by calculation of the global pollution index (I (GP)*). The I (GP)* values for each productive unit (i.e. 1.664-2.414) correspond to an 'environment modified by industrial/economic activity within admissible limits, having potential of generating discomfort effects'. The evaluation results are significant in view of future development of each productive unit and sustain the economic production in terms of environment protection with respect to a preventive environment protection scheme and continuous measures of pollution control.

Frailty Index Predicts All-Cause Mortality for Middle-Aged and Older Taiwanese: Implications for Active-Aging Programs.

PubMed

Lin, Shu-Yu; Lee, Wei-Ju; Chou, Ming-Yueh; Peng, Li-Ning; Chiou, Shu-Ti; Chen, Liang-Kung

2016-01-01

Frailty Index, defined as an individual's accumulated proportion of listed health-related deficits, is a well-established metric used to assess the health status of old adults; however, it has not yet been developed in Taiwan, and its local related structure factors remain unclear. The objectives were to construct a Taiwan Frailty Index to predict mortality risk, and to explore the structure of its factors. Analytic data on 1,284 participants aged 53 and older were excerpted from the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study (2006), in Taiwan. A consensus workgroup of geriatricians selected 159 items according to the standard procedure for creating a Frailty Index. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to explore the association between the Taiwan Frailty Index and mortality. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify structure factors and produce a shorter version-the Taiwan Frailty Index Short-Form. During an average follow-up of 4.3 ± 0.8 years, 140 (11%) subjects died. Compared to those in the lowest Taiwan Frailty Index tertile (< 0.18), those in the uppermost tertile (> 0.23) had significantly higher risk of death (Hazard ratio: 3.2; 95% CI 1.9-5.4). Thirty-five items of five structure factors identified by exploratory factor analysis, included: physical activities, life satisfaction and financial status, health status, cognitive function, and stresses. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (C-statistics) of the Taiwan Frailty Index and its Short-Form were 0.80 and 0.78, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between them. Although both the Taiwan Frailty Index and Short-Form were associated with mortality, the Short-Form, which had similar accuracy in predicting mortality as the full Taiwan Frailty Index, would be more expedient in clinical practice and community settings to target frailty screening and intervention.

The great contribution: Index Medicus, Index-Catalogue, and IndexCat

PubMed Central

Greenberg, Stephen J.; Gallagher, Patricia E.

2009-01-01

Objective: The systematic indexing of medical literature by the Library of the Surgeon-General's Office (now the National Library of Medicine) has been called “America's greatest contribution to medical knowledge.” In the 1870s, the library launched two indexes: the Index Medicus and the Index-Catalogue of the Library of the Surgeon-General's Office. Index Medicus is better remembered today as the forerunner of MEDLINE, but Index Medicus began as the junior partner of what the library saw as its major publication, the Index-Catalogue. However, the Index-Catalogue had been largely overlooked by many medical librarians until 2004, when the National Library of Medicine released IndexCat, the online version of Index-Catalogue. Access to this huge amount of material raised new questions: What was the coverage of the Index-Catalogue? How did it compare and overlap with the Index Medicus? Method: Over 1,000 randomly generated Index Medicus citations were cross-referenced in IndexCat. Results: Inclusion, form, content, authority control, and subject headings were evaluated, revealing that the relationship between the two publications was neither simple nor static through time. In addition, the authors found interesting anomalies that shed light on how medical literature was selected and indexed in “America's greatest contribution to medical knowledge.” PMID:19404501

Application study of monthly precipitation forecast in Northeast China based on the cold vortex persistence activity index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gang, Liu; Meihui, Qu; Guolin, Feng; Qucheng, Chu; Jing, Cao; Jie, Yang; Ling, Cao; Yao, Feng

2018-03-01

This paper introduces three quantitative indicators to conduct research for characterizing Northeast China cold vortex persistence activity: cold vortex persistence, generalized "cold vortex," and cold vortex precipitation. As discussed in the first part of paper, a hindcast is performed by multiple regressions using Northeast China precipitation from 2012 to 2014 combination with the previous winter 144 air-sea system factors. The results show that the mentioned three cold vortex index series can reflect the spatial and temporal distributions of observational precipitation in 2012-2014 and obtain results. The cold vortex factors are then added to the Forecast System on Dynamical and Analogy Skills (FODAS) to carry out dynamic statistical hindcast of precipitation in Northeast China from 2003 to 2012. Based on the characteristics and significance of each index, precipitation hindcast is carried out for Northeast China in May, June, July, August, May-June, and July-August. It turns out that the Northeast Cold Vortex Index Series, as defined in this paper, can make positive corrections to the FODAS forecast system, and most of the index correction results are higher than the system's own correction value. This study provides quantitative index products and supplies a solid technical foundation and support for monthly precipitation forecast in Northeast China.

A volatility index for comets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whipple, Fred L.

1992-01-01

The variations in total brightness of a comet when it is most active, near perihelion, are presently used as the bases of a volatility index (VI) for short-period (SP) and long-period (LP) comets. Volatility does not correlate with period among the LP comets, and thereby shows no 'aging' effect; similarly, the VI measurements are the same for SP and for LP comets and exhibit no correlation with (1) absolute magnitude near perihelion, (2) orbital inclination, or (3) activity index measuring the intrinsic brightness change from great solar distances to the maximum near perihelion. Active comets are shown to be basically alike irrespective of their orbits or 'ages'.

Comparison between smartphone pedometer applications and traditional pedometers for improving physical activity and body mass index in community-dwelling older adults.

PubMed

Fong, Shirley S M; Ng, Shamay S M; Cheng, Yoyo T Y; Zhang, Joni; Chung, Louisa M Y; Chow, Gary C C; Chak, Yvonne T C; Chan, Ivy K Y; Macfarlane, Duncan J

2016-05-01

[Purpose] The effectiveness of a smartphone pedometer application was compared with that of a traditional pedometer for improving the physical activity and weight status of community-dwelling older adults. [Subjects and Methods] This study had a nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group design. Ninety-seven older adults (mean age ± SD, 60.1 ± 5.5 years) joined the smartphone pedometer group and underwent a 2-week walking intervention based on a smartphone pedometer application. Fifty-four older adults (mean age ± SD, 65.3 ± 8.7 years) joined the traditional pedometer group and underwent a 2-week walking intervention based on a traditional pedometer. The participants' physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and their weight status was quantified by calculating the body mass index. The daily pedometer count was also documented. [Results] No significant time, group, or time-by-group interaction effects were found for any of the outcome variables. However, trends of improvement in physical activity and body mass index were seen only in the smartphone pedometer group. [Conclusion] A smartphone pedometer application might be more favorable than a traditional pedometer in improving physical activity and body mass index in community-dwelling older adults. However, further experimental studies are necessary to confirm the results.

Index of Refraction without Geometry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farkas, N.; Henriksen, P. N.; Ramsier, R. D.

2006-01-01

This article presents several activities that permit students to determine the index of refraction of transparent solids and liquids using simple equipment without the need for geometrical relationships, special lighting or optical instruments. Graphical analysis of the measured data is shown to be a useful method for determining the index of…

Physical activity and body mass index among women who have experienced infertility

PubMed Central

Esmaeilzadeh, Seddigheh; Basirat, Zahra; Shafi, Hamid

2013-01-01

Introduction The experience of infertility is a common medical condition in the developing countries. The aim of this retrospective epidemiologic study was to determine fertility status and parity in Babol, Iran and then identify physical activity and body mass index (BMI) among women who have experienced infertility. Material and methods A total of 1,081 women aged 20-45 years were selected using cluster sampling. The current physical activity was measured using the original International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form. Lifestyle factors were compared between those who had experienced infertility (n = 168) and the rest of the women. A face-to-face household interview was conducted using a specially designed interview questionnaire. Results After adjusting for suspected confounding factors, women with infertility experience had a 4.8-fold increased risk of obesity (OR = 2.02, CI = 0.70, 5.84) and almost a 3.8-fold increased risk of being overweight (OR = 2.11, CI = 0.72, 6.17) compared to women without infertility. No significant differences were found in Met-minutes of sedentary activity, intensity of walking, moderate, vigorous, and total physical activity, self-reported dietary intake, exercise, and level of physical activity between women with and without experience of infertility. Conclusions Since both obesity and infertility are increasing public health issues in Iranian women, more attention should be paid to lifestyle behaviors, especially gaining weight in women who have experienced infertility. PMID:23847673

The Relationship between Physical Activity Level, Body Mass Index, and Body Fat Percentages in Urban and Rural Elementary School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orhan, Özlem

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study is to compare the physical activity levels, physical activity types, Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) values of elementary school students living in rural and urban. Body height (BH), body weight (BW), BF% and BMI data were measured. Physical activity questionnaire was conducted to determine the…

Pentraxin-3 levels are associated with vasculitis and disease activity in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Sahin, S; Adrovic, A; Barut, K; Durmus, S; Gelisgen, R; Uzun, H; Kasapcopur, O

2017-09-01

Objectives Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory organ damage by means of vasculitis. Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is expressed locally at the sites of inflammatory processes, predominantly from endothelial cells. In adult studies, PTX3 has shown to be an indicator of active vasculitis both in large-vessel and small-vessel vasculitides, as well as in SLE. Moreover, in SLE it has found to be correlated with disease activity, and with some of the clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters. We aimed to ascertain if PTX3 might be a significant mediator in cSLE and if it might indicate active vasculitis during the course of the disease. Methods Serum PTX3 levels were measured in 76 patients with cSLE and 41 healthy subjects. We have investigated its relation with disease activity, damage, clinical features, laboratory parameters and medications. Results Serum levels of PTX3 were found to be increased in cSLE compared to healthy controls (mean ± SD; 10.6 ± 8.2 ng/mL vs 2.7 ± 1.3 ng/mL, p < 0.001). PTX3 concentrations were also in correlation with SLEDAI-2K ( r = 0.57, p < 0.001). When viewed from the clinical perspective, serum PTX3 levels were significantly higher only in patients with active vasculitis ( p < 0.001), Raynaud phenomenon ( p = 0.006) and mucocutaneous manifestations ( p < 0.001). However, an association between PTX3 and age, age at disease onset, disease duration, complement levels, PedSDI score (pediatric version of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index), ESR, CRP, procalcitonin levels, anti-ds DNA antibody, anticardiolipin antibodies was not detected. Conclusions Patients with cSLE have increased levels of serum PTX3 compared to healthy controls. Thus, serum PTX-3 level might be a significant mediator in cSLE. Apart from these, the results support that PTX3 reflects

[Dyslipidaemia and atherogenic risk in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

PubMed

Batún Garrido, José Antonio de Jesús; Radillo Alba, Hugo Alberto; Hernández Núñez, Éufrates; Olán, Francisco

2016-07-15

Dyslipidaemia is a common comorbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Fifty-one patients were included. Variables associated with the disease and the drugs used were recorded. Atherogenic risk was calculated. Chi square was used for categorical variables. ANOVA was performed and a logistic regression model to determine the association of the variables with the presence of dyslipidaemia. A percentage of 68.6 had dyslipidaemia. A significant difference between the presence of dyslipidaemia and activity index measured by SLEDAI was found, the presence of lupus nephritis, use of prednisone≥20mg/day, evolution of the disease<3 years. Significance between the absence of dyslipidaemia and use of hydroxychloroquine was found. SLEDAI≥4 and the use of prednisone≥20mg/day were independently associated with the presence of dyslipidaemia. The average of Castelli rate was 5.02, the Kannel index was 2.97 and triglyceride/HDL-C ratio was 5.24. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have a high prevalence of dyslipidaemia and a high atherogenic rate, which increases cardiovascular risk significantly. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Clinical predictors of fetal and maternal outcome in systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective study of 103 pregnancies.

PubMed

Cortés-Hernández, J; Ordi-Ros, J; Paredes, F; Casellas, M; Castillo, F; Vilardell-Tarres, M

2002-06-01

Our aim was to assess the outcome of pregnancy in a cohort of patients with SLE and to evaluate clinical and laboratory markers for fetal outcome and maternal flares. Sixty patients with 103 pregnancies were evaluated prospectively between 1984 and 1999. There were 68 live births, 15 spontaneous abortions, 12 stillbirths and eight therapeutic abortions. Of liveborn infant births, 19 were premature, 24 had suffered intrauterine growth restriction and one had neonatal lupus. Maternal lupus flares occurred in 33% of pregnancies, mostly in the second trimester (26%) and in the post-partum period (51%). Flares during pregnancy showed a statistically significant association with discontinuation of chloroquine treatment, a history of more than three flares before gestation, and a SLEDAI (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) score of >or=5 in these flares. Antiphospholipid antibodies, C3 hypocomplementaemia and hypertension during pregnancy were significantly associated with fetal loss, prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction. Patients with more active SLE and those with aPL antibodies and hypertension should be monitored and managed carefully during pregnancy.

Comparison between smartphone pedometer applications and traditional pedometers for improving physical activity and body mass index in community-dwelling older adults

PubMed Central

Fong, Shirley S.M.; Ng, Shamay S.M.; Cheng, Yoyo T.Y.; Zhang, Joni; Chung, Louisa M.Y.; Chow, Gary C.C.; Chak, Yvonne T.C.; Chan, Ivy K.Y.; Macfarlane, Duncan J.

2016-01-01

[Purpose] The effectiveness of a smartphone pedometer application was compared with that of a traditional pedometer for improving the physical activity and weight status of community-dwelling older adults. [Subjects and Methods] This study had a nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group design. Ninety-seven older adults (mean age ± SD, 60.1 ± 5.5 years) joined the smartphone pedometer group and underwent a 2-week walking intervention based on a smartphone pedometer application. Fifty-four older adults (mean age ± SD, 65.3 ± 8.7 years) joined the traditional pedometer group and underwent a 2-week walking intervention based on a traditional pedometer. The participants’ physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, and their weight status was quantified by calculating the body mass index. The daily pedometer count was also documented. [Results] No significant time, group, or time-by-group interaction effects were found for any of the outcome variables. However, trends of improvement in physical activity and body mass index were seen only in the smartphone pedometer group. [Conclusion] A smartphone pedometer application might be more favorable than a traditional pedometer in improving physical activity and body mass index in community-dwelling older adults. However, further experimental studies are necessary to confirm the results. PMID:27313391

Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous tabalumab, a monoclonal antibody to B-cell activating factor, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: results from ILLUMINATE-2, a 52-week, phase III, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Merrill, J T; van Vollenhoven, R F; Buyon, J P; Furie, R A; Stohl, W; Morgan-Cox, M; Dickson, C; Anderson, P W; Lee, C; Berclaz, P-Y; Dörner, T

2016-02-01

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tabalumab, a human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that neutralises membrane and soluble B-cell activating factor (BAFF). This randomised, placebo-controlled study enrolled 1124 patients with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment- SLE Disease Activity Index ≥6 at baseline). Patients received standard of care plus subcutaneous study drug, starting with a loading dose (240 mg) at week 0 and followed by 120 mg every 2 weeks (120 Q2W), 120 mg every 4 weeks (120 Q4W) or placebo. Primary endpoint was proportion achieving SLE Responder Index 5 (SRI-5) improvement at week 52. Clinical characteristics were balanced across groups. The primary endpoint was met with 120 Q2W (38.4% vs 27.7%, placebo; p=0.002), but not with the less frequent 120 Q4W regimen (34.8%, p=0.051). Although key secondary endpoints (time to severe flare, corticosteroid sparing and fatigue) were not met, patients treated with tabalumab had greater SRI-5 response rates in a serologically active subset and improvements in more stringent SRI cut-offs, SELENA-SLEDAI, Physician's Global Assessment, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, complement, total B cells and immunoglobulins. The incidences of deaths, serious adverse events (AEs), and treatment-emergent AEs were similar in the 120 Q2W, 120 Q4W and placebo groups, but depression and suicidal ideation, albeit rare events, were more commonly reported with tabalumab. SRI-5 was met with 120 Q2W and although key secondary endpoints were not met, numerous other secondary endpoints significantly improved in addition to pharmacodynamic evidence of BAFF pathway blockade. The safety profile for tabalumab was similar to placebo, except for depression and suicidality, which were uncommon. NCT01205438. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

High-index faceted Ni3S2 nanosheet arrays as highly active and ultrastable electrocatalysts for water splitting.

PubMed

Feng, Liang-Liang; Yu, Guangtao; Wu, Yuanyuan; Li, Guo-Dong; Li, Hui; Sun, Yuanhui; Asefa, Tewodros; Chen, Wei; Zou, Xiaoxin

2015-11-11

Elaborate design of highly active and stable catalysts from Earth-abundant elements has great potential to produce materials that can replace the noble-metal-based catalysts commonly used in a range of useful (electro)chemical processes. Here we report, for the first time, a synthetic method that leads to in situ growth of {2̅10} high-index faceted Ni3S2 nanosheet arrays on nickel foam (NF). We show that the resulting material, denoted Ni3S2/NF, can serve as a highly active, binder-free, bifunctional electrocatalyst for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Ni3S2/NF is found to give ∼100% Faradaic yield toward both HER and OER and to show remarkable catalytic stability (for >200 h). Experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that Ni3S2/NF's excellent catalytic activity is mainly due to the synergistic catalytic effects produced in it by its nanosheet arrays and exposed {2̅10} high-index facets.

Cigarette smoking and cutaneous damage in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Turchin, Irina; Bernatsky, Sasha; Clarke, Ann E; St-Pierre, Yvan; Pineau, Christian A

2009-12-01

To evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and cutaneous damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our study was performed in SLE clinic registry cohort patients, all of whom fulfilled revised American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE; patients are followed prospectively with annual assessments that include collection of demographic variables, smoking history, disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index version 2000, SLEDAI-2K), medications, and damage scores (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index). Cumulative cutaneous damage scores were used for the primary analyses. Logistic and logit regression models were performed to examine potential associations between current smoking and cutaneous damage, controlling for age, sex, race, lupus disease duration, antimalarial or immunosuppressant use, and anti-DNA and anti-SSA antibody status. Of our sample (N = 276), 92% were women and 73.7% were Caucasian; the mean age was 45.1 years, mean disease duration 13.5 years, and 17.5% were current smokers. In the regression analyses, current cigarette smoking was associated with total cutaneous damage (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.10, 6.81) and with scarring (OR 4.70, 95 CI 1.04, 21.2). In additional analyses, current smoking was also associated with active lupus rash (OR 6.18, 95% CI 1.63, 23.3). Current cigarette smoking may be associated with cutaneous damage and active lupus rash in SLE, suggesting another reason to emphasize smoking cessation in patients with SLE.

Utility of urinary transferrin and ceruloplasmin in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus for differentiating patients with lupus nephritis.

PubMed

Urrego, Tomás; Ortiz-Reyes, Blanca; Vanegas-García, Adriana L; Muñoz, Carlos H; González, Luis A; Vásquez, Gloria; Gómez-Puerta, José A

2018-03-09

Diagnosis of lupus nephritis (LN) is usually based on renal biopsy, which is an invasive technique that involves multiple risks. Therefore, different biomarkers have emerged as alternatives for the diagnosis of LN. Nonetheless, studies regarding urinary biomarkers in Latin American patients are limited. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of urinary transferrin and ceruloplasmin to differentiate patients who have renal involvement from those who do not. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients that met the revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria were recruited. Patients with another autoimmune disease, active infection (urinary tract or systemic infection), renal replacement therapy, human immunodeficiency virus infection or pregnancy were excluded. A urine sample was collected from each patient. LN was diagnosed according to ACR criteria. The activity and chronicity of LN were measured using the Austin indices. Urinary transferrin and ceruloplasmin levels were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Mann-Whitney U test and Student's t-test were used to compare data. Spearman's rank correlation was used to determine associations. Lastly, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created. The study involved 120 SLE patients. In all, 85% were female, 76% mestizo, the mean age was 32.8±12.1years and mean systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) was 8.4±8.9; 64% had renal involvement. Urinary levels of the two biomarkers were significantly higher in patients with LN compared to those without LN. Similarly, urinary levels of both biomarkers were significantly higher in patients with active LN compared to those with inactive LN. Furthermore, urinary transferrin levels were significantly higher in Afro-Latin American patients. On the other hand, urinary transferrin levels correlated with SLEDAI and proteinuria, and transferrin and ceruloplasmin

Urinary angiostatin, CXCL4 and VCAM-1 as biomarkers of lupus nephritis.

PubMed

Mok, Chi Chiu; Soliman, Samar; Ho, Ling Yin; Mohamed, Fatma A; Mohamed, Faten Ismail; Mohan, Chandra

2018-01-11

The aim was to study urinary angiostatin, CXC chemokine ligand 4 (CXCL4) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) as biomarkers of renal disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients who fulfilled ≥ 4 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE with active renal, active non-renal or inactive disease, and a group of healthy controls were studied. Urine samples were assayed for angiostatin, CXCL4 and VCAM-1 by ELISA, and normalized by creatinine. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to obtain the best cutoff values to calculate the performance of these markers in differentiating the different groups of patients as compared to anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) and complement C3. Correlation between these urinary biomarkers and various renal parameters was also tested. Patients with SLE (n = 227; 80 with inactive SLE, 67 with active non-renal disease and 80 with active renal disease; 94% women; age 39.2 ± 13.8 years) and 53 controls (96% women) were studied. All were ethnic Chinese. Urinary angiostatin, CXCL4 and VCAM-1 (normalized for creatinine) were significantly higher in patients with active renal disease than in patients with active non-renal disease, patients with inactive SLE and controls. These markers correlated significantly with total SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and renal SLEDAI scores, and with the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio. Urine angiostatin exhibited higher specificity and sensitivity in differentiating active renal from active non-renal SLE (area under the curve (AUC) 0.87) than serum anti-dsDNA/C3. Urine CXCL4 (AUC 0.64) and VCAM-1 (AUC 0.73), on the other hand, performed similarly to anti-dsDNA/C3. All three markers performed comparably to anti-dsDNA/C3 in distinguishing active from inactive SLE. In a subgroup of 68 patients with paired renal biopsy, the urinary levels of these proteins did not differ significantly between the proliferative and non

Low dose intravenous immunoglobulin in systemic lupus erythematosus: analysis of 62 cases.

PubMed

Sherer, Yaniv; Kuechler, Sabine; Jose Scali, Juan; Rovensky, Josef; Levy, Yair; Zandman-Goddard, Gisele; Shoenfeld, Yehuda

2008-01-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations that cannot always be regulated by steroids and immunosuppressive therapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin is an optional immunomodulatory agent for the treatment of SLE, but the appropriate indications for its use, duration of therapy and recommended dosage are yet to be established. In SLE patients, most publications report the utilization of a high dose (2 g/kg body weight) protocol. To investigate whether lower doses of IVIg are beneficial for SLE patients. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 62 patients who received low dose IVIg (approximately 0.5 g/kg body weight). The treatment was associated with clinical improvement in many specific disease manifestations, along with a continuous decrease in SLEDAI scores (SLE Disease Activity Index). However, thrombocytopenia, alopecia and vasculitis did not improve following IVIg therapy. Low dose IVIg is a possible therapeutic option in SLE and is associated with lower cost than the high dose regimen and possibly fewer adverse effects.

Regulatory T cell subsets in children with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Eltayeb, Azza A; Sayed, Douaa M; Afifi, Noha A; Ibrahim, Maggie A; Sheref, Tahra M

2014-08-01

The aim of this work was to quantify CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells (Tregs) in Egyptian children with SLE and to correlate these findings with their disease activity scores and drug therapy. We enrolled 37 Egyptian children with active SLE. Disease activity was assessed by measuring serum levels of anti-dsDNA antibody and by the SLEDAI scores. Twenty healthy children were also enrolled as normal controls. The CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD25(bright), and CD4+CD25(dim) cells in patients were significantly increased in comparison to controls. There was no significant difference in the Foxp3 gated on CD4+CD25(bright) and CD4+CD25(dim), but there was a significant increase when gated on CD4+CD25- and whole CD4+ cells in patients than controls. There was no significant difference among patients with different degrees of activity on different lines of treatments and their outcomes as regards all studied values. There was no significant correlation between SLEDAI score and any of the studied parameters except for a significant negative correlation with gated lymphocytes. There is increased expression of Foxp3 in CD4+ T cells mostly CD25- in Egyptian children with active SLE under corticosteroid treatment regardless of disease activity.

INDEXABILITY AND OPTIMAL INDEX POLICIES FOR A CLASS OF REINITIALISING RESTLESS BANDITS.

PubMed

Villar, Sofía S

2016-01-01

Motivated by a class of Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes with application in surveillance systems in which a set of imperfectly observed state processes is to be inferred from a subset of available observations through a Bayesian approach, we formulate and analyze a special family of multi-armed restless bandit problems. We consider the problem of finding an optimal policy for observing the processes that maximizes the total expected net rewards over an infinite time horizon subject to the resource availability. From the Lagrangian relaxation of the original problem, an index policy can be derived, as long as the existence of the Whittle index is ensured. We demonstrate that such a class of reinitializing bandits in which the projects' state deteriorates while active and resets to its initial state when passive until its completion possesses the structural property of indexability and we further show how to compute the index in closed form. In general, the Whittle index rule for restless bandit problems does not achieve optimality. However, we show that the proposed Whittle index rule is optimal for the problem under study in the case of stochastically heterogenous arms under the expected total criterion, and it is further recovered by a simple tractable rule referred to as the 1-limited Round Robin rule. Moreover, we illustrate the significant suboptimality of other widely used heuristic: the Myopic index rule, by computing in closed form its suboptimality gap. We present numerical studies which illustrate for the more general instances the performance advantages of the Whittle index rule over other simple heuristics.

INDEXABILITY AND OPTIMAL INDEX POLICIES FOR A CLASS OF REINITIALISING RESTLESS BANDITS

PubMed Central

Villar, Sofía S.

2016-01-01

Motivated by a class of Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes with application in surveillance systems in which a set of imperfectly observed state processes is to be inferred from a subset of available observations through a Bayesian approach, we formulate and analyze a special family of multi-armed restless bandit problems. We consider the problem of finding an optimal policy for observing the processes that maximizes the total expected net rewards over an infinite time horizon subject to the resource availability. From the Lagrangian relaxation of the original problem, an index policy can be derived, as long as the existence of the Whittle index is ensured. We demonstrate that such a class of reinitializing bandits in which the projects’ state deteriorates while active and resets to its initial state when passive until its completion possesses the structural property of indexability and we further show how to compute the index in closed form. In general, the Whittle index rule for restless bandit problems does not achieve optimality. However, we show that the proposed Whittle index rule is optimal for the problem under study in the case of stochastically heterogenous arms under the expected total criterion, and it is further recovered by a simple tractable rule referred to as the 1-limited Round Robin rule. Moreover, we illustrate the significant suboptimality of other widely used heuristic: the Myopic index rule, by computing in closed form its suboptimality gap. We present numerical studies which illustrate for the more general instances the performance advantages of the Whittle index rule over other simple heuristics. PMID:27212781

Indexical Ways of Knowing: An Inquiry into the Indexical Sign and How to Educate for Novelty

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Cary

2016-01-01

In this paper, I propose that the indexical sign can be used to derive a model for active (touching-and-feeling) learning. The implicit processes involved in the subtle reading of indices contain explanatory possibilities for understanding how students adapt to novelty in the learning process. Besides looking at how indexicality functions in human…

Perceptions of neighborhood park quality: associations with physical activity and body mass index.

PubMed

Bai, Hua; Wilhelm Stanis, Sonja A; Kaczynski, Andrew T; Besenyi, Gina M

2013-02-01

Parks are important resources for physical activity (PA), yet few studies have examined how perceptions of park characteristics relate to PA and health. This study investigated associations between perceptions of neighborhood park quality and overall moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), park-based PA, and body mass index (BMI). Data were collected via questionnaire from 893 households in Kansas City, Missouri. The newly developed neighborhood park quality scale demonstrated good test-retest and internal reliability. Residents' perceptions of neighborhood park quality were related to PA and health outcomes. Perceiving parks as a benefit was positively related to overall MVPA and park-based PA and negatively related to BMI. Perceptions of well-used parks were positively related to BMI, while perceived cleanliness was negatively related to park-based PA. Better measuring and understanding how perceptions of local parks are associated with PA and health can improve appreciation of how parks facilitate active living.

Clinical and immunological characteristics of 150 systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Jamaica: a comparative analysis.

PubMed

Maloney, K C; Ferguson, T S; Stewart, H D; Myers, A A; De Ceulaer, K

2017-11-01

Background Epidemiological studies in systemic lupus erythematosus have been reported in the literature in many countries and ethnic groups. Although systemic lupus erythematosus in Jamaica has been described in the past, there has not been a detailed evaluation of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in urban Jamaica, a largely Afro-Caribbean population. The goal of this study was to describe the clinical features, particularly disease activity, damage index and immunological features, of 150 systemic lupus erythematosus subjects. Methods 150 adult patients (≥18 years) followed in rheumatology clinic at a tertiary rheumatology hospital centre (one of two of the major public referral centres in Jamaica) and the private rheumatology offices in urban Jamaica who fulfilled Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria were included. Data were collected by detailed clinical interview and examination and laboratory investigations. Hence demographics, SLICC criteria, immunological profile, systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and SLICC/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) damage index (SDI) were documented. Results Of the 150 patients, 145 (96.7%) were female and five (3.3%) were male. The mean age at systemic lupus erythematosus onset was 33.2 ± 10.9. Mean disease duration was 11.3 ± 8.6 years. The most prevalent clinical SLICC criteria were musculoskeletal, with 141 (94%) of subjects experiencing arthralgia/arthritis, followed by mucocutaneous manifestations of alopecia 103 (68.7%) and malar rash 46 (30.7%), discoid rash 45 (30%) and photosensitivity 40 (26.7%). Lupus nephritis (biopsy proven) occurred in 42 (28%) subjects and 25 (16.7%) met SLICC diagnostic criteria with only positive antinuclear antibodies/dsDNA antibodies and lupus nephritis on renal biopsy. The most common laboratory SLICC criteria were positive antinuclear antibodies 136 (90.7%) followed by anti-dsDNA antibodies 95 (63.3%) and

Spectral and fractal analyses of geomagnetic and riometric antarctic observations and a multidimensional index of activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Santis, A.; de Franceschi, G.; Perrone, L.

1997-06-01

The Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica under the P.N.R.A. (National Program of Research in Antarctica) has the responsibility of acquiring geophysical observations at the Italian Antarctic Base of Terra Nova Bay. Among others, geomagnetic and riometric data can provide some new insights into local and global activity of the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. This article investigates some properties of these kinds of data by means of spectral and fractal analyses. In addition, a multidimensional index is derived from this single-point dataset to represent not only the local but also the global state of the magnetospheric activity.

Rural Middle School Nutrition and Physical Activity Environments and the Change in Body Mass Index during Adolescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Demment, Margaret; Wells, Nancy; Olson, Christine

2015-01-01

Background: For rural adolescents, schools are among the few places where environmental interventions can promote health outside of the home. The goal of this study was to assess the nutrition and physical activity (N&PA) environments of schools attended by a birth cohort and examine the association with change in body mass index (BMI) from…

The maximal downstroke of epicardial potentials as an index of electrical activity in mouse hearts.

PubMed

Sohn, Kwanghyun; Sachse, Frank B; Moreno, Alonso P; Ershler, Philip R; Wende, Adam R; Abel, E Dale; Punske, Bonnie B

2011-11-01

The maximal upstroke of transmembrane voltage (dV(m)/dt(max)) has been used as an indirect measure of sodium current I(Na) upon activation in cardiac myocytes. However, sodium influx generates not only the upstroke of V(m), but also the downstroke of the extracellular potentials V(e) including epicardial surface potentials V(es). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of the maximal downstroke of V(es) (|dV(es)/dt (min)|) as a global index of electrical activation, based on the relationship of dV(m)/dt(max) to I(Na). To fulfill this purpose, we examined |dV(es)/dt(min)| experimentally using isolated perfused mouse hearts and computationally using a 3-D cardiac tissue bidomain model. In experimental studies, a custom-made cylindrical "cage" array with 64 electrodes was slipped over mouse hearts to measure V(es) during hyperkalemia, ischemia, and hypoxia, which are conditions that decrease I(Na). Values of |dV(es)/dt(min)| from each electrode were normalized (|dV(es)/dt (min)|(n)) and averaged (|dV(es)/dt(min)|(na)). Results showed that |dV(es)/dt(min)|(na) decreased during hyperkalemia by 28, 59, and 79% at 8, 10, and 12 mM [K(+)](o), respectively. |dV(es)/dt(min)| also decreased by 54 and 84% 20 min after the onset of ischemia and hypoxia, respectively. In computational studies, |dV(es)/dt(min)| was compared to dV(m)/dt(max) at different levels of the maximum sodium conductance G(Na), extracellular potassium ion concentration [K(+)](o), and intracellular sodium ion concentration [Na(+)](i), which all influence levels of I(Na). Changes in |dV(es)/dt(min)|(n) were similar to dV(m)/dt (max) during alterations of G(Na), [K(+)](o), and [Na(+)](i). Our results demonstrate that |dV(es)/dt(min)|(na) is a robust global index of electrical activation for use in mouse hearts and, similar to dV(m)/dt(max), can be used to probe electrophysiological alterations reliably. The index can be readily measured and evaluated, which makes it attractive for

Highly sensitive index of sympathetic activity based on time-frequency spectral analysis of electrodermal activity.

PubMed

Posada-Quintero, Hugo F; Florian, John P; Orjuela-Cañón, Álvaro D; Chon, Ki H

2016-09-01

Time-domain indices of electrodermal activity (EDA) have been used as a marker of sympathetic tone. However, they often show high variation between subjects and low consistency, which has precluded their general use as a marker of sympathetic tone. To examine whether power spectral density analysis of EDA can provide more consistent results, we recently performed a variety of sympathetic tone-evoking experiments (43). We found significant increase in the spectral power in the frequency range of 0.045 to 0.25 Hz when sympathetic tone-evoking stimuli were induced. The sympathetic tone assessed by the power spectral density of EDA was found to have lower variation and more sensitivity for certain, but not all, stimuli compared with the time-domain analysis of EDA. We surmise that this lack of sensitivity in certain sympathetic tone-inducing conditions with time-invariant spectral analysis of EDA may lie in its inability to characterize time-varying dynamics of the sympathetic tone. To overcome the disadvantages of time-domain and time-invariant power spectral indices of EDA, we developed a highly sensitive index of sympathetic tone, based on time-frequency analysis of EDA signals. Its efficacy was tested using experiments designed to elicit sympathetic dynamics. Twelve subjects underwent four tests known to elicit sympathetic tone arousal: cold pressor, tilt table, stand test, and the Stroop task. We hypothesize that a more sensitive measure of sympathetic control can be developed using time-varying spectral analysis. Variable frequency complex demodulation, a recently developed technique for time-frequency analysis, was used to obtain spectral amplitudes associated with EDA. We found that the time-varying spectral frequency band 0.08-0.24 Hz was most responsive to stimulation. Spectral power for frequencies higher than 0.24 Hz were determined to be not related to the sympathetic dynamics because they comprised less than 5% of the total power. The mean value of time

Cumulative Index to NASA Tech Briefs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1969-01-01

Tech Briefs are short announcements of new technology derived from the R&D activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This Index to NASA Tech Briefs lists the technological innovations derived from the U.S. space program and published during the period January through December 1968. A new five year cycle of cumulative indexes begins with this index. The main section is arranged in six categories: Electrical (Electronic); Physical Sciences (Energy Sources); Materials (Chemistry); Life Sciences; Mechanical; and Computer Programs.

The Role of Motor Competence and Body Mass Index in Children's Activity Levels in Physical Education Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spessato, Barbara Coiro; Gabbard, Carl; Valentini, Nadia C.

2013-01-01

Our goal was to investigate the role of body mass index (BMI) and motor competence (MC) in children's physical activity (PA) levels during physical education (PE) classes. We assessed PA levels of 5-to-10-year old children ("n" = 264) with pedometers in four PE classes. MC was assessed using the TGMD-2 and BMI values were classified…

Assessment of weaning indexes based on diaphragm activity in mechanically ventilated subjects after cardiovascular surgery. A pilot study

PubMed Central

Ortega, Isabel Cristina Muñoz; Valdivieso, Alher Mauricio Hernández; Lopez, Joan Francesc Alonso; Villanueva, Miguel Ángel Mañanas; Lopez, Luis Horacio Atehortúa

2017-01-01

Objective The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of surface electromyographic signal derived indexes for the prediction of weaning outcomes among mechanically ventilated subjects after cardiac surgery. Methods A sample of 10 postsurgical adult subjects who received cardiovascular surgery that did not meet the criteria for early extubation were included. Surface electromyographic signals from diaphragm and ventilatory variables were recorded during the weaning process, with the moment determined by the medical staff according to their expertise. Several indexes of respiratory muscle expenditure from surface electromyography using linear and non-linear processing techniques were evaluated. Two groups were compared: successfully and unsuccessfully weaned patients. Results The obtained indexes allow estimation of the diaphragm activity of each subject, showing a correlation between high expenditure and weaning test failure. Conclusion Surface electromyography is becoming a promising procedure for assessing the state of mechanically ventilated patients, even in complex situations such as those that involve a patient after cardiovascular surgery. PMID:28977261

Natural radioactivity in building material in the European Union: robustness of the activity concentration index I and comparison with a room model.

PubMed

Nuccetelli, C; Risica, S; D'Alessandro, M; Trevisi, R

2012-09-01

Using a wide database collected in the last 10 years, the authors have calculated the activity concentration index I for many building materials in the European Union. Suggested by a European technical guidance document, the index I has recently been adopted as a screening tool in the proposal for the new Euratom basic safety standards directive. The paper analyses the possible implications of the choice of different parameters for the computation of index I, i.e. background to be subtracted, dose criteria, etc. With the collected data an independent assessment of gamma doses was also made with an ISS room model, choosing reasonable hypotheses on the use of materials. The results of the two approaches, i.e. index I and a room model, were compared.

75 FR 75475 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Index of Legally...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-03

... hours associated with indexing of legally marketed unapproved new animal drugs for minor species. [[Page... criteria and procedures for requesting eligibility for indexing and for requesting addition to the index as... actions and Sec. 516.125 provides for investigational use of new animal drugs intended for indexing...

75 FR 75481 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Index of Legally...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-03

... hours associated with indexing of legally marketed unapproved new animal drugs for minor species. DATES... criteria and procedures for requesting eligibility for indexing and for requesting addition to the index as... actions and Sec. 516.125 provides for investigational use of new animal drugs intended for indexing...

Body Mass Index Table

MedlinePlus

... Aim for a Healthy Weight » Healthy Weight Tools » BMI Calculator » Body Mass Index Table 1 Home Assessing ... Eat Right Be Physically Active Healthy Weight Tools BMI Calculator Menu Plans Portion Distortion Key Recommendations Healthy ...

Thalidomide treatment in cutaneous lesions of systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter study in China.

PubMed

Wang, Dandan; Chen, Haifeng; Wang, Shiying; Zou, Yaohong; Li, Jing; Pan, Jieping; Wang, Xiangdang; Ren, Tianli; Zhang, Yu; Chen, Zhiwei; Feng, Xuebing; Sun, Lingyun

2016-06-01

Thalidomide is effective for treating severe cutaneous lupus patients. The aim of this study was to observe the optimum effective and maintenance doses of thalidomide to maximize clinical benefit and minimize side effects for patients with cutaneous lupus in China. Sixty-nine patients with lupus rash from eight hospitals in China were enrolled and treated with different doses of thalidomide. We started the dose of thalidomide at 25 mg daily and gradually increased administration dose once a week until erythema was markedly improved. The effective and maintenance doses were documented. The size of skin lesions was noted once a week. Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score, levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum TNF-α were measured before and after treatment. The remission rates were evaluated weekly until 8 weeks. Sixty-eight percent of patients showed an effective dose of 50 mg daily; another 13, 10, and 9 % of patients had an effective dose of 100, 75, and 25 mg daily, respectively. The maintenance dose was 50 mg daily for 71 % of the patients, and 100, 75, and 25 mg daily for 9, 14, and 6 % of the patients. SLEDAI score and serum ESR levels significantly decreased 4 weeks after thalidomide treatment. At the end of the fourth week, the rates of complete remission, partial remission, and no response were 56 % (n = 39), 41 % (n = 28), and 3 % (n = 2). At the eighth week, the rate of total remission rose up to 100 %. The most common side effects were drowsiness and constipation. No peripheral neuropathy was observed in these patients. Thalidomide at a dose of 50 mg daily may offer a better benefit to risk ratio in the treatment of Chinese cutaneous lupus patients.

Clinical characteristics during diagnosis of a prospective cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated in Spanish Departments of Internal Medicine: The RELES study.

PubMed

Canora, J; García, M; Mitjavila, F; Espinosa, G; Suárez, S; González-León, R; Sopeña, B; Boldova, R; Castro, A; Ruiz-Irastorza, G

Patient registries are useful tools for assessing rare diseases. Our objective is to present the Spanish registry of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (Registro español de pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico, RELES). RELES was started in 2008 as an observational, prospective, multicentre cohort registry that included patients from the time they were diagnosed. The registry's objective is to analyse the incidence and noninflammatory complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The departments of internal medicine of 38 Spanish hospitals participate in this registry. A total of 298 patients with a mean age of 40.8±15.7 years were included, 88.9% of whom were women and 85.6% of whom were white. In the first visit, there was a predominance of joint manifestations (74.5%). One hundred and seventy-seven patients (59.4%) were positive for anti-native DNA. In these patients, there was a higher rate of lupus nephritis (26.7% vs. 14%, p=.009; relative risk [RR], 1.33), haemolytic anaemia (13.6% vs. 4.1%, p=.07; RR, 1.46) and lymphopenia (55.4% vs. 43.8%, p=.05; RR, 1.21). The median Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI 2K) score was 9.64 points (interquartile range, 4-13). The patients treated with antimalarial drugs before the diagnosis of SLE had a median SLEDAI score in the first visit of 5, compared with 8 for those who were not treated with these drugs (p=.02). RELES constitutes the first Spanish patient cohort with SLE recorded from the time of the diagnosis. The presence of anti-DNA has been related to severe manifestations such as nephritis and haemolytic anaemia. Treatment with antimalarial drugs before the diagnosis was associated with less active disease at the initial presentation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.

Towards cheminformatics-based estimation of drug therapeutic index: Predicting the protective index of anticonvulsants using a new quantitative structure-index relationship approach.

PubMed

Chen, Shangying; Zhang, Peng; Liu, Xin; Qin, Chu; Tao, Lin; Zhang, Cheng; Yang, Sheng Yong; Chen, Yu Zong; Chui, Wai Keung

2016-06-01

The overall efficacy and safety profile of a new drug is partially evaluated by the therapeutic index in clinical studies and by the protective index (PI) in preclinical studies. In-silico predictive methods may facilitate the assessment of these indicators. Although QSAR and QSTR models can be used for predicting PI, their predictive capability has not been evaluated. To test this capability, we developed QSAR and QSTR models for predicting the activity and toxicity of anticonvulsants at accuracy levels above the literature-reported threshold (LT) of good QSAR models as tested by both the internal 5-fold cross validation and external validation method. These models showed significantly compromised PI predictive capability due to the cumulative errors of the QSAR and QSTR models. Therefore, in this investigation a new quantitative structure-index relationship (QSIR) model was devised and it showed improved PI predictive capability that superseded the LT of good QSAR models. The QSAR, QSTR and QSIR models were developed using support vector regression (SVR) method with the parameters optimized by using the greedy search method. The molecular descriptors relevant to the prediction of anticonvulsant activities, toxicities and PIs were analyzed by a recursive feature elimination method. The selected molecular descriptors are primarily associated with the drug-like, pharmacological and toxicological features and those used in the published anticonvulsant QSAR and QSTR models. This study suggested that QSIR is useful for estimating the therapeutic index of drug candidates. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Definition of treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis based on the simplified and the clinical disease activity index.

PubMed

Aletaha, Daniel; Martinez-Avila, Jose; Kvien, Tore K; Smolen, Josef S

2012-07-01

The simplified disease activity index (SDAI) and the clinical disease activity index (CDAI) are established instruments to measure disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To date, no validated response definitions for the SDAI and CDAI are available. The authors aimed to define minor, moderate and major response criteria for the SDAI. The authors used data from two clinical trials on infliximab versus methotrexate in early (ASPIRE) or established (ATTRACT) RA, and identified the three SDAI cutpoints based on the best agreement (by κ statistics) with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)20/50/70 responses. Cutpoints were then tested for different aspects of validity in the trial datasets and in a Norwegian disease modifying antirheumatic drug prescription dataset (NOR-DMARD). Based on agreement with the ACR response, the minor, moderate and major responses were identified as SDAI 50%, 70% and 85% improvement. These cutpoints had good face validity concerning the disease activity states achieved by the different response definitions. Construct validity was shown by a clear association of increasing SDAI response categories with increasing levels of functional improvement, achievement of better functional states and lower annual radiographic progression. Across SDAI 50/70/85, the sensitivities regarding a patient-perceived improvement decreased (73%/39%/22%) and the specificities increased (61%/89%/96%) in a meaningful way. Further, the cutpoints discriminated the different treatment arms in ASPIRE and ATTRACT. The same cutpoints were used for the CDAI, with similar results in the validation analyses. These new response criteria expand the usefulness of the SDAI and CDAI for their use as endpoints in clinical trials beyond the definition of disease activity categories.

Development and Validation of the Consumer Health Activation Index.

PubMed

Wolf, Michael S; Smith, Samuel G; Pandit, Anjali U; Condon, David M; Curtis, Laura M; Griffith, James; O'Conor, Rachel; Rush, Steven; Bailey, Stacy C; Kaplan, Gordon; Haufle, Vincent; Martin, David

2018-04-01

Although there has been increasing interest in patient engagement, few measures are publicly available and suitable for patients with limited health literacy. We sought to develop a Consumer Health Activation Index (CHAI) for use among diverse patients. Expert opinion, a systematic literature review, focus groups, and cognitive interviews with patients were used to create and revise a potential set of items. Psychometric testing guided by item response theory was then conducted among 301 English-speaking, community-dwelling adults. This included differential item functioning analyses to evaluate item performance across participant health literacy levels. To determine construct validity, CHAI scores were compared to scales measuring similar personality constructs. Associations between the CHAI and physical and mental health established predictive validity. A second study among 9,478 adults was used to confirm CHAI associations with health outcomes. Exploratory factor analyses revealed a single-factor solution with a 10-item scale. The CHAI showed good internal consistency (alpha = 0.81) and moderate test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.53). Reading grade level was found to be at the 6 th grade. Moderate to strong correlations were found with similar constructs (Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, r = 0.38, P < 0.001; Conscientiousness, r = 0.41, P < 0.001). Predictive validity was demonstrated through associations with functional health status measures (depression, r = -0.28, P < 0.001; anxiety, r = -0.22, P < 0.001; and physical functioning, r = 0.22, P < 0.001). In the validation sample, the CHAI was significantly associated with self-reported physical and mental health ( r = 0.31 and 0.32 respectively; both P < 0.001). The CHAI appears to be a valid, reliable, and easily administered tool that can be used to assess health activation among adults, including those with limited health literacy. Future studies should test the tool in actual use and explore further

Developing a Vocational Index for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

PubMed Central

Seltzer, Marsha Mailick

2012-01-01

Existing methods of indexing the vocational activities of adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have made significant contributions to research. Nonetheless, they are limited by problems with sensitivity and reliability. We developed an index of vocational and educational outcomes that captures the full range of activities experienced by adults with ASD, and that can be reliably coded across studies using specific decision rules. To develop this index, we used employment, vocational, and educational data collected from nearly 350 adults with ASD at 6 times over 12 years, as part of a larger longitudinal study. The resulting index consists of 11 categories coded on a 9-point scale, ranging from competitive employment and/or postsecondary educational program to no vocational/educational activities. PMID:22466690

Changes of Linearity in MF2 Index with R12 and Solar Activity Maximum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villanueva, L.

2013-05-01

Critical frequency of F2 layer is related to the solar activity, and the sunspot number has been the standard index for ionospheric prediction programs. This layer, being considered the most important in HF radio communications due to its highest electron density, determines the maximum frequency coming back from ground base transmitter signals, and shows irregular variation in time and space. Nowadays the spatial variation, better understood due to the availability of TEC measurements, let Space Weather Centers have observations almost in real time. However, it is still the most difficult layer to predict in time. Short time variations are improved in IRI model, but long term predictions are only related to the well-known CCIR and URSI coefficients and Solar activity R12 predictions, (or ionospheric indexes in regional models). The concept of the "saturation" of the ionosphere is based on data observations around 3 solar cycles before 1970, (NBS, 1968). There is a linear relationship among MUF (0Km) and R12, for smooth Sunspot numbers R12 less than 100, but constant for higher R12, so, no rise of MUF is expected for R12 higher than 100. This recommendation has been used in most of the known Ionospheric prediction programs for HF Radio communication. In this work, observations of smoothed ionospheric index MF2 related to R12 are presented to find common features of the linear relationship, which is found to persist in different ranges of R12 depending on the specific maximum level of each solar cycle. In the analysis of individual solar cycles, the lapse of linearity is less than 100 for a low solar cycle and higher than 100 for a high solar cycle. To improve ionospheric predictions we can establish levels for solar cycle maximum sunspot numbers R12 around low 100, medium 150 and high 200 and specify the ranges of linearity of MUF(0Km) related to R12 which is not only 100 as assumed for all the solar cycles. For lower levels of solar cycle, discussions of present

The NLM Indexing Initiative's Medical Text Indexer.

PubMed

Aronson, Alan R; Mork, James G; Gay, Clifford W; Humphrey, Susanne M; Rogers, Willie J

2004-01-01

The Medical Text Indexer (MTI) is a program for producing MeSH indexing recommendations. It is the major product of NLM's Indexing Initiative and has been used in both semi-automated and fully automated indexing environments at the Library since mid 2002. We report here on an experiment conducted with MEDLINE indexers to evaluate MTI's performance and to generate ideas for its improvement as a tool for user-assisted indexing. We also discuss some filtering techniques developed to improve MTI's accuracy for use primarily in automatically producing the indexing for several abstracts collections.

Decreased physical activity attributable to higher body mass index influences fibromyalgia symptoms.

PubMed

Vincent, Ann; Clauw, Daniel; Oh, Terry H; Whipple, Mary O; Toussaint, Loren L

2014-09-01

Although previous studies report associations between increased body mass index (BMI) and fibromyalgia symptoms, there is uncertainty as to whether this relationship is driven by physical factors, psychological factors, or both. To assess these relationships in a clinical sample of patients with fibromyalgia. Cross-sectional study. Tertiary care facility. A total of 686 patients from an existing national fibromyalgia registry. Patients completed a demographic form and self-report questionnaires including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQ-R), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the 30-item Profile of Mood States (30-item POMS). FIQ-R overall impact subscale. BMI was significantly correlated with fibromyalgia impact (P < .001). The relationship between BMI and fibromyalgia impact was almost fully accounted for by physical factors and not by psychological factors. Despite patient report that pain hinders physical activity, clinicians who encounter patients with fibromyalgia, particularly patients with increased BMI, should be cognizant of the need to invest time and resources to counsel patients on physical factors (ie, physical activity) that could improve the patients' symptom experience. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lifestyle index and work ability.

PubMed

Kaleta, Dorota; Makowiec-Dabrowska, Teresa; Jegier, Anna

2006-01-01

In many countries around the world, negative changes in lifestyles are observed. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of selected lifestyle indicators on work ability among professionally active individuals. The study was performed in the randomly selected group of full-time employees (94 men and 93 women) living in the city of Lódź. Work ability was measured with the work ability index and lifestyle characteristic was assessed with the healthy lifestyle index. We analyzed four lifestyle indicators: non-smoking, healthy weight, fiber intake per day, and regular physical activity. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to control the effects of lifestyle and work ability. The analysis of lifestyle index indicated that 27.7, 30.9, 27.7 and 11.7% of men and 15.1, 21.5, 35.5 and 26.9% of women scored 0, 1, 2, 3 points, respectively. Only 2.1% of men and 1.1% of women met the criteria for the healthy lifestyle (score 4). Work ability was excellent, good and moderate in 38.3, 46.8 and 14.9% of men, and in 39.8, 14.9 and 19.3% of women, respectively. Poor work ability was found in 9.7% women. Work ability was strongly associated with lifestyle in both men and women. Among men with index score = 0, the risk of moderate work ability was nearly seven times higher than in men whose lifestyle index score exceeded 1 or more points (OR = 6.67; 95% CI: 1.94-22.90). Among women with lifestyle index score = 0, the risk of moderate or lower work ability was also highly elevated as compared to those with lifestyle index = 1 or higher (OR = 14.44; 95% CI: 3.53-59.04). Prophylactic schedules associated with the improvement of lifestyles should be addressed to all adults. Future programs aimed at increasing work ability should consider work- and lifestyle-related factors.

Laboratory-induced learned helplessness attenuates approach motivation as indexed by posterior versus frontal theta activity.

PubMed

Reznik, Samantha J; Nusslock, Robin; Pornpattananangkul, Narun; Abramson, Lyn Y; Coan, James A; Harmon-Jones, Eddie

2017-08-01

Research suggests that midline posterior versus frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) theta activity (PFTA) may reflect a novel neurophysiological index of approach motivation. Elevated PFTA has been associated with approach-related tendencies both at rest and during laboratory tasks designed to enhance approach motivation. PFTA is sensitive to changes in dopamine signaling within the fronto-striatal neural circuit, which is centrally involved in approach motivation, reward processing, and goal-directed behavior. To date, however, no studies have examined PFTA during a laboratory task designed to reduce approach motivation or goal-directed behavior. Considerable animal and human research supports the hypothesis put forth by the learned helplessness theory that exposure to uncontrollable aversive stimuli decreases approach motivation by inducing a state of perceived uncontrollability. Accordingly, the present study examined the effect of perceived uncontrollability (i.e., learned helplessness) on PFTA. EEG data were collected from 74 participants (mean age = 19.21 years; 40 females) exposed to either Controllable (n = 26) or Uncontrollable (n = 25) aversive noise bursts, or a No-Noise Condition (n = 23). In line with prediction, individuals exposed to uncontrollable aversive noise bursts displayed a significant decrease in PFTA, reflecting reduced approach motivation, relative to both individuals exposed to controllable noise bursts or the No-Noise Condition. There was no relationship between perceived uncontrollability and frontal EEG alpha asymmetry, another commonly used neurophysiological index of approach motivation. Results have implications for understanding the neurophysiology of approach motivation and establishing PFTA as a neurophysiological index of approach-related tendencies.

Electronic evaluation for video commercials by impression index.

PubMed

Kong, Wanzeng; Zhao, Xinxin; Hu, Sanqing; Vecchiato, Giovanni; Babiloni, Fabio

2013-12-01

How to evaluate the effect of commercials is significantly important in neuromarketing. In this paper, we proposed an electronic way to evaluate the influence of video commercials on consumers by impression index. The impression index combines both the memorization and attention index during consumers observing video commercials by tracking the EEG activity. It extracts features from scalp EEG to evaluate the effectiveness of video commercials in terms of time-frequency-space domain. And, the general global field power was used as an impression index for evaluation of video commercial scenes as time series. Results of experiment demonstrate that the proposed approach is able to track variations of the cerebral activity related to cognitive task such as observing video commercials, and help to judge whether the scene in video commercials is impressive or not by EEG signals.

Association between fat mass index and fat-free mass index values and cardiovascular risk in adolescents

PubMed Central

de Oliveira, Patrícia Morais; da Silva, Fabiana Almeida; Oliveira, Renata Maria Souza; Mendes, Larissa Loures; Pereira, Michele; Cândido, Ana Paula Carlos

2016-01-01

Abstract Objective: To describe the association between fat mass index and fat-free mass index values and factors associated with cardiovascular risk in adolescents in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. Methods: Cross-sectional study was with 403 adolescents aged 10–14 years, from public and private schools. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical measurements were obtained, as well as self-reported time spent performing physical exercises, sedentary activities and sexual maturation stage. Results: Regarding the nutritional status, 66.5% of the adolescents had normal weight, 19.9% were overweight and 10.2% were obese. For both genders, the fat mass index was higher in adolescents who had high serum triglycerides, body mass index and waist circumference. Conclusions: Adolescents who had anthropometric, clinical and biochemical characteristics considered to be at risk for the development of cardiovascular disease had higher values of fat mass index. Different methodologies for the assessment of body composition make health promotion and disease prevention more effective. PMID:26542380

Factors associated with health-related quality of life in Peruvian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Elera-Fitzcarrald, Claudia; Alva, Magaly; Gamboa-Cardenas, Rocío; Mora-Trujillo, Claudia S; Zevallos, Francisco; García-Poma, Augusto; Medina, Mariela; Rodriguez-Bellido, Zoila; Perich-Campos, Risto A; Pastor-Asurza, César A; Segami, María I; Ugarte-Gil, Manuel F

2018-05-01

Objective In this paper, we aim to define factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Mestizo patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We evaluated patients with SLE from Peru's two largest hospitals between October 2012 and July 2015 to ascertain HRQoL. Using a standard protocol, we incorporated demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations and treatment in our analysis. HRQoL was measured with the LupusQoL, disease activity was ascertained with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), and damage was appraised with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) damage index (SDI). The associations between the LupusQoL and these variables were examined using linear regression models. Model selection was based on backward elimination. Results A total of 277 patients fit the inclusion criterion. Of these, 254 (91.7%) were female, the median (interquartile range, IQR) age at diagnosis was 41.5 (33.8-51.8) years, disease duration was 6.5 (2.7-11.3) years. The HRQoL domains most affected were the following: burden to others, fatigue, and intimate relationships. Through multivariate analysis, we determined that older age at diagnosis, higher disease activity, damage, and immunosuppressive drug use were negatively associated with HRQoL. Further, we found that higher socioeconomic status, disease duration, and antimalarial use were positively associated with HRQoL. Conclusion Age at diagnosis, disease activity, damage, and use of immunosuppressive drugs were negatively associated with HRQoL; high socioeconomic status, disease duration, and use of antimalarials were positively associated with HRQoL.

Height, Body Mass Index, and Physical Activity in Relation to Glioma Risk

PubMed Central

Moore, Steven C.; Rajaraman, Preetha; Dubrow, Robert; Darefsky, Amy S.; Koebnick, Corinna; Hollenbeck, Albert; Schatzkin, Arthur; Leitzmann, Michael F.

2009-01-01

Whether energy balance during early life and/or adulthood is related to glioma risk is unknown. We therefore investigated height, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity in relation to glioma risk in the prospective NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire (sent in 1995) inquiring about height, weight, and potential confounders. A second questionnaire (sent in 1996) inquired about physical activity during ages 15-18, 19-29, 35-39 years, and the past 10 years and body weight at ages 18, 35, and 50 years. During follow-up from 1995/1996 to 2003, we documented 480 cases of glioma among 499,437 respondents to the baseline questionnaire and 257 cases among 305,681 respondents to the second questionnaire. Glioma risk among tall persons (1.90+ meters) was twice that of short persons (< 1.60 meters) (multivariate relative risk [RR]=2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.18-3.81; Ptrend =0.006). Risk among participants who were obese (BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m2) at age 18 was nearly 4 times that of persons of normal weight (BMI of 18.5-24.9) at age 18 (RR=3.74; 95% CI= 2.03-6.90; Ptrend =0.003); 11 cases were obese at age 18. Risk among participants who were active during ages 15-18 was 36% lower than that of persons who were inactive during ages 15-18 (RR=0.64; 95% CI= 0.44-0.93; Ptrend =0.02). BMI and physical activity after age 18 was unrelated to glioma risk. Adult height, BMI during adolescence, and physical activity during adolescence were each associated with glioma risk, supporting a role for early life energy balance in glioma carcinogenesis. PMID:19808953

Nonchronological video synopsis and indexing.

PubMed

Pritch, Yael; Rav-Acha, Alex; Peleg, Shmuel

2008-11-01

The amount of captured video is growing with the increased numbers of video cameras, especially the increase of millions of surveillance cameras that operate 24 hours a day. Since video browsing and retrieval is time consuming, most captured video is never watched or examined. Video synopsis is an effective tool for browsing and indexing of such a video. It provides a short video representation, while preserving the essential activities of the original video. The activity in the video is condensed into a shorter period by simultaneously showing multiple activities, even when they originally occurred at different times. The synopsis video is also an index into the original video by pointing to the original time of each activity. Video Synopsis can be applied to create a synopsis of an endless video streams, as generated by webcams and by surveillance cameras. It can address queries like "Show in one minute the synopsis of this camera broadcast during the past day''. This process includes two major phases: (i) An online conversion of the endless video stream into a database of objects and activities (rather than frames). (ii) A response phase, generating the video synopsis as a response to the user's query.

Actigraphy-Derived Daily Rest-Activity Patterns and Body Mass Index in Community-Dwelling Adults.

PubMed

Cespedes Feliciano, Elizabeth M; Quante, Mirja; Weng, Jia; Mitchell, Jonathan A; James, Peter; Marinac, Catherine R; Mariani, Sara; Redline, Susan; Kerr, Jacqueline; Godbole, Suneeta; Manteiga, Alicia; Wang, Daniel; Hipp, J Aaron

2017-12-01

To examine associations between 24-hour rest-activity patterns and body mass index (BMI) among community-dwelling US adults. Rest-activity patterns provide a field method to study exposures related to circadian rhythms. Adults (N = 578) wore an actigraph on their nondominant wrist for 7 days. Intradaily variability and interdaily stability (IS), M10 (most active 10-hours), L5 (least active 5-hours), and relative amplitude (RA) were derived using nonparametric rhythm analysis. Mesor, acrophase, and amplitude were calculated from log-transformed count data using the parametric cosinor approach. Participants were 80% female and mean (standard deviation) age was 52 (15) years. Participants with higher BMI had lower values for magnitude, RA, IS, total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency. In multivariable analyses, less robust 24-hour rest-activity patterns as represented by lower RA were consistently associated with higher BMI: comparing the bottom quintile (least robust) to the top quintile (most robust 24-hour rest-activity pattern) of RA, BMI was 3-kg/m2 higher (p = .02). Associations were similar in magnitude to an hour less of TST (1-kg/m2 higher BMI) or a 10% decrease in sleep efficiency (2-kg/m2 higher BMI), and independent of age, sex, race, education, and the duration of rest and/or activity. Lower RA, reflecting both higher night activity and lower daytime activity, was associated with higher BMI. Independent of the duration of rest or activity during the day or night, 24-hour rest, and activity patterns from actigraphy provide aggregated measures of activity that associate with BMI in community-dwelling adults. © Sleep Research Society 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Periodicities observed on solar flux index (F10.7) during geomagnetic disturbances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adhikari, B.; Narayan, C.; Chhatkuli, D. N.

2017-12-01

Solar activities change within the period of 11 years. Sometimes the greatest event occurs in the period of solar maxima and the lowest activity occurs in the period of solar minimum. During the time period of solar activity sunspots number will vary. A 10.7 cm solar flux measurement is a determination of the strength of solar radio emission. The solar flux index is more often used for the prediction and monitoring of the solar activity. This study mainly focused on the variation on solar flux index and amount of electromagnetic wave in the atmosphere. Both seasonal and yearly variation on solar F10.7 index. We also analyzed the dataset obatained from riometer.Both instruments show seasonal and yearly variations. We also observed the solar cycle dependence on solar flux index and found a strong dependence on solar activity. Results also show that solar intensities higher during the rising phase of solar cycle. We also observed periodicities on solar flux index using wavelet analysis. Through this analysis, it was found that the power intensities of solar flux index show a high spectral variability.

Developing a Vocational Index for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Julie Lounds; Seltzer, Marsha Mailick

2012-01-01

Existing methods of indexing the vocational activities of adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have made significant contributions to research. Nonetheless, they are limited by problems with sensitivity and reliability. We developed an index of vocational and educational outcomes that captures the full range of activities experienced by…

Reexamination of the coronal index of solar activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rybanský, M.; Rušin, V.; Minarovjech, M.; Klocok, L.; Cliver, E. W.

2005-08-01

The coronal index (CI) of solar activity is the irradiance of the Sun as a star in the coronal green line (Fe XIV, 530.3 nm or 5303 Å). It is derived from ground-based observations of the green corona made by the network of coronal stations (currently Kislovodsk, Lomnický Štít, Norikura, and Sacramento Peak). The CI was introduced by Rybanský (1975) to facilitate comparison of ground-based green line measurements with satellite-based extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray observations. The CI since 1965 is based on the Lomnický Štít photometric scale; the CI was extended to earlier years by Rybanský et al. (1994) based on cross-calibrations of Lomnický Štít data with measurements made at Pic du Midi and Arosa. The resultant 1939-1992 CI had the interesting property that its value at the peak of the 11-year cycle increased more or less monotonically from cycle 18 through cycle 22 even though the peak sunspot number of cycle 20 exhibited a significant local minimum between that of cycles 19 and 21. Rušin and Rybanský (2002) recently showed that the green line intensity and photospheric magnetic field strength were highly correlated from 1976 to 1999. Since the photospheric magnetic field strength is highly correlated with sunspot number, the lack of close correspondence between the sunspot number and the CI from 1939 to 2002 is puzzling. Here we show that the CI and sunspot number are highly correlated only after 1965, calling the previously-computed coronal index for earlier years (1939-1965) into question. We can use the correlation between the CI and sunspot number (also the 2800 MHz radio flux and the cosmic ray intensity) to recompute daily values of the CI for years before 1966. In fact, this method can be used to obtain CI values as far back as we have reliable sunspot observations (˜1850). The net result of this exercise is a CI that closely tracks the sunspot number at all times. We can use the sunspot-CI relationship (for 1966-2002) to identify

Physically active academic lessons and time on task: the moderating effect of body mass index.

PubMed

Grieco, Lauren A; Jowers, Esbelle M; Bartholomew, John B

2009-10-01

Physically active classroom lessons have been found to increase on-task behavior in children. Given that physical activity has been associated with an increased time on task (TOT) and that overweight children take fewer steps than normal weight children do, it was expected that benefits of the physical activity would differentially impact those children of higher weight status. To examine the effects of a physically active classroom lesson and body mass index (BMI) category on TOT in a sample of elementary-aged children (N = 97). Behavior was assessed through direct observations before and after a physically active classroom lesson and before and after a traditional inactive classroom lesson. TOT was calculated through momentary time sampling for each student by dividing the number of on-task observations by the total number of observations per student (interrater reliability = 94%). TOT decreased significantly from before to after the lesson for all BMI categories in the inactive control condition, with no change for the active condition. Post hoc analyses found a significant linear effect for the reduction in TOT with each level of BMI in the inactive condition, with the greatest magnitude of effect for the overweight group. Physically active classroom lessons provide a buffer to prevent the steep reduction in TOT experienced after a period of inactivity in all children, especially those who are overweight.

Path Analysis of Campus Walkability/Bikeability and College Students' Physical Activity Attitudes, Behaviors, and Body Mass Index.

PubMed

Horacek, Tanya M; Dede Yildirim, E; Kattelmann, K; Brown, O; Byrd-Bredbenner, C; Colby, S; Greene, G; Hoerr, S; Kidd, T; Koenings, M M; Morrell, J; Olfert, M D; Phillips, B; Shelnutt, K; White, A

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the walkability/bikeability of college campuses and students' body mass index (BMI) with student physical activity (PA) attitudes and behaviors as potential mediators. Cross-sectional. Thirteen university campuses. A total of 1384 student participants. Walkability/bikeability environmental score (ES): 12-item audit assessed an average of 44 path segments per campus. Students were measured for height and weight and completed online surveys. Physical activity stage of change/behavior intentions were assessed using the transtheoretical model. The Cognitive Behavioral Physical Activity Questionnaire assessed outcome expectations, self-regulation, and personal barriers. International Physical Activity Questionnaire assessed walking-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity PA. Descriptive statistics, zero-order correlations, and path analysis with maximum likelihood estimation. The overall model fit was good with χ 2 of 171.388 ( df = 18), P < .001, comparative fit index value of .95, and a root mean square of approximation of .079. After controlling for gender, there was a direct negative association between walkability/bikeability ES and BMI (β = -.085) and positive association between personal barriers and BMI (β = .134). Walkability/bikeability ES was positively associated with walking-intensity PA (β = .010). Self-regulation was positively associated with moderate-intensity PA (β = .213), which, in turn, was negatively associated with BMI (β = -.057). The ease of walking and biking on a campus was related to college students' walking behavior and their BMI. Students' PA behavioral intentions were associated with moderate PA and lower BMI. These results provide evidence to focus on policies and structural supports for walkable/bikeable environments to supplement and enhance interventions encouraging individual behavior change for PA and weight management.

A new ionospheric index MF2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikhailov, A. V.; Mikhailov, V. V.

1995-02-01

A new ionospheric index MF2 to improve monthly median foF2 regression and prediction accuracy is proposed. The interhemispheric magnetic conjunction of the F2-region was used to derive this index for the northern hemisphere. Since the monthly MF2 index varies in regular way with the season and in the course of solar cycle this allows an easy long-term prediction. Using MF2 instead of direct solar R12 index considerably improves the quality of the foF2 versus solar activity level regression (by 30% for middle, and by 10% for high latitudes.) For the rising phase of solar cycle 22, MF2 yields much better foF2 prediction accuracy than Consultative Committee on International Radiopropagation (CCIR) numerical maps can achieve.

Environmental/Biomedical Terminology Index

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huffstetler, J.K.; Dailey, N.S.; Rickert, L.W.

1976-12-01

The Information Center Complex (ICC), a centrally administered group of information centers, provides information support to environmental and biomedical research groups and others within and outside Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In-house data base building and development of specialized document collections are important elements of the ongoing activities of these centers. ICC groups must be concerned with language which will adequately classify and insure retrievability of document records. Language control problems are compounded when the complexity of modern scientific problem solving demands an interdisciplinary approach. Although there are several word lists, indexes, and thesauri specific to various scientific disciplines usually groupedmore » as Environmental Sciences, no single generally recognized authority can be used as a guide to the terminology of all environmental science. If biomedical terminology for the description of research on environmental effects is also needed, the problem becomes even more complex. The building of a word list which can be used as a general guide to the environmental/biomedical sciences has been a continuing activity of the Information Center Complex. This activity resulted in the publication of the Environmental Biomedical Terminology Index (EBTI).« less

Vitamin K-dependent proteins GAS6 and Protein S and TAM receptors in patients of systemic lupus erythematosus: correlation with common genetic variants and disease activity.

PubMed

Recarte-Pelz, Pedro; Tàssies, Dolors; Espinosa, Gerard; Hurtado, Begoña; Sala, Núria; Cervera, Ricard; Reverter, Joan Carles; de Frutos, Pablo García

2013-03-12

Growth arrest-specific gene 6 protein (GAS6) and protein S (ProS) are vitamin K-dependent proteins present in plasma with important regulatory functions in systems of response and repair to damage. They interact with receptor tyrosine kinases of the Tyro3, Axl and MerTK receptor tyrosine kinase (TAM) family, involved in apoptotic cell clearance (efferocytosis) and regulation of the innate immunity. TAM-deficient mice show spontaneous lupus-like symptoms. Here we tested the genetic profile and plasma levels of components of the system in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and compare them with a control healthy population. Fifty SLE patients and 50 healthy controls with matched age, gender and from the same geographic area were compared. Genetic analysis was performed in GAS6 and the TAM receptor genes on SNPs previously identified. The concentrations of GAS6, total and free ProS, and the soluble forms of the three TAM receptors (sAxl, sMerTK and sTyro3) were measured in plasma from these samples. Plasma concentrations of GAS6 were higher and, total and free ProS were lower in the SLE patients compared to controls, even when patients on oral anticoagulant treatment were discarded. Those parameters correlated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score, GAS6 being higher in the most severe cases, while free and total ProS were lower. All 3 soluble receptors increased its concentration in plasma of lupus patients. The present study highlights that the GAS6/ProS-TAM system correlates in several ways with disease activity in SLE. We show here that this correlation is affected by common polymorphisms in the genes of the system. These findings underscore the importance of mechanism of regulatory control of innate immunity in the pathology of SLE.

Vitamin K-dependent proteins GAS6 and Protein S and TAM receptors in patients of systemic lupus erythematosus: correlation with common genetic variants and disease activity

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction Growth arrest-specific gene 6 protein (GAS6) and protein S (ProS) are vitamin K-dependent proteins present in plasma with important regulatory functions in systems of response and repair to damage. They interact with receptor tyrosine kinases of the Tyro3, Axl and MerTK receptor tyrosine kinase (TAM) family, involved in apoptotic cell clearance (efferocytosis) and regulation of the innate immunity. TAM-deficient mice show spontaneous lupus-like symptoms. Here we tested the genetic profile and plasma levels of components of the system in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and compare them with a control healthy population. Methods Fifty SLE patients and 50 healthy controls with matched age, gender and from the same geographic area were compared. Genetic analysis was performed in GAS6 and the TAM receptor genes on SNPs previously identified. The concentrations of GAS6, total and free ProS, and the soluble forms of the three TAM receptors (sAxl, sMerTK and sTyro3) were measured in plasma from these samples. Results Plasma concentrations of GAS6 were higher and, total and free ProS were lower in the SLE patients compared to controls, even when patients on oral anticoagulant treatment were discarded. Those parameters correlated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score, GAS6 being higher in the most severe cases, while free and total ProS were lower. All 3 soluble receptors increased its concentration in plasma of lupus patients. Conclusions The present study highlights that the GAS6/ProS-TAM system correlates in several ways with disease activity in SLE. We show here that this correlation is affected by common polymorphisms in the genes of the system. These findings underscore the importance of mechanism of regulatory control of innate immunity in the pathology of SLE. PMID:23497733

Validation of the Auto-Inflammatory Diseases Activity Index (AIDAI) for hereditary recurrent fever syndromes

PubMed Central

Piram, Maryam; Koné-Paut, Isabelle; Lachmann, Helen J; Frenkel, Joost; Ozen, Seza; Kuemmerle-Deschner, Jasmin; Stojanov, Silvia; Simon, Anna; Finetti, Martina; Sormani, Maria Pia; Martini, Alberto; Gattorno, Marco; Ruperto, Nicolino

2014-01-01

Objectives To validate the Auto-Inflammatory Diseases Activity Index (AIDAI) in the four major hereditary recurrent fever syndromes (HRFs): familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). Methods In 2010, an international collaboration established the content of a disease activity tool for HRFs. Patients completed a 1-month prospective diary with 12 yes/no items before a clinical appointment during which their physician assessed their disease activity by a questionnaire. Eight international experts in auto-inflammatory diseases evaluated the patient's disease activity by a blinded web evaluation and a nominal group technique consensus conference, with their consensus judgement considered the gold standard. Sensitivity/specificity/accuracy measures and the ability of the score to discriminate active from inactive patients via the best cut-off score were calculated by a receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results Consensus was achieved for 98/106 (92%) cases (39 FMF, 35 CAPS, 14 TRAPS and 10 MKD), with 26 patients declared as having inactive disease and 72 as having active disease. The median total AIDAI score was 14 (range=0–175). An AIDAI cut-off score ≥9 discriminated active from inactive patients, with sensitivity/specificity/accuracy of 89%/92%/90%, respectively, and an area under the curve of 98% (95% CI 96% to 100%). Conclusions The AIDAI score is a valid and simple tool for assessing disease activity in FMF/MKD/TRAPS/CAPS. This tool is easy to use in clinical practice and has the potential to be used as the standard efficacy measure in future clinical trials. PMID:24026675

Impact of Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Health: A Review.

PubMed

Chughtai, Morad; Gwam, Chukwuweike U; Mohamed, Nequesha; Khlopas, Anton; Sodhi, Nipun; Sultan, Assem A; Bhave, Anil; Mont, Michael A

2017-12-22

Due to an increasing elderly population coupled with a growing obesity epidemic, there has been an increased prevalence in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases. This has led to an increased burden in healthcare expenditures, now estimated to be over 17.8% of gross domestic product. As a result, physical activity has been increasingly encouraged due to its potential prophylactic effects on health. Recent reports have demonstrated a relationship between physical activity and body mass index (BMI) on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. However, the effect of the combination of the two have not been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to assess the effect of various levels of physical activity on: 1) cardiovascular disease risk; and 2) the development of musculoskeletal disease (osteoarthritis [OA]) when accounting for various levels of BMIs. A total of 143 abstracts were identified for cardiovascular health and 55 abstracts for musculoskeletal health. Upon review, 11 reports were included for final evaluation. Despite patient BMI, physical activity was associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular events. Additionally, moderate levels of physical activity were demonstrated to be protective against the development of OA; however, the levels of physical activity necessary to be beneficial were not fully elucidated. This suggests that the prophylactic effects of physical activity were maintained despite patient BMI. Future studies are needed to explore the appropriate levels of physical activity for optimal effectiveness when stratifying by patient BMI.

Bio-active engineered 50 nm silica nanoparticles with bone anabolic activity: therapeutic index, effective concentration, and cytotoxicity profile in vitro

PubMed Central

Ha, Shin-Woo; Sikorski, James A.; Weitzmann, M. Neale; Beck, George R.

2014-01-01

Silica-based nanomaterials are generally considered to be excellent candidates for therapeutic applications particularly related to skeletal metabolism however the current data surrounding the safety of silica based nanomaterials is conflicting. This may be due to differences in size, shape, incorporation of composite materials, surface properties, as well as the presence of contaminants following synthesis. In this study we performed extensive in vitro safety profiling of ~50 nm spherical silica nanoparticles with OH-terminated or Polyethylene Glycol decorated surface, with and without a magnetic core, and synthesized by the Stöber method. Nineteen different cell lines representing all major organ types were used to investigate an in vitro lethal concentration (LC) and results revealed little toxicity in any cell type analyzed. To calculate an in vitro therapeutic index we quantified the effective concentration at 50% response (EC50) for nanoparticle-stimulated mineral deposition activity using primary bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). The EC50 for BMSCs was not substantially altered by surface or magnetic core. The calculated Inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) for pre-osteoclasts was similar to the osteoblastic cells. These results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of certain silica-based nanomaterial formulations for use in treating bone diseases based on a favorable in vitro therapeutic index. PMID:24333519

Does Concern Motivate Behavior Change?: Exploring the Relationship between Physical Activity and Body Mass Index among Low-Income Housing Residents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tamers, Sara L.; Allen, Jennifer; Yang, May; Stoddard, Anne; Harley, Amy; Sorensen, Glorian

2014-01-01

Objective: To explore relationships between concerns and physical activity and body mass index (BMI) among a racially/ethnically diverse low-income population. Method: A cross-sectional survey documented behavioral risks among racially/ethnically diverse low-income residents in the Boston area (2005-2009). Multivariable logistic regressions were…

[Cost of systemic lupus erythematosus for adult patients with active and treated disease in France (LUCIE study)].

PubMed

Amoura, Z; Deligny, C; Pennaforte, J-L; Hamidou, M; Blanco, P; Hachulla, E; Pourrat, J; Queyrel, V; Garofano, A; Maurel, F; Levy-Bachelot, L; Boucot, I

2014-11-01

To evaluate in France the annual direct medical cost of adult patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on medication and estimate the cost of a flare. A two-year, observational, retrospective, multicenter study, carried out between December 2010 and February 2011. Patients' characteristics, SLE disease activity and severity, rate of flares, healthcare consumption (medications, hospitalisations, etc.) were evaluated. Medical costs were assessed from the national Health Insurance perspective. Cost predictors were estimated using multivariate regression models. Eight centres specialized in SLE management included 93 eligible patients (including 50.5% severe). The mean age was 39.9 (11.9) years and 93.5% were women. At baseline, the mean SLE duration was 9.8 (6.6) years. The mean scores of the SELENA-SLEDAI instrument and the SLICC/ACR index were higher in severe patients (9.8 vs 5.6, and 1.2 vs 0.4 respectively; P<0.001). Over the study period, 51% of patients received the combination containing at least corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. The mean annual direct medical cost of severe patients was €4660 versus €3560 for non-severe patients (non-significant difference). The cost of medications (61.8% of the annual cost) was higher in severe patients (€3214 vs €1856; P<0.05). Immunosuppressants and biologics represented 26.5% and 4.6% of the annual total cost respectively. Patients experienced on average 1.10 (0.59) flares/year, of which 0.50 were severe flare. The occurrence of a new severe flare incremented the annual cost of €1330 (P<0.05). Medications represented the major component of the annual direct medical cost. Severe flares increase significantly the cost of SLE care management. Copyright © 2014 Société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Acridine orange staining reaction as an index of physiological activity in Escherichia coli

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McFeters, G. A.; Singh, A.; Byun, S.; Callis, P. R.; Williams, S.

1991-01-01

The assumption that the acridine orange (AO) color reaction may be used as an index of physiological activity was investigated in laboratory grown Escherichia coli. Spectrofluorometric observations of purified nucleic acids, ribosomes and the microscopic color of bacteriophage-infected cells stained with AO confirmed the theory that single-stranded nucleic acids emit orange to red fluorescence while those that are double-stranded fluoresce green in vivo. Bacteria growing actively in a rich medium could be distinguished from cells in stationary phase by the AO reaction. Cells from log phase appeared red, whereas those in stationary phase were green. However, this differentiation was not seen when the bacteria were grown in a minimal medium or when a variation of the staining method was used. Also, shifting bacteria in stationary phase to starvation conditions rapidly changed their AO staining reaction. Boiling and exposure to lethal concentrations of azide and formalin resulted in stationary-phase cells that appeared red after staining but bacteria killed with chlorine remained green. These findings indicate that the AO staining reaction may be suggestive of physiological activity under defined conditions. However, variables in staining and fixation procedures as well as uncertainties associated with mixed bacterial populations in environmental samples may produce results that are not consistent with the classical interpretation of this reaction. The importance of validating the putative physiological implications of this staining reaction is stressed.

GSK-3β activation index is a potential indicator for recurrent inflammation of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps.

PubMed

Hong, Haiyu; Chen, Fenghong; Qiao, Yongkang; Yan, Yan; Zhang, Rongkai; Zhu, Zhe; Li, Huabin; Fan, Yunping; Xu, Geng

2017-12-01

Chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) is one of the most common otorhinolaryngologic diseases worldwide. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) was quantitatively evaluated in patients with CRSsNP (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 20). The mRNA levels of GSK-3α and GSK-3β were examined by qPCR, the immunoreactivities of GSK-3β and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, and the protein levels of GSK-3β, phospho-GSK-3β (p-GSK-3β, s9) and NF-κB were examined using Western blot analysis. We found that GSK-3 was highly expressed in both CRSsNP and control groups without significant difference in both GSK-3β mRNA and protein levels. However, when compared with healthy control group, the GSK-3β activation index, defined as the ratio of GSK-3β over p-GSK-3β, was significantly decreased, whereas the NF-κB protein abundance was significantly increased in CRSsNP group (P < 0.05). Strikingly, the GSK-3β activation index, was highly correlated with NF-κB protein level, as well as CT scores in CRSsNP group (P < 0.05). It was also highly correlated with the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes, including T-bet, IFN-γ and IL-4 in CRSsNP group (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that GSK-3β activation index, reflecting the inhibitory levels of GSK-3β through phosphorylation, may be a potential indicator for recurrent inflammation of CRSsNP, and that the insufficient inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3β may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CRSsNP. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

Tuberculosis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a case-control study in Mexico City.

PubMed

Torres-González, Pedro; Romero-Díaz, Juanita; Cervera-Hernández, Miguel Enrique; Ocampo-Torres, Mario; Chaires-Garza, Luis Gerardo; Lastiri-González, Ernesto Alejandro; Atisha-Fregoso, Yemil; Bobadilla-Del-Valle, Miriam; Ponce-de-León, Alfredo; Sifuentes-Osornio, José

2018-04-20

To determine, among systemic lupus erythematosus patients, factors associated with active tuberculosis. We performed a case-control study, in a tertiary-care center in Mexico City. We defined cases as systemic lupus erythematosus patients with active tuberculosis and matched them 1:1 with systemic lupus erythematosus patients without tuberculosis (controls) by age, date of systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis, and disease duration. We analyzed clinical variables, lupus disease activity (SLEDAI-2K), and accumulated damage (SLICC/ARC-DI). We performed a nonconditional logistic regression to determine factors associated with tuberculosis. We identified 72 tuberculosis cases among systemic lupus erythematosus patients, 58% were culture confirmed. Thirty-three percent (24/72) were pulmonary only, 47.2% (34/72) extrapulmonary only, and 19.4% both. After adjustment for age, gender, and socioeconomic status, SLEDAI-2K and SLICC/ARC-DI, a 1-year cumulative dose of prednisone ≥ 3 g (odds ratios (OR), 18.85; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 6.91-51.45) was associated with tuberculosis, and the antimalarial treatment was protective (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.36). Among systemic lupus erythematosus patients, cumulative dose of prednisone is associated with tuberculosis. Further research is required to elucidate the protective effect of antimalarial drugs for tuberculosis. Preventive strategies must be implemented in patients at risk.

Choices and Preferences "Water Index."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Science Activities, 1995

1995-01-01

Presents a Project WET water education activity. Students rank and compare different uses of water in order of their importance. The class develops a "Water Index," an indication of the group's feelings and values about water and its uses. (LZ)

On the history of the connectivity index: from the connectivity index to the exact solution of the protein alignment problem.

PubMed

Randić, M

2015-01-01

We briefly review the history of the connectivity index from 1975 to date. We hope to throw some light on why this unique, by its design, graph theoretical molecular descriptor continues to be of interest in QSAR, having wide use in applications in structure-property and structure-activity studies. We will elaborate on its generalizations and the insights it offered on applications in Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA). Going beyond the connectivity index we will outline several related developments in the development of molecular descriptors used in MRA, including molecular ID numbers (1986), the variable connectivity index (1991), orthogonal regression (1991), irrelevance of co-linearity of descriptors (1997), anti-connectivity (2006), and high discriminatory descriptors characterizing molecular similarity (2015). We will comment on beauty in QSAR and recent progress in searching for similarity of DNA, proteins and the proteome. This review reports on several results which are little known to the structure-property-activity community, the significance of which may surprise those unfamiliar with the application of discrete mathematics to chemistry. It tells the reader many unknown stories about the connectivity index, which may help the reader to better understand the meaning of this index. Readers are not required to be familiar with graph theory.

Carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Su-Angka, N; Khositseth, A; Vilaiyuk, S; Tangnararatchakit, K; Prangwatanagul, W

2017-08-01

Objectives The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid arterial stiffness index (CASI) act as the surrogate markers of atherosclerosis. We aim to assess CIMT and CASI in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Patients ≤ 20 years old fulfilling diagnostic criteria for SLE were enrolled. Patients with active smoking, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, arterial thrombosis, family history of hypercholesterolemia, chronic liver disease, or other chronic severe diseases were excluded. The patients were categorized into four groups: active SLE, age- and sex-matched control (control A), inactive SLE, and age- and sex-matched control (control I), according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). All subjects underwent ultrasound of carotid arteries to evaluate CIMT and CASI. Results One hundred and two SLE patients (26 active and 76 inactive) and one hundred and three healthy controls (26 control A and 77 control I) were enrolled. The median CIMT in all groups were not significantly different (0.43, 0.41-0.44; 0.43, 0.41-0.44; 0.42, 0.41-0.43; and 0.42, 0.41-0.43 mm, respectively).The CASI in active SLE (13.5, 11.4-17.3) was significantly higher than in control A (8.2, 7.2-9.2) ( p < 0.0001), whereas CASI in inactive SLE (12.7, 10.9-15.7) was significantly higher than in control I (8.9, 7.6-9.8). However, the CASI in active and inactive SLE was not significantly different. Conclusions The higher CASI in active and inactive pediatric SLE, implying functional change of carotid arteries, may be early evidence of increased atherosclerosis in pediatric SLE. This functional dysfunction has been found both in inactive and active SLE.

National registry of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology: objectives and methodology.

PubMed

Rúa-Figueroa, Iñigo; López-Longo, Francisco Javier; Calvo-Alén, Jaime; Galindo-Izquierdo, María; Loza, Estíbaliz; García de Yebenes, M Jesús; Pego-Reigosa, José M

2014-01-01

To describe the objectives, design and methods of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) registry (RELESSER). Multicenter, hospital-based registry, with retrospective collection of data from a large representative sample of adult patients with SLE (1997 ACR criteria) attending Spanish rheumatology services. The registry includes demographic data, frequent and infrequent (<1%) clinical manifestations, information about activity, damage, severity, comorbidity, treatments and mortality, collecting 359 variables per patient, with highly standardized definitions. We performed a preliminary descriptive analysis of the data. Forty-five centers were involved and 4,024 SLE patients (91% with ≥ 4 ACR criteria) have been included; 90% are women and 93% caucasians, with a median age at diagnosis of 33 years, median disease duration: 120 months, median follow-up duration: 104 months; 3,222 (81%) of the patients are in active follow-up and 591 (14%) were lost to follow-up. The median values of the SELENA-SLEDAI score, SLICC/ACR damage index and Katz severity index have been 2, 1 and 2, respectively. A total of 211 patients (6%) died. RELESSER represents the largest European SLE registry built to date, providing comprehensive and reliable information on SLE manifestations, disease status, comorbid conditions and treatments in daily clinical practice. RELESSER is constituted as a tool of great potential for multicenter clinical research in SLE. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

S100β is associated with cognitive impairment in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

PubMed

Lapa, A T; Postal, M; Sinicato, N A; Bellini, B S; Fernandes, P T; Marini, R; Appenzeller, S

2017-04-01

Objective To investigate serologic S100β protein levels in childhood-onset SLE patients (cSLE) and to elucidate their association with disease activity and neuropsychiatric (NP) manifestations. Methods We included 71 cSLE patients (67 females; median age 18 years; range 9-37 and 53 (47 females; median age of 20 years; range 6-29) age and sex matched healthy controls. Neurological manifestations were analysed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Cognitive evaluation was performed in all participants using Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), according to age, and validated in Portuguese. SLE patients were further assessed for clinical and laboratory SLE manifestations, disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)), damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI)) and current drug exposures. Sera S100β protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using commercial kits. Results The median S100β protein level was 116.55 pg/mL (range 1.53-468.50) in cSLE and 54.98 pg/mL (range 0.69-181.00) in healthy controls ( p < 0.001). An association was observed between S100β protein and NP manifestations ( p = 0.03). The S100β protein levels was associated with cognitive impairment in cSLE patients ( p = 0.006). Conclusions S100β protein levels are increased in cSLE with cognitive impairment. S100β may be considered a potential biomarker that underlies central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, especially cognitive impairment.

The correlational research among serum CXCL13 levels, circulating plasmablasts and memory B cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A STROBE-compliant article.

PubMed

Fang, Chenglong; Luo, Tingting; Lin, Ling

2017-12-01

We investigated whether serum CXC ligand 13 protein (CXCL13) levels correlate with the circulating plasmablasts and memory B-cells alteration in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The diagnostic use of CXCL13 concentrations in active lupus was also analyzed.A total of 36 SLE patients and 18 healthy controls were included. Serum CXCL13 levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The frequency and absolute count of circulating plasmablasts and memory B cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) were generated to analyze the utility of serum CXCL13 level and plasmablasts frequency as tools for the recognition of active SLE.Elevation of serum CXCL13 levels, higher plasmablasts frequency, and reduction of memory B-cells count were observed in SLE patients, compared with healthy controls. Interestingly, correlational analyses showed not only significantly positive association between CXCL13 levels and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) or plasmablasts frequency, but an inverse correlation between CXCL13 concentration and memory B-cell count. ROC curves showed that serum CXCL13 level and plasmablasts frequency were practical in identifying active disease from overall SLE patients, with considerable accuracy.Serum CXCL13 levels correlate with the alteration of plasmablasts and memory B cells in SLE. CXCL13 may be used as a practical tool in judgment of active SLE.

The French-Canadian validation of a disease-specific, patient-reported outcome measure for lupus.

PubMed

Bourré-Tessier, J; Clarke, A E; Kosinski, M; Mikolaitis-Preuss, R A; Bernatsky, S; Block, J A; Jolly, M

2014-12-01

The objective of this paper is to perform the cross-cultural validation of the French version of the LupusPRO, a disease-targeted patient-reported outcome measure, among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Canada. The French version of the LupusPRO and the MOS SF-36 were administered; demographic, clinical and serological characteristics were obtained. Disease activity (SELENA-SLEDAI and the Lupus Foundation of America definition of flare) and damage (SLICC/ACR SDI) were assessed. Physician disease activity and damage assessments were ascertained using visual analog scales. Internal consistency reliability (ICR), test-retest reliability (TRT), convergent and discriminant validity (against corresponding domains of the SF-36), criterion validity (against disease activity, damage or health status) and known group validity were tested. A total of 99 French-Canadian SLE patients participated (97% women, mean (SD) age 45.2 (14.5) years). The median (IQR) SELENA-SLEDAI and SDI were 3.5 (6.0) and 1.0 (2.0), respectively. The ICR of the LupusPRO domains ranged from 0.81 to 0.93 (except for lupus symptoms, procreation and coping), while TRT ranged from 0.72 to 0.95. Convergent and discriminant validity, criterion validity and known group validity against disease activity, damage and health status measures were observed. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit. The LupusPRO has fair psychometric properties among French-Canadian patients with SLE. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Bio-active engineered 50 nm silica nanoparticles with bone anabolic activity: therapeutic index, effective concentration, and cytotoxicity profile in vitro.

PubMed

Ha, Shin-Woo; Sikorski, James A; Weitzmann, M Neale; Beck, George R

2014-04-01

Silica-based nanomaterials are generally considered to be excellent candidates for therapeutic applications particularly related to skeletal metabolism however the current data surrounding the safety of silica based nanomaterials is conflicting. This may be due to differences in size, shape, incorporation of composite materials, surface properties, as well as the presence of contaminants following synthesis. In this study we performed extensive in vitro safety profiling of ∼ 50 nm spherical silica nanoparticles with OH-terminated or Polyethylene Glycol decorated surface, with and without a magnetic core, and synthesized by the Stöber method. Nineteen different cell lines representing all major organ types were used to investigate an in vitro lethal concentration (LC) and results revealed little toxicity in any cell type analyzed. To calculate an in vitro therapeutic index we quantified the effective concentration at 50% response (EC50) for nanoparticle-stimulated mineral deposition activity using primary bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). The EC50 for BMSCs was not substantially altered by surface or magnetic core. The calculated Inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) for pre-osteoclasts was similar to the osteoblastic cells. These results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of certain silica-based nanomaterial formulations for use in treating bone diseases based on a favorable in vitro therapeutic index. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tracking the will to attend: Cortical activity indexes self-generated, voluntary shifts of attention.

PubMed

Gmeindl, Leon; Chiu, Yu-Chin; Esterman, Michael S; Greenberg, Adam S; Courtney, Susan M; Yantis, Steven

2016-10-01

The neural substrates of volition have long tantalized philosophers and scientists. Over the past few decades, researchers have employed increasingly sophisticated technology to investigate this issue, but many studies have been limited considerably by their reliance on intrusive experimental procedures (e.g., abrupt instructional cues), measures of brain activity contaminated by overt behavior, or introspective self-report techniques of questionable validity. Here, we used multivoxel pattern time-course analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data to index voluntary, covert perceptual acts-shifts of visuospatial attention-in the absence of instructional cues, overt behavioral indices, and self-report. We found that these self-generated, voluntary attention shifts were time-locked to activity in the medial superior parietal lobule, supporting the hypothesis that this brain region is engaged in voluntary attentional reconfiguration. Self-generated attention shifts were also time-locked to activity in the basal ganglia, a novel finding that motivates further research into the role of the basal ganglia in acts of volition. Remarkably, prior to self-generated shifts of attention, we observed early and selective increases in the activation of medial frontal (dorsal anterior cingulate) and lateral prefrontal (right middle frontal gyrus) cortex-activity that likely reflects processing related to the intention or preparation to reorient attention. These findings, which extend recent evidence on freely chosen motor movements, suggest that dorsal anterior cingulate and lateral prefrontal cortices play key roles in both overt and covert acts of volition, and may constitute core components of a brain network underlying the will to attend.

Tracking the Will to Attend: Cortical Activity Indexes Self-Generated, Voluntary Shifts of Attention

PubMed Central

Gmeindl, Leon; Chiu, Yu-Chin; Esterman, Michael S.; Greenberg, Adam S.; Courtney, Susan M.; Yantis, Steven

2016-01-01

The neural substrates of volition have long tantalized philosophers and scientists. Over the past few decades, researchers have employed increasingly sophisticated technology to investigate this issue, but many studies have been limited considerably by their reliance on intrusive experimental procedures (e.g., abrupt instructional cues), measures of brain activity contaminated by overt behavior, or introspective self-report techniques of questionable validity. Here, we used multivoxel-pattern time-course analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data to index voluntary, covert perceptual acts—shifts of visuospatial attention—in the absence of instructional cues, overt behavioral indices, and self-report. We found that these self-generated, voluntary attention shifts were time-locked to activity in the medial superior parietal lobule, supporting the hypothesis that this brain region is engaged in voluntary attentional reconfiguration. Self-generated attention shifts were also time-locked to activity in the basal ganglia, a novel finding that motivates further research into the role of the basal ganglia in acts of volition. Remarkably, prior to self-generated shifts of attention we observed early and selective increases in activation of medial frontal (dorsal anterior cingulate) and lateral prefrontal cortex (right middle frontal gyrus)—activity that likely reflects processing related to the intention or preparation to reorient attention. These findings, which extend recent evidence on freely chosen motor movements, suggest that dorsal anterior cingulate and lateral prefrontal cortices play key roles in both overt and covert acts of volition, and may constitute core components of a brain network underlying the will to attend. PMID:27301353

Nutrition and physical activity randomized control trial in child care centers improves knowledge, policies, and children's body mass index.

PubMed

Alkon, Abbey; Crowley, Angela A; Neelon, Sara E Benjamin; Hill, Sherika; Pan, Yi; Nguyen, Viet; Rose, Roberta; Savage, Eric; Forestieri, Nina; Shipman, Linda; Kotch, Jonathan B

2014-03-01

To address the public health crisis of overweight and obese preschool-age children, the Nutrition And Physical Activity Self Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) intervention was delivered by nurse child care health consultants with the objective of improving child care provider and parent nutrition and physical activity knowledge, center-level nutrition and physical activity policies and practices, and children's body mass index (BMI). A seven-month randomized control trial was conducted in 17 licensed child care centers serving predominantly low income families in California, Connecticut, and North Carolina, including 137 child care providers and 552 families with racially and ethnically diverse children three to five years old. The NAP SACC intervention included educational workshops for child care providers and parents on nutrition and physical activity and consultation visits provided by trained nurse child care health consultants. Demographic characteristics and pre - and post-workshop knowledge surveys were completed by providers and parents. Blinded research assistants reviewed each center's written health and safety policies, observed nutrition and physical activity practices, and measured randomly selected children's nutritional intake, physical activity, and height and weight pre- and post-intervention. Hierarchical linear models and multiple regression models assessed individual- and center-level changes in knowledge, policies, practices and age- and sex-specific standardized body mass index (zBMI), controlling for state, parent education, and poverty level. Results showed significant increases in providers' and parents' knowledge of nutrition and physical activity, center-level improvements in policies, and child-level changes in children's zBMI based on 209 children in the intervention and control centers at both pre- and post-intervention time points. The NAP SACC intervention, as delivered by trained child health professionals such as child care

The quality of life in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with disease activity and psychiatric disorders: a path analysis.

PubMed

Shen, Biyu; Feng, Guijuan; Tang, Wei; Huang, Xiaoqing; Yan, Hongyan; He, Yan; Chen, Weijun; Da, Zhanyun; Liu, Hong; Gu, Zhifeng

2014-01-01

To identify the socioeconomic status, disease activity and psychiatric disorders that contribute to the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Data were collected from 170 SLE patients and 210 healthy individuals. All of the patients fulfilled the criteria for the classification of SLE and underwent disease activity assessment according to the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). Self-rated scales for anxiety (SAS) and depression (SDS) were used to evaluate the levels of anxiety and depression. The patients' general health status was measured using the Short Form (SF)-36 questionnaire. To provide greater clarity regarding the determinants of HRQOL, path analysis was used to explore the relationships between the various predictors and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). SLE patients who have depression and anxiety are more likely to have a lower quality of life compared to those who are not depressed (r=-0.735, p<0.01; r=-0.684, p<0.01). All of the variables were significantly correlated with depression except age, gender and marital status. Education was negatively correlated with disease activity (r=-0.272, p<0.05) and anxiety (r=-0.312, p<0.01). Disease activity was positively correlated with anxiety (r=0.198, p<0.05). In addition, work status also correlated with anxiety (r=-0.294, p<0.01). A path-analytic models analysis suggested that the main influencing factors of HRQoL are the following: depression, anxiety, education level, income/family, disease activity, age, and work status. A χ2 test (χ215=17.71, p=0.28>0.05) indicated that the path analysis model had an adequate goodness of fit value. Depression (β=-0.616, p<0.05) contributed the most to HRQOL. Depression, anxiety and disease activity contributed to HRQoL both directly and indirectly through other factors. Socioeconomic factors such as education, income/family and work status, however, did not contribute directly to HRQoL. HRQoL in SLE is

Physical Activity and Body Mass Index

PubMed Central

Nelson, Candace C.; Wagner, Gregory R.; Caban-Martinez, Alberto J.; Buxton, Orfeu M.; Kenwood, Christopher T.; Sabbath, Erika L.; Hashimoto, Dean M.; Hopcia, Karen; Allen, Jennifer; Sorensen, Glorian

2014-01-01

Background The workplace is an important domain for adults, and many effective interventions targeting physical activity and weight reduction have been implemented in the workplace. However, the U.S. workforce is aging and few studies have examined the relationship of BMI, physical activity, and age as they relate to workplace characteristics. Purpose This paper reports on the distribution of physical activity and BMI by age in a population of hospital-based healthcare workers and investigates the relationships among workplace characteristics, physical activity, and BMI. Methods Data from a survey of patient care workers in two large academic hospitals in the Boston area were collected in late 2009 and analyzed in early 2013. Results In multivariate models, workers reporting greater decision latitude (OR=1.02; 95% CI=1.01, 1.03) and job flexibility (OR=1.05; 95% CI=1.01, 1.10) reported greater physical activity. Overweight and obesity increased with age (p<0.01), even after adjusting for workplace characteristics. Sleep deficiency (OR=1.56; 95% CI=1.15, 2.12) and workplace harassment (OR= 1.62; 95% CI=1.20, 2.18) were also associated with obesity. Conclusions These findings underscore the persistent impact of the work environment for workers of all ages. Based on these results, programs or policies aimed at improving the work environment, especially decision latitude, job flexibility and workplace harassment should be included in the design of worksite-based health promotion interventions targeting physical activity or obesity. PMID:24512930

On the local operational geomagnetic index K calculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stankov, Stan; Stegen, Koen; Wautelet, Gilles; Warnant, Rene

2010-05-01

There is an ongoing demand for services that can provide real-time assessment of the (global and local) geomagnetic activity and identified as being of importance to the exploration geophysics, radio communications and precise position/navigation practices, space weather research and modelling, etc. Such services depend largely on the reduction of solar, geomagnetic and ionospheric observations to generate activity indices, one of the most widely used being the K index. The K index is a quasi-logarithmic index characterising the 3-hourly range in transient magnetic activity relative to the regular "quiet-day" activity for a single site location. A derivative "planetary" index (Kp), the mean standardized K index from several globally distributed stations, provides a convenient measure of the global geomagnetic activity. Computer-based derivation of K/Kp indices was a major step towards higher efficiency and lower costs. Nowadays, automated data acquisition, processing and generating the index in real time is mandatory for any reliable service. However, Kp may not be accurate enough when monitoring disturbances of smaller scale, so the local K index (derived from the nearest magnetic station/s) might be considered as the better choice. Moreover, the 3-hour time scale is much larger than the shorter characteristic time of localised ionospheric phenomena that are of particular interest to us. Our experience in developing a novel nowcast system for local operational geomagnetic index K calculation (K-LOGIC) will be presented. The system is based on a fully automated computer procedure for real-time digital magnetogram data acquisition, screening the dataset and removing the outliers, establishing the solar regular (Sr) variation of the geomagnetic field, calculating the K index, and issuing an alert if storm-level activity is indicated. This is a time-controlled (rather than event-driven) system delivering as regular output (time resolution set to 1 hour) the K value

Interventions with children and parents to improve physical activity and body mass index: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Dellert, Jane Cerruti; Johnson, Portia

2014-01-01

Examine the effect of interventions with parents and children on children's physical activity and body mass index (BMI). Computerized searches for intervention studies published between 1990 and 2011 used multiple ProQuest databases, including unpublished dissertations and theses to minimize publication bias. English-language, intervention-testing studies of children, parents, or families with outcomes of physical activity or BMI were retrieved from peer-reviewed journals, dissertations, and theses. Eliminated studies had no control or comparison group; had no continuous outcome variable; had no physical activity/exercise and/or BMI as outcomes; or had incomplete statistics necessary for meta-analysis (means, standard deviations, or confidence intervals). Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Quality criteria were control group, objective outcome variable measure, clarity of variable definitions, and number and reason for subject withdrawal. Meta-analysis on the raw difference of means estimated mean weighted effect size (MWES) assessed dispersion of effects and computed a summary effect. MWES for interventions with parents and children on physical activity (Z = 2.92; confidence interval [CI] = .09 to .48; p = .002) and on BMI for interventions with children alone (Z = -2.10; CI = -.16 to -.01; p = .02) was significant. A significant effect on physical activity but not on BMI was found when interventions included both parents and their children.

Bidirectional associations between activity-related parenting practices, and child physical activity, sedentary screen-based behavior and body mass index: a longitudinal analysis.

PubMed

Sleddens, Ester F C; Gubbels, Jessica S; Kremers, Stef P J; van der Plas, Eline; Thijs, Carel

2017-07-06

It has been generally assumed that activity-related parenting practices influence children's activity behavior and weight status. However, vice versa parents may also change their parenting behaviors in response to their perceptions of their child's activity behavior and weight status. This study examined the bidirectional relationships between activity-related parenting practices, and physical activity, sedentary screen-based behavior, and body mass index (BMI) between children's age of 5 and 7 years. Three scales of the Activity-related Parenting Questionnaire (i.e. 'restriction of sedentary behavior', 'stimulation of physical activity', and 'monitoring of physical activity') were completed by 1694 parents of the Dutch KOALA Birth Cohort Study at the child's age of around 5 and again around age 7. Physical activity, sedentary screen-based behavior and BMI were measured at both ages as well. Linear regression models were used to estimate the bidirectional associations between each parenting practice and the child's physical activity levels, sedentary screen-based behavior and BMI z-scores. Several parenting practices at age 5 predicted child physical activity, sedentary screen-based behavior, and BMI z-scores at age 7. Restriction of sedentary behavior positively predicted child BMI and sedentary screen-based behavior, whereas this practice negatively predicted child physical activity. In addition, stimulation of physical activity at age 5 was significantly associated with higher levels of child physical activity at age 7. The following child factors at age 5 predicted parenting practices at age 7: Child physical activity positively predicted parental stimulation of physical activity and monitoring activities. Sedentary screen-based behavior was associated with lower parental stimulation to be active. Findings generally revealed that parents and children mutually influence each other's behavior. A reinforcing feedback loop was present between parental stimulation

Negative correlation between body mass index category and physical activity perceptions in children.

PubMed

Van Zant, R Scott; Toney, Julie

2012-10-01

Children's physical activity (PA) choices are influenced by their perceived ability (adequacy) and inclination toward (predilection) PA. The study's purpose was to determine the association of body mass index (BMI) category with PA perceptions in sixth-grade children. A total of 267 children (119 boys, 148 girls; age 11+ y; ht 1.53 SD 0.08 m; wt 49.0 SD 13.5 kg; BMI 20.7 SD 4.8) provided informed consent and completed the study. All were measured for body weight and height and completed the Children's Self-perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity (CSAPPA) scale. Spearman rank-order correlation analysis was conducted between total CSAPPA score (and three factor scores of adequacy, predilection, and enjoyment) and BMI category relative to gender, body weight classification and for all children. A significant negative correlation was identified between BMI category (p<0.01) and CSAPPA total, adequacy, and predilection score for all children. Girls (but not boys) showed significant negative correlation between BMI category and all CSAPPA scores. A significant negative correlation in BMI category and PA perceptions exists in children, with the relationship being stronger in girls. Children with increased BMI may have adverse perceptions of PA and risks for sedentary behavior.

Habitat Suitability Index Models: Marten

USGS Publications Warehouse

Allen, Arthur W.

1982-01-01

Habitat preferences and species characteristics of the pine marten (Martes americana) are described in this publication. It is one of a series of Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) models and was developed through an analysis of available scientific data on the species-habitat requirements of the pine marten. Habitat use information is presented in a review of the literature, followed by the development of a HSI model. The model is presented in three formats: graphic, word and mathematical. Suitability index graphs quantify the species-habitat relationship. These data are then synthesized into a model which is designed to provide information for use in impact assessment and habitat management activities.

[Diagnostic significance of anti-collectin 11 in systemic lupus erythematosus].

PubMed

Deng, X L; Zhong, L J; Sun, L; Li, C H; Liu, X Y

2016-12-18

To analyze the role of anti-collectin 11 in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in the evaluation of disease activity. This was a cross-sectional study. Five groups of patients were enrolled: SLE active (SLE disease activity index-2000,SLEDAI-2000≥9), SLE remission (SLEDAI-2000≤4 and there was no organ involvement), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjogren Syndrome (SS) and healthy control (HC). Serum anti-collectin 11 was detected in all the groups by ELISA. One-way ANOVA analysis and LSD-t-test as post-hoc analysis were used to compare the levels of anti-collectin 11 among all the groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under curve (AUC) were used to analyze the value of anti-collectin 11 in the diagnosis of SLE. In the study, 30 patients were enrolled in each group, including 13 males and 137 females with an average age of (34±14) years (18-77 years). The age and gender of the other three groups were comparable to the two SLE groups. The difference of serum anti-collectin 11 between the SLE active group and SLE remission group was not statistically significant (88.8±16.8 vs. 89.7±24.7, P=0.896). The level of serum anti-collectin 11 was significantly higher in SLE group (as a whole) (89.1±19.4) than in RA group (49.1±22.0), SS group (56.9±30.1) and HC group (72.7±24.6) (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.007, respectively). The AUC was 0.806 for the diagnosis of SLE by serum anti-collectin 11. Further descriptive analysis showed that the positive rate of anti-collectin 11 was very high in the patients of SLE in whom both anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and Sm antibody were negative. The nervous system and gastrointestinal system involvement were the most common in the patients with positive anti-collectin 11. The level of serum anti-collectin 11 was significantly higher in SLE than in RA, SS and HC. anti-collectin 11 antibody had a relatively high value in the diagnosis of SLE and it might have some complementary

A real time index of geomagnetic background noise for the MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detection) frequency band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernardi, A.; Fraser-Smith, A. C.; Villard, O. G.

1985-02-01

An index of geomagnetic activity in the upper part of the ultra low frequency (ULF) range (less than 4.55 Hz) has been developed. This index will be referred to as the MA index (magnetic activity index). The MA index is prepared every half hour and is a measure of the strength of the geomagnetic activity in the Pc1-Pc3 pulsation frequency range during that half hour period. Activity in the individual Pc pulsation ranges can also be measured, if desired. The index is calculated from the running average of the full-wave rectified values of the band pass filtered geomagnetic signals and thus it provides a better indication of the magnitude of these band pass filtered magnetic pulsations than does the ap index, for example. Daily variations of the band pass filtered magnetic signals are also better captured by the MA index. To test this system we used analog tape recordings of wide-band geomagnetic signals. The indices for these tapes are presented in the form of plots, together with a comparison with the ap indices of the same time intervals. The MA index shows the daily variation of the geometric signals quite clearly during times when there is strong activity, i.e., when the ap index values are large. Because impulsive signals, such as lightning discharges, tend to be suppressed in the averaging process, the MA index is insensitive to impulsive noise. It is found that the time variation of the MA index is in general markedly different from the variation of the ap index for the same time intervals.

Body mass index, new modes of TV viewing and active video games.

PubMed

Falbe, J; Willett, W C; Rosner, B; Field, A E

2017-10-01

Recent technologies have changed screen time. TV can be viewed anywhere, anytime. Content can be collected via digital recorders and online streaming and viewed on smartphones. Video games are no longer strictly sedentary. We sought to assess the unknown relations between new modes of TV viewing - recorded, online, downloaded and on hand-held devices - and active video games with body mass index (BMI). Cross-sectional analysis of the 2011 wave of the Growing Up Today Study 2 cohort. We used gender-specific generalized estimating equations to examine screen time and BMI among 3071 women and 2050 men aged 16-24 years. Among women, each hour/day of online TV (0.47; confidence interval [CI]: 0.12, 0.82) and total non-broadcast TV (0.37; CI: 0.14, 0.61) was associated with higher BMI, as was watching ≥ 1/2 h week -1 of TV on hand-held devices (1.04; CI: 0.32-1.77). Active video games were associated with BMI among women, but not after restricting to those not trying to lose/maintain weight. Broadcast TV was associated with higher BMI (kg m -2 ) among women and men (P < 0.05). Among women, online TV, TV viewed on hand-held devices and the sum of non-broadcast TV time were associated with higher BMI. Broadcast TV was also associated with BMI in women and men. © 2016 World Obesity Federation.

Neighborhood and family perceived environments associated with children's physical activity and body mass index.

PubMed

Lavin Fueyo, Julieta; Totaro Garcia, Leandro Martin; Mamondi, Veronica; Pereira Alencar, Gizelton; Florindo, Alex Antonio; Berra, Silvina

2016-01-01

A growing body of research has been examining neighborhood environment related to children's physical activity and obesity. However, there is still not enough evidence from Latin America. To investigate the association of neighborhood and family perceived environments, use of and distance to public open spaces with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and body mass index (BMI) in Argentinean school-aged children. School-based, cross-sectional study with 1777 children (9 to 11years) and their parents, in Cordoba city during 2011. Children were asked about LTPA and family perceived environment. Parents were asked about neighborhood perceived environment, children's use of public open spaces and distance. Weight and height were measured for BMI. We modeled children's LTPA and BMI z-score with structural equation models with latent variables for built, social and safety neighborhood environments. Parents' perceived neighborhood environment was not related with children's LTPA and BMI. Children's perceived autonomy and family environment were positively associated with LTPA. Use of unstructured open spaces and, indirectly, the distance to these, was associated with LTPA among girls. Greater distance to parks reduced their use by children. Policies to increase children's LTPA should include access to better public open spaces, increasing options for activity. A family approach should be incorporated, reinforcing its role for healthy development. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Fuzzy Logic Prompting Mechanism Based on Pattern Recognition and Accumulated Activity Effective Index Using a Smartphone Embedded Sensor.

PubMed

Liu, Chung-Tse; Chan, Chia-Tai

2016-08-19

Sufficient physical activity can reduce many adverse conditions and contribute to a healthy life. Nevertheless, inactivity is prevalent on an international scale. Improving physical activity is an essential concern for public health. Reminders that help people change their health behaviors are widely applied in health care services. However, timed-based reminders deliver periodic prompts suffer from flexibility and dependency issues which may decrease prompt effectiveness. We propose a fuzzy logic prompting mechanism, Accumulated Activity Effective Index Reminder (AAEIReminder), based on pattern recognition and activity effective analysis to manage physical activity. AAEIReminder recognizes activity levels using a smartphone-embedded sensor for pattern recognition and analyzing the amount of physical activity in activity effective analysis. AAEIReminder can infer activity situations such as the amount of physical activity and days spent exercising through fuzzy logic, and decides whether a prompt should be delivered to a user. This prompting system was implemented in smartphones and was used in a short-term real-world trial by seventeenth participants for validation. The results demonstrated that the AAEIReminder is feasible. The fuzzy logic prompting mechanism can deliver prompts automatically based on pattern recognition and activity effective analysis. AAEIReminder provides flexibility which may increase the prompts' efficiency.

Habitat suitability index models: Black crappie

USGS Publications Warehouse

Edwards, Elizabeth A.; Krieger, Douglas A.; Bacteller, Mary; Maughan, O. Eugene

1982-01-01

Characteristics and habitat requirements of the black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) are described in a review of Habitat Suitability Index models. This is one in a series of publications to provide information on the habitat requirements of selected fish and wildlife species. Numerous literature sources have been consulted in an effort to consolidate scientific data on species-habitat relationships. These data have subsequently been synthesized into explicit Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) models. The models are based on suitability indices indicating habitat preferences. Indices have been formulated for variables found to affect the life cycle and survival of each species. Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) models are designed to provide information for use in impact assessment and habitat management activities. The HSI technique is a corollary to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Habitat Evaluation Procedures.

Levels and correlates of physical activity, inactivity and body mass index among Saudi women working in office jobs in Riyadh city.

PubMed

Albawardi, Nada M; Jradi, Hoda; Al-Hazzaa, Hazzaa M

2016-06-20

Physical inactivity is among the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Saudi Arabia has just begun to address physical inactivity as recent studies have shown an alarming prevalence of insufficiently physically active adults. Saudi women are identified as among the most overweight/obese and least active worldwide. With an increase in the number of women in office based jobs, the risk of physical inactivity is likely to increase. Identifying the level and correlates for high BMI and physical inactivity in Saudi women will help to plan more effective public health strategies. The aim of this study is to assess the level of physical activity, inactivity and body mass index among Saudi women working in office based jobs in Riyadh city and identify the correlates for overweight, obesity and low physical activity. A cross- sectional study was conducted on 420 Saudi women aged 18 to 58 years working in office based jobs in eight worksites in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Body mass index was determined using weight and height measurements and physical activity was assessed based on a validated self-administered questionnaire. The majority of the subjects were overweight or obese (58.3 %). Overweight/obesity was associated with increased age, lower income and with those working in the public versus private sector. More than half of the sample (52.1 %) were insufficiently physically active. Participants working seven or more hours per day and those working in private versus public sector were significantly associated with low physical activity. This study identified Saudi women working in office based jobs as a high risk group for overweight, obesity and physical inactivity. As sedentary jobs may compound the risk for obesity and physical inactivity, this may support the use of workplace health programs to reduce sitting time and promote physical activity as a viable public health initiative.

Body mass index, metabolic factors, and striatal activation during stressful and neutral-relaxing states: an FMRI study.

PubMed

Jastreboff, Ania M; Potenza, Marc N; Lacadie, Cheryl; Hong, Kwangik A; Sherwin, Robert S; Sinha, Rajita

2011-02-01

Stress is associated with alterations in neural motivational-reward pathways in the ventral striatum (VS), hormonal/metabolic changes, and weight increases. The relationship between these different factors is not well understood. We hypothesized that body mass index (BMI) status and hormonal/metabolic factors would be associated with VS activation. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare brain responses of overweight and obese (OW/OB: BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2): N=27) individuals with normal weight (NW: BMI<18.5-24.9 kg/m(2): N=21) individuals during exposure to personalized stress, alcohol cue, and neutral-relaxing situations using a validated, autobiographical, script-driven, guided-imagery paradigm. Metabolic factors, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, and leptin, were examined for their association with VS activation. Consistent with previous studies, stress and alcohol cue exposure each increased activity in cortico-limbic regions. Compared with NW individuals, OW/OB individuals showed greater VS activation in the neutral-relaxing and stress conditions. FPG was correlated with VS activation. Significant associations between VS activation and metabolic factors during stress and relaxation suggest the involvement of metabolic factors in striatal dysfunction in OW/OB individuals. This relationship may contribute to non-homeostatic feeding in obesity.

The contribution of diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour to body mass index in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Moran, L J; Ranasinha, S; Zoungas, S; McNaughton, S A; Brown, W J; Teede, H J

2013-08-01

What is the contribution of diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour to body mass index (BMI) in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? PCOS status, higher energy intake and glycaemic index and lower physical activity were independently associated with BMI. Obesity worsens the clinical features of PCOS and women with PCOS have an elevated prevalence of overweight and obesity. It is not known whether there is a contribution of lifestyle factors such as dietary intake, physical activity or sedentary behaviour to the elevated prevalence of obesity in PCOS. This study is a population-based observational study with data currently collected at 13 year follow-up. The study commenced in 1996. For this analysis, data are analysed at one time point corresponding to the Survey 5 of the cohort in 2009. At this time 8200 participants remained (58% retention of baseline participants) of which 7466 replied to the questionnaire; 409 self-reported a diagnosis of PCOS and 7057 no diagnosis of PCOS. Australian women born in 1973-1978 from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Mean BMI was higher in women with PCOS compared with non-PCOS (29.3 ± 7.5 versus 25.6 ± 5.8 kg/m(2), P < 0.001). Women with PCOS reported a better dietary intake (elevated diet quality and micronutrient intake and lower saturated fat and glycaemic index intake) but increased energy intake, increased sitting time and no differences in total physical activity compared with non-PCOS. PCOS status, higher energy intake and glycaemic index and lower physical activity, as well as age, smoking, alcohol intake, occupation, education and country of birth, were independently associated with BMI. The weaknesses of this study include the self-reported diagnosis of PCOS, and the women not reporting PCOS not having their control status clinically verified which is likely to underrepresent the PCOS population. We are also unable to determine if lifestyle behaviours contributed to the

Nutrition and physical activity randomized control trial in child care centers improves knowledge, policies, and children’s body mass index

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background To address the public health crisis of overweight and obese preschool-age children, the Nutrition And Physical Activity Self Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) intervention was delivered by nurse child care health consultants with the objective of improving child care provider and parent nutrition and physical activity knowledge, center-level nutrition and physical activity policies and practices, and children’s body mass index (BMI). Methods A seven-month randomized control trial was conducted in 17 licensed child care centers serving predominantly low income families in California, Connecticut, and North Carolina, including 137 child care providers and 552 families with racially and ethnically diverse children three to five years old. The NAP SACC intervention included educational workshops for child care providers and parents on nutrition and physical activity and consultation visits provided by trained nurse child care health consultants. Demographic characteristics and pre - and post-workshop knowledge surveys were completed by providers and parents. Blinded research assistants reviewed each center’s written health and safety policies, observed nutrition and physical activity practices, and measured randomly selected children’s nutritional intake, physical activity, and height and weight pre- and post-intervention. Results Hierarchical linear models and multiple regression models assessed individual- and center-level changes in knowledge, policies, practices and age- and sex-specific standardized body mass index (zBMI), controlling for state, parent education, and poverty level. Results showed significant increases in providers’ and parents’ knowledge of nutrition and physical activity, center-level improvements in policies, and child-level changes in children’s zBMI based on 209 children in the intervention and control centers at both pre- and post-intervention time points. Conclusions The NAP SACC intervention, as delivered by

Long-term EEJ variations by using the improved EE-index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujimoto, A.; Uozumi, T.; Abe, Sh.; Matsushita, H.; Imajo, Sh.; Ishitsuka, J. K.; Yoshikawa, A.

2016-03-01

In 2008, International Center for Space Weather Science and Education, Kyushu University (ICSWSE) proposed the EE-index, which is an index to monitor the equatorial geomagnetic phenomena. EE-index has been improved with the development of the MAGnetic Data Acquisition System and the Circum-pan Pacific Magnetometer Network (MAGDAS/CPMN) and the enormous archive of MAGDAS/CPMN data over 10 years since the initial article. Using the improved EE-index, we examined the solar cycle variation of equatorial electrojet (EEJ) by the time series analysis for EUEL (one part of EE-index) at Ancon in Peru and the solar activity from September 18, 1998 to March 31, 2015. We found that the long-term variation of daily EEJ peak intensity has a trend similar to that of F10.7 (the solar activity). The power spectrum of the daily EEJ peak has clearly two dominant peaks throughout the analysis interval: 14.5 days and 180 days (semi-annual). The solar cycle variation of daily EEJ peak correlates well with that of F10.7 (the correlation coefficient 0.99). We conclude that the daily EEJ peak intensity is roughly determined as the summation of the long-period trend of the solar activity resulting from the solar cycle and day-to-day variations caused by various sources such as lunar tides, geometric effects, magnetospheric phenomena and atmospheric phenomena. This work presents the primary evidence for solar cycle variations of EEJ on the long-term study of the EE-index

Leisure-time physical activity from mid- to late life, body mass index, and risk of dementia.

PubMed

Tolppanen, Anna-Maija; Solomon, Alina; Kulmala, Jenni; Kåreholt, Ingemar; Ngandu, Tiia; Rusanen, Minna; Laatikainen, Tiina; Soininen, Hilkka; Kivipelto, Miia

2015-04-01

Physical activity may be beneficial for cognition, but the effect may vary depending on personal characteristics. We investigated the associations between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) from mid- to late life, the risk of dementia, and the role of body mass index, sex, and APOE in the CAIDE study during 28-year follow-up. Cognitive function of a random subsample was assessed at a mean age of 78.8 years (n = 1511), and dementia/Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnoses were identified from national registers for the entire target population (n = 3559). Moderate (hazard ratio [HR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.99) and low levels of midlife LTPA (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.99-1.95) were associated with higher risk of dementia in comparison with the most active category. The benefits were more pronounced among men, overweight individuals, and APOE ε4 noncarriers. Maintaining high LTPA (HR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.41) or increasing LTPA (HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.09-0.40) after midlife was associated with lower dementia risk. Similar results were observed for AD. The window of opportunity for preventive physical activity interventions may extend from midlife to older ages. Copyright © 2015 The Alzheimer's Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quasi-causal associations of physical activity and neighborhood walkability with body mass index: a twin study.

PubMed

Duncan, Glen E; Cash, Stephanie Whisnant; Horn, Erin E; Turkheimer, Eric

2015-01-01

Physical activity, neighborhood walkability, and body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)) associations were tested using quasi-experimental twin methods. We hypothesized that physical activity and walkability were independently associated with BMI within twin pairs, controlling for genetic and environmental background shared between them. Data were from 6376 (64% female; 58% identical) same-sex pairs, University of Washington Twin Registry, 2008-2013. Neighborhood walking, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and BMI were self-reported. Residential address was used to calculate walkability. Phenotypic (non-genetically informed) and biometric (genetically informed) regression was employed, controlling for age, sex, and race. Walking and MVPA were associated with BMI in phenotypic analyses; associations were attenuated but significant in biometric analyses (Ps<0.05). Walkability was not associated with BMI, however, was associated with walking (but not MVPA) in both phenotypic and biometric analyses (Ps<0.05), with no attenuation accounting for shared genetic and environmental background. The association between activity and BMI is largely due to shared genetic and environmental factors, but a significant causal relationship remains accounting for shared background. Although walkability is not associated with BMI, it is associated with neighborhood walking (but not MVPA) accounting for shared background, suggesting a causal relationship between them. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The photochemical reflectance index provides an optical indicator of spring photosynthetic activation in evergreen conifers.

PubMed

Wong, Christopher Y S; Gamon, John A

2015-04-01

In evergreens, the seasonal down-regulation and reactivation of photosynthesis is largely invisible and difficult to assess with remote sensing. This invisible phenology may be changing as a result of climate change. To better understand the mechanism and timing of these hidden physiological transitions, we explored several assays and optical indicators of spring photosynthetic activation in conifers exposed to a boreal climate. The photochemical reflectance index (PRI), chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf pigments for evergreen conifer seedlings were monitored over 1 yr of a boreal climate with the addition of gas exchange during the spring. PRI, electron transport rate, pigment levels, light-use efficiency and photosynthesis all exhibited striking seasonal changes, with varying kinetics and strengths of correlation, which were used to evaluate the mechanisms and timing of spring activation. PRI and pigment pools were closely timed with photosynthetic reactivation measured by gas exchange. The PRI provided a clear optical indicator of spring photosynthetic activation that was detectable at leaf and stand scales in conifers. We propose that PRI might provide a useful metric of effective growing season length amenable to remote sensing and could improve remote-sensing-driven models of carbon uptake in evergreen ecosystems. © 2015 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2015 New Phytologist Trust.

Control measures to trace ≤ 15-year-old contacts of index cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis

PubMed Central

Oliveira, Cláudia Di Lorenzo; de Melo, Angelita Cristine; de Oliveira, Lílian Ruth Silva; Froede, Emerson Lopes; Camargos, Paulo

2015-01-01

This was descriptive study carried out in a medium-sized Brazilian city. In ≤ 15-year-old contacts of index cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis, we assessed compliance with the Brazilian national guidelines for tuberculosis control. We interviewed 43 contacts and their legal guardians. Approximately 80% of the contacts were not assessed by the municipal public health care system, and only 21% underwent tuberculin skin testing. The results obtained with the Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector method suggest that health care teams have a biased attitude toward assessing such contacts and underscore the need for training health professionals regarding tuberculosis control programs. PMID:26578137

A data fusion-based drought index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azmi, Mohammad; Rüdiger, Christoph; Walker, Jeffrey P.

2016-03-01

Drought and water stress monitoring plays an important role in the management of water resources, especially during periods of extreme climate conditions. Here, a data fusion-based drought index (DFDI) has been developed and analyzed for three different locations of varying land use and climate regimes in Australia. The proposed index comprehensively considers all types of drought through a selection of indices and proxies associated with each drought type. In deriving the proposed index, weekly data from three different data sources (OzFlux Network, Asia-Pacific Water Monitor, and MODIS-Terra satellite) were employed to first derive commonly used individual standardized drought indices (SDIs), which were then grouped using an advanced clustering method. Next, three different multivariate methods (principal component analysis, factor analysis, and independent component analysis) were utilized to aggregate the SDIs located within each group. For the two clusters in which the grouped SDIs best reflected the water availability and vegetation conditions, the variables were aggregated based on an averaging between the standardized first principal components of the different multivariate methods. Then, considering those two aggregated indices as well as the classifications of months (dry/wet months and active/non-active months), the proposed DFDI was developed. Finally, the symbolic regression method was used to derive mathematical equations for the proposed DFDI. The results presented here show that the proposed index has revealed new aspects in water stress monitoring which previous indices were not able to, by simultaneously considering both hydrometeorological and ecological concepts to define the real water stress of the study areas.

Is neighbourhood obesogenicity associated with body mass index in women? Application of an obesogenicity index in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

PubMed

Tseng, Marilyn; Thornton, Lukar E; Lamb, Karen E; Ball, Kylie; Crawford, David

2014-11-01

An aggregate index is potentially useful to represent neighbourhood obesogenicity. We created a conceptually-based obesogenicity index and examined its association with body mass index (BMI) among 3786 women (age 18-45y) in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia. The index included 3 items from each of 3 domains: food resources (supermarkets, green grocers, fast food restaurants), recreational activity resources (gyms, pools, park space), and walkability (4+ leg intersections, neighbourhood walking environment, neighbourhood safety), with a possible range from 0 to 18 reflecting 0-2 for each of the 9 items. Using generalised estimating equations, neighbourhood obesogenicity was not associated with BMI in the overall sample. However, stratified analyses revealed generally positive associations with BMI in urban areas and inverse associations in rural areas (interaction p=0.02). These analyses are a first step towards combining neighbourhood characteristics into an aggregate obesogenicity index that is transparent enough to be adopted elsewhere and to allow examination of the relevance of its specific components in different settings. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Index to FAA Office of Aviation Medicine reports : 1961 through 2000.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-01-01

An index to Federal Aviation Administration Office of Aviation Medicine Reports (1964-2000), : CARI Reports (1961-1963), and Civil Aeromedical Institute Reports is presented for those : engaged in aviation medicine and related activities. The index l...

Mycophenolate mofetil as maintenance therapy for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients with severe lupus nephritis.

PubMed

Kizawa, Toshitaka; Nozawa, Tomo; Kikuchi, Masako; Nagahama, Kiyotaka; Okudela, Koji; Miyamae, Takako; Imagawa, Tomoyuki; Nakamura, Tomoko; Mori, Masaaki; Yokota, Shumpei; Tsutsumi, Hiroyuki

2015-03-01

We evaluated histological changes occurring in renal biopsy specimens, between the time before initial induction therapy and after 12 months' maintenance therapy, as well as changes in laboratory parameters, SLE disease activity (SLEDAI), and dosage of corticosteroid (CS) in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). A retrospective analysis was performed on nine patients diagnosed with childhood-onset SLE and lupus nephritis. They were treated with pulsed mPSL and intravenous cyclophosphamide as induction therapy and MMF (500-1500 mg/day) plus CS as maintenance therapy. Renal biopsy was performed before the initial induction therapy and after 12 months' maintenance therapy. Pathological findings at second biopsy were improved in eight of nine patients (89%). The findings of SLEDAI, urinalysis, and blood tests also showed improvement. CS doses could be tapered satisfactorily. Adverse events were observed in two patients. No patients treated with MMF experienced any disease flares during maintenance therapy. MMF as maintenance therapy might be useful in that not only the histological findings of lupus nephritis were improved, but also CS doses could be beneficially tapered. Nonetheless, this is a retrospective report of only nine cases and further prospective multicenter studies are necessary.

Urease activity as an index for assessing the maturity of cow manure and wheat residue vermicomposts.

PubMed

Sudkolai, Saber Tayebi; Nourbakhsh, Farshid

2017-06-01

The establishment of a reliable index is an essential need to assess the degree of stability and maturity of solid wastes vermicomposts. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of vermicomposting process on some chemical (pH, EC, OC, TN, lignin and C:N ratio) and biochemical properties of the cow manure (CM) and wheat residue (WR). Results demonstrated that during vermicomposting process of CM and WR urease activity was highly correlated with the time of vermicomposting (r=-0.97 ∗∗ for CM and r=-0.99 ∗∗ for WR), and well able to show the stability of organic waste. The urease activity showed significant correlations with the C:N ratio during the vermicomposting of CM and WR (r=0.89 ∗ and r=0.93 ∗∗ respectively) therefore it can be considered as a reliable indicator for determining the maturity and stability of organic wastes during vermicomposting process. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Index to FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine reports : 1961 through 2004.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-01-01

An index to Federal Aviation Administration Office of Aerospace Medicine Reports (1964-2004) and : Civil Aeromedical Institute Reports (1961-1963) is presented for those engaged in aviation medicine and : related activities. The index lists all FAA a...

Index to FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine reports : 1961 through 2002.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-01-01

An index to Federal Aviation Administration Office of Aerospace Medicine Reports (1964-2002) : and Civil Aeromedical Institute Reports (1961-1963) is presented for those engaged in aviation : medicine and related activities. The index lists all FAA A...

Index to FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine Reports : 1961 Through 2006

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-01-01

An index to Federal Aviation Administration Office of Aerospace Medicine Reports (1964-2006) and Civil : Aeromedical Institute Reports (1961-1963) is presented for those engaged in aviation medicine and related : activities. The index lists all FAA a...

Index to FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine reports : 1961 through 2008.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

An index to Federal Aviation Administration Office of Aerospace Medicine Reports (1964-2008) and Civil : Aeromedical Institute Reports (1961-1963) is presented for those engaged in aviation medicine and related : activities. The index lists all FAA a...

Index to FAA Office of Aviation Medicine reports : 1961 through 1995.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-01-01

An index to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Aviation Medicine Reports (1964-1995) and Civil Aeromedical Institute Reports is presented for those engaged in aviation medicine and related activities. The index lists all FAA aviation med...

Index to FAA Office of Aviation Medicine reports : 1961 through 1999.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-01-01

An index to Federal Aviation Administration Office of Aviation Medicine Reports (1964-1999) and : Civil Aeromedical Institute Reports (1961-1963) is presented for those engaged in aviation medicine : and related activities. The index lists all FAA av...

Index to FAA Office of Aviation Medicine reports : 1961 through 1998.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-01-01

An index to Office of Aviation Medicine Reports (1964-1998) and Civil Aeromedical Research Institute Reports is presented for those engaged in aviation medicine and related activities. The index lists all FAA aviation medicine reports published from ...

Achieving simplified disease activity index remission in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis is associated with subsequent good functional and structural outcomes in a real-world clinical setting under a treat-to-target strategy.

PubMed

Hirano, Fumio; Yokoyama, Waka; Yamazaki, Hayato; Amano, Koichi; Kawakami, Atsushi; Hayashi, Taichi; Tamura, Naoto; Yasuda, Shinsuke; Dobashi, Hiroaki; Fujii, Takao; Ito, Satoshi; Kaneko, Yuko; Matsui, Toshihiro; Okuda, Yasuaki; Saito, Kazuyoshi; Suzuki, Fumihito; Yoshimi, Ryusuke; Sakai, Ryoko; Koike, Ryuji; Kohsaka, Hitoshi; Miyasaka, Nobuyuki; Harigai, Masayoshi

2017-09-01

To verify predictive validity of simplified disease activity index (SDAI) remission for subsequent functional and structural outcomes in real-world clinical settings under a treat-to-target strategy (T2T). In this multicenter, prospective cohort study, T2T was implemented in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with moderate-to-high disease activity. SDAI or clinical disease activity index (CDAI) was assessed every 12 weeks, and treatment was adjusted to achieve clinical remission or low disease activity (LDA). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of SDAI remission (≤3.3) at week 24 with the health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI) ≤ 0.5 or with the delta van der Heijde-modified total Sharp score (ΔvdH-mTSS) 

Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Belimumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Fifty-Two-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

PubMed

Stohl, William; Schwarting, Andreas; Okada, Masato; Scheinberg, Morton; Doria, Andrea; Hammer, Anne E; Kleoudis, Christi; Groark, James; Bass, Damon; Fox, Norma Lynn; Roth, David; Gordon, David

2017-05-01

To assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous (SC) belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients with moderate-to-severe SLE (score of ≥8 on the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment [SELENA] version of the SLE Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI]) were randomized 2:1 to receive weekly SC belimumab 200 mg or placebo by prefilled syringe in addition to standard SLE therapy for 52 weeks. The primary end point was the SLE Responder Index (SRI4) at week 52. Secondary end points were reduction in the corticosteroid dosage and time to severe flare. Safety was assessed according to the adverse events (AEs) reported and the laboratory test results. Of 839 patients randomized, 836 (556 in the belimumab group and 280 in the placebo group) received treatment. A total of 159 patients withdrew before the end of the study. At entry, mean SELENA-SLEDAI scores were 10.5 in the belimumab group and 10.3 in the placebo group. More patients who received belimumab were SRI4 responders than those who received placebo (61.4% versus 48.4%; odds ratio [OR] 1.68 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.25-2.25]; P = 0.0006). In the belimumab group, both time to and risk of severe flare were improved (median 171.0 days versus 118.0 days; hazard ratio 0.51 [95% CI 0.35-0.74]; P = 0.0004), and more patients were able to reduce their corticosteroid dosage by ≥25% (to ≤7.5 mg/day) during weeks 40-52 (18.2% versus 11.9%; OR 1.65 [95% CI 0.95-2.84]; P = 0.0732), compared with placebo. AE incidence was comparable between treatment groups; serious AEs were reported by 10.8% of patients taking belimumab and 15.7% of those taking placebo. A worsening of IgG hypoglobulinemia by ≥2 grades occurred in 0.9% of patients taking belimumab and 1.4% of those taking placebo. In patients with moderate-to-severe SLE, weekly SC doses of belimumab 200 mg plus standard SLE therapy significantly improved their SRI4 response, decreased severe disease

Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Belimumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Fifty‐Two–Week Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study

PubMed Central

Schwarting, Andreas; Okada, Masato; Scheinberg, Morton; Doria, Andrea; Hammer, Anne E.; Kleoudis, Christi; Groark, James; Bass, Damon; Fox, Norma Lynn; Roth, David; Gordon, David

2017-01-01

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous (SC) belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Patients with moderate‐to‐severe SLE (score of ≥8 on the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment [SELENA] version of the SLE Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI]) were randomized 2:1 to receive weekly SC belimumab 200 mg or placebo by prefilled syringe in addition to standard SLE therapy for 52 weeks. The primary end point was the SLE Responder Index (SRI4) at week 52. Secondary end points were reduction in the corticosteroid dosage and time to severe flare. Safety was assessed according to the adverse events (AEs) reported and the laboratory test results. Results Of 839 patients randomized, 836 (556 in the belimumab group and 280 in the placebo group) received treatment. A total of 159 patients withdrew before the end of the study. At entry, mean SELENA–SLEDAI scores were 10.5 in the belimumab group and 10.3 in the placebo group. More patients who received belimumab were SRI4 responders than those who received placebo (61.4% versus 48.4%; odds ratio [OR] 1.68 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.25–2.25]; P = 0.0006). In the belimumab group, both time to and risk of severe flare were improved (median 171.0 days versus 118.0 days; hazard ratio 0.51 [95% CI 0.35–0.74]; P = 0.0004), and more patients were able to reduce their corticosteroid dosage by ≥25% (to ≤7.5 mg/day) during weeks 40–52 (18.2% versus 11.9%; OR 1.65 [95% CI 0.95–2.84]; P = 0.0732), compared with placebo. AE incidence was comparable between treatment groups; serious AEs were reported by 10.8% of patients taking belimumab and 15.7% of those taking placebo. A worsening of IgG hypoglobulinemia by ≥2 grades occurred in 0.9% of patients taking belimumab and 1.4% of those taking placebo. Conclusion In patients with moderate‐to‐severe SLE, weekly SC doses of belimumab 200 mg plus standard SLE therapy significantly

Do physical activity level and body mass index predict recovery from persistent neck pain in men and women of working age? A population-based cohort study.

PubMed

Rasmussen-Barr, E; Bohman, T; Hallqvist, J; Holm, L W; Skillgate, E

2013-09-01

The study sought to examine the gender-specific effects of physical activity level and body mass index on recovery from persistent neck pain (PNP) among citizens of working age in Stockholm, Sweden. A population-based cohort of 1,730 subjects (18-65) with PNP answered surveys in 2002 and 2007. Prognostic factors were self-reported body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level (PAL) at baseline. Analyses were performed with odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Women reporting higher physical activity level had higher odds of recovering from PNP than women with sedentary leisure time (OR of 1.5, 95 % CI 1.0-2.4), but no associations were found in men. No associations were found between BMI and recovery from PNP in any analyses. Physical activity seems to be associated with recovery from PNP in women and should therefore be encouraged. Future studies should continue investigating physical activity and lifestyle factors in relation to recovery from persistent neck pain, since these modifiable factors may be considered in interventions.

Association between academic performance and cognitive dysfunction in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Frittoli, Renan Bazuco; de Oliveira Peliçari, Karina; Bellini, Bruna Siqueira; Marini, Roberto; Fernandes, Paula Teixeira; Appenzeller, Simone

2016-01-01

To determine whether there is an association between the profile of cognitive dysfunction and academic outcomes in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). Patients aged ≤18 years at the onset of the disease and education level at or above the fifth grade of elementary school were selected. Cognitive evaluation was performed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommendations. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed by Beck scales; disease activity was assessed by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI); and cumulative damage was assessed by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC). The presence of autoantibodies and medication use were also assessed. A significance level of 5% (p<0.05) was adopted. 41 patients with a mean age of 14.5±2.84 years were included. Cognitive dysfunction was noted in 17 (41.46%) patients. There was a significant worsening in mathematical performance in patients with cognitive dysfunction (p=0.039). Anxiety symptoms were observed in 8 patients (19.51%) and were associated with visual perception (p=0.037) and symptoms of depression were observed in 1 patient (2.43%). Patients with JSLE concomitantly with cognitive dysfunction showed worse academic performance in mathematics compared to patients without cognitive impairment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Index to FAA Office of Aviation Medicine reports : 1961 through 1996.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

An index to Office of Aviation Medicine Reports (1964-1996) and Civil Aeromedical Research Institute Reports is presented as a reference for those engaged in aviation medicine and related activities. The index lists all FAA aviation medicine reports ...

The influence of regional deprivation index on personal happiness using multilevel analysis

PubMed Central

Kim, Kil Hun; Chun, Jin-Ho; Sohn, Hae Sook

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to identify the factors that influence the happiness index of community residents, by considering personal and regional aspects, and to use as evidence of efforts for improvement of the happiness index. METHODS: The study was conducted based on information from 16,270 participants who met the data requirement among those who participated in the 2011 South Gyeongsang Community Health Survey. Of the factors that can influence the happiness index, socioeconomic characteristics, health behavior, morbidity, and healthcare use, social contact, and participation in social activities were classified as personal factors; for regional factors, data from the 2010 census were used to extrapolate the regional deprivation indices at the submunicipal-level (eup, myeon, and dong) in South Gyeongsang Province. The happiness index for each characteristic was compared to that for others via t-test and ANOVA, and multilevel analysis was performed, using four models: a basic model for identification of only random effects, model 1 for identification of personal factors, model 2 for identification of regional factors, and model 3 for simultaneous consideration of both personal and regional factors. RESULTS: The mean happiness index was 63.2 points (64.6 points in males and 62.0 points in females), while the mean deprivation index was -1.58 points. In the multilevel analysis, the regional-level variance ratio of the basic model was 10.8%, confirming interregional differences. At the personal level, higher happiness indices were seen in groups consisting of males with high educational level, high income, high degree of physical activity, sufficient sleep, active social contact, and participation in social activities; whereas lower happiness indices were seen in people who frequently skipped breakfast, had unmet healthcare needs, and had accompanying diseases, as well as those with higher deprivation index. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed

The influence of regional deprivation index on personal happiness using multilevel analysis.

PubMed

Kim, Kil Hun; Chun, Jin-Ho; Sohn, Hae Sook

2015-01-01

The objective of the present study was to identify the factors that influence the happiness index of community residents, by considering personal and regional aspects, and to use as evidence of efforts for improvement of the happiness index. The study was conducted based on information from 16,270 participants who met the data requirement among those who participated in the 2011 South Gyeongsang Community Health Survey. Of the factors that can influence the happiness index, socioeconomic characteristics, health behavior, morbidity, and healthcare use, social contact, and participation in social activities were classified as personal factors; for regional factors, data from the 2010 census were used to extrapolate the regional deprivation indices at the submunicipal-level (eup, myeon, and dong) in South Gyeongsang Province. The happiness index for each characteristic was compared to that for others via t-test and ANOVA, and multilevel analysis was performed, using four models: a basic model for identification of only random effects, model 1 for identification of personal factors, model 2 for identification of regional factors, and model 3 for simultaneous consideration of both personal and regional factors. The mean happiness index was 63.2 points (64.6 points in males and 62.0 points in females), while the mean deprivation index was -1.58 points. In the multilevel analysis, the regional-level variance ratio of the basic model was 10.8%, confirming interregional differences. At the personal level, higher happiness indices were seen in groups consisting of males with high educational level, high income, high degree of physical activity, sufficient sleep, active social contact, and participation in social activities; whereas lower happiness indices were seen in people who frequently skipped breakfast, had unmet healthcare needs, and had accompanying diseases, as well as those with higher deprivation index. The study confirmed that the happiness index of community

The hierarchy of the activities of daily living in the Katz index in residents of skilled nursing facilities.

PubMed

Gerrard, Paul

2013-01-01

Nursing facility patients are a population that has not been well studied with regard to functional status and independence previously. As such, the manner in which activities of daily living (ADL) relate to one another is not well understood in this population. An understanding of ADL difficulty ordering has helped to devise systems of functional independence grading in other populations, which have value in understanding patients' global levels of independence and providing expectations regarding changes in function. This study seeks to examine the hierarchy of ADL in the nursing facility population. Data were analyzed from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey, a cross-sectional data set of 13 507 skilled nursing facility subjects with functional independence items. The ADL difficulty hierarchy was determined using Rasch analysis. Item fit values for the Rasch model using Mean-Square infit statistics were also determined. The robustness of the hierarchy was tested for each ADL. Two grading systems were devised from the results of the item difficulty ordering. One was based on the most difficult item that he or she could perform, and the other assigned a grade based on the least difficult item that a subject could not perform. A total of 13 113 patients were included in this analysis, the majority of whom were female and white. They had an average age of 81 years. An ordered hierarchy of ADL was found with eating being the easiest and bathing the most difficult. All items in the Katz index fit the Rasch model adequately well. The majority of patients able to perform any particular ADL were also able to perform all easier ADL. Cohen's κ for the 2 grading systems was 0.73. This study is the first to show the expected hierarchy of difficulty of the 6 activities of daily proposed in the Katz index in the nursing facility population. The hierarchy found in this population matches the original hierarchy found in older adults in the community and acute care settings

An Integrated Non-Mechanized System for Information Bulletins and a Keyword Index

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whitehall, T.

1972-01-01

Described is an operating system for scanning, bulletin production and indexing which is very economical in the use of time. One typing onto offset masters is used to produce bulletins, slips for customers' personal files and for the library index. Indexing is done during scanning, not as a separate activity. (3 references) (Author/SJ)

Apolipoprotein A-I inhibits chemotaxis, adhesion, activation of THP-1 cells and improves the plasma HDL inflammatory index.

PubMed

Wang, Li; Chen, Wei-Zhong; Wu, Man-Ping

2010-02-01

The anti-inflammatory effects of high density lipoprotein (HDL) are well described, however, such effects of Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) are less studied. Building on our previous study, we further explored the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects of ApoA-I, and focused especially on the interaction between monocyte and endothelial cells and plasma HDL inflammatory index in LPS-challenged rabbits. Our results show that ApoA-I significantly decreased LPS-induced MCP-1 release from THP-1 cells and ox-LDL-induced THP-1 migration ratio (P<0.01, respectively). ApoA-I significantly decreased sL-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 release (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively) from LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. Furthermore, ApoA-I significantly inhibited LPS-induced CD11b and VCAM-1 expression on THP-1 cells (P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively). ApoA-I diminished LPS-induced mCD14 expression (P<0.01) and NFkappaB nuclear translocation in THP-1 cells. After single dose treatment of ApoA-I, the value of plasma HDL inflammatory index in LPS-challenged rabbits was improved significantly (P<0.05). These results suggest that ApoA-I can inhibit chemotaxis, adhesion and activation of human monocytes and improve plasma HDL inflammatory index with presenting beneficial anti-inflammatory effects. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relationship between DNA ploidy and proliferative cell nuclear antigen index in canine hemangiopericytoma.

PubMed

Kang, Seong-Kwi; Park, Nam-Yong; Cho, Ho-Sung; Shin, Sung-Shik; Kang, Mun-Il; Kim, Sang-Ki; Hyun, Changbaig; Park, In-Chul; Kim, Jong-Tack; Jeong, Cheol; Park, Sung-Hee; Park, Su-Jin; Jeong, Jae-Ho; Kim, You-Jung; Ochiai, Kenji; Umemura, Takashi; Cho, Kyoung-Oh

2006-03-01

The mitotic index is reported to be correlated with recurrence, mean patient survival, and metastasis of canine hemangiopericytoma (CHP). However, to the authors' knowledge, studies investigating the parameters that can predict recurrence or metastasis of CHP with low mitotic index have not been done. To evaluate growth kinetics of CHP with low mitotic index, a retrospective analysis of the proliferative activity by antiproliferative cell nuclear antigen monoclonal antibody and DNA contents by flow cytometry (FCM) was performed with 21 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded CHP samples. Of the 21 tumors evaluated by FCM, 6 (26.6%) were aneuploid tumors, and 15 (71.4%) were diploid tumors. There was significant correlation between the PCNA index and ploidy pattern. The diploid group had 39.1 +/- 9.2 PCNA index, whereas the aneuploid group's proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index was 63.1 +/- 8.2. The diploid group had mean mitotic index value of 1.140 +/- 0.855, and the aneuploid group had a mean value of 1.067 +/- 0.767. From these results, the CHP samples with low mitotic index were classified into either the aneuploid group with higher PCNA index or the diploid group with lower PCNA index, suggesting that DNA ploidy and proliferative activity may give an indication about malignancy of CHPs with a low mitotic index.

Walkability Index

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Walkability Index dataset characterizes every Census 2010 block group in the U.S. based on its relative walkability. Walkability depends upon characteristics of the built environment that influence the likelihood of walking being used as a mode of travel. The Walkability Index is based on the EPA's previous data product, the Smart Location Database (SLD). Block group data from the SLD was the only input into the Walkability Index, and consisted of four variables from the SLD weighted in a formula to create the new Walkability Index. This dataset shares the SLD's block group boundary definitions from Census 2010. The methodology describing the process of creating the Walkability Index can be found in the documents located at ftp://newftp.epa.gov/EPADataCommons/OP/WalkabilityIndex.zip. You can also learn more about the Smart Location Database at https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/OP/Smart_Location_DB_v02b.zip.

Post-Movement Beta Activity in Sensorimotor Cortex Indexes Confidence in the Estimations from Internal Models.

PubMed

Tan, Huiling; Wade, Cian; Brown, Peter

2016-02-03

Beta oscillations are a dominant feature of the sensorimotor system. A transient and prominent increase in beta oscillations is consistently observed across the sensorimotor cortical-basal ganglia network after cessation of voluntary movement: the post-movement beta synchronization (PMBS). Current theories about the function of the PMBS have been focused on either the closure of motor response or the processing of sensory afferance. Computational models of sensorimotor control have emphasized the importance of the integration between feedforward estimation and sensory feedback, and therefore the putative motor and sensory functions of beta oscillations may reciprocally interact with each other and in fact be indissociable. Here we show that the amplitude of sensorimotor PMBS is modulated by the history of visual feedback of task-relevant errors, and negatively correlated with the trial-to-trial exploratory adjustment in a sensorimotor adaptation task in young healthy human subjects. The PMBS also negatively correlated with the uncertainty associated with the feedforward estimation, which was recursively updated in light of new sensory feedback, as identified by a Bayesian learning model. These results reconcile the two opposing motor and sensory views of the function of PMBS, and suggest a unifying theory in which PMBS indexes the confidence in internal feedforward estimation in Bayesian sensorimotor integration. Its amplitude simultaneously reflects cortical sensory processing and signals the need for maintenance or adaptation of the motor output, and if necessary, exploration to identify an altered sensorimotor transformation. For optimal sensorimotor control, sensory feedback and feedforward estimation of a movement's sensory consequences should be weighted by the inverse of their corresponding uncertainties, which require recursive updating in a dynamic environment. We show that post-movement beta activity (13-30 Hz) over sensorimotor cortex in young healthy

Body mass index, physical activity, and risk of adult meningioma and glioma: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Niedermaier, Tobias; Behrens, Gundula; Schmid, Daniela; Schlecht, Inga; Fischer, Beate; Leitzmann, Michael F

2015-10-13

Whether adiposity and lack of physical activity affect the risk for developing meningioma and glioma is poorly understood. Our objective was to characterize these associations in detail. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of adiposity and physical activity in relation to meningioma and glioma using cohort and case-control studies published through February 2015. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We identified 12 eligible studies of body mass index (BMI) and 6 studies of physical activity, comprising up to 2,982 meningioma cases and 3,057 glioma cases. Using normal weight as the reference group, overweight (summary relative risk [RR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.43) and obesity (RR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.32-1.79) were associated with increased risk of meningioma. In contrast, overweight (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.94-1.20) and obesity (RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.98-1.27) were unrelated to glioma. Similarly, dose-response meta-analyses revealed a statistically significant positive association of BMI with meningioma, but not glioma. High vs low physical activity levels showed a modest inverse relation to meningioma (RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.61-0.88) and a weak inverse association with glioma (RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.76-0.97). Relations persisted when the data were restricted to prospective studies, except for the association between physical activity and glioma, which was rendered statistically nonsignificant (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.77-1.07). Adiposity is related to enhanced risk for meningioma but is unassociated with risk for glioma. Based on a limited body of evidence, physical activity is related to decreased risk of meningioma but shows little association with risk of glioma. © 2015 American Academy of Neurology.

Rosiglitazone increases fatty acid Δ9-desaturation and decreases elongase activity index in human skeletal muscle in vivo.

PubMed

Mai, Knut; Andres, Janin; Bobbert, Thomas; Assmann, Anke; Biedasek, Katrin; Diederich, Sven; Graham, Ian; Larson, Tony R; Pfeiffer, Andreas F H; Spranger, Joachim

2012-01-01

The ratio of unsaturated to saturated long-chain fatty acids (LC-FAs) in skeletal muscle has been associated with insulin resistance. Some animal data suggest a modulatory effect of peroxisome proliferator receptor γ (PPARγ) stimulation on stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) and LC-FA composition in skeletal muscle, but human data are rare. We here investigate whether treatment with a PPARγ agonist affects myocellular SCD1 expression and modulates the intramyocellular fatty acid profile in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. Muscle biopsies and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps were performed in 7 men before and after 8 weeks of rosiglitazone treatment. Intramyocellular saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated intramuscular fatty acid profiles were measured by gas chromatography. Effects on SCD1 messenger RNA expression were analyzed in C2C12 cells and in human biopsies before and after rosiglitazone treatment. As expected, treatment with the PPARγ activator rosiglitazone improved insulin sensitivity in humans. Myocellular SCD1 messenger RNA expression was increased in human biopsies and C2C12 cells. Although the total content of myocellular LC-FA was unchanged, a relative shift from saturated LC-FAs to unsaturated LC-FAs was observed in human biopsies. Particularly, the amount of stearate was reduced, whereas the amounts of palmitoleate as well as oleate and vaccenate were increased, after rosiglitazone therapy. These changes resulted in an increased fatty acid Δ9-desaturation index (16:1/16:0 and 18:1/18:0) in skeletal muscle and a decreased elongase activity index (18:0/16:0). The PPARγ associated phenotypes may be partially explained by an increased Δ9-desaturation and a decreased elongase activity of skeletal muscle. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Leisure time physical activity of young women from the Carpathian Euroregion in relation to the Body Mass Index.

PubMed

Zadarko, Emilian; Barabasz, Zbigniew; Nizioł-Babiarz, Edyta; Zadarko Domaradzka, Maraia; Barabasz, Monika; Sobolewski, Marek; Palanska, Andrea; Bergier, Józef; Junger, Jan

2014-01-01

Carpathian Euroregion gathers the population of 5 countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania- the European Union members, as well as Ukraine. Young women are statistically less involved in high-intensity physical activity than young men. The objective of this work was to assess the relation between physical activity of young women aged 18-21 years old and BMI and conditioning factors. The study was conducted between 2010 and 2011 among 2339 women. The Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnarie (MLTPAQ) was applied. It results from the study that 74,2% of young women is considered to have the proper BMI rate (18,5-24,9). As many as 16,2% is considered underweight and almost 10% have higher BMI rate and are overweight. More than one third of respondents did not gain the level of physical activity of 1000 kcal/week, and that is the minimum recommended amount of leisure physical activity time per week. In case of women with low level of physical activity (<1000 kcal), as many as 52% of week activity considered low-intensity activity EEPAlight. The character of changes of the BMI index with reference to the level of physical activity is very similar in the women from towns/cities and the women from villages. An increase of BMI along with the total physical activity was related among all to the increase of free fat mass FFM despite of the level of physical.

Body Mass Index, Metabolic Factors, and Striatal Activation During Stressful and Neutral-Relaxing States: An fMRI Study

PubMed Central

Jastreboff, Ania M; Potenza, Marc N; Lacadie, Cheryl; Hong, Kwangik A; Sherwin, Robert S; Sinha, Rajita

2011-01-01

Stress is associated with alterations in neural motivational-reward pathways in the ventral striatum (VS), hormonal/metabolic changes, and weight increases. The relationship between these different factors is not well understood. We hypothesized that body mass index (BMI) status and hormonal/metabolic factors would be associated with VS activation. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare brain responses of overweight and obese (OW/OB: BMI ⩾25 kg/m2: N=27) individuals with normal weight (NW: BMI<18.5–24.9 kg/m2: N=21) individuals during exposure to personalized stress, alcohol cue, and neutral-relaxing situations using a validated, autobiographical, script-driven, guided-imagery paradigm. Metabolic factors, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, and leptin, were examined for their association with VS activation. Consistent with previous studies, stress and alcohol cue exposure each increased activity in cortico-limbic regions. Compared with NW individuals, OW/OB individuals showed greater VS activation in the neutral-relaxing and stress conditions. FPG was correlated with VS activation. Significant associations between VS activation and metabolic factors during stress and relaxation suggest the involvement of metabolic factors in striatal dysfunction in OW/OB individuals. This relationship may contribute to non-homeostatic feeding in obesity. PMID:21048702

Heart rate variability analysis as an index of emotion regulation processes: interest of the Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI).

PubMed

De Jonckheere, J; Rommel, D; Nandrino, J L; Jeanne, M; Logier, R

2012-01-01

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) variations are strongly influence by emotion regulation processes. Indeed, emotional stimuli are at the origin of an activation of the ANS and the way an individual pass from a state of alert in the case of emotional situation to a state of calm is closely coupled with the ANS flexibility. We have previously described and developed an Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) for real time pain measurement during surgical procedure under general anesthesia. This index, based on heart rate variability analysis, constitutes a measure of parasympathetic tone and can be used in several other environments. In this paper, we hypothesized that such an index could be used as a tool to investigate the processes of emotional regulation of a human subject. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed ANI's response to a negative emotional stimulus. This analysis showed that the index decreases during the emotion induction phase and returns to its baseline after 2 minutes. This result confirms that ANI could be a good indicator of parasympathetic changes in emotional situation.

Robotics FAQ Index

Science.gov Websites

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Validation of the Capsule Endoscopy Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CECDAI or Niv score): a multicenter prospective study.

PubMed

Niv, Y; Ilani, S; Levi, Z; Hershkowitz, M; Niv, E; Fireman, Z; O'Donnel, S; O'Morain, C; Eliakim, R; Scapa, E; Kalantzis, N; Kalantzis, C; Apostolopoulos, P; Gal, E

2012-01-01

The Capsule Endoscopy Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CECDAI or Niv score) was devised to measure mucosal disease activity using video capsule endoscopy (VCE). The aim of the current study was to prospectively validate the use of the scoring system in daily practice. This was a multicenter, double-blind, prospective, controlled study of VCE videos from 62 consecutive patients with isolated small-bowel Crohn's disease. The CECDAI was designed to evaluate three main parameters of Crohn's disease: inflammation (A), extent of disease (B), and stricture (C), in both the proximal and distal segments of the small bowel. The final score was calculated by adding the two segmental scores: CECDAI = ([A1 × B1] + C1) + ([A2 × B2] + C2). Each examiner in every site interpreted 6 - 10 videos and calculated the CECDAI. The de-identified CD-ROMs were then coded and sent to the principal investigator for CECDAI calculation. The cecum was reached in 72 % and 86 % of examinations, and proximal small-bowel involvement was found in 56 % and 62 % of the patients, according to the site investigators and principal investigator, respectively. Significant correlation was demonstrated between the calculation of the CECDAI by the individual site investigators and that performed by the principal investigator. Overall correlation between endoscopists from the different study centers was good, with r = 0.767 (range 0.717 - 0.985; Kappa 0.66; P < 0.001). There was no correlation between the CECDAI and the Crohn's Disease Activity Index or the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire or any of their components. A new scoring system of mucosal injury in Crohn's disease of the small intestine, the CECDAI, was validated. Its use in controlled trials and/or regular follow-up of these patients is advocated. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

10 CFR 765.12 - Inflation index adjustment procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Inflation index adjustment procedures. 765.12 Section 765.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS OF REMEDIAL ACTION AT ACTIVE URANIUM AND... Department shall adjust annually, using the CPI-U as defined in this part, amounts paid to an active uranium...

10 CFR 765.12 - Inflation index adjustment procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Inflation index adjustment procedures. 765.12 Section 765.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS OF REMEDIAL ACTION AT ACTIVE URANIUM AND... Department shall adjust annually, using the CPI-U as defined in this part, amounts paid to an active uranium...

10 CFR 765.12 - Inflation index adjustment procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Inflation index adjustment procedures. 765.12 Section 765.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS OF REMEDIAL ACTION AT ACTIVE URANIUM AND... Department shall adjust annually, using the CPI-U as defined in this part, amounts paid to an active uranium...

10 CFR 765.12 - Inflation index adjustment procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Inflation index adjustment procedures. 765.12 Section 765.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS OF REMEDIAL ACTION AT ACTIVE URANIUM AND... Department shall adjust annually, using the CPI-U as defined in this part, amounts paid to an active uranium...

10 CFR 765.12 - Inflation index adjustment procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Inflation index adjustment procedures. 765.12 Section 765.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS OF REMEDIAL ACTION AT ACTIVE URANIUM AND... Department shall adjust annually, using the CPI-U as defined in this part, amounts paid to an active uranium...

Multi-parameter optimization of monolithic high-index contrast grating reflectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marciniak, Magdalena; Gebski, Marcin; Dems, Maciej; Wasiak, Michał; Czyszanowski, Tomasz

2016-03-01

Conventional High-index Contrast Gratings (HCG) consist of periodically distributed high refractive index stripes surrounded by low index media. Practically, such low/high index stack can be fabricated in several ways however low refractive index layers are electrical insulators of poor thermal conductivities. Monolithic High-index Contrast Gratings (MHCGs) overcome those limitations since they can be implemented in any material with a real refractive index larger than 1.75 without the need of the combination of low and high refractive index materials. The freedom of use of various materials allows to provide more efficient current injection and better heat flow through the mirror, in contrary to the conventional HCGs. MHCGs can simplify the construction of VCSELs, reducing their epitaxial design to monolithic wafer with carrier confinement and active region inside and etched stripes on both surfaces in post processing. We present numerical analysis of MHCGs using a three-dimensional, fully vectorial optical model. We investigate possible designs of MHCGs using multidimensional optimization of grating parameters for different refractive indices.

Stress-induced alterations of left-right electrodermal activity coupling indexed by pointwise transinformation.

PubMed

Světlák, M; Bob, P; Roman, R; Ježek, S; Damborská, A; Chládek, J; Shaw, D J; Kukleta, M

2013-01-01

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that experimental stress induces a specific change of left-right electrodermal activity (EDA) coupling pattern, as indexed by pointwise transinformation (PTI). Further, we hypothesized that this change is associated with scores on psychometric measures of the chronic stress-related psychopathology. Ninety-nine university students underwent bilateral measurement of EDA during rest and stress-inducing Stroop test and completed a battery of self-report measures of chronic stress-related psychopathology. A significant decrease in the mean PTI value was the prevalent response to the stress conditions. No association between chronic stress and PTI was found. Raw scores of psychometric measures of stress-related psychopathology had no effect on either the resting levels of PTI or the amount of stress-induced PTI change. In summary, acute stress alters the level of coupling pattern of cortico-autonomic influences on the left and right sympathetic pathways to the palmar sweat glands. Different results obtained using the PTI, EDA laterality coefficient, and skin conductance level also show that the PTI algorithm represents a new analytical approach to EDA asymmetry description.

Relationships between the Active Aging Index and Disability-Free Life Expectancy: A Case Study in the Rajshahi District of Bangladesh.

PubMed

Tareque, Md Ismail; Hoque, Nazrul; Islam, Towfiqua Mahfuza; Kawahara, Kazuo; Sugawa, Makiko

2013-12-01

Life expectancy has increased considerably throughout the world. In Bangladesh, life expectancy has increased from about 53 years in 1975 to 69 years in 2010. However, it is unknown whether the increase in life expectancy is simultaneously accompanied by an increase in disability-free life expectancy (DFLE). The purpose of the study described in this article was to explore the relationship between life expectancy and DFLE in the Rajshahi District of Bangladesh by examining the relationships between the Active Aging Index (AAI) and DFLE. The study fi ndings suggest that urban, more-educated, elderly males are more active in all aspects of life and have longer DFLE. Females are found to outlive males but are more likely to live a greater part of their remaining life with disability. Positive correlations between the AAI and DFLE suggest that older adults could enjoy more DFLE by involving themselves in active aging activities.

Evaluative frailty index for physical activity (EFIP): a reliable and valid instrument to measure changes in level of frailty.

PubMed

de Vries, Nienke M; Staal, J Bart; Olde Rikkert, Marcel G M; Nijhuis-van der Sanden, Maria W G

2013-04-01

Physical activity is assumed to be important in the prevention and treatment of frailty. It is unclear, however, to what extent frailty can be influenced because instruments designed to assess frailty have not been validated as evaluative outcome instruments in clinical practice. The aims of this study were: (1) to develop a frailty index (i.e., the evaluative frailty index for physical activity [EFIP]) based on the method of deficit accumulation and (2) to test the clinimetric properties of the EFIP. The content of the EFIP was determined using a written Delphi procedure. Intrarater reliability, interrater reliability, and construct validity were determined in an observational study (n=24). Intrarater reliability and interrater reliability were calculated using Cohen kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Construct validity was determined by correlating the score on the EFIP with those on the timed "up & go" test (TUG), the performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA), and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G). Fifty items were included in the EFIP. Interrater reliability (Cohen kappa=0.72, ICC=.96) and intrarater reliability (Cohen kappa=0.77 and 0.80, ICC=.93 and .98) were good. As expected, a fair to moderate correlation with the TUG, POMA, and CIRS-G was found (.61, -.70, and .66, respectively). Reliability and validity of the EFIP have been tested in a small sample. These and other clinimetric properties, such as responsiveness, will be assessed or reassessed in a larger study population. The EFIP is a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate the effect of physical activity on frailty in research and in clinical practice.

Neuropsychiatric lupus: the prevalence and autoantibody associations depend on the definition: results from the 1000 faces of lupus cohort.

PubMed

Borowoy, Alan M; Pope, Janet E; Silverman, Earl; Fortin, Paul R; Pineau, Christian; Smith, C Douglas; Arbillaga, Hector; Gladman, Dafna; Urowitz, Murray; Zummer, Michel; Hudson, Marie; Tucker, Lori; Peschken, Christine

2012-10-01

The (ever) prevalence of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) can vary widely depending on the definition used. We determined the prevalence of NPSLE in 1000 Faces of Lupus, a large multicenter Canadian cohort. Adults enrolled at 10 sites who satisfied the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were included. NPSLE was defined as (i) NPSLE by ACR classification criteria (seizures or psychosis), (ii) ACR, SLEDAI (seizure, psychosis, organic brain syndrome, cranial nerve disorder, headache, and cerebrovascular accident (CVA)), SLAM (CVA, seizure, cortical dysfunction, and headache), and SLICC (cognitive impairment, psychosis, seizures, CVA, cranial or peripheral neuropathy, and transverse myelitis) with and (iii) without minor nonspecific NPSLE manifestations (including mild depression, mild cognitive impairment, and electromyogram-negative neuropathies), and (iv) by ACR and SLEDAI neuropsychiatric (NP) indexes alone. Factors associated with NPSLE were explored using regression models. Cohort size was 1253, with mean disease 12 ± 10 years, mean age 41 ± 16 years, and 86% female. Subgroup size was dependent on the specific definition of NPSLE. Prevalence of NPSLE was 6.4% in group (i), n = 1253 (n = 80); 38.6% in group (ii), n = 681(n = 263); 28.7% in group (iii), n = 586 (n = 168); and 10.2% in group (iv), n = 1125 (n = 115). In univariate analysis, Aboriginals had a nearly 2-fold increase in frequency of NPSLE in all groups. Education level and income were not associated with NPSLE (P = 0.32 and 0.03, respectively). As well, number of ACR criteria, SLAM, age at diagnosis, disease duration, and gender were not associated with NPSLE. Anti-Ro was significantly associated in groups (i) and (iv) and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) were increased in groups (i), (ii), and (iii); however, this lost significance when thromboembolic events were excluded from SLICC, SLEDAI, and SLAM indexes. In group

Revised description of index of Florida water data collection active stations and a user's guide for station or site information retrieval computer program FINDEX H578

USGS Publications Warehouse

Geiger, Linda H.

1983-01-01

The report is an update of U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 77-703, which described a retrieval program for administrative index of active data-collection sites in Florida. Extensive changes to the Findex system have been made since 1977 , making the previous report obsolete. A description of the data base and computer programs that are available in the Findex system are documented in this report. This system serves a vital need in the administration of the many and diverse water-data collection activities. District offices with extensive data-collection activities will benefit from the documentation of the system. Largely descriptive, the report tells how a file of computer card images has been established which contains entries for all sites in Florida at which there is currently a water-data collection activity. Entries include information such as identification number, station name, location, type of site, county, frequency of data collection, funding, and other pertinent details. The computer program FINDEX selectively retrieves entries and lists them in a format suitable for publication. The index is updated routinely. (USGS)

Correlation between serum 25(OH)D values and lupus disease activity: an original article and a systematic review with meta-analysis focusing on serum VitD confounders.

PubMed

Sahebari, M; Nabavi, N; Salehi, M

2014-10-01

Notwithstanding that several original studies and some systematic reviews have been undertaken on the subject "correlation between serum values of vitamin D (VitD) and lupus disease activity," there is still no consensus on the importance of sectional measurement of serum VitD in the prediction of disease activity and important confounders in estimation of serum VitD. Medline, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases were searched from 1995 to 2013. The following medical subject heading (MeSH) terms and/or text words were used: "Vitamin D" OR "25OHD" OR "25(OH)D" combined with "systemic lupus erythematosus" OR "lupus" OR "SLE." References cited in the identified articles were also manually searched. Human studies in any language were included. Original research on this topic was also carried out on 82 lupus patients, considering important VitD confounders according to our systematic review and we included them in the meta-analysis. A total of 35 studies were registered for this study. Only 11 of these pointed to this correlation by Pearson test. The pooled Pearson correlation (r) of associations between disease activity and VitD was -0.365 (95% CI: -0.536, -0.165) with significant heterogeneity (p = 0.001 I (2 )= 93%). Sensitivity analysis resulted in no significant differences. The most important adjustable confounders considered by researchers were drugs, especially hydroxychloroquine, prednisolone and supplementary VitD, body mass index (BMI) and proteinuria or renal function. Only proteinuria was reported to influence VitD concentration strongly. BMI was another probable influencing factor. Our original research presented no correlation between VitD and SLEDAI (p = 0.68, r s = 0.003). This meta-analysis demonstrated that most of the studies on the relationship between VitD and lupus disease activity that found no correlation did not present the details of the statistics. However, analyzing 11 studies, most of which found a reverse correlation and

EJSCREEN Indexes 2015 Public

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

There is an EJ Index for each environmental indicator. There are eight EJ Indexes in EJSCREEN reflecting the 8 environmental indicators. The EJ Index names are: Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Ozone Traffic Proximity and Volume, Lead Paint Indicator, Proximity to Risk Management Plan Sites, Proximity to National Priorities List Sites, Proximity to Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities, and Proximity to Major Direct Water Dischargers. The EJ index is constructed as follows: EJ Index = (Environmental Indicator) * (Demographic Index for Block Group - Demographic Index for U.S.) * (Block Group Population)The EJ index is constructed as follows: EJ Index = (Environmental Indicator) * (Demographic Index for Block Group - Demographic Index for U.S.) * (Block Group Population)

[Strength, flexibility, balance, resistance and flexibility assessment according to body mass index in active older women].

PubMed

Vaquero-Cristóbal, Raquel; Martínez González-Moro, Ignacio; Alacid Cárceles, Fernando; Ros Simón, Esperanza

2013-01-01

Overweight and obesity are increasing at an alarming rate among older people. This is mainly because this population is predominantly sedentary. The aim of this study was to classify, according to the body mass index (BMI), a group of older active women and to evaluate the different basic physical abilities as a function of this. The BMI and fitness were evaluated in 60 elderly active women (mean age: 66.14 ± 6.59 years) using the 2-minute step test, arm curl test, chair stand test, back scratch test, chair-sit and reach-test, flamenco test, and 8-foot up-and-go test. It was found that 52.23% of the women studied had a normal BMI and 47.76% were slightly overweight. There were no cases of obesity or underweight. Women with normal BMI had better values in all tests than overweight women. Significant differences were found in the flamenco test (P<.05), and 8-foot up-and-go test (P<.01). Older women who usually do physical activity had a normal or slightly overweight BMI. It was also found that women with lower BMI have better resistance, flexibility, balance and strength. Copyright © 2012 SEGG. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Echo scintillation Index affected by cat-eye target's caliber with Cassegrain lens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Cong-miao; Sun, Hua-yan; Zhao, Yan-zhong; Zheng, Yong-hui

2015-10-01

The optical aperture of cat-eye target has the aperture averaging effect to the active detecting laser of active laser detection system, which can be used to identify optical targets. The echo scintillation characteristics of the transmission-type lens target have been studied in previous work. Discussing the differences of the echo scintillation characteristics between the transmission-type lens target and Cassegrain lens target can be helpful to targets classified. In this paper, the echo scintillation characteristics of Cat-eye target's caliber with Cassegrain lens has been discussed . By using the flashing theory of spherical wave in the weak atmospheric turbulence, the annular aperture filter function and the Kolmogorov power spectrum, the analytic expression of the scintillation index of the cat-eye target echo of the horizontal path two-way transmission was given when the light is normal incidence. Then the impact of turbulence inner and outer scale to the echo scintillation index and the analytic expression of the echo scintillation index at the receiving aperture were presented using the modified Hill spectrum and the modified Von Karman spectrum. Echo scintillation index shows the tendency of decreasing with the target aperture increases and different ratios of the inner and outer aperture diameter show the different echo scintillation index curves. This conclusion has a certain significance for target recognition in the active laser detection system that can largely determine the target type by largely determining the scope of the cat-eye target which depending on echo scintillation index.

The association of physical activity and body mass index with the risk of large bowel polyps.

PubMed

Wallace, Kristin; Baron, John A; Karagas, Margaret R; Cole, Bernard F; Byers, Tim; Beach, Michael A; Pearson, Loretta H; Burke, Carol A; Silverman, William B; Sandler, Robert S

2005-09-01

Several studies have suggested that physical inactivity and obesity increase the risk for colorectal neoplasia. In this study, we investigated the association of physical activity and body mass index (BMI) with the risk of different types of large bowel polyps. We did an observational analysis nested within a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled chemoprevention trial among patients with one or more recently resected histologically confirmed colorectal adenoma. Nine hundred thirty patients were randomized to calcium (1,200 mg/d, as carbonate) or placebo. Follow-up colonoscopies were conducted approximately 1 and 4 years after the qualifying examination. At study entry, we obtained each subject's current body weight and height, which we used to calculate BMI. After the second study colonoscopy, we asked subjects questions about their leisure time physical activity. Seven hundred eighty-seven subjects completed at least part of the physical activity questionnaire. We found no association between measures of physical activity or BMI and tubular adenomas or hyperplastic polyps. However, among men, there were strong inverse associations observed between physical activity and advanced neoplastic polyps. Compared with men whose total daily energy expenditure was in the lowest tertile, those in the highest tertile had a risk ratio of 0.35 (95% confidence interval, 17-0.72); there was no similar reduction observed among women (risk ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-4.03; P for interaction = 0.04). We found a significant inverse relationship between several measures of physical activity and risk of advanced colorectal neoplasms, particularly among men. No associations were found between BMI and hyperplastic polyps, tubular adenomas, or advanced neoplastic polyps.

Index/Ring Finger Ratio, Hand and Foot Index: Gender Estimation Tools.

PubMed

Gupta, Sonia; Gupta, Vineeta; Tyagi, Nutan; Ettishree; Bhagat, Sinthia; Dadu, Mohit; Anthwal, Nishita; Ashraf, Tahira

2017-06-01

Gender estimation from dismembered human body parts and skeletal remains in cases of mass disasters, explosions, and assaults cases is an imperative element of any medico-legal investigations and has been a major challenge for forensic scientists. The aim of the present study was to estimate the gender by using index and ring finger length ratio, hand and foot index along with the correlation of both the hand and foot index to determine the vital role of all the indices in establishing gender identity. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 300 subjects (150 males and 150 females). Various anthropometric measurements like hand length, hand breadth and hand index, Index Finger Length (IFL), Ring Finger Length (RFL) and IFL/RFL ratio as well as foot length, foot breadth and foot index were estimated in millimeters (mm) with the help of sliding-anthropometric caliper. The data was analysed using independent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient test. A probability value (p) of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The index and ring finger ratio was found to be higher in females as compared to males. The hand and foot index was more in males than in females. The index and ring finger length ratio, hand and foot index between males and females was found to be statistically significant for both hands and feet. A statistically significant correlation was determined between hand indexes versus foot index. This study can be useful to establish the gender of a dismembered hand or foot when subjected for medicolegal examination.

The power of social networks and social support in promotion of physical activity and body mass index among African American adults.

PubMed

Flórez, Karen R; Richardson, Andrea S; Ghosh-Dastidar, Madhumita Bonnie; Troxel, Wendy; DeSantis, Amy; Colabianchi, Natalie; Dubowitz, Tamara

2018-04-01

Social support and social networks can elucidate important structural and functional aspects of social relationships that are associated with health-promoting behaviors, including Physical Activity (PA) and weight. A growing number of studies have investigated the relationship between social support, social networks, PA and obesity specifically among African Americans; however, the evidence is mixed and many studies focus exclusively on African American women. Most studies have also focused on either functional or structural aspects of social relationships (but not both) and few have objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and body mass index (BMI). Cross-sectional surveys of adult African American men and women living in two low-income predominantly African American neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA (N = 799) measured numerous structural features as well as functional aspects of social relationships. Specifically, structural features included social isolation, and social network size and diversity. Functional aspects included perceptions of social support for physical activity from the social network in general as well as from family and friends specifically. Height, weight, and PA were objectively measured. From these, we derived Body Mass Index (BMI) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). All regression models were stratified by gender, and included age, income, education, employment, marital status, physical limitations, and a neighborhood indicator. Greater social isolation was a significant predictor of lower BMI among men only. Among women only, social isolation was significantly associated with increased MVPA whereas, network diversity was significantly associated with reduced MVPA. Future research would benefit from in-depth qualitative investigations to understand how social networks may act to influence different types of physical activity among African Americans, as well as understand how they can be possible levers

Longitudinal changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior and body mass index in adolescence: Migrations towards different weight cluster.

PubMed

Devís-Devís, José; Lizandra, Jorge; Valencia-Peris, Alexandra; Pérez-Gimeno, Esther; García-Massò, Xavier; Peiró-Velert, Carmen

2017-01-01

This study examined longitudinal changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior and body mass index in adolescents, specifically their migrations towards a different weight cluster. A cohort of 755 adolescents participated in a three-year study. A clustering Self-Organized Maps Analysis was performed to visualize changes in subjects' characteristics between the first and second assessment, and how adolescents were grouped. Also a classification tree was used to identify the behavioral characteristics of the groups that changed their weight cluster. Results indicated that boys were more active and less sedentary than girls. Boys were especially keen to technological-based activities while girls preferred social-based activities. A moderate competing effect between sedentary behaviors and physical activities was observed, especially in girls. Overweight and obesity were negatively associated with physical activity, although a small group of overweight/obese adolescents showed a positive relationship with vigorous physical activity. Cluster migrations indicated that 22.66% of adolescents changed their weight cluster to a lower category and none of them moved in the opposite direction. The behavioral characteristics of these adolescents did not support the hypothesis that the change to a lower weight cluster was a consequence of an increase in time devoted to physical activity or a decrease in time spent on sedentary behavior. Physical activity and sedentary behavior does not exert a substantial effect on overweight and obesity. Therefore, there are other ways of changing to a lower-weight status in adolescents apart from those in which physical activity and sedentary behavior are involved.

Longitudinal changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior and body mass index in adolescence: Migrations towards different weight cluster

PubMed Central

Lizandra, Jorge; Valencia-Peris, Alexandra; Pérez-Gimeno, Esther; García-Massò, Xavier; Peiró-Velert, Carmen

2017-01-01

This study examined longitudinal changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior and body mass index in adolescents, specifically their migrations towards a different weight cluster. A cohort of 755 adolescents participated in a three-year study. A clustering Self-Organized Maps Analysis was performed to visualize changes in subjects’ characteristics between the first and second assessment, and how adolescents were grouped. Also a classification tree was used to identify the behavioral characteristics of the groups that changed their weight cluster. Results indicated that boys were more active and less sedentary than girls. Boys were especially keen to technological-based activities while girls preferred social-based activities. A moderate competing effect between sedentary behaviors and physical activities was observed, especially in girls. Overweight and obesity were negatively associated with physical activity, although a small group of overweight/obese adolescents showed a positive relationship with vigorous physical activity. Cluster migrations indicated that 22.66% of adolescents changed their weight cluster to a lower category and none of them moved in the opposite direction. The behavioral characteristics of these adolescents did not support the hypothesis that the change to a lower weight cluster was a consequence of an increase in time devoted to physical activity or a decrease in time spent on sedentary behavior. Physical activity and sedentary behavior does not exert a substantial effect on overweight and obesity. Therefore, there are other ways of changing to a lower-weight status in adolescents apart from those in which physical activity and sedentary behavior are involved. PMID:28636644

Selection of effective cocrystals former for dissolution rate improvement of active pharmaceutical ingredients based on lipoaffinity index.

PubMed

Cysewski, Piotr; Przybyłek, Maciej

2017-09-30

New theoretical screening procedure was proposed for appropriate selection of potential cocrystal formers possessing the ability of enhancing dissolution rates of drugs. The procedure relies on the training set comprising 102 positive and 17 negative cases of cocrystals found in the literature. Despite the fact that the only available data were of qualitative character, performed statistical analysis using binary classification allowed to formulate quantitative criterions. Among considered 3679 molecular descriptors the relative value of lipoaffinity index, expressed as the difference between values calculated for active compound and excipient, has been found as the most appropriate measure suited for discrimination of positive and negative cases. Assuming 5% precision, the applied classification criterion led to inclusion of 70% positive cases in the final prediction. Since lipoaffinity index is a molecular descriptor computed using only 2D information about a chemical structure, its estimation is straightforward and computationally inexpensive. The inclusion of an additional criterion quantifying the cocrystallization probability leads to the following conjunction criterions H mix <-0.18 and ΔLA>3.61, allowing for identification of dissolution rate enhancers. The screening procedure was applied for finding the most promising coformers of such drugs as Iloperidone, Ritonavir, Carbamazepine and Enthenzamide. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reduction of nitric oxide and DNA/RNA oxidation products are associated with active disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

PubMed

Iriyoda, T M V; Stadtlober, N; Lozovoy, M A B; Delongui, F; Costa, N T; Reiche, E M V; Dichi, I; Simão, A N C

2017-09-01

The aims of the present study were to evaluate biomarkers of oxidative and nitrosative stress in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, in particular products of DNA/RNA oxidative damage and their correlation with disease activity. This study included 188 controls and 203 patients; 153 with inactive SLE (SLEDAI < 6) and 50 with active SLE (SLEDAI ≥ 6) without renal impairment. Oxidative stress was assessed by tert-butyl hydroperoxide-initiated by chemiluminescence, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), and DNA/RNA oxidation products. Patients with SLE showed increased oxidative stress, as demonstrated by the augmentation of lipid hydroperoxides ( p < 0.0001) and AOPP ( p < 0.001) and reduced total antioxidant capacity ( p < 0.0001), without differences between patients with active disease and in remission. NOx levels and DNA/RNA oxidation products were inversely and independently associated with disease activity ( p < 0.0001 and p = 0.021, respectively), regardless of BMI and prednisone use. The linear regression analysis showed that about 5% of the SLEDAI score can be explained by the levels of DNA/RNA oxidation products ( r 2 :0.051; p = 0.002) and about 9% of this score by the levels of NOx ( r 2 :0.091; p < 0.0001). This study provides evidence for an inverse association between serum NOx levels and DNA/RNA oxidation products and SLE disease activity, suggesting that oxidative/nitrosative stress markers may be useful in evaluating SLE disease activity and progression of the disease.

Examining the relationships among built environment, physical activity, and body mass index in El Paso, TX.

PubMed

Rutt, Candace D; Coleman, Karen J

2005-06-01

The current study examined the relationships among built environment, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) in a primarily Hispanic border community in El Paso, TX. Data from a 2001 community-wide health survey were matched to environmental data using geocoding techniques in ARC VIEW software. A total of 996 adults were surveyed by phone and 452 were successfully geocoded. The sample was 71% female, 79% Hispanic, 42 +/- 17 years old, moderately acculturated, and had socioeconomic status (SES) levels of semi-skilled workers. Increasing BMI was related to less moderate intensity physical activity (P = 0.05), higher SES (P = 0.0003), worse overall health (P = 0.0004), and living in areas with greater land-use mix (less residential; P = 0.03). The relationship between overall health and BMI was in part mediated by higher numbers of barriers to physical activity in those with poor health, which lead to a decrease in moderate physical activity. These variables explained 20% of the variance in BMI. This is one of the first studies to find a positive relationship between land-use mix and BMI in a predominantly Hispanic, low-income community. The positive association between BMI and land-use mix may be due to the inclusion of individual SES as a controlling variable in the analyses, suggesting that SES may have a differential effect on how the built environment influences BMI in low- to moderate-income minority communities.

Nucleic acid indexing

DOEpatents

Guilfoyle, Richard A.; Guo, Zhen

2001-01-01

A restriction site indexing method for selectively amplifying any fragment generated by a Class II restriction enzyme includes adaptors specific to fragment ends containing adaptor indexing sequences complementary to fragment indexing sequences near the termini of fragments generated by Class II enzyme cleavage. A method for combinatorial indexing facilitates amplification of restriction fragments whose sequence is not known.

Nucleic acid indexing

DOEpatents

Guilfoyle, Richard A.; Guo, Zhen

1999-01-01

A restriction site indexing method for selectively amplifying any fragment generated by a Class II restriction enzyme includes adaptors specific to fragment ends containing adaptor indexing sequences complementary to fragment indexing sequences near the termini of fragments generated by Class II enzyme cleavage. A method for combinatorial indexing facilitates amplification of restriction fragments whose sequence is not known.

Bounds and inequalities relating h-index, g-index, e-index and generalized impact factor: an improvement over existing models.

PubMed

Abbas, Ash Mohammad

2012-01-01

In this paper, we describe some bounds and inequalities relating h-index, g-index, e-index, and generalized impact factor. We derive the bounds and inequalities relating these indexing parameters from their basic definitions and without assuming any continuous model to be followed by any of them. We verify the theorems using citation data for five Price Medalists. We observe that the lower bound for h-index given by Theorem 2, [formula: see text], g ≥ 1, comes out to be more accurate as compared to Schubert-Glanzel relation h is proportional to C(2/3)P(-1/3) for a proportionality constant of 1, where C is the number of citations and P is the number of papers referenced. Also, the values of h-index obtained using Theorem 2 outperform those obtained using Egghe-Liang-Rousseau power law model for the given citation data of Price Medalists. Further, we computed the values of upper bound on g-index given by Theorem 3, g ≤ (h + e), where e denotes the value of e-index. We observe that the upper bound on g-index given by Theorem 3 is reasonably tight for the given citation record of Price Medalists.

Oral candidiasis in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Fangtham, M; Magder, L S; Petri, M A

2014-06-01

We assessed the frequency of oral candidiasis and the association between demographic variables, disease-related variables, corticosteroid treatment, other treatments and the occurrence of oral candidiasis in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort. In this large prospective cohort study of 2258 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), demographic and clinical associates of oral candidiasis were estimated by univariate, multivariate and within-person regression models. There were 53,548 cohort visits. Oral candidiasis was diagnosed at 675 visits (1.25%) in 325 (14%) of the patients. In the multivariate analyses, oral candidiasis was associated with African-American ethnicity, SELENA-SLEDAI disease activity, high white blood cell count, a history of bacterial infection, prednisone use and immunosuppressive use. The urine protein by urine dip stick was higher in SLE patients with oral candidiasis. Considering only patients who had candidiasis at some visits in a 'within-person' analysis, candidiasis was more frequent in visits with higher SELENA-SLEDAI disease activity, high white blood cell count, proteinuria by urine dip stick, a history of bacterial infection and prednisone use. The use of hydroxychloroquine was associated with a lower risk of oral candidiasis, but was not statistically significant (p = 0.50) in the within-person analysis models. This study identified multiple risk factors for oral candidiasis in SLE. Inspection of the oral cavity for signs of oral candidiasis is recommended especially in SLE patients with active disease, proteinuria, high white blood cell count, taking prednisone, immunosuppressive drugs or antibiotics. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Methods for comparing drug policies--the utility of composite drug harm indexes.

PubMed

Ritter, Alison

2009-11-01

One of the challenges for drug policy research is being able to compare policy options and outcomes. The development of indexes, such as the UK Drug Harm Index or the UNODC Illicit Drug Index is a way to systematically enable such comparisons. An Index is a single common metric that represents the diverse outcomes or consequences of drug use. An Index may be used for performance monitoring within one country/region over time; to establish societal benefit of drug policies as expressed in social costs saved; to compare countries or regions; or for comparative policy analysis. Clarity of purpose is important in how an Index is used. The consequences or outcomes that can be combined into a single Index include health consequences, crime consequences, public amenity, pain and suffering, labour market outcomes, and drug manufacture and trafficking activity. The choice of outcomes for inclusion is driven by the purpose but also often by practical considerations, such as data availability. The weighting of the consequences is an important consideration in translating the outcomes into a common metric. A monetary unit has a number of advantages: it is a unit that can be measured across diverse impacts; it gives implicit "weighting" of harms; and it is intuitive for policy makers and community. On the other hand, it represents an economic perspective. No one Index will be regarded as suitable and appropriate by every stakeholder and ongoing research effort on Indexes is an important foundational research activity to advance illicit drug policy.

A description of the index of active Florida water data collection stations and a user's guide for station or site information retrieval using computer program Findex H578

USGS Publications Warehouse

Merritt, M.L.

1977-01-01

A computerized index of water-data collection activities and retrieval software to generate publication list of this information was developed for Florida. This system serves a vital need in the administration of the many and diverse water-data collection activities. Previously, needed data was very difficult to assemble for use in program planning or project implementation. Largely descriptive, the report tells how a file of computer card images has been established which contains entries for all sites in Florida at which there is currently a water-data-collection activity. Entries include information such as identification number, station name, location, type of site, county, information about data collection, funding, and other pertinent details. The computer program FINDEX selectively retrieves entries and lists them in a format suitable for publication. Updating the index is done routinely. (Woodard-USGS)

Gender, body mass index and rheumatoid arthritis disease activity: results from the QUEST-RA Study.

PubMed

Jawaheer, D; Olsen, J; Lahiff, M; Forsberg, S; Lähteenmäki, J; da Silveira, I G; Rocha, F A; Magalhães Laurindo, I M; Henrique da Mota, L M; Drosos, A A; Murphy, E; Sheehy, C; Quirke, E; Cutolo, M; Rexhepi, S; Dadoniene, J; Verstappen, S M M; Sokka, T

2010-01-01

To investigate whether body mass index (BMI), as a proxy for body fat, influences rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity in a gender-specific manner. Consecutive patients with RA were enrolled from 25 countries into the QUEST-RA program between 2005 and 2008. Clinical and demographic data were collected by treating rheumatologists and by patient self-report. Distributions of Disease Activity Scores (DAS28), BMI, age, and disease duration were assessed for each country and for the entire dataset; mean values between genders were compared using Student's t-tests. An association between BMI and DAS28 was investigated using linear regression, adjusting for age, disease duration and country. A total of 5,161 RA patients (4,082 women and 1,079 men) were included in the analyses. Overall, women were younger, had longer disease duration, and higher DAS28 scores than men, but BMI was similar between genders. The mean DAS28 scores increased with increasing BMI from normal to overweight and obese, among women, whereas the opposite trend was observed among men. Regression results showed BMI (continuous or categorical) to be associated with DAS28. Compared to the normal BMI range, being obese was associated with a larger difference in mean DAS28 (0.23, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.34) than being overweight (0.12, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.21); being underweight was not associated with disease activity. These associations were more pronounced among women, and were not explained by any single component of the DAS28. BMI appears to be associated with RA disease activity in women, but not in men.

Gender, body mass index and rheumatoid arthritis disease activity: results from the QUEST-RA study

PubMed Central

Jawaheer, Damini; Olsen, Jørn; Lahiff, Maureen; Forsberg, Sinikka; Lähteenmäki, Jukka; Silveira, Ines Guimaraes da; Rocha, Francisco Airton; Laurindo, Ieda Maria Magalhães; Mota, Licia Maria Henrique da; Drosos, Alexandros A.; Murphy, Eithne; Sheehy, Claire; Quirke, Edel; Cutolo, Maurizio; Rexhepi, Sylejman; Dadoniene, Jolanta; Verstappen, Suzan M.M.; Sokka, Tuulikki

2010-01-01

Objective To investigate whether body mass index (BMI), as a proxy for body fat, influences rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity in a gender-specific manner. Methods Consecutive patients with RA were enrolled from 25 countries into the QUEST-RA program between 2005 and 2008. Clinical and demographic data were collected by treating rheumatologists and by patient self-report. Distributions of Disease Activity Scores (DAS28), BMI, age, and disease duration were assessed for each country and for the entire dataset; mean values between genders were compared using Student’s t-tests. An association between BMI and DAS28 was investigated using linear regression, adjusting for age, disease duration and country. Results A total of 5,161 RA patients (4,082 women and 1,079 men) were included in the analyses. Overall, women were younger, had longer disease duration, and higher DAS28 scores than men, but BMI was similar between genders. The mean DAS28 scores increased with increasing BMI from normal to overweight and obese, among women, whereas the opposite trend was observed among men. Regression results showed BMI (continuous or categorical) to be associated with DAS28. Compared to the normal BMI range, being obese was associated with a larger difference in mean DAS28 (0.23, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.34) than being overweight (0.12, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.21); being underweight was not associated with disease activity. These associations were more pronounced among women, and were not explained by any single component of the DAS28. Conclusion BMI appears to be associated with RA disease activity in women, but not in men. PMID:20810033

Experimental determination of refractive index of condensed reflectin in squid iridocytes.

PubMed

Ghoshal, Amitabh; DeMartini, Daniel G; Eck, Elizabeth; Morse, Daniel E

2014-06-06

Loliginid squid dynamically tune the structural iridescence of cells in their skin for active camouflage and communication. Bragg reflectors in these cells consist of membrane-bound lamellae periodically alternating with low refractive index extracellular spaces; neuronal signalling induces condensation of the reflectin proteins that fill the lamellae, consequently triggering the expulsion of water. This causes an increase in refractive index within the lamellae, activating reflectance, with the change in lamellar thickness and spacing progressively shifting the wavelength of reflected light. We used micro-spectrophotometry to measure the functionally relevant refractive index of the high-index lamellae of the Bragg reflectors containing the condensed reflectins in chemically fixed dermal iridocytes of the squid, Doryteuthis opalescens. Our high-magnification imaging spectrometer allowed us to obtain normalized spectra of optically distinct sections of the individual, subcellular, multi-layer Bragg stacks. Replacement of the extracellular fluid with liquids of increasing refractive index allowed us to measure the reflectivity of the Bragg stacks as it decreased progressively to 0 when the refractive index of the extracellular medium exactly matched that of the reflectin-filled lamellae, thus allowing us to directly measure the refractive index of the reflectin-filled lamellae as ncondensed lamellae ≈ 1.44. The measured value of the physiologically relevant ncondensed lamellae from these bright iridocytes falls within the range of values that we recently determined by an independent optical method and is significantly lower than values previously reported for dehydrated and air-dried reflectin films. We propose that this directly measured value for the refractive index of the squid's Bragg lamellae containing the condensed reflectins is most appropriate for calculations of reflectivity in similar reflectin-based high-index layers in other molluscs.

Experimental determination of refractive index of condensed reflectin in squid iridocytes

PubMed Central

Ghoshal, Amitabh; DeMartini, Daniel G.; Eck, Elizabeth; Morse, Daniel E.

2014-01-01

Loliginid squid dynamically tune the structural iridescence of cells in their skin for active camouflage and communication. Bragg reflectors in these cells consist of membrane-bound lamellae periodically alternating with low refractive index extracellular spaces; neuronal signalling induces condensation of the reflectin proteins that fill the lamellae, consequently triggering the expulsion of water. This causes an increase in refractive index within the lamellae, activating reflectance, with the change in lamellar thickness and spacing progressively shifting the wavelength of reflected light. We used micro-spectrophotometry to measure the functionally relevant refractive index of the high-index lamellae of the Bragg reflectors containing the condensed reflectins in chemically fixed dermal iridocytes of the squid, Doryteuthis opalescens. Our high-magnification imaging spectrometer allowed us to obtain normalized spectra of optically distinct sections of the individual, subcellular, multi-layer Bragg stacks. Replacement of the extracellular fluid with liquids of increasing refractive index allowed us to measure the reflectivity of the Bragg stacks as it decreased progressively to 0 when the refractive index of the extracellular medium exactly matched that of the reflectin-filled lamellae, thus allowing us to directly measure the refractive index of the reflectin-filled lamellae as ncondensed lamellae ≈ 1.44. The measured value of the physiologically relevant ncondensed lamellae from these bright iridocytes falls within the range of values that we recently determined by an independent optical method and is significantly lower than values previously reported for dehydrated and air-dried reflectin films. We propose that this directly measured value for the refractive index of the squid's Bragg lamellae containing the condensed reflectins is most appropriate for calculations of reflectivity in similar reflectin-based high-index layers in other molluscs. PMID:24694894

Atorvastatin therapy reduces interferon-regulated chemokine CXCL9 plasma levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Ferreira, G A; Teixeira, A L; Sato, E I

2010-07-01

A recent study showed transcriptional levels of interferon-inducible chemokines in peripheral blood cells were associated with disease activity and organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus, and may be useful in monitoring disease activity and prognosis. Our objective was to evaluate the capacity of atorvastatin to reduce plasma levels of interferon-regulated chemokines (CCL2, CCL3 and CXCL9) and to study the correlation between these chemokines and disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Eighty-eight female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were divided into two groups: 64 receiving 20 mg/day of atorvastatin (intervention group) and 24 without atorvastatin (control group). All patients were followed for 8 weeks. At baseline and after 8 weeks laboratory tests were performed for all patients. Plasma levels of chemokines were measured by ELISA using commercial kits (DuoSet, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, USA). In a univariate analysis we found correlation between CCL2, CCL3 and CXCL9 plasma levels and SLEDAI score. In the intervention group we observed a significant decrease in CXCL9 plasma levels comparing baseline and levels at the end of the study (p = 0.04); however, no differences were observed regarding CCL2 or CCL3 plasma levels in this study. No significant difference was observed in the plasma levels of these chemokines in the control group. We conclude that treatment with atorvastatin was associated with a significant decrease in the plasma levels of CXCL9 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. As the plasma levels of CXCL9 correlated with the SLEDAI score, we ask whether reducing levels of this chemokine could help to control systemic lupus erythematosus activity.

Development of indoor environmental index: Air quality index and thermal comfort index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saad, S. M.; Shakaff, A. Y. M.; Saad, A. R. M.; Yusof, A. M.; Andrew, A. M.; Zakaria, A.; Adom, A. H.

2017-03-01

In this paper, index for indoor air quality (also known as IAQI) and thermal comfort index (TCI) have been developed. The IAQI was actually modified from previous outdoor air quality index (AQI) designed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). In order to measure the index, a real-time monitoring system to monitor indoor air quality level was developed. The proposed system consists of three parts: sensor module cloud, base station and service-oriented client. The sensor module cloud (SMC) contains collections of sensor modules that measures the air quality data and transmit the captured data to base station through wireless. Each sensor modules includes an integrated sensor array that can measure indoor air parameters like Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide, Oxygen, Volatile Organic Compound and Particulate Matter. Temperature and humidity were also being measured in order to determine comfort condition in indoor environment. The result from several experiments show that the system is able to measure the air quality presented in IAQI and TCI in many indoor environment settings like air-conditioner, chemical present and cigarette smoke that may impact the air quality. It also shows that the air quality are changing dramatically, thus real-time monitoring system is essential.

Parallel In Situ Indexing for Data-intensive Computing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Jinoh; Abbasi, Hasan; Chacon, Luis

2011-09-09

As computing power increases exponentially, vast amount of data is created by many scientific re- search activities. However, the bandwidth for storing the data to disks and reading the data from disks has been improving at a much slower pace. These two trends produce an ever-widening data access gap. Our work brings together two distinct technologies to address this data access issue: indexing and in situ processing. From decades of database research literature, we know that indexing is an effective way to address the data access issue, particularly for accessing relatively small fraction of data records. As data sets increasemore » in sizes, more and more analysts need to use selective data access, which makes indexing an even more important for improving data access. The challenge is that most implementations of in- dexing technology are embedded in large database management systems (DBMS), but most scientific datasets are not managed by any DBMS. In this work, we choose to include indexes with the scientific data instead of requiring the data to be loaded into a DBMS. We use compressed bitmap indexes from the FastBit software which are known to be highly effective for query-intensive workloads common to scientific data analysis. To use the indexes, we need to build them first. The index building procedure needs to access the whole data set and may also require a significant amount of compute time. In this work, we adapt the in situ processing technology to generate the indexes, thus removing the need of read- ing data from disks and to build indexes in parallel. The in situ data processing system used is ADIOS, a middleware for high-performance I/O. Our experimental results show that the indexes can improve the data access time up to 200 times depending on the fraction of data selected, and using in situ data processing system can effectively reduce the time needed to create the indexes, up to 10 times with our in situ technique when using identical parallel

Retrospective indexing (RI) - A computer-aided indexing technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buchan, Ronald L.

1990-01-01

An account is given of a method for data base-updating designated 'computer-aided indexing' (CAI) which has been very efficiently implemented at NASA's Scientific and Technical Information Facility by means of retrospective indexing. Novel terms added to the NASA Thesaurus will therefore proceed directly into both the NASA-RECON aerospace information system and its portion of the ESA-Information Retrieval Service, giving users full access to material thus indexed. If a given term appears in the title of a record, it is given special weight. An illustrative graphic representation of the CAI search strategy is presented.

In vitro gallium-67 lung index for the evaluation of sarcoidosis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Braude, A.C.; Cohen, R.; Rahmani, R.

1984-11-01

In the evaluation of the active alveolitis of pulmonary sarcoidosis, both the proportional lymphocyte count obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage and state of activation of the alveolar macrophage by gallium scanning are required. We injected 6 mCi (200 MBq) of /sup 67/Ga intravenously on 24 occasions in 13 patients with biopsy-proved sarcoidosis. Forty-eight hours later, patients were scanned with a rectilinear scanner and the generated scintigrams were evaluated using the NIH index. Seventy-two hours after injection, bronchoalveolar lavage was performed, and venous blood was sampled. The harvested lavage fluid was analyzed for absolute and proportional cell counts, and radioactivity was measuredmore » in blood and BAL fluid. An in vitro /sup 67/Ga index was generated and expressed as counts/100,000 alveolar macrophages/ml blood (mean, 0.0146 +/- 0.0087 SD). There was a significant relationship between the in vitro index and proportional lymphocyte BAL counts (r . 0.79; p less than 0.002) that was comparable to that obtained using the NIH index (r . 0.74; p less than 0.005). These data suggest that the in vitro index might offer a more objective assessment of /sup 67/Ga uptake by the lung, but this would require validation against clinical parameters in a prospective study.« less

Bone mineral density among systemic lupus erythematosus patient age 5-18 years with glucocorticoid treatment in child and adolescent outpatient clinic, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Indriyani, N.; Tridjaja, B.; Medise, B. E.; Kurniati, N.

2017-08-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease affecting children; its morbidity and mortality rates are significant. One risk factor for morbidity is chronic corticosteroid use. The aim of this study is to determine the occurrence rate of low bone mineral density; discuss the characteristics, including cumulative and daily doses of corticosteroid, body mass index, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), calcium, and vitamin D intake; and assess bone metabolism laboratory parameters, including serum calcium, vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), phosphorus, and cortisol among children with SLE receiving corticosteroids. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 16 children with SLE attending the child and adolescent outpatient clinic at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in November-December 2016. Low bone mineral density occurred among 7/16 patients. The mean total bone mineral density was 0.885 ± 0.09 g/cm2. Children with SLE receiving corticosteroid had low calcium (8.69 ± 0.50 mg/dl), vitamin D (19.3 ± 5.4 mg/dl), ALP (79.50 [43.00-164.00] U/l), and morning cortisol level (1.20 [0.0-10.21] ug/dl), as well as calcium (587.58 ± 213.29 mg/d) and vitamin D (2.9 [0-31.8] mcg/d) intake. The occurrence of low bone mineral density was observed among children with SLE receiving corticosteroid treatment. Low bone mineral density tends to occur among patients with higher cumulative doses and longer duration of corticosteroid treatments.

Validation of the rheumatic disease comorbidity index.

PubMed

England, Bryant R; Sayles, Harlan; Mikuls, Ted R; Johnson, Dannette S; Michaud, Kaleb

2015-05-01

There is no consensus on which comorbidity index is optimal for rheumatic health outcomes research. We compared a new Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index (RDCI) with the Charlson-Deyo Index (CDI), Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI), Elixhauser Total Score (ETS), Elixhauser Point System (EPS), and a simple comorbidity count (COUNT) using a US cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Using administrative diagnostic codes and patient self-reporting, we tested predictive values of the RDCI, CDI, FCI, ETS, EPS, and COUNT for 2 outcomes: all-cause mortality and physical functioning. Indices were compared using 3 models: bare (consisting of age, sex, and race), administrative (bare plus visit frequency, body mass index, and treatments), and clinic (administrative plus erythrocyte sedimentation rate, nodules, rheumatoid factor positivity, and patient activity scale). The ETS and RDCI best predicted death, with FCI performing the worst. The FCI best predicted function, with ETS and RDCI performing nearly as well. CDI predicted function poorly. The order of indices remained relatively unchanged in the different models, though the magnitude of improvement in Akaike's information criterion decreased in the administrative and clinic models. The RDCI and ETS are excellent indices as a means of accounting for comorbid illness when the RA-related outcomes of death and physical functioning are studied using administrative data. The RDCI is a versatile index and appears to perform well with self-report data as well as administrative data. Further studies are warranted to compare these indices using other outcomes in diverse study populations. © 2015, American College of Rheumatology.

Negative index effects from a homogeneous positive index prism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcus, Sherman W.; Epstein, Ariel

2017-12-01

Cellular structured negative index metamaterials in the form of a right triangular prism have often been tested by observing the refraction of a beam across the prism hypotenuse which is serrated in order to conform to the cell walls. We show that not only can this negative index effect be obtained from a homogeneous dielectric prism having a positive index of refraction, but in addition, for sampling at the walls of the cellular structure, the phase in the material has the illusory appearance of moving in a negative direction. Although many previous reports relied on refraction direction and phase velocity of prism structures to verify negative index design, our investigation indicates that to unambiguously demonstrate material negativity additional empirical evidence is required.

The Influence of Body Mass Index, Sex, & Muscle Activation on Pressure Distribution During Lateral Falls on the Hip.

PubMed

Pretty, Steven P; Martel, Daniel R; Laing, Andrew C

2017-12-01

Hip fracture incidence rates are influenced by body mass index (BMI) and sex, likely through mechanistic pathways that influence dynamics of the pelvis-femur system during fall-related impacts. The goal of this study was to extend our understanding of these impact dynamics by investigating the effects of BMI, sex, and local muscle activation on pressure distribution over the hip region during lateral impacts. Twenty participants underwent "pelvis-release experiments" (which simulate a lateral fall onto the hip), including muscle-'relaxed' and 'contracted' trials. Males and low-BMI individuals exhibited 44 and 55% greater peak pressure, as well as 66 and 56% lower peripheral hip force, compared to females and high-BMI individuals, respectively. Local muscle activation increased peak force by 10%, contact area by 17%, and peripheral hip force by 11% compared to relaxed trials. In summary, males and low-BMI individuals exhibited more concentrated loading over the greater trochanter. Muscle activation increased peak force, but this force was distributed over a larger area, preventing increased localized loading over the greater trochanter. These findings suggest potential value in incorporating sex, gender, and muscle activation-specific force distributions as inputs into computational tissue-level models, and have implications for the design of personalized protective devices including wearable hip protectors.

Towards a Periodical and Monograph Price Index. AIR Forum 1980 Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belanger, Charles H.; Lavallee, Lise

The steps involved in tailoring a periodical and monograph price index to a university library are examined, as are the difficulties involved in applying a simple methodology such as a price index when the data base has not been organized to play an active role in the decision-making process. The following topics are addressed: the shifting of…

Characteristics of eating habits and physical activity in relation to body mass index among adolescents.

PubMed

Djordjevic-Nikic, Marina; Dopsaj, Milivoj

2013-01-01

To assess eating habits and the level of physical activity in adolescents and develop a predictive model for the body mass index (BMI) based on these variables. In this cross-sectional study, eating habits and the level of physical activity were assessed using a questionnaire validated in adolescents. Body mass and height collected during the last annual checkup were extracted from personal medical records. The sample included 330 boys and 377 girls (mean age 15.8 ± 0.2 years) who were first-year high school students in the city of Belgrade, Serbia. Responses to each of the 14 questions about eating habits and 6 questions about physical activity were scored from the least (0) to the most (3) desired behaviors. These ratings were then averaged to arrive to an aggregate score for each domain. The BMI was calculated according to the standard method. A series of regression analyses was performed to derive the best model for predicting BMI in boys and girls based on individual eating habits and physical activity items, first separately and then combined. In the sample, 24.5% of boys and 9.5% of girls were overweight or obese. Girls' eating habits were better than boys (mean aggregate score 2.3 ± 0.3 and 2.1 ± 0.3, respectively, p < 0.001), whereas the level of physical activity was greater in boys than girls (2.1 ± 0.6 vs 1.9 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). The differences between boys and girls in the BMI, eating habits, and physical activity remained significant after controlling for their knowledge about healthy eating and education level of their parents. Eating habits were a better predictor of BMI than physical activity, particularly in boys (R (2) = 0.13 vs R (2) = 0.02) compared to girls (R (2) = 0.04 vs R (2) = 0.01). Combining eating habits and physical activity in the multivariate model of BMI resulted in a better predictive accuracy in boys (R (2) = 0.17) but not girls (R (2) = 0.04). Eating habits and physical activity differ between adolescent boys and girls and

Ki-67 proliferation index in renal biopsy samples of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its correlation with clinical findings.

PubMed

Dalkilic, Ediz; Filiz, Gulaydan; Yavuz, Mahmut; Dilek, Kamil; Ersoy, Alparslan; Yurtkuran, Mustafa; Oruc, Aysegul; Gul, Cuma Bulent; Gullulu, Mustafa

2013-05-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that may affect almost all organ systems. Renal involvement is the most significant prognostic factor. Renal biopsy findings play an important role in treatment decision. Ki-67 is a monoclonal antibody that is only found in proliferative cells. This study aimed to investigate the proliferative activity in renal biopsy specimens of patients with lupus nephritis using the Ki-67 monoclonal antibody, and to compare the proliferative index between different subgroups of patients. Renal biopsy specimens of 29 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were retrospectively evaluated. Type of lupus nephritis and activity and chronicity indexes were determined. Ki-67 immunostaining was performed. For each patient, 1000 cells were counted and the number of Ki-67 positive cells was determined. The Ki-67 activity index was compared between different subgroups of lupus nephritis and correlated with systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index, serum creatinine, proteinuria, anticardiolipin antibodies, and complement levels. A positive correlation between Ki-67 proliferation index, serum creatinine levels, and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index were found. Although conventional activity indexes were low, in 3 of 9 patients with class II lupus nephritis, Ki-67 proliferation indexes were high, indicating proliferation. Ki-67 can be used as a proliferation marker in renal biopsy specimens for patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus.

NASA Tech Briefs Index 1978. Volume 3, Nos. 1-4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

Tech Briefs are short announcements of new technology derived from the research and development activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. These briefs emphasize information considered likely to be transferrable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines and are issued to encourage commercial application. This Index to NASA Tech Briefs contains abstracts and four indexes -- subject, personal author, originating Center, and Tech Brief number -- for 1978 Tech Briefs.

NASA Tech Briefs Index 1979. Volume 4, Nos. 1-4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

Tech Briefs are short announcements of new technology derived from the research and development activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. These briefs emphasize information considered likely to be transferrable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines and are issued to encourage commercial application. This Index to NASA Tech Briefs contains abstracts and four indexes -- subject, personal author, originating Center, and Tech Brief number -- for 1979 Tech Briefs.

NASA Tech Briefs Index 1980. Volume 5, Nos. 1-4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Tech Briefs are short announcements of new technology derived from the research and development activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. These briefs emphasize information considered likely to be transferrable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines and are issued to encourage commercial application. This Index to NASA Tech Briefs contains abstracts and four indexes -- subject,. personal author, originating Center, and Tech Brief number -- for 1980 Tech Briefs.

Relationship between risk factors and activities of daily living using modified Shah Barthel Index in stroke patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusumaningsih, W.; Rachmayanti, S.; Werdhani, R. A.

2017-08-01

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are the most common risk factors of stroke. The study aimed to determine the relationship between hypertension and diabetes mellitus risk factors and dependence on assistance with activities of daily living in chronic stroke patients. The study used an analytical observational cross-sectional design. The study’s sample included 44 stroke patients selected using the quota sampling method. The relationship between the variables was analyzed using the bivariate chi-squared test and multivariate logistic regression. Based on the chi-squared test, the relationship between the Modified Shah Barthel Index (MSBI) score and hypertension and diabetes mellitus as stroke risk factors, were p = 0.122 and p = 0.002, respectively. The logistic regression results suggest that hypertension and diabetes mellitus are stroke risk factors related to the MSBI score: p = 0.076 (OR 4.076; CI 95% 0.861-19.297) and p = 0.007 (OR 22.690; CI 95% 2.332-220.722), respectively. Diabetes mellitus is the most prominent risk factor of severe dependency on assistance with activities of daily living in chronic stroke patients.

Low Latitude Aurora: Index of Solar Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bekli, M. R.; Aissani, D.; Chadou, I.

2010-10-01

Observations of aurora borealis at low latitudes are rare, and are clearly associated with high solar activity. In this paper, we analyze some details of the solar activity during the years 1769-1792. Moreover, we describe in detail three low latitude auroras. The first event was reported by ash-Shalati and observed in North Africa (1770 AD). The second and third events were reported by l'Abbé Mann and observed in Europe (1770 and 1777 AD).

Increased alpha band activity indexes inhibitory competition across a border during figure assignment.

PubMed

Sanguinetti, Joseph L; Trujillo, Logan T; Schnyer, David M; Allen, John J B; Peterson, Mary A

2016-09-01

Figure-ground assignment is thought to entail inhibitory competition between potential objects on opposite sides of a shared border; the winner is perceived as the figure, and the loser as the shapeless ground. Computational models and response time measures support this understanding but to date no online measure of inhibitory competition during figure-ground assignment has been reported. The current study assays electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha power as a measure of inhibitory competition during figure-ground assignment. Activity in the EEG alpha band has been linked to functional inhibition in the brain, and it has been proposed that increased alpha power reflects increased inhibition. In 2 experiments participants viewed silhouettes designed so that the insides would be perceived as figures. Real-world silhouettes depicted namable objects. Novel silhouettes depicted novel objects on the insides of their borders, but varied in the amount of hypothesized cross-border competition for figural status: In "Low-Competition" silhouettes, the borders suggested novel objects on the outside as well as on the inside. In "High-Competition" silhouettes the borders suggested portions of real-world objects on the outside; these compete with the figural properties favoring the inside as figure. Participants accurately categorized both types of novel silhouettes as "novel" objects and were unaware of the real world objects suggested on the outside of the High-Competition silhouettes. In both experiments, we observed more alpha power while participants viewed High- rather than Low-Competition novel silhouettes. These are the first results to show via an online index of neural activity that figure assignment entails inhibitory competition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Empirical Examination of Fundamental Indexation in the German Market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihm, Max; Locarek-Junge, Hermann

Index Funds, Exchange Traded Funds and Derivatives give investors easy access to well diversified index portfolios. These index-based investment products exhibit low fees, which make them an attractive alternative to actively managed funds. Against this background, a new class of stock indices has been established based on the concept of “Fundamental Indexation”. The selection and weighting of index constituents is conducted by means of fundamental criteria like total assets, book value or number of employees. This paper examines the performance of fundamental indices in the German equity market. For this purpose, a backtest of five fundamental indices is conducted over the last 20 years. Furthermore the index returns are analysed under the assumption of an efficient as well as an inefficient market. Index returns in efficient markets are explained by applying the three factor model for stock returns of Fama and French (J Financ Econ 33(1):3-56, 1993). The results show that the outperformance of fundamental indices is partly due to a higher risk exposure, particularly to companies with a low price to book ratio. By relaxing the assumption of market efficiency, a return drag of capitalisation weighted indices can be deduced. Given a mean-reverting movement of prices, a direct connection between market capitalisation and index weighting leads to inferior returns.

Serum procalcitonin has negative predictive value for bacterial infection in active systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Bador, K M; Intan, S; Hussin, S; Gafor, A H A

2012-10-01

Previous studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have produced conflicting results regarding the diagnostic utility of procalcitonin (PCT). The aim of this study was to determine predictive values of PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP) for bacterial infection in SLE patients. This was a cross-sectional study of clinic and hospitalized SLE patients with and without bacterial infection recruited over 18 months. Bacterial infection was defined as positive culture results. SLE disease activity was measured using SLEDAI. PCT and CRP were measured by automated immunoassays. Sixty-eight patients (57 females) were studied. Ten patients (15%) had infection. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for PCT and CRP were not significantly different [0.797 (CI 0.614-0.979) versus 0.755 (CI 0.600-0.910)]. In lupus flare patients, PCT but not CRP was higher with infection (p = 0.019 versus 0.195). A PCT of <0.17 ng/ml ruled out infection with 94% negative predictive value (NPV). In remission patients, CRP but not PCT was elevated with infection (p = 0.036 versus 0.103). CRP < 0.57 mg/dl had 96% NPV. PCT may be a better marker to rule out bacterial infection in lupus flare but not in remission or general screening.

A Study and Model of Machine-Like Indexing Behavior by Human Indexers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McAllister, Caryl

Although a large part of a document retrieval system's resources are devoted to indexing, the question of how people do subject indexing has been the subject of much conjecture and only a little experimentation. This dissertation examines the relationships between a document being indexed and the index terms assigned to that document in an attempt…

7 CFR 5.1 - Parity index and index of prices received by farmers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Parity index and index of prices received by farmers... § 5.1 Parity index and index of prices received by farmers. (a) The parity index and related indices... farmers, interest, taxes, and farm wage rates, as revised May 1976 and published in the May 28, 1976, and...

Calibration correction of an active scattering spectrometer probe to account for refractive index of stratospheric aerosols

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pueschel, R. F.; Overbeck, V. R.; Snetsinger, K. G.; Russell, P. B.; Ferry, G. V.

1990-01-01

The use of the active scattering spectrometer probe (ASAS-X) to measure sulfuric acid aerosols on U-2 and ER-2 research aircraft has yielded results that are at times ambiguous due to the dependence of particles' optical signatures on refractive index as well as physical dimensions. The calibration correction of the ASAS-X optical spectrometer probe for stratospheric aerosol studies is validated through an independent and simultaneous sampling of the particles with impactors; sizing and counting of particles on SEM images yields total particle areas and volumes. Upon correction of calibration in light of these data, spectrometer results averaged over four size distributions are found to agree with similarly averaged impactor results to within a few percent: indicating that the optical properties or chemical composition of the sample aerosol must be known in order to achieve accurate optical aerosol spectrometer size analysis.

Individual differences in inhibitory control--relationship between baseline activation in lateral PFC and an electrophysiological index of response inhibition.

PubMed

Schiller, Bastian; Gianotti, Lorena R R; Nash, Kyle; Knoch, Daria

2014-09-01

The capacity to inhibit inappropriate responses is crucial for goal-directed behavior. Inhibiting such responses seems to come more easily to some of us than others, however. From where do these individual differences originate? Here, we measured 263 participants' neural baseline activation using resting electroencephalogram. Then, we used this stable neural marker to predict a reliable electrophysiological index of response inhibition capacity in the cued Continuous Performance Test, the NoGo-Anteriorization (NGA). Using a source-localization technique, we found that resting delta, theta, and alpha1 activity in the left middle frontal gyrus and resting alpha1 activity in the right inferior frontal gyrus were negatively correlated with the NGA. As a larger NGA is thought to represent better response inhibition capacity, our findings demonstrate that lower levels of resting slow-wave oscillations in the lateral prefrontal cortex, bilaterally, are associated with a better response inhibition capacity. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Do America's Schools Need a "Dow Jones Index"?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guthrie, James W.

1993-01-01

Education may be only major social activity lacking publicly accepted composite indicator. A national education index could incorporate dimensions such as student performance, public support for education, children's conditions, and quality of educational service. Such a system might monitor progress, foster accountability, facilitate…

Predictive factors of flares in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: data from a multiethnic Latin American cohort.

PubMed

Ugarte-Gil, M F; Wojdyla, D; Pastor-Asurza, C A; Gamboa-Cárdenas, R V; Acevedo-Vásquez, E M; Catoggio, L J; García, M A; Bonfá, E; Sato, E I; Massardo, L; Pascual-Ramos, V; Barile, L A; Reyes-Llerena, G; Iglesias-Gamarra, A; Molina-Restrepo, J F; Chacón-Díaz, R; Alarcón, G S; Pons-Estel, B A

2018-04-01

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors predictive of flares in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods A case-control study nested within the Grupo Latino Americano De Estudio de Lupus (GLADEL) cohort was conducted. Flare was defined as an increase ≥4 points in the SLEDAI. Cases were defined as patients with at least one flare. Controls were selected by matching cases by length of follow-up. Demographic and clinical manifestations were systematically recorded by a common protocol. Glucocorticoid use was recorded as average daily dose of prednisone and antimalarial use as percentage of time on antimalarial and categorized as never (0%), rarely (>0-25%), occasionally (>25%-50%), commonly (˃50%-75%) and frequently (˃75%). Immunosuppressive drugs were recorded as used or not used. The association between demographic, clinical manifestations, therapy and flares was examined using univariable and multivariable conditional logistic regression models. Results A total of 465 cases and controls were included. Mean age at diagnosis among cases and controls was 27.5 vs 29.9 years, p = 0.003; gender and ethnic distributions were comparable among both groups and so was the baseline SLEDAI. Independent factors protective of flares identified by multivariable analysis were older age at diagnosis (OR = 0.929 per every five years, 95% CI 0.869-0.975; p = 0.004) and antimalarial use (frequently vs never, OR = 0.722, 95% CI 0.522-0.998; p = 0.049) whereas azathioprine use (OR = 1.820, 95% CI 1.309-2.531; p < 0.001) and SLEDAI post-baseline were predictive of them (OR = 1.034, 95% CI 1.005-1.064; p = 0.022). Conclusions In this large, longitudinal Latin American cohort, older age at diagnosis and more frequent antimalarial use were protective whereas azathioprine use and higher disease activity were predictive of flares.

[Liver and spleen biometrics in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients].

PubMed

Guariento, Andressa; Silva, Marco Felipe C; Tassetano, Priscilla S F; Rocha, Sílvia Maria S; Campos, Lúcia M A; Valente, Marcelo; Silva, Clovis A

2015-01-01

To evaluate liver and spleen dimensions in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (c-SLE) patients and healthy controls. 30 c-SLE patients and 30 healthy control volunteers underwent abdominal ultrasound. The following two liver measurements were performed in left hepatic lobe: craniocaudal and anteroposterior and three in right hepatic lobe (RHL): posterior craniocaudal (PCC-RHL), anterior craniocaudal and anteroposterior. Three spleen dimension measurements were also evaluated: longitudinal, transverse and anteroposterior. Demographic, clinical and laboratorial data, SLEDAI-2K, ECLAM, SLAM and treatment were assessed. Mean current age was similar in c-SLE and controls (170.31 ± 27.81 vs. 164.15 ± 39.25 months; p = 0.486). The mean of PCC-RHL dimension was significantly higher in c-SLE compared to controls (13.30 ± 1.85 vs. 12.52 ± 0.93, p = 0.044). There were no differences between the other hepatic biometrics and splenic parameters (p > 0.05). Further analysis in c-SLE patients according to PCC-RHL dimension ≥ 13.3cm versus < 13.3 cm showed that the median of SLEDAI-2K [8(0-18) vs. 2(0-8), p=0.004], ECLAM [4(0-9) vs. 2(0-5), p = 0.019] and SLAM [5(1-13) vs. 2(0-14), p = 0.016] were significantly higher in patients with higher PCC-RHL dimension, likewise the frequencie of nephritis (77% vs. 29%, p = 0.010). Liver enzymes were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Positive correlation was observed between SLEDAI-2K and PCC-RHL (p = 0.001, r = +0.595). Negative correlation was evidenced between disease duration and longitudinal dimension of spleen (p = 0.031, r = -0.394). Our data raises the possibility that disease activity could lead to a subclinical and localized hepatomegaly during the disease course. Long disease duration resulted to spleen atrophy in c-SLE patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

California Nitrogen Index

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The California N Index User Manual is designed to help you become accustomed to the software environment in which the N Index runs. This manual will use an example scenario to demonstrate how to use the N Index to assess nitrogen losses. The objective of this theoretical example is to guide you towa...

Effectiveness of Facebook-Delivered Lifestyle Counselling and Physical Activity Self-Monitoring on Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Ruotsalainen, Heidi; Kyngäs, Helvi; Tammelin, Tuija; Heikkinen, Hanna; Kääriäinen, Maria

2015-01-01

Background. The aim was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week, Facebook-delivered lifestyle counselling intervention, with or without physical activity self-monitoring, on physical activity and body mass index (BMI) in overweight and obese 13–16-year-old adolescents. Methods. Three-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 46) were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups: one group received Facebook-delivered lifestyle counselling and monitoring of their physical activity (Fb + Act, n = 15), whereas a second experimental group received the same Facebook-delivered lifestyle counselling without self-monitoring (Fb, n = 16) and a third group served as the control group (n = 15). Objective and self-reported physical activity assessment were used. Nonparametric statistical tests were used. Results. There were no significant intervention effects in terms of changes in physical activity levels or BMI from baseline to the 12-week postintervention measurements between the intervention and control groups. The Fb + Act group had lower sedentary time on weekdays compared to the control group during postintervention measurements (p = 0.021), but there was no interaction between time and group. Conclusions. Interventions were not effective at increasing physical activity in overweight and obese adolescents. Before implementing such interventions, more evaluations on their effectiveness are needed. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02295761 (2014-11-17). PMID:26697218

Effectiveness of Facebook-Delivered Lifestyle Counselling and Physical Activity Self-Monitoring on Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Ruotsalainen, Heidi; Kyngäs, Helvi; Tammelin, Tuija; Heikkinen, Hanna; Kääriäinen, Maria

2015-01-01

Background. The aim was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week, Facebook-delivered lifestyle counselling intervention, with or without physical activity self-monitoring, on physical activity and body mass index (BMI) in overweight and obese 13-16-year-old adolescents. Methods. Three-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 46) were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups: one group received Facebook-delivered lifestyle counselling and monitoring of their physical activity (Fb + Act, n = 15), whereas a second experimental group received the same Facebook-delivered lifestyle counselling without self-monitoring (Fb, n = 16) and a third group served as the control group (n = 15). Objective and self-reported physical activity assessment were used. Nonparametric statistical tests were used. Results. There were no significant intervention effects in terms of changes in physical activity levels or BMI from baseline to the 12-week postintervention measurements between the intervention and control groups. The Fb + Act group had lower sedentary time on weekdays compared to the control group during postintervention measurements (p = 0.021), but there was no interaction between time and group. Conclusions. Interventions were not effective at increasing physical activity in overweight and obese adolescents. Before implementing such interventions, more evaluations on their effectiveness are needed. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02295761 (2014-11-17).

Different Characteristics of the Female Sexual Function Index in a Sample of Sexually Active and Inactive Women.

PubMed

Hevesi, Krisztina; Mészáros, Veronika; Kövi, Zsuzsanna; Márki, Gabriella; Szabó, Marianna

2017-09-01

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is a widely used measurement tool to assess female sexual function along the six dimensions of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. However, the structure of the questionnaire is not clear, and several studies have found high correlations among the dimensions, indicating that a common underlying "sexual function" factor might be present. To investigate whether female sexual function is best understood as a multidimensional construct or, alternatively, whether a common underlying factor explains most of the variance in FSFI scores, and to investigate the possible effect of the common practice of including sexually inactive women in studies using the FSFI. The sample consisted of 508 women: 202 university students, 177 patients with endometriosis, and 129 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Participants completed the FSFI, and confirmatory factor analyses were used to test the underlying structure of this instrument in the total sample and in samples including sexually active women only. The FSFI is a multidimensional self-report questionnaire composed of 19 items. Strong positive correlations were found among five of the six original factors on the FSFI. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that in the total sample items loaded mainly on the general sexual function factor and very little variance was explained by the specific factors. However, when only sexually active women were included in the analyses, a clear factor structure emerged, with items loading on their six specific factors, and most of the variance in FSFI scores was explained by the specific factors, rather than the general factor. University students reported higher scores, indicating better functioning compared with the patient samples. The reliable and valid assessment of female sexual function can contribute to better understanding, prevention, and treatment of different sexual difficulties and dysfunctions. This study provides a

Index to NASA Tech Briefs, 1974

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The following information was given for 1974: (1) abstracts of reports dealing with new technology derived from the research and development activities of NASA or the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, arranged by subjects: electronics/electrical, electronics/electrical systems, physical sciences, materials/chemistry, life sciences, mechanics, machines, equipment and tools, fabrication technology, and computer programs, (2) indexes for the above documents: subject, personal author, originating center.

Special Education Master Key and Index for Environmental Curriculum Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garowski, Robert; And Others

Prepared for teachers working with disadvantaged students, this booklet contains keys and indexes for activities in the out-of-doors. It should be used in conjunction with field trip activity sheets and follow-up materials currently available through the Southeastern Pennsylvania Outdoor Education Center and described in the following documents:…

[The association of fibromyalgia and systemic lupus erythematosus change the presentation and severity of both diseases?].

PubMed

de Araújo, Ana Luiza P Kasemodel; Paliares, Isabella Cristina; de Araújo, Maria Izabel P Kasemodel; Novo, Neil Ferreira; Cadaval, Ricardo Augusto M; Martinez, José Eduardo

2015-01-01

The association of fibromyalgia (FM) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been investigated, with conflicting results regarding the impact of a condition on the other. To determine the frequency of FM in a sample of patients with SLE treated at the Hospital Complex of Sorocaba (CHS) and the impact of FM in SLE activity and quality of life, as well as of SLE in FM. Descriptive and correlational study. Patients who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for SLE and/or FM were included. The total sample was divided into three groups: FM/SLE (patients with association of SLE and FM), SLE (SLE patients only) and FM (FM patients only). The following variables were used: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), activity index of SLE (SLEDAI), Indices of Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia 2010 (SSI end GPI) and SF-36. The prevalence of patients with FM among SLE patients was 12%. FIQ showed no difference between groups, indicating that SLE did not affect the impact caused by FM alone. The presence of FM in SLE patients did not influence the clinical activity of this disease. A strong impact of FM on the quality of life in patients with SLE was observed; the opposite was not observed. The prevalence of FM observed in SLE patients is 12%. The presence of FM adversely affects the quality of life of patients with SLE. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Socioeconomic status and organ damage in Mexican systemic lupus erythematosus women.

PubMed

Mendoza-Pinto, C; Méndez-Martínez, S; Soto-Santillán, P; Galindo Herrera, J; Pérez-Contreras, I; Macías-Díaz, S; Taboada-Cole, A; García-Carrasco, M

2015-10-01

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine relationships between socioeconomic status and organ damage in Mexican systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Demographic and clinical variables were assessed. Socioeconomic status was evaluated using the Graffar method and monthly household income. Lupus activity and organ damage were measured using the SLE disease activity scale, validated for the Mexican population (Mex-SLEDAI), and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) scale. The 143 Mexican female SLE patients included (mean age 40.1 ± 8.9 years, mean disease duration 8.9 ± 6.3 years) had a mean monthly household income of $ 407.2 ± 326.5. According to the Graffar index, 18.9%, 52.5%, and 28.7% had high/medium-high, medium, and medium-low/low socioeconomic status, respectively. Organ damage was observed in 61 patients (42.7%). Patients with organ damage had lower monthly household incomes ($241.4 ± 152.4 vs. $354.8 ± 288.3) and were more frequently unemployed (57.3% vs. 35.3%; p = 0.01) than those without. Low monthly income was not associated with lupus activity or self-reported health status. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, low monthly income ( < $300) was associated with organ damage. In conclusion, low income may be associated with organ damage in Mexican SLE patients. © The Author(s) 2015.

17 CFR 41.14 - Transition period for indexes that cease being narrow-based security indexes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... provision. An index that is a narrow-based security index that becomes a broad-based security index for no...-five days. An index that is a narrow-based security index that becomes a broad-based security index for...

17 CFR 41.14 - Transition period for indexes that cease being narrow-based security indexes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... provision. An index that is a narrow-based security index that becomes a broad-based security index for no...-five days. An index that is a narrow-based security index that becomes a broad-based security index for...

17 CFR 41.14 - Transition period for indexes that cease being narrow-based security indexes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... provision. An index that is a narrow-based security index that becomes a broad-based security index for no...-five days. An index that is a narrow-based security index that becomes a broad-based security index for...

17 CFR 41.14 - Transition period for indexes that cease being narrow-based security indexes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... provision. An index that is a narrow-based security index that becomes a broad-based security index for no...-five days. An index that is a narrow-based security index that becomes a broad-based security index for...

Impact of a nurse-directed, coordinated school health program to enhance physical activity behaviors and reduce body mass index among minority children: A parallel-group, randomized control trial

PubMed Central

Wright, Kynna; Giger, Joyce Newman; Norris, Keth; Suro, Zulma

2013-01-01

Background Underserved children, particularly girls and those in urban communities, do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines (>60 min of daily physical activity), and this behavior can lead to obesity. The school years are known to be a critical period in the life course for shaping attitudes and behaviors. Children look to schools for much of their access to physical activity. Thus, through the provision of appropriate physical activity programs, schools have the power to influence apt physical activity choices, especially for underserved children where disparities in obesity-related outcomes exist. Objectives To evaluate the impact of a nurse directed, coordinated, culturally sensitive, school-based, family-centered lifestyle program on activity behaviors and body mass index. Design, settings and participants: This was a parallel group, randomized controlled trial utilizing a community-based participatory research approach, through a partnership with a University and 5 community schools. Participants included 251 children ages 8–12 from elementary schools in urban, low-income neighborhoods in Los Angeles, USA. Methods The intervention included Kids N Fitness©, a 6-week program which met weekly to provide 45 min of structured physical activity and a 45 min nutrition education class for parents and children. Intervention sites also participated in school-wide wellness activities, including health and counseling services, staff professional development in health promotion, parental education newsletters, and wellness policies for the provision of healthy foods at the school. The Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health School Physical Activity and Nutrition Student Questionnaire measured physical activity behavior, including: daily physical activity, participation in team sports, attending physical education class, and TV viewing/computer game playing. Anthropometric measures included height, weight, body mass index, resting blood

Influence of Boiling Duration of GCSB-5 on Index Compound Content and Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Activity.

PubMed

Lee, In-Hee; Chung, Hwa-Jin; Shin, Joon-Shik; Ha, In-Hyuk; Kim, Me-Riong; Koh, Wonil; Lee, Jinho

2017-01-01

GCSB-5, an herbal drug composition with an anti-inflammatory effect, is prepared by boiling, which is the most common herbal extraction method in traditional Korean medicine. Several parameters are involved in the process, i.e., extractant type, herb-to-extractant ratio, extraction temperature and pressure, and total boiling time. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of boiling time on index compound amount and the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of GCSB-5. Different samples of GCSB-5 were obtained by decocting for 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 240 min. Each sample was tested for hydrogen ion concentration (pH), total soluble solid content (TSSC), marker compound profiles, and antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. pH was found to decrease while TSSC increased with extended decoction. Marker compound contents for GCSB-5 (acanthoside D for Acanthopanax sessiliflorus Seem, 20-hydroxyecdysone for Achyranthes japonica Nakai, and pinoresinol diglucoside for Eucommia ulmoides Oliver) remained relatively constant regardless of the length of boiling. Total D-glucose amount increased with longer boiling. The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials of GCSB-5 were not substantially affected by decoction duration. Biological characteristics and marker compound content of GCSB-5 were not altered significantly in prolonged boiling. Longer boiling duration of GCSB-5 did not increase yield in a time-dependent manner, but yields of 210 and 240 min samples were significantly higherHydrogen ion concentration of GCSB-5 samples decreased while total soluble solid content and D-glucose concentration levels increased with boiling durationAlthough concentrations of some index compounds increased with extended boiling duration of GCSB-5, increase was small and not in a direct proportional relationshipAntioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of GCSB-5 were not substantially affected by decoction duration. Abbreviations used: CAM: Complementary

Subspace-Aware Index Codes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kailkhura, Bhavya; Theagarajan, Lakshmi Narasimhan; Varshney, Pramod K.

In this paper, we generalize the well-known index coding problem to exploit the structure in the source-data to improve system throughput. In many applications (e.g., multimedia), the data to be transmitted may lie (or can be well approximated) in a low-dimensional subspace. We exploit this low-dimensional structure of the data using an algebraic framework to solve the index coding problem (referred to as subspace-aware index coding) as opposed to the traditional index coding problem which is subspace-unaware. Also, we propose an efficient algorithm based on the alternating minimization approach to obtain near optimal index codes for both subspace-aware and -unawaremore » cases. In conclusion, our simulations indicate that under certain conditions, a significant throughput gain (about 90%) can be achieved by subspace-aware index codes over conventional subspace-unaware index codes.« less

Subspace-Aware Index Codes