Arthritis and rheumatism
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Jan 2008
Review Meta AnalysisPatellar taping and bracing for the treatment of chronic knee pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
To evaluate the evidence for patellar taping and bracing in the management of chronic knee pain. ⋯ There was evidence that tape applied to exert a medially-directed force on the patella produces a clinically meaningful change in chronic knee pain. There was limited evidence to demonstrate the efficacy of patellar bracing. These outcomes were limited by the presence of high heterogeneity between study outcomes and significant publication bias.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Jan 2008
Missing data in randomized controlled trials of rheumatoid arthritis with radiographic outcomes: a simulation study.
To assess the impact, in terms of statistical power and bias of treatment effect, of approaches to dealing with missing data in randomized controlled trials of rheumatoid arthritis with radiographic outcomes. ⋯ Our simulation study demonstrated multiple imputation, offering the smallest bias in treatment effect and the highest power. These results can help in planning trials, especially in choosing methods of imputation and data analysis.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Jan 2008
Asking the experts: exploring the self-management needs of adolescents with arthritis.
To explore the self-management needs of adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the acceptability of a Web-based program of self-management aimed at improving quality of life. ⋯ Adolescents were united in their call for more information, self-management strategies, and meaningful social support to better manage their arthritis. They believed that Web-based interventions were a promising avenue to improve accessibility and availability of these interventions.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Jan 2008
Sphingomyelinase decreases type II collagen expression in bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes via the ERK signaling pathway.
Ceramide, a mediator of proinflammatory cytokine signaling, induces cartilage degradation and reduces type II collagen synthesis in articular cartilage. The accumulation of ceramide is associated with arthritis in Farber's disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of ceramide-induced down-regulation of type II collagen. ⋯ SMase down-regulates type II collagen in articular chondrocytes via activation of the ERK signaling cascade, redistribution of SOX9, and recruitment of c-Fos. This new mechanism for cartilage degradation provides potential targets for future treatment of arthritic disease.