J Rheumatol
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Calprotectin is a calcium-binding cytosolic protein of the neutrophil, monocyte, and macrophage, and its secretion increases during activation of these cells. Our objective was to measure serum calprotectin concentrations in patients with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) and to correlate serum calprotectin with the activity and severity of AOSD. ⋯ Serum calprotectin increased in patients with AOSD, in close correlation with disease activity and severity. These findings suggest that serum calprotectin can provide a reliable clinical marker for monitoring the disease activity and severity of AOSD.
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New bone formation of the spine is a typical feature of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). It is unknown whether new bone formation is part of a physiological repair process or a unique pathological entity of the disease. ⋯ Immunohistochemical analysis of zygapophyseal joints suggested that osteoblast activity is similar in AS and OA, indicating that new bone formation is possibly a physiological function of repair in both diseases.
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Patient global assessment (PGA) is commonly measured using a visual analog scale (VAS). The VAS asks patients to integrate many dimensions of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity, yet its scope is poorly defined and its endpoints are vague. We investigated whether a modified Rating Scale that used marker states and more defined endpoints would provide a more valid measure of PGA. ⋯ As measures of PGA, the VAS and Rating Scale had comparable construct validity, but differed in which aspects of arthritis activity influenced scores. VAS was more sensitive to change.
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To compare the expression of high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) and the modulating effects on its downstream cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy controls. ⋯ Our findings suggest that increased serum levels of HMGB1 in SLE may be associated with lupus disease activity. The altered production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in response to rHMGB1 stimulation may participate in the disruption of cytokine homeostasis in SLE.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
A European multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled monotherapy clinical trial of milnacipran in treatment of fibromyalgia.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study investigated the efficacy and safety of milnacipran in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM) in a European population. ⋯ Milnacipran is an effective and safe treatment for pain and other predominant symptoms of FM. Registered as trial no. NCT00436033.