Rheumatology
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To evaluate costs, benefits and cost-effectiveness of anti-TNF agents in PsA patients with inadequate response to conventional treatment. ⋯ Cost-effectiveness ratios are within the commonly accepted willingness-to-pay threshold. These results need to be confirmed in larger samples of patients.
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To map the content of the OsteoArthritis Knee and Hip Quality Of Life (OAKHQOL) scale to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). To compare the OAKHQOL with other instruments used in OA using the ICF core set for OA (OA core set). ⋯ Compared with other health status instruments commonly used in OA, the OAKHQOL covers the highest number of OA core set categories and captures specific aspects that are especially valuable to patients with knee and hip OA.
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Contralateral responses to unilateral stimuli have been well described in animal models. These range from central sensitization to peripheral inflammatory responses. Our aim was to test for contralateral responses following unilateral intradermal capsaicin injection in man. ⋯ This is the first demonstration of a contralateral response following a unilateral stimulus in man. Bilateral neural pathways mediating contralateral responses may have a role in the pathophysiology of chronically painful or inflammatory diseases and a confounding influence on using the contralateral limb as a control experimentally. We did not find that a systemic inflammatory disease sensitized for this phenomenon.
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Acupuncture refers to the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points for a therapeutic effect. The term comes from the Latin words 'acus' (needle) and 'punctura' (to puncture). The technique has been practiced in the Far East for at least 3000 yrs but it is only in the last 30 yrs that interest has developed in the West underpinned by increasing scientific research. One of the main uses of acupuncture has been to treat musculoskeletal pain and this article will review the evidence base and outline the main theories of mechanisms of action.