<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <rdf:RDF xmlns="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:dcterms="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" xmlns:cc="http://web.resource.org/cc/" xmlns:prism="http://prismstandard.org/namespaces/basic/2.0/" xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"> <channel rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/rss/journal/rheumato"> <title>Rheumato</title> <description>Latest open access articles published in Rheumato at https://www.mdpi.com/journal/rheumato</description> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/journal/rheumato</link> <admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/rheumato"/> <admin:errorReportsTo rdf:resource="mailto:support@mdpi.com"/> <dc:publisher>MDPI</dc:publisher> <dc:language>en</dc:language> <dc:rights>Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY)</dc:rights> <prism:copyright>MDPI</prism:copyright> 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rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/7" /> <rdf:li rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/2/6" /> <rdf:li rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/2/5" /> <rdf:li rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/4" /> <rdf:li rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/3" /> <rdf:li rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/2" /> <rdf:li rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/1" /> <rdf:li rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/5" /> <rdf:li rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/4" /> <rdf:li rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/3" /> <rdf:li rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/2" /> <rdf:li rdf:resource="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/1" /> </rdf:Seq> </items> <cc:license rdf:resource="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" /> </channel> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/16"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 203-208: Reducing Diagnostic Delay in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Could Lipocalin 2 Biomarkers Help?</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/16</link> <description>Early diagnosis and therapy in axial spondyloarthritis, axSpA, is known to reduce long-term morbidity. However, the time from symptom onset to diagnosis is typically delayed by several years, and this situation has not improved in recent years despite greater clinical awareness and better imaging. This narrative review discusses the underlying causes for axSpA diagnostic delay. It is proposed that to reduce axSpA diagnostic delay, a better understanding of the axSpA subclinical inflammatory process is required, together with machine learning-enabled inflammation/repair biomarkers such as lipocalin 2 and lipocalin 2-matrix metalloprotease 9, developed through extensive clinical domain knowledge.</description> <pubDate>2024-11-19</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 203-208: Reducing Diagnostic Delay in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Could Lipocalin 2 Biomarkers Help?</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/16">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4040016</a></p> <p>Authors: Kenneth P. H. Pritzker Arash Samari </p> <p>Early diagnosis and therapy in axial spondyloarthritis, axSpA, is known to reduce long-term morbidity. However, the time from symptom onset to diagnosis is typically delayed by several years, and this situation has not improved in recent years despite greater clinical awareness and better imaging. This narrative review discusses the underlying causes for axSpA diagnostic delay. It is proposed that to reduce axSpA diagnostic delay, a better understanding of the axSpA subclinical inflammatory process is required, together with machine learning-enabled inflammation/repair biomarkers such as lipocalin 2 and lipocalin 2-matrix metalloprotease 9, developed through extensive clinical domain knowledge.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Reducing Diagnostic Delay in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Could Lipocalin 2 Biomarkers Help?</dc:title> <dc:creator>Kenneth P. H. Pritzker</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Arash Samari</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4040016</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-11-19</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-11-19</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Commentary</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>203</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4040016</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/16</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/15"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 193-202: Physiopathological Aspects of Synovial Fluid and Membrane in Psoriatic Arthritis</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/15</link> <description>Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations, mainly affecting joints and entheses, but also skin, nails, the eye, and the intestine. Objectives: In this review, we describe the essential characteristics of both synovial membranes and synovial fluid (SF) in PsA. Similarly to other inflammatory arthritis, the histological peculiarities in PsA synovitis are lining hyperplasia, neoangiogenesis, and sublining infiltration by immune cells and inflammatory mediators. Synovial effusions are frequent in PsA patients and SF analysis allows us to determine the pathological process occurring in the joint. Routine examinations help clinicians in defining the inflammatory status and possibly the detection of specific cell subsets. In addition, pathogenic crystals including monosodium urate and calcium pyrophosphate may be found in PsA SF. Conclusions: SF represents a potential substrate to identify the biomarkers that are useful to predict disease progression and response to medications in PsA patients, thus guiding the choice of appropriate and tailored pharmacological treatment.</description> <pubDate>2024-11-05</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 193-202: Physiopathological Aspects of Synovial Fluid and Membrane in Psoriatic Arthritis</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/15">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4040015</a></p> <p>Authors: Amelia Carmela Damasco Roberta Ramonda Giacomo Cozzi Mariagrazia Lorenzin Paolo Sfriso Francesca Oliviero Chiara Baggio </p> <p>Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations, mainly affecting joints and entheses, but also skin, nails, the eye, and the intestine. Objectives: In this review, we describe the essential characteristics of both synovial membranes and synovial fluid (SF) in PsA. Similarly to other inflammatory arthritis, the histological peculiarities in PsA synovitis are lining hyperplasia, neoangiogenesis, and sublining infiltration by immune cells and inflammatory mediators. Synovial effusions are frequent in PsA patients and SF analysis allows us to determine the pathological process occurring in the joint. Routine examinations help clinicians in defining the inflammatory status and possibly the detection of specific cell subsets. In addition, pathogenic crystals including monosodium urate and calcium pyrophosphate may be found in PsA SF. Conclusions: SF represents a potential substrate to identify the biomarkers that are useful to predict disease progression and response to medications in PsA patients, thus guiding the choice of appropriate and tailored pharmacological treatment.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Physiopathological Aspects of Synovial Fluid and Membrane in Psoriatic Arthritis</dc:title> <dc:creator>Amelia Carmela Damasco</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Roberta Ramonda</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Giacomo Cozzi</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Mariagrazia Lorenzin</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Paolo Sfriso</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Francesca Oliviero</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Chiara Baggio</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4040015</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-11-05</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-11-05</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>193</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4040015</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/15</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/14"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 176-192: Feature Extraction and Identification of Rheumatoid Nodules Using Advanced Image Processing Techniques</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/14</link> <description>Background/Objectives: Accurate detection and classification of nodules in medical images, particularly rheumatoid nodules, are critical due to the varying nature of these nodules, where their specific type is often unknown before analysis. This study addresses the challenges of multi-class prediction in nodule detection, with a specific focus on rheumatoid nodules, by employing a comprehensive approach to feature extraction and classification. We utilized a diverse dataset of nodules, including rheumatoid nodules sourced from the DermNet dataset and local rheumatologists. Method: This study integrates 62 features, combining traditional image characteristics with advanced graph-based features derived from a superpixel graph constructed through Delaunay triangulation. The key steps include image preprocessing with anisotropic diffusion and Retinex enhancement, superpixel segmentation using SLIC, and graph-based feature extraction. Texture analysis was performed using Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) metrics, while shape analysis was conducted with Fourier descriptors. Vascular pattern recognition, crucial for identifying rheumatoid nodules, was enhanced using the Frangi filter. A Hybrid CNN&amp;amp;ndash;Transformer model was employed for feature fusion, and feature selection and hyperparameter tuning were optimized using Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Feature importance was assessed using SHAP values. Results: The proposed methodology achieved an accuracy of 85%, with a precision of 0.85, a recall of 0.89, and an F1 measure of 0.87, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach in detecting and classifying rheumatoid nodules in both binary and multi-class classification scenarios. Conclusions: This study presents a robust tool for the detection and classification of nodules, particularly rheumatoid nodules, in medical imaging, offering significant potential for improving diagnostic accuracy and aiding in the early identification of rheumatoid conditions.</description> <pubDate>2024-10-24</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 176-192: Feature Extraction and Identification of Rheumatoid Nodules Using Advanced Image Processing Techniques</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/14">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4040014</a></p> <p>Authors: Azmath Mubeen Uma N. Dulhare </p> <p>Background/Objectives: Accurate detection and classification of nodules in medical images, particularly rheumatoid nodules, are critical due to the varying nature of these nodules, where their specific type is often unknown before analysis. This study addresses the challenges of multi-class prediction in nodule detection, with a specific focus on rheumatoid nodules, by employing a comprehensive approach to feature extraction and classification. We utilized a diverse dataset of nodules, including rheumatoid nodules sourced from the DermNet dataset and local rheumatologists. Method: This study integrates 62 features, combining traditional image characteristics with advanced graph-based features derived from a superpixel graph constructed through Delaunay triangulation. The key steps include image preprocessing with anisotropic diffusion and Retinex enhancement, superpixel segmentation using SLIC, and graph-based feature extraction. Texture analysis was performed using Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) metrics, while shape analysis was conducted with Fourier descriptors. Vascular pattern recognition, crucial for identifying rheumatoid nodules, was enhanced using the Frangi filter. A Hybrid CNN&amp;amp;ndash;Transformer model was employed for feature fusion, and feature selection and hyperparameter tuning were optimized using Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Feature importance was assessed using SHAP values. Results: The proposed methodology achieved an accuracy of 85%, with a precision of 0.85, a recall of 0.89, and an F1 measure of 0.87, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach in detecting and classifying rheumatoid nodules in both binary and multi-class classification scenarios. Conclusions: This study presents a robust tool for the detection and classification of nodules, particularly rheumatoid nodules, in medical imaging, offering significant potential for improving diagnostic accuracy and aiding in the early identification of rheumatoid conditions.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Feature Extraction and Identification of Rheumatoid Nodules Using Advanced Image Processing Techniques</dc:title> <dc:creator>Azmath Mubeen</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Uma N. Dulhare</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4040014</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-10-24</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-10-24</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>176</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4040014</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/14</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/13"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 163-175: IL-11 Expression in Systemic Sclerosis Is Dependent on Caspase-1 Activity but Does Not Increase Collagen Deposition</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/13</link> <description>Background: Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is increased in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is thought to play a role in fibrosis. Many studies have reported decreased fibrosis when IL-11 is blocked, but few have examined factors that induce IL-11 expression. Because fibrosis has been linked to activated inflammasomes driving caspase-1 maturation and the secretion of IL-1&amp;amp;beta;, we set out to determine if IL-11 expression was dependent on caspase-1 activity. Methods: Primary lung fibroblast cell lines derived from patients with SSc, IPF (fibrotic control), and healthy individuals were cultured at low passage. Gene expression for IL-11 and the IL-11 receptor (IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1) was analyzed using qPCR and normalized to the control, and collagen production was measured using Sirius Red. Results: SSc and IPF fibroblasts expressed significantly more IL-11 transcripts than normal cells (3.35-fold and 9.97-fold more, p = 0.0396 and p = 0.0023, respectively). IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1 was expressed 2.32-fold and 2.27-fold more in SSc and IPF (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0032, respectively) than in normal cells. In SSc fibroblasts, inhibition of caspase-1 with YVAD decreased IL-11 expression by 49.59% (p = 0.0016) but did not affect IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1 expression (p &amp;amp;gt; 0.05). IL-11 expression was increased 2.97-fold with TGF-&amp;amp;beta;1 (p = 0.0030) and 22.24-fold with IL-1&amp;amp;beta; (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.0001), while the expression of IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1 was not induced with these two cytokines. LPS increased IL-11 expression in normal fibroblasts 1.52-fold (p = 0.0042), which was abolished with YVAD (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.0001). IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1 gene transcripts were also increased with LPS 1.50-fold (p = 0.0132), but YVAD did not inhibit this expression. In these studies, we were unable to detect IL-11 protein nor were we able to induce COL1A1 expression or increase the total amount of collagen secreted by fibroblasts with human recombinant IL-11. Conclusions: IL-11 and its receptor, IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1, are both elevated in fibrosis. IL-11 expression is dependent on inflammasome activation of caspase-1 and the downstream cytokines TGF-&amp;amp;beta;1 and IL-1&amp;amp;beta;, while IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1 was only dependent on NF-kB.</description> <pubDate>2024-10-12</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 163-175: IL-11 Expression in Systemic Sclerosis Is Dependent on Caspase-1 Activity but Does Not Increase Collagen Deposition</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/13">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4040013</a></p> <p>Authors: Caya M. McFalls Lianne M. Connolly Alfred G. Fustakgi Carol M. Artlett </p> <p>Background: Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is increased in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is thought to play a role in fibrosis. Many studies have reported decreased fibrosis when IL-11 is blocked, but few have examined factors that induce IL-11 expression. Because fibrosis has been linked to activated inflammasomes driving caspase-1 maturation and the secretion of IL-1&amp;amp;beta;, we set out to determine if IL-11 expression was dependent on caspase-1 activity. Methods: Primary lung fibroblast cell lines derived from patients with SSc, IPF (fibrotic control), and healthy individuals were cultured at low passage. Gene expression for IL-11 and the IL-11 receptor (IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1) was analyzed using qPCR and normalized to the control, and collagen production was measured using Sirius Red. Results: SSc and IPF fibroblasts expressed significantly more IL-11 transcripts than normal cells (3.35-fold and 9.97-fold more, p = 0.0396 and p = 0.0023, respectively). IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1 was expressed 2.32-fold and 2.27-fold more in SSc and IPF (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0032, respectively) than in normal cells. In SSc fibroblasts, inhibition of caspase-1 with YVAD decreased IL-11 expression by 49.59% (p = 0.0016) but did not affect IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1 expression (p &amp;amp;gt; 0.05). IL-11 expression was increased 2.97-fold with TGF-&amp;amp;beta;1 (p = 0.0030) and 22.24-fold with IL-1&amp;amp;beta; (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.0001), while the expression of IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1 was not induced with these two cytokines. LPS increased IL-11 expression in normal fibroblasts 1.52-fold (p = 0.0042), which was abolished with YVAD (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.0001). IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1 gene transcripts were also increased with LPS 1.50-fold (p = 0.0132), but YVAD did not inhibit this expression. In these studies, we were unable to detect IL-11 protein nor were we able to induce COL1A1 expression or increase the total amount of collagen secreted by fibroblasts with human recombinant IL-11. Conclusions: IL-11 and its receptor, IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1, are both elevated in fibrosis. IL-11 expression is dependent on inflammasome activation of caspase-1 and the downstream cytokines TGF-&amp;amp;beta;1 and IL-1&amp;amp;beta;, while IL-11R&amp;amp;alpha;1 was only dependent on NF-kB.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>IL-11 Expression in Systemic Sclerosis Is Dependent on Caspase-1 Activity but Does Not Increase Collagen Deposition</dc:title> <dc:creator>Caya M. McFalls</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Lianne M. Connolly</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Alfred G. Fustakgi</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Carol M. Artlett</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4040013</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-10-12</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-10-12</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>163</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4040013</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/4/13</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/12"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 153-162: Presentation, Characteristics and Features of Lymphoma in a Retrospective Case Series of Patients with Sjogren&amp;rsquo;s Disease</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/12</link> <description>Sjogren&amp;amp;rsquo;s Disease (SjD) is associated with an increased risk of lymphoma. We investigated the prevalence of lymphoma in a retrospective case series of patients with SjD and reported on the clinical presentation, treatment, response, and outcome. A retrospective review of 132 patients diagnosed with Sjogren&amp;amp;rsquo;s Disease was conducted at our institution from June 2000 to November 2023, and 10 cases of malignant lymphoma were identified. Clinical and biological markers known to be predictors of lymphoma, as well as lymphoma characteristics, were examined. The most common predictive lab findings were hypergammaglobulinemia, the rheumatoid factor, and lymphopenia. Persistent parotid gland enlargement was also found in greater than 50% of patients. The majority of patients were Caucasian females, and the average time between the diagnosis of SjD and lymphoma was 14.3 years. The median age at lymphoma diagnosis was 59.5 years, with 9 out of 10 lymphomas identified as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the majority of cases being mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. We identified similarities in our series, such as laboratory markers and clinical symptoms, to those previously identified as possible predictors of lymphoma development. These factors may be useful in determining the risk of malignancy development and justify the need for long-term monitoring, as well as provider education and awareness.</description> <pubDate>2024-08-30</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 153-162: Presentation, Characteristics and Features of Lymphoma in a Retrospective Case Series of Patients with Sjogren&amp;rsquo;s Disease</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/12">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4030012</a></p> <p>Authors: Jennifer Behbodikhah Lisa Balistreri Steven E. Carsons </p> <p>Sjogren&amp;amp;rsquo;s Disease (SjD) is associated with an increased risk of lymphoma. We investigated the prevalence of lymphoma in a retrospective case series of patients with SjD and reported on the clinical presentation, treatment, response, and outcome. A retrospective review of 132 patients diagnosed with Sjogren&amp;amp;rsquo;s Disease was conducted at our institution from June 2000 to November 2023, and 10 cases of malignant lymphoma were identified. Clinical and biological markers known to be predictors of lymphoma, as well as lymphoma characteristics, were examined. The most common predictive lab findings were hypergammaglobulinemia, the rheumatoid factor, and lymphopenia. Persistent parotid gland enlargement was also found in greater than 50% of patients. The majority of patients were Caucasian females, and the average time between the diagnosis of SjD and lymphoma was 14.3 years. The median age at lymphoma diagnosis was 59.5 years, with 9 out of 10 lymphomas identified as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the majority of cases being mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. We identified similarities in our series, such as laboratory markers and clinical symptoms, to those previously identified as possible predictors of lymphoma development. These factors may be useful in determining the risk of malignancy development and justify the need for long-term monitoring, as well as provider education and awareness.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Presentation, Characteristics and Features of Lymphoma in a Retrospective Case Series of Patients with Sjogren&amp;amp;rsquo;s Disease</dc:title> <dc:creator>Jennifer Behbodikhah</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Lisa Balistreri</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Steven E. Carsons</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4030012</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-08-30</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-08-30</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>3</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>153</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4030012</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/12</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/11"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 147-152: Fibromyalgia: Hamlet&amp;rsquo;s Soliloquy and the State of the Art</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/11</link> <description>Fibromyalgia might be considered as the body&amp;amp;rsquo;s response to the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune [...]</description> <pubDate>2024-08-06</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 147-152: Fibromyalgia: Hamlet&amp;rsquo;s Soliloquy and the State of the Art</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/11">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4030011</a></p> <p>Authors: Bruce Rothschild </p> <p>Fibromyalgia might be considered as the body&amp;amp;rsquo;s response to the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune [...]</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Fibromyalgia: Hamlet&amp;amp;rsquo;s Soliloquy and the State of the Art</dc:title> <dc:creator>Bruce Rothschild</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4030011</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-08-06</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-08-06</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>3</prism:number> <prism:section>Editorial</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>147</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4030011</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/11</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/10"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 137-146: Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Association with Clinical and Demographic Findings and Gut Pathology</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/10</link> <description>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and may be associated with the disease. We aimed to determine the prevalence of IBS in AS patients and its association with clinical and demographic patient characteristics and with macroscopic and microscopic gut lesions. Sixty consecutive AS patients were included in this study. Disease activity was assessed with the BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) and functional status with the BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index). The ROME III criteria were used to diagnose IBS. Macroscopic lesions were graded during colonoscopies. Biopsy specimens were taken from the terminal ileum, colon (ascending, transverse and descending) and rectum. Histological samples were scored with Cuvelier grading. The prevalence of IBS was 23.3% (14/60). The mean age of 14 IBS subjects (10 male) was 32 &amp;amp;plusmn; 8.50., with a higher BASDAI (p = 0.046). Macroscopic lesions were more frequent in IBS cases in the terminal ileum (46.2% vs. 34.9%), ascending colon (21.4% vs. 2.2%) and rectum (21.4% vs. 17.4%), with Grade 2 significantly more prevalent in the ascending colon (p = 0.03). Microscopic lesions did not differ among the IBS-present and -absent groups. In conclusion, the prevalence of IBS was high in AS patients and associated with higher disease activity. Grade 2 macroscopic lesions were more frequent in the ascending colon.</description> <pubDate>2024-07-08</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 137-146: Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Association with Clinical and Demographic Findings and Gut Pathology</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/10">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4030010</a></p> <p>Authors: Nira Ferdous Johannes J. Rasker Shabnam Akhter Md. Kamruzzaman Md. Nazrul Islam </p> <p>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and may be associated with the disease. We aimed to determine the prevalence of IBS in AS patients and its association with clinical and demographic patient characteristics and with macroscopic and microscopic gut lesions. Sixty consecutive AS patients were included in this study. Disease activity was assessed with the BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) and functional status with the BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index). The ROME III criteria were used to diagnose IBS. Macroscopic lesions were graded during colonoscopies. Biopsy specimens were taken from the terminal ileum, colon (ascending, transverse and descending) and rectum. Histological samples were scored with Cuvelier grading. The prevalence of IBS was 23.3% (14/60). The mean age of 14 IBS subjects (10 male) was 32 &amp;amp;plusmn; 8.50., with a higher BASDAI (p = 0.046). Macroscopic lesions were more frequent in IBS cases in the terminal ileum (46.2% vs. 34.9%), ascending colon (21.4% vs. 2.2%) and rectum (21.4% vs. 17.4%), with Grade 2 significantly more prevalent in the ascending colon (p = 0.03). Microscopic lesions did not differ among the IBS-present and -absent groups. In conclusion, the prevalence of IBS was high in AS patients and associated with higher disease activity. Grade 2 macroscopic lesions were more frequent in the ascending colon.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Association with Clinical and Demographic Findings and Gut Pathology</dc:title> <dc:creator>Nira Ferdous</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Johannes J. Rasker</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Shabnam Akhter</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Md. Kamruzzaman</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Md. Nazrul Islam</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4030010</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-07-08</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-07-08</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>3</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>137</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4030010</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/10</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/9"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 120-136: In the Pursuit of Precision: Novel Target Therapies Revolutionizing SLE Care</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/9</link> <description>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune, immune complex-mediated disease affecting mainly females at a young age. The disease etiology is still unknown, and different genetic and epigenetic factors related to disease onset and manifestations are being explored. The standard treatment regimen for SLE includes the long-term use of corticosteroids and non-specific immunosuppressive agents, often limited by co-morbidities or related side effects. However, recent advances in disease pathogenesis clarifying the role of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, immune cells, and co-stimulation molecules have made a more practical, targeted approach possible, leading to personalized treatment strategies. This review summarizes current knowledge about SLE-targeted therapies in clinical practice.</description> <pubDate>2024-06-29</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 120-136: In the Pursuit of Precision: Novel Target Therapies Revolutionizing SLE Care</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/9">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4030009</a></p> <p>Authors: Tsvetelina Velikova Dimitrina Miteva Maria Kokudeva Georgi H. Vasilev Simeon Monov Russka Shumnalieva </p> <p>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune, immune complex-mediated disease affecting mainly females at a young age. The disease etiology is still unknown, and different genetic and epigenetic factors related to disease onset and manifestations are being explored. The standard treatment regimen for SLE includes the long-term use of corticosteroids and non-specific immunosuppressive agents, often limited by co-morbidities or related side effects. However, recent advances in disease pathogenesis clarifying the role of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, immune cells, and co-stimulation molecules have made a more practical, targeted approach possible, leading to personalized treatment strategies. This review summarizes current knowledge about SLE-targeted therapies in clinical practice.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>In the Pursuit of Precision: Novel Target Therapies Revolutionizing SLE Care</dc:title> <dc:creator>Tsvetelina Velikova</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Dimitrina Miteva</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Maria Kokudeva</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Georgi H. Vasilev</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Simeon Monov</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Russka Shumnalieva</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4030009</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-06-29</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-06-29</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>3</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>120</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4030009</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/3/9</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/8"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 88-119: Multi-Scale Analysis of Lyme Disease Ecology</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/8</link> <description>Lyme disease is a zoonotic infectious disease. Increased public interest in Lyme disease has caused increased efforts by researchers for its surveillance and control. The main concept for this paper is to determine the mammalian species composition of areas at high risk for Lyme disease utilizing GIS-based (Geographic Information Systems) techniques coupled with k-means clustering, random forest, and multinomial logistic regression. Cluster analysis results were similar to previous work involving maps that display areas where people are at high risk for developing Lyme disease. There were differences in which mammal species presence had associations with Lyme disease risk observed at the two different scales within this analysis, with some overlap observed between the national scale and the smaller regions, as well as some overlap between the Rocky Mountain and Southeast regions that was not found at the national scale. This is an investigative analysis to determine which species are needed for habitat suitability analyses in efforts to prioritize vaccine deployment locations. There has been limited research on vaccine deployment for Lyme disease. Increasing our understanding of not only the vaccine but also the interactions between the components of disease transmission is necessary to control this infectious disease successfully.</description> <pubDate>2024-05-06</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 88-119: Multi-Scale Analysis of Lyme Disease Ecology</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/8">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4020008</a></p> <p>Authors: Rebecca Michelle Bingham-Byrne Esra Ozdenerol </p> <p>Lyme disease is a zoonotic infectious disease. Increased public interest in Lyme disease has caused increased efforts by researchers for its surveillance and control. The main concept for this paper is to determine the mammalian species composition of areas at high risk for Lyme disease utilizing GIS-based (Geographic Information Systems) techniques coupled with k-means clustering, random forest, and multinomial logistic regression. Cluster analysis results were similar to previous work involving maps that display areas where people are at high risk for developing Lyme disease. There were differences in which mammal species presence had associations with Lyme disease risk observed at the two different scales within this analysis, with some overlap observed between the national scale and the smaller regions, as well as some overlap between the Rocky Mountain and Southeast regions that was not found at the national scale. This is an investigative analysis to determine which species are needed for habitat suitability analyses in efforts to prioritize vaccine deployment locations. There has been limited research on vaccine deployment for Lyme disease. Increasing our understanding of not only the vaccine but also the interactions between the components of disease transmission is necessary to control this infectious disease successfully.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Multi-Scale Analysis of Lyme Disease Ecology</dc:title> <dc:creator>Rebecca Michelle Bingham-Byrne</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Esra Ozdenerol</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4020008</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-05-06</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-05-06</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>2</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>88</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4020008</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/8</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/7"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 75-87: Subcutaneous Nodules as Manifestations of Systemic Disease</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/7</link> <description>The spectrum of disorders/phenomena encompassed in the practice of rheumatology is quite broad. In addition, our expertise is typically sought whenever other physicians encounter phenomena outside their knowledge base. While skin alterations typically prompt referrals to dermatology practices, alterations underlying the skin (e.g., subcutaneous) may well represent localization in &amp;amp;ldquo;no man&amp;amp;rsquo;s land&amp;amp;rdquo; or an orphaned localization, with rheumatology thus referred as to the specialty of last resort&amp;amp;mdash;one of the roles that rheumatology has fulfilled for more than half a century. The current review addresses the cacophony of disorders producing or associated with variouslysized subcutaneous nodules. Their classifications, while necessarily artificial, encompass the full spectrum of pathologic processes. They are delineated in the current style to facilitate the consideration required to distinguish among them and to facilitate recognize the underlying processes for which we as rheumatologists are renowned.</description> <pubDate>2024-04-26</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 75-87: Subcutaneous Nodules as Manifestations of Systemic Disease</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/7">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4020007</a></p> <p>Authors: Bruce Rothschild </p> <p>The spectrum of disorders/phenomena encompassed in the practice of rheumatology is quite broad. In addition, our expertise is typically sought whenever other physicians encounter phenomena outside their knowledge base. While skin alterations typically prompt referrals to dermatology practices, alterations underlying the skin (e.g., subcutaneous) may well represent localization in &amp;amp;ldquo;no man&amp;amp;rsquo;s land&amp;amp;rdquo; or an orphaned localization, with rheumatology thus referred as to the specialty of last resort&amp;amp;mdash;one of the roles that rheumatology has fulfilled for more than half a century. The current review addresses the cacophony of disorders producing or associated with variouslysized subcutaneous nodules. Their classifications, while necessarily artificial, encompass the full spectrum of pathologic processes. They are delineated in the current style to facilitate the consideration required to distinguish among them and to facilitate recognize the underlying processes for which we as rheumatologists are renowned.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Subcutaneous Nodules as Manifestations of Systemic Disease</dc:title> <dc:creator>Bruce Rothschild</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4020007</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-04-26</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-04-26</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>2</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>75</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4020007</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/7</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/6"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 63-74: Anti-IL-6 Receptor Treatment in Giant Cell Arteritis Patients Reduces Levels of IL-1&amp;beta;-Receptor Antagonist but Not IL-1&amp;beta;</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/6</link> <description>This work aimed to investigate a potential link between serum IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and their responsiveness to combined anti-IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and glucocorticoid (GC) treatments within the context of two separate clinical trials. IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels were analyzed in serum samples of two prospective clinical trials investigating tocilizumab in GCA patients using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) based Proximity Ligation Assays (PLA). In the phase II randomized controlled trial, serum samples from five patients were quantified at two critical time points: the commencement of the trial (Week 2) and the conclusion of the trial (Week 52). In the GUSTO trial, serum samples from nine patients were similarly analyzed using PLA at Day 0 and Week 52. Furthermore, for the GUSTO trial, serum samples from 18 patients were assessed for IL-1&amp;amp;beta; and IL-1RN at six time points: days 0, 3, and 10, weeks 4, 24, and 52 by a second assay (Proximity Extension Assay, PEA). PLA results from both studies indicated that IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels were below 1 pg/mL in most of the patients, resulting in notable signal deviations within the same samples. In the analysis of the GUSTO trial, both PLA and PEA exhibited similar trends in IL-1&amp;amp;beta; variations among patients from day 0 to week 52. Notably, the PEA analysis did not show significant variation over time. Furthermore, we did not find a correlation of IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels with active disease as compared to remission, but interestingly, the measurement of IL-1&amp;amp;beta; receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) revealed a substantial decrease over time. Our study shows that IL-1RN but not IL-1&amp;amp;beta; concentration in serum samples could be directly related to anti-IL-6R treatment in patients diagnosed with GCA.</description> <pubDate>2024-03-31</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 63-74: Anti-IL-6 Receptor Treatment in Giant Cell Arteritis Patients Reduces Levels of IL-1&amp;beta;-Receptor Antagonist but Not IL-1&amp;beta;</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/6">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4020006</a></p> <p>Authors: Joana J. da Costa Lisa Christ Peter M. Villiger Monique Vogel Martin F. Bachmann </p> <p>This work aimed to investigate a potential link between serum IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and their responsiveness to combined anti-IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and glucocorticoid (GC) treatments within the context of two separate clinical trials. IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels were analyzed in serum samples of two prospective clinical trials investigating tocilizumab in GCA patients using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) based Proximity Ligation Assays (PLA). In the phase II randomized controlled trial, serum samples from five patients were quantified at two critical time points: the commencement of the trial (Week 2) and the conclusion of the trial (Week 52). In the GUSTO trial, serum samples from nine patients were similarly analyzed using PLA at Day 0 and Week 52. Furthermore, for the GUSTO trial, serum samples from 18 patients were assessed for IL-1&amp;amp;beta; and IL-1RN at six time points: days 0, 3, and 10, weeks 4, 24, and 52 by a second assay (Proximity Extension Assay, PEA). PLA results from both studies indicated that IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels were below 1 pg/mL in most of the patients, resulting in notable signal deviations within the same samples. In the analysis of the GUSTO trial, both PLA and PEA exhibited similar trends in IL-1&amp;amp;beta; variations among patients from day 0 to week 52. Notably, the PEA analysis did not show significant variation over time. Furthermore, we did not find a correlation of IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels with active disease as compared to remission, but interestingly, the measurement of IL-1&amp;amp;beta; receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) revealed a substantial decrease over time. Our study shows that IL-1RN but not IL-1&amp;amp;beta; concentration in serum samples could be directly related to anti-IL-6R treatment in patients diagnosed with GCA.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Anti-IL-6 Receptor Treatment in Giant Cell Arteritis Patients Reduces Levels of IL-1&amp;amp;beta;-Receptor Antagonist but Not IL-1&amp;amp;beta;</dc:title> <dc:creator>Joana J. da Costa</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Lisa Christ</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Peter M. Villiger</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Monique Vogel</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Martin F. Bachmann</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4020006</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-03-31</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-03-31</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>2</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>63</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4020006</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/2/6</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/5"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 49-62: Treatment of Gout in Patients with CrCl &amp;le;30 mL/min and/or on Hemodialysis: A Review</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/5</link> <description>Gout is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), owing to impaired uric acid excretion. However, treating gout in this population is challenging due to concerns about medication safety and efficacy with reduced kidney function. This review examines the evidence of various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches to managing gout in CKD/ESRD. For acute gout flares, there is insufficient evidence to guide optimal dosing of NSAIDs, colchicine, and corticosteroids in advanced CKD. The risks generally outweigh the benefits of NSAIDs and colchicine. Corticosteroids appear safer but require individual risk-benefit assessments. Interleukin-1 inhibitors show promise, but larger studies are needed. For long-term urate lowering, xanthine oxidase inhibitors like allopurinol and febuxostat are preferred over probenecid and other uricosurics. However, studies specifically evaluating urate-lowering therapies in CKD are scarce, resulting in conflicting expert guidelines. Starting with low allopurinol doses and gradual titration can mitigate the risks. Higher allopurinol doses may be needed to reach urate targets in some CKD patients. Febuxostat&amp;amp;rsquo;s safety in advanced CKD remains debated. Optimal gout management in dialysis patients is also unclear, including when to continue urate-lowering therapy. Overall, gout is often suboptimally treated in CKD/ESRD, highlighting the need for more research to guide therapy in this population. Improving management can significantly reduce the burden of these comorbid diseases.</description> <pubDate>2024-03-12</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 49-62: Treatment of Gout in Patients with CrCl &amp;le;30 mL/min and/or on Hemodialysis: A Review</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/5">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4010005</a></p> <p>Authors: Fares Saliba Omar Mourad Jonathan Mina Fadi Haddadin Laurence Aoun Shaza Almardini Saif Abu-baker Koushik Sangaraju Gaetano Di Pietro Daniel Gaballa Suzanne El-sayegh </p> <p>Gout is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), owing to impaired uric acid excretion. However, treating gout in this population is challenging due to concerns about medication safety and efficacy with reduced kidney function. This review examines the evidence of various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches to managing gout in CKD/ESRD. For acute gout flares, there is insufficient evidence to guide optimal dosing of NSAIDs, colchicine, and corticosteroids in advanced CKD. The risks generally outweigh the benefits of NSAIDs and colchicine. Corticosteroids appear safer but require individual risk-benefit assessments. Interleukin-1 inhibitors show promise, but larger studies are needed. For long-term urate lowering, xanthine oxidase inhibitors like allopurinol and febuxostat are preferred over probenecid and other uricosurics. However, studies specifically evaluating urate-lowering therapies in CKD are scarce, resulting in conflicting expert guidelines. Starting with low allopurinol doses and gradual titration can mitigate the risks. Higher allopurinol doses may be needed to reach urate targets in some CKD patients. Febuxostat&amp;amp;rsquo;s safety in advanced CKD remains debated. Optimal gout management in dialysis patients is also unclear, including when to continue urate-lowering therapy. Overall, gout is often suboptimally treated in CKD/ESRD, highlighting the need for more research to guide therapy in this population. Improving management can significantly reduce the burden of these comorbid diseases.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Treatment of Gout in Patients with CrCl &amp;amp;le;30 mL/min and/or on Hemodialysis: A Review</dc:title> <dc:creator>Fares Saliba</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Omar Mourad</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Jonathan Mina</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Fadi Haddadin</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Laurence Aoun</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Shaza Almardini</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Saif Abu-baker</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Koushik Sangaraju</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Gaetano Di Pietro</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Daniel Gaballa</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Suzanne El-sayegh</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4010005</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-03-12</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-03-12</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>49</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4010005</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/5</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/4"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 33-48: A Review of MDA-5 Dermatomyositis and Associated Interstitial Lung Disease</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/4</link> <description>Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) dermatomyositis (DM) is noteworthy for its association with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD), vasculopathy, and distinctive cutaneous features. First identified in a Japanese cohort in 2005, MDA-5 DM carries a significant mortality risk, emphasizing the crucial need for early diagnosis. This review explores the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of MDA-5 DM and ILD and includes new research and recommendations regarding disease management.</description> <pubDate>2024-02-28</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 33-48: A Review of MDA-5 Dermatomyositis and Associated Interstitial Lung Disease</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/4">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4010004</a></p> <p>Authors: Sambhawana Bhandari Lisa Zickuhr Maun Ranjan Baral Sanjeev Bhalla Heather Jones Robert Bucelli Deepali Sen </p> <p>Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) dermatomyositis (DM) is noteworthy for its association with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD), vasculopathy, and distinctive cutaneous features. First identified in a Japanese cohort in 2005, MDA-5 DM carries a significant mortality risk, emphasizing the crucial need for early diagnosis. This review explores the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of MDA-5 DM and ILD and includes new research and recommendations regarding disease management.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>A Review of MDA-5 Dermatomyositis and Associated Interstitial Lung Disease</dc:title> <dc:creator>Sambhawana Bhandari</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Lisa Zickuhr</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Maun Ranjan Baral</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Sanjeev Bhalla</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Heather Jones</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Robert Bucelli</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Deepali Sen</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4010004</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-02-28</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-02-28</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>33</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4010004</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/4</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/3"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 19-32: Are TNF-&amp;alpha; and IL-1&amp;beta; Independently Associated with Depression in Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients? A Case-Control Study</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/3</link> <description>Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; and IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels are independent risk factors for depression in axSpA patients. Methods: All axSpA patients with BASDAI &amp;amp;ge;4 were invited consecutively between March 2021 and August 2021 to participate. Depression was evaluated with the WHO-5 Well-Being scale. Disease activity was assessed using BASDAI (0&amp;amp;ndash;10), ASDAS-CRP (0.61&amp;amp;ndash;7.22), ASDAS-ESR (0.29&amp;amp;ndash;7.61), and health status by ASAS-HI (0&amp;amp;ndash;17). Serum TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; and IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels were measured by ELISA. An association between depression and cytokine levels was investigated with Spearman&amp;amp;rsquo;s rank correlation coefficient test. Results: A total of 252 axSpA patients (155 men) could be included; of these, 123 (48.81%) were depressed, and of these, 75 were male. Serum TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; and IL-1&amp;amp;beta; were not significantly associated with depression (r &amp;amp;minus;0.041 and 0.110, respectively). Serum TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; levels were higher in depressed female axSpA patients (20.05 vs. 17.87; p = 0.03). Differences between depressed and non-depressed patients were respectively: TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; (19.7 vs.18.0; p= 0.84), IL-1&amp;amp;beta; (32.3 vs. 21.2; p= 0.04), BASDAI (5.47 vs. 4.77; p = 0.000), ASDAS-CRP (4.17 vs. 3.78; p = 0.000), ASDAS-ESR (3.86 vs. 3.39; p = 0.000), CRP (48.43 vs. 37.93 mg/L; p = 0.000), and ASAS-HI (13.37 vs. 10.24; p = 0.000). Factors associated with depression were: peripheral joint involvement (OR = 1.073, 95% CI 1.012&amp;amp;ndash;1.138), BASDAI (OR = 1.534, 95% CI 1.011&amp;amp;ndash;2.335), and ASAS-HI (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.239&amp;amp;ndash;1.557). Only in depressed patients with peripheral SPA were higher IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels found, though the differences were probably not clinically relevant. Conclusions: Serum TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; and IL-1&amp;amp;beta; were not independently related to depression in axSpA patients. Disease activity, peripheral joint involvement, and reduced health status showed the highest association with depression.</description> <pubDate>2024-01-30</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 19-32: Are TNF-&amp;alpha; and IL-1&amp;beta; Independently Associated with Depression in Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients? A Case-Control Study</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/3">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4010003</a></p> <p>Authors: Md. Nazrul Islam S M Ahamed Abed Shirin Tarafder Abul Khair Ahmedullah Johannes J. Rasker Md. Injamul Haq Methun </p> <p>Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; and IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels are independent risk factors for depression in axSpA patients. Methods: All axSpA patients with BASDAI &amp;amp;ge;4 were invited consecutively between March 2021 and August 2021 to participate. Depression was evaluated with the WHO-5 Well-Being scale. Disease activity was assessed using BASDAI (0&amp;amp;ndash;10), ASDAS-CRP (0.61&amp;amp;ndash;7.22), ASDAS-ESR (0.29&amp;amp;ndash;7.61), and health status by ASAS-HI (0&amp;amp;ndash;17). Serum TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; and IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels were measured by ELISA. An association between depression and cytokine levels was investigated with Spearman&amp;amp;rsquo;s rank correlation coefficient test. Results: A total of 252 axSpA patients (155 men) could be included; of these, 123 (48.81%) were depressed, and of these, 75 were male. Serum TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; and IL-1&amp;amp;beta; were not significantly associated with depression (r &amp;amp;minus;0.041 and 0.110, respectively). Serum TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; levels were higher in depressed female axSpA patients (20.05 vs. 17.87; p = 0.03). Differences between depressed and non-depressed patients were respectively: TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; (19.7 vs.18.0; p= 0.84), IL-1&amp;amp;beta; (32.3 vs. 21.2; p= 0.04), BASDAI (5.47 vs. 4.77; p = 0.000), ASDAS-CRP (4.17 vs. 3.78; p = 0.000), ASDAS-ESR (3.86 vs. 3.39; p = 0.000), CRP (48.43 vs. 37.93 mg/L; p = 0.000), and ASAS-HI (13.37 vs. 10.24; p = 0.000). Factors associated with depression were: peripheral joint involvement (OR = 1.073, 95% CI 1.012&amp;amp;ndash;1.138), BASDAI (OR = 1.534, 95% CI 1.011&amp;amp;ndash;2.335), and ASAS-HI (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.239&amp;amp;ndash;1.557). Only in depressed patients with peripheral SPA were higher IL-1&amp;amp;beta; levels found, though the differences were probably not clinically relevant. Conclusions: Serum TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; and IL-1&amp;amp;beta; were not independently related to depression in axSpA patients. Disease activity, peripheral joint involvement, and reduced health status showed the highest association with depression.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Are TNF-&amp;amp;alpha; and IL-1&amp;amp;beta; Independently Associated with Depression in Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients? A Case-Control Study</dc:title> <dc:creator>Md. Nazrul Islam</dc:creator> <dc:creator>S M Ahamed Abed</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Shirin Tarafder</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Abul Khair Ahmedullah</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Johannes J. Rasker</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Md. Injamul Haq Methun</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4010003</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-01-30</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-01-30</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>19</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4010003</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/3</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/2"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 13-18: Rheumato(Philes): A Publication Option for Rheumatology Devotees&amp;rsquo; Creative Works</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/2</link> <description>This journal for Rheumato(philes) has provided a vehicle for the interdisciplinary sharing of the challenges and interventions of our specialty. The provision of state-of-the-art information is not at the expense of the basics from which it has grown. From its initial status as a source of discomfort, a review of back pain diagnostics and therapeutics provides a background for facilitating contemporary practice. We have met the enemy in the form of COVID-19, addressing its many rheumatologic complications, and have been introduced to the vagaries of IgG4 disease. Our clinical skills are tested in recognition of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. The relationship of dental health to rheumatoid arthritis and nutritional issues is currently undergoing scientific review. A unique feature, one we seldom seem to discuss, is the evaluation of disease manifestations when the customary tools are not available. The latter brings us full circle in the evolution of our field. When our colleagues found diagnostic or treatment approaches elusive, they did not call for Ghostbusters; they called for us.</description> <pubDate>2024-01-26</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 13-18: Rheumato(Philes): A Publication Option for Rheumatology Devotees&amp;rsquo; Creative Works</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/2">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4010002</a></p> <p>Authors: Bruce M. Rothschild </p> <p>This journal for Rheumato(philes) has provided a vehicle for the interdisciplinary sharing of the challenges and interventions of our specialty. The provision of state-of-the-art information is not at the expense of the basics from which it has grown. From its initial status as a source of discomfort, a review of back pain diagnostics and therapeutics provides a background for facilitating contemporary practice. We have met the enemy in the form of COVID-19, addressing its many rheumatologic complications, and have been introduced to the vagaries of IgG4 disease. Our clinical skills are tested in recognition of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. The relationship of dental health to rheumatoid arthritis and nutritional issues is currently undergoing scientific review. A unique feature, one we seldom seem to discuss, is the evaluation of disease manifestations when the customary tools are not available. The latter brings us full circle in the evolution of our field. When our colleagues found diagnostic or treatment approaches elusive, they did not call for Ghostbusters; they called for us.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Rheumato(Philes): A Publication Option for Rheumatology Devotees&amp;amp;rsquo; Creative Works</dc:title> <dc:creator>Bruce M. Rothschild</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4010002</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2024-01-26</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2024-01-26</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Editorial</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>13</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4010002</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/2</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/1"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 1-12: Renal and Urinary Tract Involvement in Fibrosclerosing or Fibroinflammatory Diseases: A Narrative Review</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/1</link> <description>Fibroinflammatory diseases are a group of rare pathologies in which the hallmark is the exuberant deposition of fibrotic tissue and inflammatory cellular infiltrates, characteristic of the specific disease. A sclerotic mass develops within soft tissues and/or organs, damaging and replacing them, with effects ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening clinical manifestations. The kidneys and urinary tract can be involved in some of these diseases, which can lead to acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and even end-stage kidney disease. IgG4-related disease, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and Erdheim&amp;amp;ndash;Chester disease are the three fibroinflammatory disorders that can involve the kidneys. Only a timely and accurate collection of clinical, radiological, metabolic, laboratory, and histological data allows prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment of these pathologies, allowing the stoppage of the evolution of renal and systemic manifestations, which can lead to complete remission. The epidemiology, clinical and histological features, and management of these conditions are herein described in a narrative fashion.</description> <pubDate>2023-12-22</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 4, Pages 1-12: Renal and Urinary Tract Involvement in Fibrosclerosing or Fibroinflammatory Diseases: A Narrative Review</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/1">doi: 10.3390/rheumato4010001</a></p> <p>Authors: Giovanni Maria Rossi Chiara Pala Davide Gianfreda </p> <p>Fibroinflammatory diseases are a group of rare pathologies in which the hallmark is the exuberant deposition of fibrotic tissue and inflammatory cellular infiltrates, characteristic of the specific disease. A sclerotic mass develops within soft tissues and/or organs, damaging and replacing them, with effects ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening clinical manifestations. The kidneys and urinary tract can be involved in some of these diseases, which can lead to acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and even end-stage kidney disease. IgG4-related disease, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and Erdheim&amp;amp;ndash;Chester disease are the three fibroinflammatory disorders that can involve the kidneys. Only a timely and accurate collection of clinical, radiological, metabolic, laboratory, and histological data allows prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment of these pathologies, allowing the stoppage of the evolution of renal and systemic manifestations, which can lead to complete remission. The epidemiology, clinical and histological features, and management of these conditions are herein described in a narrative fashion.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Renal and Urinary Tract Involvement in Fibrosclerosing or Fibroinflammatory Diseases: A Narrative Review</dc:title> <dc:creator>Giovanni Maria Rossi</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Chiara Pala</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Davide Gianfreda</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato4010001</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-12-22</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-12-22</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>4</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>1</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato4010001</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/4/1/1</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/17"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 221-227: Recognising the Rheumatological Needs of Neurodivergent Females: Commentary</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/17</link> <description>We experience life and interact with others in a multitude of ways. The term &amp;amp;lsquo;neurodivergence&amp;amp;rsquo; refers to variations from what is considered typical or normal. Neurodivergence influences an individual&amp;amp;rsquo;s behaviour in social situations and is associated with atypical emotional responses. This can precipitate inequity and rejection. Neurodivergent females are especially prone to many physical and psychological health issues, and musculoskeletal disorders account for a significant proportion of these. Research and education into neurodivergent conditions in females should inform the reassessment of clinicians&amp;amp;rsquo; present approach to those who present with multiple unexplained symptoms. Obtaining official confirmation of a neurodivergent condition improves access to support services and helps them and their family better understand themselves and the challenges they face. This commentary highlights the increased risk of developing rheumatological disease for females with neurodivergent conditions and suggests how clinicians might increase their awareness of this.</description> <pubDate>2023-11-28</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 221-227: Recognising the Rheumatological Needs of Neurodivergent Females: Commentary</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/17">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3040017</a></p> <p>Authors: Ren Martin Rachael Taylor Clive Kelly </p> <p>We experience life and interact with others in a multitude of ways. The term &amp;amp;lsquo;neurodivergence&amp;amp;rsquo; refers to variations from what is considered typical or normal. Neurodivergence influences an individual&amp;amp;rsquo;s behaviour in social situations and is associated with atypical emotional responses. This can precipitate inequity and rejection. Neurodivergent females are especially prone to many physical and psychological health issues, and musculoskeletal disorders account for a significant proportion of these. Research and education into neurodivergent conditions in females should inform the reassessment of clinicians&amp;amp;rsquo; present approach to those who present with multiple unexplained symptoms. Obtaining official confirmation of a neurodivergent condition improves access to support services and helps them and their family better understand themselves and the challenges they face. This commentary highlights the increased risk of developing rheumatological disease for females with neurodivergent conditions and suggests how clinicians might increase their awareness of this.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Recognising the Rheumatological Needs of Neurodivergent Females: Commentary</dc:title> <dc:creator>Ren Martin</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Rachael Taylor</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Clive Kelly</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3040017</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-11-28</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-11-28</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Communication</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>221</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3040017</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/17</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/16"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 210-220: Diagnostic Considerations in Evaluation of Back Complaints</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/16</link> <description>The axial skeleton, with the exception of spondyloarthropathy, is the most neglected aspect of rheumatology training and, as a result, perhaps the most complex. The clinical &amp;amp;ldquo;problem&amp;amp;rdquo; of back/neck pain could be considered the &amp;amp;ldquo;orphan child&amp;amp;rdquo; of medicine, and our perspective as rheumatologists is often sought for such entities. Sources of back/neck pain are myriad, and not all phenomena affecting the back are symptomatic. Perhaps the one that has most concerned rheumatologists is the cervical instability associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The current review examines intrinsic and extrinsic alterations in axial skeletal components, providing a guide to discriminating the causes (e.g., Scheuermann&amp;amp;rsquo;s disease versus osteoporotic compression and the various forms of axial joint ankylosis) and the implications of vertebral endplate alterations. The specificity and sensitivity (limitations) of radiologic findings are reviewed, with a reminder that vertebral body osteophytes do not represent osteoarthritis and are therefore unlikely to explain back or neck complaints and that it is our clinical examination which will likely suggest symptom origin.</description> <pubDate>2023-10-31</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 210-220: Diagnostic Considerations in Evaluation of Back Complaints</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/16">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3040016</a></p> <p>Authors: Bruce Rothschild </p> <p>The axial skeleton, with the exception of spondyloarthropathy, is the most neglected aspect of rheumatology training and, as a result, perhaps the most complex. The clinical &amp;amp;ldquo;problem&amp;amp;rdquo; of back/neck pain could be considered the &amp;amp;ldquo;orphan child&amp;amp;rdquo; of medicine, and our perspective as rheumatologists is often sought for such entities. Sources of back/neck pain are myriad, and not all phenomena affecting the back are symptomatic. Perhaps the one that has most concerned rheumatologists is the cervical instability associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The current review examines intrinsic and extrinsic alterations in axial skeletal components, providing a guide to discriminating the causes (e.g., Scheuermann&amp;amp;rsquo;s disease versus osteoporotic compression and the various forms of axial joint ankylosis) and the implications of vertebral endplate alterations. The specificity and sensitivity (limitations) of radiologic findings are reviewed, with a reminder that vertebral body osteophytes do not represent osteoarthritis and are therefore unlikely to explain back or neck complaints and that it is our clinical examination which will likely suggest symptom origin.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Diagnostic Considerations in Evaluation of Back Complaints</dc:title> <dc:creator>Bruce Rothschild</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3040016</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-10-31</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-10-31</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Perspective</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>210</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3040016</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/16</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/15"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 201-209: Kawasaki Disease Complicated with Macrophage Activation Syndrome: The Importance of Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment&amp;ndash;Three Case Reports</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/15</link> <description>Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis that mainly affects children under 5 years of age, leading to coronary artery alterations (CAAs) in 25% of untreated patients. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) that can complicate the acute, subacute, and chronic phases of KD. We retrospectively reviewed three cases of children affected by KD complicated with MAS hospitalized in two pediatric units in Emilia Romagna, a northern region of Italy. Case 1: a previously healthy 23-month-old female with full clinical criteria of KD and a hemorrhagic rash due to MAS during the acute phase of the illness. This patient responded promptly to a high dose of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and three pulses of high doses of methylprednisolone (MPD) with improvement in clinical signs and laboratory tests without the development of CAA at any phase of illness. Case 2: a previously healthy 10-month-old female with incomplete KD with persistent fever and maculopapular rash. This patient did not respond to IVIG and developed MAS during the subacute phase, characterized by persistent fever, hypertransaminasemia, hyperferritinemia, and hypofibrinogenemia after two high doses of IVIG and boluses of MPD. The patient responded to the addition of IL-1 blocker and anakinra and did not present CAA alterations during any phase of the illness. Case 3: a previously healthy 26-month-old male with incomplete KD with fever, maculopapular rash, cheilitis, and hyperemic conjunctivitis. This patient developed gallbladder hydrops and CAA in the acute phase and did not respond to two high doses of IVIG and a high dose of MPD. In the subacute phase, this patient was complicated with MAS and responded to intravenous anakinra. During the subacute phase, the patient developed transient aneurysms that regressed during the chronic phase. These cases reiterate that prompt diagnosis and aggressive immunomodulatory treatment can limit the most severe complications of MAS complicating KD. High doses of IVIG and MPD may result in a favorable outcome or more aggressive adjunctive treatment may be needed. Anakinra, cyclosporine, monoclonal antibodies, and plasmapheresis can be used as adjunctive treatment in the case of unresponsive MAS in KD. Notably, MAS, present during the subacute phase in cases 2 and 3, promptly responded to anakinra, an IL-1 blocker, without the use of cyclosporine. Our experience confirms that the IL-1 blocker can be considered an optimal choice after non-response to IVIG and MPD in KD complicating with MAS, avoiding over-treatment with cytotoxic drugs.</description> <pubDate>2023-09-30</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 201-209: Kawasaki Disease Complicated with Macrophage Activation Syndrome: The Importance of Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment&amp;ndash;Three Case Reports</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/15">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3040015</a></p> <p>Authors: Elena Corinaldesi Marianna Fabi Ilaria Scalabrini Elena Rita Pratic貌 Laura Andreozzi Francesco Torcetta Marcello Lanari </p> <p>Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis that mainly affects children under 5 years of age, leading to coronary artery alterations (CAAs) in 25% of untreated patients. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) that can complicate the acute, subacute, and chronic phases of KD. We retrospectively reviewed three cases of children affected by KD complicated with MAS hospitalized in two pediatric units in Emilia Romagna, a northern region of Italy. Case 1: a previously healthy 23-month-old female with full clinical criteria of KD and a hemorrhagic rash due to MAS during the acute phase of the illness. This patient responded promptly to a high dose of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and three pulses of high doses of methylprednisolone (MPD) with improvement in clinical signs and laboratory tests without the development of CAA at any phase of illness. Case 2: a previously healthy 10-month-old female with incomplete KD with persistent fever and maculopapular rash. This patient did not respond to IVIG and developed MAS during the subacute phase, characterized by persistent fever, hypertransaminasemia, hyperferritinemia, and hypofibrinogenemia after two high doses of IVIG and boluses of MPD. The patient responded to the addition of IL-1 blocker and anakinra and did not present CAA alterations during any phase of the illness. Case 3: a previously healthy 26-month-old male with incomplete KD with fever, maculopapular rash, cheilitis, and hyperemic conjunctivitis. This patient developed gallbladder hydrops and CAA in the acute phase and did not respond to two high doses of IVIG and a high dose of MPD. In the subacute phase, this patient was complicated with MAS and responded to intravenous anakinra. During the subacute phase, the patient developed transient aneurysms that regressed during the chronic phase. These cases reiterate that prompt diagnosis and aggressive immunomodulatory treatment can limit the most severe complications of MAS complicating KD. High doses of IVIG and MPD may result in a favorable outcome or more aggressive adjunctive treatment may be needed. Anakinra, cyclosporine, monoclonal antibodies, and plasmapheresis can be used as adjunctive treatment in the case of unresponsive MAS in KD. Notably, MAS, present during the subacute phase in cases 2 and 3, promptly responded to anakinra, an IL-1 blocker, without the use of cyclosporine. Our experience confirms that the IL-1 blocker can be considered an optimal choice after non-response to IVIG and MPD in KD complicating with MAS, avoiding over-treatment with cytotoxic drugs.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Kawasaki Disease Complicated with Macrophage Activation Syndrome: The Importance of Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment&amp;amp;ndash;Three Case Reports</dc:title> <dc:creator>Elena Corinaldesi</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Marianna Fabi</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Ilaria Scalabrini</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Elena Rita Pratic貌</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Laura Andreozzi</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Francesco Torcetta</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Marcello Lanari</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3040015</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-09-30</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-09-30</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Case Report</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>201</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3040015</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/4/15</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/14"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 196-200: Lipoma Arborescens Might Be an Unusual Cause of Knee Pain in Adolescents: A Case Report</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/14</link> <description>Lipoma arborescens (LA) is a rare benign soft tissue tumor characterised by a hyperproliferation of villi and fat cells in the joint synovium. It is most frequently localized in the knee as reported here. This is a case report of a 16-year-old adolescent, affected by type I diabetes mellitus, who reported left knee pain and functional limitation to medical attention. She performed a physical examination, MRI and biopsy using an arthroscopic approach, leading to the LA diagnosis and classification. The LA has been thus treated with an arthroscopic synovectomy, which is the treatment of choice for LA, characterized by a low recurrence rate.</description> <pubDate>2023-08-14</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 196-200: Lipoma Arborescens Might Be an Unusual Cause of Knee Pain in Adolescents: A Case Report</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/14">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3030014</a></p> <p>Authors: Lorenzo Moretti Davide Bizzoca Andrea Michele Abbaticchio Alessandro Geronimo Giuseppe Solarino Biagio Moretti </p> <p>Lipoma arborescens (LA) is a rare benign soft tissue tumor characterised by a hyperproliferation of villi and fat cells in the joint synovium. It is most frequently localized in the knee as reported here. This is a case report of a 16-year-old adolescent, affected by type I diabetes mellitus, who reported left knee pain and functional limitation to medical attention. She performed a physical examination, MRI and biopsy using an arthroscopic approach, leading to the LA diagnosis and classification. The LA has been thus treated with an arthroscopic synovectomy, which is the treatment of choice for LA, characterized by a low recurrence rate.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Lipoma Arborescens Might Be an Unusual Cause of Knee Pain in Adolescents: A Case Report</dc:title> <dc:creator>Lorenzo Moretti</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Davide Bizzoca</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Andrea Michele Abbaticchio</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Alessandro Geronimo</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Giuseppe Solarino</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Biagio Moretti</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3030014</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-08-14</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-08-14</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>3</prism:number> <prism:section>Case Report</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>196</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3030014</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/14</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/13"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 189-195: Treatment of Chronic Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee with a Combination of Hydroxytyrosol, Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Curcumin: Results of a Pilot Study</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/13</link> <description>Chronic pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis and is very often accompanied by limitations in the performance of activities of daily living and has a negative impact on patients&amp;amp;rsquo; quality of life. It is estimated that 14% of the elderly population routinely use NSAIDs for pain management, not without serious adverse effects. Objective: We aimed to test the efficacy and possible side effects of OliminaDol (encapsulated combination of purified hydroxytyrosol, omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin) in the treatment of chronic osteoarthritis pain. Seventy-four patients with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis who had chronic pain were selected. The therapeutic intervention consisted of self-administering one capsule of the supplement every 12 h for 30 days. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. The efficacy was assessed by comparing the means of pain intensity at baseline and at the end of treatment. The data on the National Cancer Institute (NCI-CTCAE) version 4 criteria were also analyzed. Results: Thirty-six patients were evaluable for the primary objective. The mean value + standard deviation of pain intensity measured by the VAS scale at day +1 was 5.78 + 0.15 and the mean value of pain 30 days after initiation of treatment was 4.19 + 0.22. There was a decrease in pain intensity of 1.63 + 2.28 with p = 0.000. A total of 27 patients (75%) had pain reduction and in 19 of them (52.7%), the difference was greater than 2 points on the VAS scale. OliminaDOL administration was associated with very few and insignificant side effects, notably constipation in two patients (5.4%) and a fishy taste in three patients (8.1%). Conclusions: The administration of OliminaDOL produced a significant decrease in the mean value of pain intensity without side effects. These results, together with other published studies, demonstrate the possibility that some supplements, or a combination of them as in our case, can be an alternative for the treatment of chronic pain.</description> <pubDate>2023-07-31</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 189-195: Treatment of Chronic Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee with a Combination of Hydroxytyrosol, Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Curcumin: Results of a Pilot Study</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/13">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3030013</a></p> <p>Authors: Fernando Madero L贸pez Lucinda Vel谩zquez Alonso Daniel Clemente Garulo Juan Carlos L贸pez Robledillo </p> <p>Chronic pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis and is very often accompanied by limitations in the performance of activities of daily living and has a negative impact on patients&amp;amp;rsquo; quality of life. It is estimated that 14% of the elderly population routinely use NSAIDs for pain management, not without serious adverse effects. Objective: We aimed to test the efficacy and possible side effects of OliminaDol (encapsulated combination of purified hydroxytyrosol, omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin) in the treatment of chronic osteoarthritis pain. Seventy-four patients with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis who had chronic pain were selected. The therapeutic intervention consisted of self-administering one capsule of the supplement every 12 h for 30 days. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. The efficacy was assessed by comparing the means of pain intensity at baseline and at the end of treatment. The data on the National Cancer Institute (NCI-CTCAE) version 4 criteria were also analyzed. Results: Thirty-six patients were evaluable for the primary objective. The mean value + standard deviation of pain intensity measured by the VAS scale at day +1 was 5.78 + 0.15 and the mean value of pain 30 days after initiation of treatment was 4.19 + 0.22. There was a decrease in pain intensity of 1.63 + 2.28 with p = 0.000. A total of 27 patients (75%) had pain reduction and in 19 of them (52.7%), the difference was greater than 2 points on the VAS scale. OliminaDOL administration was associated with very few and insignificant side effects, notably constipation in two patients (5.4%) and a fishy taste in three patients (8.1%). Conclusions: The administration of OliminaDOL produced a significant decrease in the mean value of pain intensity without side effects. These results, together with other published studies, demonstrate the possibility that some supplements, or a combination of them as in our case, can be an alternative for the treatment of chronic pain.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Treatment of Chronic Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee with a Combination of Hydroxytyrosol, Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Curcumin: Results of a Pilot Study</dc:title> <dc:creator>Fernando Madero L贸pez</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Lucinda Vel谩zquez Alonso</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Daniel Clemente Garulo</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Juan Carlos L贸pez Robledillo</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3030013</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-07-31</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-07-31</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>3</prism:number> <prism:section>Communication</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>189</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3030013</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/13</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/12"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 169-188: Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: A Randomized Trial Comparing Corticosteroid Injections Followed by Therapeutic Ultrasound with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/12</link> <description>This study aims to compare the effect of corticosteroid injection (CSI) followed by therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) with that of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis (PF) and to explore the impact of a sedentary lifestyle and obesity on treatment outcomes. Female patients with PF were randomly allocated to receive ESWT (group A, n = 25) or CSI + TUS (group B, n = 25). Interventions: Group A received four once-weekly sessions of ESWT (2000 shocks, 2.5 bar pressure, 10.0 Hz frequency). Group B received a local injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide with 2 mL 1% xylocaine, followed by three sessions of TUS per week for two weeks. Pain visual analog scale (VAS pain), plantar fasciitis pain and disability scale (PFPDS), and fascia thickness using musculoskeletal ultrasound were all measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after the end of treatment. VAS pain and PFPDS improved significantly in both groups after 4 and 12 weeks. In the ESWT group, the pain improved significantly more at 12 weeks (p = 0.004). In obese patients (BMI &amp;amp;gt; 29.9 kg/m2), ESWT gave more long-term pain relief at 12 weeks follow-up. In both the ESWT and CSI + TUS groups, after 12 weeks, the VAS pain improved more in patients with a sedentary daily life than in those with active life (p = 0.021 and p = 0.014, resp.), as well as the PFPDS (p = 0.014 and p = 0.019, resp.). Plantar fascia thickness decreased in both groups at 12 weeks. In both groups, improvements in function (PFPDS) correlated significantly with decreased plantar fascia thickness at 4 and 12 weeks. In the CSI + TUS group only, the decrease in plantar fascia thickness was correlated with pain improvement at both follow-up visits. Echogenicity changed from hypoechoic to iso- or hyperechoic and improved significantly in both groups at 12 weeks follow-up, but changes were not different between the groups (p = 0.208). Both CSI + TUS and ESWT are effective treatments for female patients with chronic plantar fasciitis resulting in pain relief and improved function and fascia thickness. ESWT gave more pain relief at 12 weeks follow-up. CSI + TUS is effective as a rapid and short-term modality for relieving PF pain. According to previous studies, the addition of TUS does not appear to make CSI much more effective.</description> <pubDate>2023-06-30</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 169-188: Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: A Randomized Trial Comparing Corticosteroid Injections Followed by Therapeutic Ultrasound with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/12">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3030012</a></p> <p>Authors: Nermeen Hassan A. Moneim Mennatullah A. Hemed Peter M. ten Klooster Johannes J. Rasker Nashwa K. El Shaarawy </p> <p>This study aims to compare the effect of corticosteroid injection (CSI) followed by therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) with that of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis (PF) and to explore the impact of a sedentary lifestyle and obesity on treatment outcomes. Female patients with PF were randomly allocated to receive ESWT (group A, n = 25) or CSI + TUS (group B, n = 25). Interventions: Group A received four once-weekly sessions of ESWT (2000 shocks, 2.5 bar pressure, 10.0 Hz frequency). Group B received a local injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide with 2 mL 1% xylocaine, followed by three sessions of TUS per week for two weeks. Pain visual analog scale (VAS pain), plantar fasciitis pain and disability scale (PFPDS), and fascia thickness using musculoskeletal ultrasound were all measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after the end of treatment. VAS pain and PFPDS improved significantly in both groups after 4 and 12 weeks. In the ESWT group, the pain improved significantly more at 12 weeks (p = 0.004). In obese patients (BMI &amp;amp;gt; 29.9 kg/m2), ESWT gave more long-term pain relief at 12 weeks follow-up. In both the ESWT and CSI + TUS groups, after 12 weeks, the VAS pain improved more in patients with a sedentary daily life than in those with active life (p = 0.021 and p = 0.014, resp.), as well as the PFPDS (p = 0.014 and p = 0.019, resp.). Plantar fascia thickness decreased in both groups at 12 weeks. In both groups, improvements in function (PFPDS) correlated significantly with decreased plantar fascia thickness at 4 and 12 weeks. In the CSI + TUS group only, the decrease in plantar fascia thickness was correlated with pain improvement at both follow-up visits. Echogenicity changed from hypoechoic to iso- or hyperechoic and improved significantly in both groups at 12 weeks follow-up, but changes were not different between the groups (p = 0.208). Both CSI + TUS and ESWT are effective treatments for female patients with chronic plantar fasciitis resulting in pain relief and improved function and fascia thickness. ESWT gave more pain relief at 12 weeks follow-up. CSI + TUS is effective as a rapid and short-term modality for relieving PF pain. According to previous studies, the addition of TUS does not appear to make CSI much more effective.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: A Randomized Trial Comparing Corticosteroid Injections Followed by Therapeutic Ultrasound with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy</dc:title> <dc:creator>Nermeen Hassan A. Moneim</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Mennatullah A. Hemed</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Peter M. ten Klooster</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Johannes J. Rasker</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Nashwa K. El Shaarawy</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3030012</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-06-30</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-06-30</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>3</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>169</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3030012</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/3/12</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/2/11"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 132-168: Non-Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children&amp;mdash;Postacute Sequelae of Paediatric COVID-19: Autoimmune or Autoinflammatory? A Systematic Review of the Reported Cases</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/2/11</link> <description>Three years after its emergence, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a leading cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. This systematic review comprises relevant case reports that discuss non-multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (non-MIS-C) and postacute sequalae of COVID-19 (PASC) in the paediatric population, also known as long COVID syndrome. The study aims to highlight the prevalent time interval between COVID-19 and the development of non-MIS-C post-infectious sequalae (PIS). Databases were searched for studies that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final screening revealed an equal sex distribution where the commonest age intervals were school-age and adolescence, with 38% of the patients being older than six years. Interestingly, hospital admission during the course of COVID-19 was not a predictor of the subsequent PASC; forty-nine patients (44.9%) were hospitalized while sixty patients (55.1%) were not hospitalized. Moreover, the most predominant time interval between COVID-19 and the developing PASC was within 14 days from the start of COVID-19 infection (61%). These findings suggest a crucial link between COVID-19 and immune PIS in the paediatric population, especially those older than six years. Accordingly, follow-up and management are encouraged in case of unusual symptoms and signs following COVID-19 infection, regardless of the COVID-19 infection severity.</description> <pubDate>2023-05-30</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 132-168: Non-Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children&amp;mdash;Postacute Sequelae of Paediatric COVID-19: Autoimmune or Autoinflammatory? A Systematic Review of the Reported Cases</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/2/11">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3020011</a></p> <p>Authors: Antoine Fakhry AbdelMassih Maram Hamed Hanafy Maryam ElAhmady Sylvia Kozman Nourine Diab Reem Husseiny Ashrakat Deyab Aalaa Mady Alia Yasser Amira R. AbdelHalim Aya Mohyeldin Aya Sayed Serour Ayat AbdelGadir Eslam Abdelaziz Farida ElGhamry Hana Amr Karim Milad Lamya Fouda Mawada Hesham Mina Adly Riad Mohamed Aoun Rana AbdelTawab Rana Sayed Salma ElSenbawy Sara ElAhmady Abdelkhalek Nada Gamal Yasmin Omar </p> <p>Three years after its emergence, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a leading cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. This systematic review comprises relevant case reports that discuss non-multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (non-MIS-C) and postacute sequalae of COVID-19 (PASC) in the paediatric population, also known as long COVID syndrome. The study aims to highlight the prevalent time interval between COVID-19 and the development of non-MIS-C post-infectious sequalae (PIS). Databases were searched for studies that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final screening revealed an equal sex distribution where the commonest age intervals were school-age and adolescence, with 38% of the patients being older than six years. Interestingly, hospital admission during the course of COVID-19 was not a predictor of the subsequent PASC; forty-nine patients (44.9%) were hospitalized while sixty patients (55.1%) were not hospitalized. Moreover, the most predominant time interval between COVID-19 and the developing PASC was within 14 days from the start of COVID-19 infection (61%). These findings suggest a crucial link between COVID-19 and immune PIS in the paediatric population, especially those older than six years. Accordingly, follow-up and management are encouraged in case of unusual symptoms and signs following COVID-19 infection, regardless of the COVID-19 infection severity.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Non-Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children&amp;amp;mdash;Postacute Sequelae of Paediatric COVID-19: Autoimmune or Autoinflammatory? A Systematic Review of the Reported Cases</dc:title> <dc:creator>Antoine Fakhry AbdelMassih</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Maram Hamed Hanafy</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Maryam ElAhmady</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Sylvia Kozman</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Nourine Diab</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Reem Husseiny</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Ashrakat Deyab</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Aalaa Mady</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Alia Yasser</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Amira R. AbdelHalim</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Aya Mohyeldin</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Aya Sayed Serour</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Ayat AbdelGadir</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Eslam Abdelaziz</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Farida ElGhamry</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Hana Amr</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Karim Milad</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Lamya Fouda</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Mawada Hesham</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Mina Adly Riad</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Mohamed Aoun</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Rana AbdelTawab</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Rana Sayed</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Salma ElSenbawy</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Sara ElAhmady Abdelkhalek</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Nada Gamal</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Yasmin Omar</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3020011</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-05-30</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-05-30</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>2</prism:number> <prism:section>Systematic Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>132</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3020011</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/2/11</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/2/10"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 118-131: Periodontal Health as Perceived by Rheumatologists and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/2/10</link> <description>The aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health among rheumatologists and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Two questionnaires comprising questions on demographics, knowledge, and attitudes towards periodontal health were created via Qualtrics survey software. A link to the survey was sent via email to rheumatologists registered under the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) practising in Western Australia, and a separate survey was distributed to patients via Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA social media pages. Seven and 76 responses were received from rheumatologists and RA patients, respectively. Statistically significant results (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.05) were found between the length of RA diagnosis and signs of periodontal disease, as well as the type of RA diagnosis and knowledge levels. Employed and retired participants attended the dentist more regularly, and a higher percentage believed that maintaining good oral hygiene is important for overall health. A significant correlation was found between patients who thought improving oral hygiene would impact their RA and whether they received periodontal treatment. No significant differences were found for rheumatologists; however, younger practitioners more frequently asked about their patients&amp;amp;rsquo; oral health and performed oral exams. There is a deficit in knowledge about the relationship between periodontal disease and RA among both rheumatoid patients and rheumatologists. The high prevalence of periodontitis and the two-way relationship between RA and periodontal disease would benefit from improved knowledge in relation to their association and could have significant benefits in their clinical and public health implications.</description> <pubDate>2023-04-21</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 118-131: Periodontal Health as Perceived by Rheumatologists and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/2/10">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3020010</a></p> <p>Authors: Natasha Proud Grace Hughes Cohen McCashney Let铆cia Algarves Miranda </p> <p>The aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health among rheumatologists and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Two questionnaires comprising questions on demographics, knowledge, and attitudes towards periodontal health were created via Qualtrics survey software. A link to the survey was sent via email to rheumatologists registered under the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) practising in Western Australia, and a separate survey was distributed to patients via Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA social media pages. Seven and 76 responses were received from rheumatologists and RA patients, respectively. Statistically significant results (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.05) were found between the length of RA diagnosis and signs of periodontal disease, as well as the type of RA diagnosis and knowledge levels. Employed and retired participants attended the dentist more regularly, and a higher percentage believed that maintaining good oral hygiene is important for overall health. A significant correlation was found between patients who thought improving oral hygiene would impact their RA and whether they received periodontal treatment. No significant differences were found for rheumatologists; however, younger practitioners more frequently asked about their patients&amp;amp;rsquo; oral health and performed oral exams. There is a deficit in knowledge about the relationship between periodontal disease and RA among both rheumatoid patients and rheumatologists. The high prevalence of periodontitis and the two-way relationship between RA and periodontal disease would benefit from improved knowledge in relation to their association and could have significant benefits in their clinical and public health implications.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Periodontal Health as Perceived by Rheumatologists and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients</dc:title> <dc:creator>Natasha Proud</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Grace Hughes</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Cohen McCashney</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Let铆cia Algarves Miranda</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3020010</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-04-21</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-04-21</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>2</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>118</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3020010</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/2/10</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/9"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 106-117: A Study Protocol on the Effectiveness of Radial Shockwave Therapy on Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Mixed Methods Study That Combines a Randomised Control Trial and Semi-Structured Interviews</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/9</link> <description>Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common, costly and often persistent musculoskeletal problem. Radial shockwave (RSW) is one of the most common treatments for MFS. However, there is very low-level evidence to support its short-term benefit, due to poor methodological qualities. Furthermore, previous studies have not considered the experiences of patients regarding this intervention. This study will investigate the effectiveness of RSW compared to a sham (placebo) for patients with MPS and establish the experiences of patients receiving the treatment. Methods: A mixed methods study of a pragmatic randomised controlled trial and semi-structured-interviews that will involve 120 potential participants with MPS is used. The intervention group will receive six sessions of RSW: 1.5 bars, 2000 pulses, frequency 15 Hz. The control group will receive an identical treatment except that they will receive a no-energy shock of 0.3 bar. Results: The outcome measures are a numeric pain scale, neck disability index (NDI), pressure pain threshold (PPT) and SF-12 questionnaires at 4 and 8 weeks&amp;amp;rsquo; follow-up between the two groups. Conclusion: The expectation is that this study will add to the body of knowledge required to make effective treatment choices on RSW in the management MFS.</description> <pubDate>2023-03-16</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 106-117: A Study Protocol on the Effectiveness of Radial Shockwave Therapy on Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Mixed Methods Study That Combines a Randomised Control Trial and Semi-Structured Interviews</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/9">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010009</a></p> <p>Authors: Collins Ogbeivor Huda AlMubarak Tola Akomolafe Hamad Alkahtani Hussain AlMugizel Hala Aldosari Nouf Aldhwayan </p> <p>Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common, costly and often persistent musculoskeletal problem. Radial shockwave (RSW) is one of the most common treatments for MFS. However, there is very low-level evidence to support its short-term benefit, due to poor methodological qualities. Furthermore, previous studies have not considered the experiences of patients regarding this intervention. This study will investigate the effectiveness of RSW compared to a sham (placebo) for patients with MPS and establish the experiences of patients receiving the treatment. Methods: A mixed methods study of a pragmatic randomised controlled trial and semi-structured-interviews that will involve 120 potential participants with MPS is used. The intervention group will receive six sessions of RSW: 1.5 bars, 2000 pulses, frequency 15 Hz. The control group will receive an identical treatment except that they will receive a no-energy shock of 0.3 bar. Results: The outcome measures are a numeric pain scale, neck disability index (NDI), pressure pain threshold (PPT) and SF-12 questionnaires at 4 and 8 weeks&amp;amp;rsquo; follow-up between the two groups. Conclusion: The expectation is that this study will add to the body of knowledge required to make effective treatment choices on RSW in the management MFS.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>A Study Protocol on the Effectiveness of Radial Shockwave Therapy on Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Mixed Methods Study That Combines a Randomised Control Trial and Semi-Structured Interviews</dc:title> <dc:creator>Collins Ogbeivor</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Huda AlMubarak</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Tola Akomolafe</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Hamad Alkahtani</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Hussain AlMugizel</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Hala Aldosari</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Nouf Aldhwayan</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010009</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-03-16</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-03-16</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Protocol</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>106</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3010009</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/9</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/8"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 98-105: Pachydermoperiostosis Mimicking Inflammatory Arthritis: Case Description and Narrative Review</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/8</link> <description>Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP), also called primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA), is a rare genetic disease with typical thickening of the skin (pachydermia) and rheumatic manifestations, with clubbing of the fingers and toes and periostosis of the long bones visible on X-rays, as well as arthritis in large joints sometimes. Case: We describe a 23-year-old man with a complete form of PDP who presented with polyarthritis of the ankles and knees, with clubbing of the fingers and toes. He was treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), etoricoxib, and with bisphosphonates (initially pamidronic acid i.v. and later oral risedronate 35 mg weekly). His joint pains and swelling disappeared, so that he could resume his daily activities. After eight years, the periostosis on the X-rays had disappeared. Discussion: The case is discussed, the literature regarding PDP is summarized and the differential diagnosis and treatment options are reviewed. Conclusions: PDP may present as polyarthritis. Clinicians should be aware of this diagnosis, as treatment is available and may improve the outcome of the patient. It is important to rule out secondary HOA due to pulmonary or cardiac disease, gastrointestinal malignancies and liver cirrhosis, especially when the dermatological findings are not typical. Further, acromegaly, thyroid acropachy and rheumatologic diseases should be excluded.</description> <pubDate>2023-03-02</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 98-105: Pachydermoperiostosis Mimicking Inflammatory Arthritis: Case Description and Narrative Review</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/8">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010008</a></p> <p>Authors: AKM Kamruzzaman Maisha Farzana Md Mainuddin Sohel Emrul Kaiser Nobendu Chowdhury Md Hafizur Rahman Syed Atiqul Haq Johannes J. Rasker </p> <p>Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP), also called primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA), is a rare genetic disease with typical thickening of the skin (pachydermia) and rheumatic manifestations, with clubbing of the fingers and toes and periostosis of the long bones visible on X-rays, as well as arthritis in large joints sometimes. Case: We describe a 23-year-old man with a complete form of PDP who presented with polyarthritis of the ankles and knees, with clubbing of the fingers and toes. He was treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), etoricoxib, and with bisphosphonates (initially pamidronic acid i.v. and later oral risedronate 35 mg weekly). His joint pains and swelling disappeared, so that he could resume his daily activities. After eight years, the periostosis on the X-rays had disappeared. Discussion: The case is discussed, the literature regarding PDP is summarized and the differential diagnosis and treatment options are reviewed. Conclusions: PDP may present as polyarthritis. Clinicians should be aware of this diagnosis, as treatment is available and may improve the outcome of the patient. It is important to rule out secondary HOA due to pulmonary or cardiac disease, gastrointestinal malignancies and liver cirrhosis, especially when the dermatological findings are not typical. Further, acromegaly, thyroid acropachy and rheumatologic diseases should be excluded.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Pachydermoperiostosis Mimicking Inflammatory Arthritis: Case Description and Narrative Review</dc:title> <dc:creator>AKM Kamruzzaman</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Maisha Farzana</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Md Mainuddin Sohel</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Emrul Kaiser</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Nobendu Chowdhury</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Md Hafizur Rahman</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Syed Atiqul Haq</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Johannes J. Rasker</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010008</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-03-02</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-03-02</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Case Report</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>98</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3010008</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/8</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/7"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 86-97: A Preliminary Predictive Model for Proliferative Lupus Nephritis in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/7</link> <description>Proliferative lupus nephritis, which is diagnosed by renal biopsy, has significant impact on the treatment choices and long-term prognosis of juvenile SLE (jSLE). Renal biopsies are however not always possible or available, thus leading to an ongoing search for alternative biomarkers. This study aimed to develop a clinical predictive machine learning model using routine standard parameters as an alternative tool to evaluate the probability of proliferative lupus nephritis (ISN/RPS Class III or IV). Data were collected retrospectively from jSLE patients seen at Selayang Hospital from 2004 to 2021. A total of 22 variables including demographic, clinical and laboratory features were analyzed. A recursive feature elimination technique was used to identify factors to predict pediatric proliferative lupus nephritis. Various models were then used to build predictive machine learning models and assessed for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. There were 194 jSLE patients (165 females), of which 111 had lupus nephritis (54 proliferative pattern). A combination of 11 variables consisting of gender, ethnicity, fever, nephrotic state, hypertension, urine red blood cells (RBC), C3, C4, duration of illness, serum albumin, and proteinuria demonstrated the highest accuracy of 79.4% in predicting proliferative lupus nephritis. A decision-tree model performed the best with an AROC of 69.9%, accuracy of 73.85%, sensitivity of 78.72% and specificity of 61.11%. A potential clinically useful predictive model using a combination of 11 non-invasive variables to collectively predict pediatric proliferative lupus nephritis in daily practice was developed.</description> <pubDate>2023-02-22</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 86-97: A Preliminary Predictive Model for Proliferative Lupus Nephritis in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/7">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010007</a></p> <p>Authors: Sern Chin Lim Elaine Wan Ling Chan Shikriti Suprakash Mandal Swee Ping Tang </p> <p>Proliferative lupus nephritis, which is diagnosed by renal biopsy, has significant impact on the treatment choices and long-term prognosis of juvenile SLE (jSLE). Renal biopsies are however not always possible or available, thus leading to an ongoing search for alternative biomarkers. This study aimed to develop a clinical predictive machine learning model using routine standard parameters as an alternative tool to evaluate the probability of proliferative lupus nephritis (ISN/RPS Class III or IV). Data were collected retrospectively from jSLE patients seen at Selayang Hospital from 2004 to 2021. A total of 22 variables including demographic, clinical and laboratory features were analyzed. A recursive feature elimination technique was used to identify factors to predict pediatric proliferative lupus nephritis. Various models were then used to build predictive machine learning models and assessed for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. There were 194 jSLE patients (165 females), of which 111 had lupus nephritis (54 proliferative pattern). A combination of 11 variables consisting of gender, ethnicity, fever, nephrotic state, hypertension, urine red blood cells (RBC), C3, C4, duration of illness, serum albumin, and proteinuria demonstrated the highest accuracy of 79.4% in predicting proliferative lupus nephritis. A decision-tree model performed the best with an AROC of 69.9%, accuracy of 73.85%, sensitivity of 78.72% and specificity of 61.11%. A potential clinically useful predictive model using a combination of 11 non-invasive variables to collectively predict pediatric proliferative lupus nephritis in daily practice was developed.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>A Preliminary Predictive Model for Proliferative Lupus Nephritis in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus</dc:title> <dc:creator>Sern Chin Lim</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Elaine Wan Ling Chan</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Shikriti Suprakash Mandal</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Swee Ping Tang</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010007</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-02-22</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-02-22</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>86</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3010007</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/7</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/6"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 74-85: Urate-Lowering Therapy Use among US Adults with Gout and the Relationship between Patients&amp;rsquo; Gout Treatment Status and Associated Comorbidities</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/6</link> <description>Gout is one of the most common inflammatory conditions with a growing global prevalence. Individuals with gout are at higher risk of developing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the association between urate-lowering therapy (ULT) use and the prevalence of these conditions was evaluated. This observational cross-sectional pharmacoepidemiologic study used the 2013&amp;amp;ndash;2018 biannual cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The inclusion criteria were adults that were 30 years of age or older that had a diagnosis of gout. The association between patients&amp;amp;rsquo; ULT treatment status and dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease was evaluated as well as its association with select clinical laboratory biomarkers. The prevalence of ULT use was 28.9% (95% CI 24.3&amp;amp;ndash;33.9%). Those receiving ULT had a higher prevalence of CKD diagnoses, of a college graduate or higher and of health insurance coverage, and they were older obese males. There was no significant association between ULT use and the prevalence of heart failure, coronary heart disease, hypertension, or dyslipidemia (p &amp;amp;gt; 0.05). Those receiving ULT had lower high-sensitivity c-reactive protein levels compared to those who were not on treatment (4.74 versus 7.21 mg/L, p = 0.044). LDL and total cholesterol were significantly lower among those receiving ULT treatment (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.05). ULT use continues to be low among US individuals diagnosed with gout. Socioeconomic factors may influence patients&amp;amp;rsquo; ULT treatment status. Also, gout risk factors, including obesity, male sex, and CKD, are associated with receiving ULT. While our findings may have reflected the guideline recommendations for ULT use in CKD patients, worsening kidney functions while receiving ULT is unlikely. Gout patients receiving ULT may garner added health benefits beyond lower urate levels. Further research is necessary to determine the long-term impact of ULTs on lipid fractions, kidney functions, and other cardiovascular biomarkers.</description> <pubDate>2023-02-03</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 74-85: Urate-Lowering Therapy Use among US Adults with Gout and the Relationship between Patients&amp;rsquo; Gout Treatment Status and Associated Comorbidities</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/6">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010006</a></p> <p>Authors: Marcos Ortiz-Uriarte Jeanlouis Betancourt-Gaztambide Alexandra Perez Youssef M. Roman </p> <p>Gout is one of the most common inflammatory conditions with a growing global prevalence. Individuals with gout are at higher risk of developing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the association between urate-lowering therapy (ULT) use and the prevalence of these conditions was evaluated. This observational cross-sectional pharmacoepidemiologic study used the 2013&amp;amp;ndash;2018 biannual cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The inclusion criteria were adults that were 30 years of age or older that had a diagnosis of gout. The association between patients&amp;amp;rsquo; ULT treatment status and dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease was evaluated as well as its association with select clinical laboratory biomarkers. The prevalence of ULT use was 28.9% (95% CI 24.3&amp;amp;ndash;33.9%). Those receiving ULT had a higher prevalence of CKD diagnoses, of a college graduate or higher and of health insurance coverage, and they were older obese males. There was no significant association between ULT use and the prevalence of heart failure, coronary heart disease, hypertension, or dyslipidemia (p &amp;amp;gt; 0.05). Those receiving ULT had lower high-sensitivity c-reactive protein levels compared to those who were not on treatment (4.74 versus 7.21 mg/L, p = 0.044). LDL and total cholesterol were significantly lower among those receiving ULT treatment (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.05). ULT use continues to be low among US individuals diagnosed with gout. Socioeconomic factors may influence patients&amp;amp;rsquo; ULT treatment status. Also, gout risk factors, including obesity, male sex, and CKD, are associated with receiving ULT. While our findings may have reflected the guideline recommendations for ULT use in CKD patients, worsening kidney functions while receiving ULT is unlikely. Gout patients receiving ULT may garner added health benefits beyond lower urate levels. Further research is necessary to determine the long-term impact of ULTs on lipid fractions, kidney functions, and other cardiovascular biomarkers.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Urate-Lowering Therapy Use among US Adults with Gout and the Relationship between Patients&amp;amp;rsquo; Gout Treatment Status and Associated Comorbidities</dc:title> <dc:creator>Marcos Ortiz-Uriarte</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Jeanlouis Betancourt-Gaztambide</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Alexandra Perez</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Youssef M. Roman</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010006</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-02-03</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-02-03</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>74</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3010006</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/6</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/5"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 63-73: Dynamic Joint Stiffness of the Knee in Post-Menopausal Women with and without Rheumatoid Arthritis</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/5</link> <description>This study compared rheumatoid arthritis (RA) post-menopausal women with pathological involvement of the lower limb joints and age-matched post-menopausal women without RA regarding the dynamic joint stiffness (DJS) of knee during the stance phase of gait. Eighteen RA women and eighteen age-matched women were selected. Gait assessed through a three-dimensional motion analysis system synchronized with a force plate. Subjects walked barefoot at self-selected speed, and 14 valid trials were collected (comprising 7 left and 7 right foot-steps on force plate). The &amp;amp;ldquo;moment of force&amp;amp;mdash;angle&amp;amp;rdquo; plot of knee in sagittal plane was determined. The stance phase was split into three sub-phases: first knee flexion sub-phase (1st KFS); knee extension sub-phase (KES); second knee flexion sub-phase (2nd KFS). A linear model represented each sub-phase and DJS calculated by the slope. Model fitting was assessed through the coefficient of determination (R2). R2 values for both groups were higher than 0.8 during 1st KFS and KES but not during 2nd KFS. RA women yielded a higher DJS value during 2nd KFS (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.01). Concerning the other sub-phases, no differences were observed between groups. The findings suggested the splitting methodology used could be modelled by a linear &amp;amp;ldquo;moment of force&amp;amp;mdash;angle&amp;amp;rdquo; relationship, namely, during 1st KFS and KES. During 2nd KFS, RA women yielded a stiffer behavior.</description> <pubDate>2023-01-20</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 63-73: Dynamic Joint Stiffness of the Knee in Post-Menopausal Women with and without Rheumatoid Arthritis</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/5">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010005</a></p> <p>Authors: Pedro Aleixo Orlando Fernandes Jos茅 Vaz Patto Jo茫o Abrantes </p> <p>This study compared rheumatoid arthritis (RA) post-menopausal women with pathological involvement of the lower limb joints and age-matched post-menopausal women without RA regarding the dynamic joint stiffness (DJS) of knee during the stance phase of gait. Eighteen RA women and eighteen age-matched women were selected. Gait assessed through a three-dimensional motion analysis system synchronized with a force plate. Subjects walked barefoot at self-selected speed, and 14 valid trials were collected (comprising 7 left and 7 right foot-steps on force plate). The &amp;amp;ldquo;moment of force&amp;amp;mdash;angle&amp;amp;rdquo; plot of knee in sagittal plane was determined. The stance phase was split into three sub-phases: first knee flexion sub-phase (1st KFS); knee extension sub-phase (KES); second knee flexion sub-phase (2nd KFS). A linear model represented each sub-phase and DJS calculated by the slope. Model fitting was assessed through the coefficient of determination (R2). R2 values for both groups were higher than 0.8 during 1st KFS and KES but not during 2nd KFS. RA women yielded a higher DJS value during 2nd KFS (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.01). Concerning the other sub-phases, no differences were observed between groups. The findings suggested the splitting methodology used could be modelled by a linear &amp;amp;ldquo;moment of force&amp;amp;mdash;angle&amp;amp;rdquo; relationship, namely, during 1st KFS and KES. During 2nd KFS, RA women yielded a stiffer behavior.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Dynamic Joint Stiffness of the Knee in Post-Menopausal Women with and without Rheumatoid Arthritis</dc:title> <dc:creator>Pedro Aleixo</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Orlando Fernandes</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Jos茅 Vaz Patto</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Jo茫o Abrantes</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010005</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-01-20</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-01-20</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>63</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3010005</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/5</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/4"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 51-62: Design, Manufacturing, and Trial of a 3D Printed Customized Finger Splint for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/4</link> <description>Rheumatoid arthritis has become one of the most common inflammatory diseases and plays a major role in the disability of the population affected by it. The prevalence of finger deformities in the upper extremity caused by rheumatoid arthritis is increasing day by day, especially in low and middle-income countries such as India. For the management of these finger deformities, the splinting options are either customized or prefabricated. The performance and success of finger splinting depend on several factors, including precision, aesthetics, patient acceptance, comfort, the convenience of usage, effects, price, and side effects. However, to date, customized splints are high-cost and usually fabricated by conventional production techniques, which dominantly work on approximation. This study focused on the development of a novel finger splint through computational optimization and 3D printing for the management of boutonniere and swan neck deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty subjects with finger deformities were recruited, and the performance of the 3D-printed splint was characterized. The results were assessed using the nine-hole peg test and QUEST 2.0, which showed positive effects of the splint, including achievement of corrected joint positions, finger dexterity, and comfort. Such a low-cost and effective splint, with further acceptability testing, is anticipated to be a better line of conservative management for patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis.</description> <pubDate>2023-01-04</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 51-62: Design, Manufacturing, and Trial of a 3D Printed Customized Finger Splint for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/4">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010004</a></p> <p>Authors: Komal Chhikara Shubham Gupta Sakshi Saharawat Shruti Sarkar Arnab Chanda </p> <p>Rheumatoid arthritis has become one of the most common inflammatory diseases and plays a major role in the disability of the population affected by it. The prevalence of finger deformities in the upper extremity caused by rheumatoid arthritis is increasing day by day, especially in low and middle-income countries such as India. For the management of these finger deformities, the splinting options are either customized or prefabricated. The performance and success of finger splinting depend on several factors, including precision, aesthetics, patient acceptance, comfort, the convenience of usage, effects, price, and side effects. However, to date, customized splints are high-cost and usually fabricated by conventional production techniques, which dominantly work on approximation. This study focused on the development of a novel finger splint through computational optimization and 3D printing for the management of boutonniere and swan neck deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty subjects with finger deformities were recruited, and the performance of the 3D-printed splint was characterized. The results were assessed using the nine-hole peg test and QUEST 2.0, which showed positive effects of the splint, including achievement of corrected joint positions, finger dexterity, and comfort. Such a low-cost and effective splint, with further acceptability testing, is anticipated to be a better line of conservative management for patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Design, Manufacturing, and Trial of a 3D Printed Customized Finger Splint for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis</dc:title> <dc:creator>Komal Chhikara</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Shubham Gupta</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Sakshi Saharawat</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Shruti Sarkar</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Arnab Chanda</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010004</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2023-01-04</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2023-01-04</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>51</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3010004</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/4</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/3"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 23-50: Blood Flow Restriction Training for Tendinopathy Rehabilitation: A Potential Alternative to Traditional Heavy-Load Resistance Training</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/3</link> <description>Tendinopathy is a chronic tendon disease which can cause significant pain and functional limitations for individuals, and which collectively places a tremendous burden on society. Resistance training has long been considered the treatment of choice in the rehabilitation of chronic tendinopathies, with both eccentric and heavy slow resistance training demonstrating positive clinical effects. The application of progressive tendon loads during rehabilitation is essential to not compromise tendon healing, with the precise dosage parameters of resistance training and external loading a critical consideration. Blood-flow restriction training (BFRT) has become an increasingly popular method of resistance training in recent years and has been shown to be an effective method for enhancing muscle strength and hypertrophy in healthy populations and in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Traditional resistance training for tendinopathy requires the application of heavy training loads, whereas BFRT utilises significantly lower loads and training intensities, which may be more appropriate for certain clinical populations. Despite evidence confirming the positive muscular adaptations derived from BFRT and the clinical benefits found for other musculoskeletal conditions, BFRT has received a dearth of attention in tendon rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review was threefold: firstly, to give an overview and analysis of the mechanisms and outcomes of BFRT in both healthy populations and in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Secondly, to give an overview of the evidence to date on the effects of BFRT on healthy tendon properties and clinical outcomes when applied to tendon pathology. Finally, a discussion on the clinical utility of BFRT and its potential applications within tendinopathy rehabilitation, including as a compliment to traditional heavy-load training, is presented.</description> <pubDate>2022-12-31</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 23-50: Blood Flow Restriction Training for Tendinopathy Rehabilitation: A Potential Alternative to Traditional Heavy-Load Resistance Training</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/3">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010003</a></p> <p>Authors: Ian Burton </p> <p>Tendinopathy is a chronic tendon disease which can cause significant pain and functional limitations for individuals, and which collectively places a tremendous burden on society. Resistance training has long been considered the treatment of choice in the rehabilitation of chronic tendinopathies, with both eccentric and heavy slow resistance training demonstrating positive clinical effects. The application of progressive tendon loads during rehabilitation is essential to not compromise tendon healing, with the precise dosage parameters of resistance training and external loading a critical consideration. Blood-flow restriction training (BFRT) has become an increasingly popular method of resistance training in recent years and has been shown to be an effective method for enhancing muscle strength and hypertrophy in healthy populations and in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Traditional resistance training for tendinopathy requires the application of heavy training loads, whereas BFRT utilises significantly lower loads and training intensities, which may be more appropriate for certain clinical populations. Despite evidence confirming the positive muscular adaptations derived from BFRT and the clinical benefits found for other musculoskeletal conditions, BFRT has received a dearth of attention in tendon rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review was threefold: firstly, to give an overview and analysis of the mechanisms and outcomes of BFRT in both healthy populations and in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Secondly, to give an overview of the evidence to date on the effects of BFRT on healthy tendon properties and clinical outcomes when applied to tendon pathology. Finally, a discussion on the clinical utility of BFRT and its potential applications within tendinopathy rehabilitation, including as a compliment to traditional heavy-load training, is presented.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Blood Flow Restriction Training for Tendinopathy Rehabilitation: A Potential Alternative to Traditional Heavy-Load Resistance Training</dc:title> <dc:creator>Ian Burton</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010003</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-12-31</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-12-31</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>23</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3010003</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/3</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/2"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 8-22: Plasmapheresis in Neonatal Lupus</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/2</link> <description>About 2% of mothers with Sj&amp;amp;ouml;gren&amp;amp;rsquo;s syndrome and about 1% of mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus deliver a baby with a congenital heart block (CHB). This is thought to be as a result of the maternal autoantibodies that cross the placenta and cause congenital lupus in the fetus/neonate. Among patients with a 2nd or 3rd degree atrioventricular block, the mortality rate in the neonatal period is about 10%, and most neonates who survive require a pacemaker into adulthood. Despite the compelling mortality and morbidity, the data on the optimal preventive treatments are meager and not well-established. In addition to pharmaceutical therapy, one potentially effective therapy is plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis is safe in pregnancy, well tolerated, and is effective in removing the offending substances in the serum which may cause disease. We review this literature, in order to educate the reader and to motivate interest in studying this condition in the future.</description> <pubDate>2022-12-29</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 8-22: Plasmapheresis in Neonatal Lupus</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/2">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010002</a></p> <p>Authors: Mark Sharobim Angelica S. J. Scribner William N. Rose </p> <p>About 2% of mothers with Sj&amp;amp;ouml;gren&amp;amp;rsquo;s syndrome and about 1% of mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus deliver a baby with a congenital heart block (CHB). This is thought to be as a result of the maternal autoantibodies that cross the placenta and cause congenital lupus in the fetus/neonate. Among patients with a 2nd or 3rd degree atrioventricular block, the mortality rate in the neonatal period is about 10%, and most neonates who survive require a pacemaker into adulthood. Despite the compelling mortality and morbidity, the data on the optimal preventive treatments are meager and not well-established. In addition to pharmaceutical therapy, one potentially effective therapy is plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis is safe in pregnancy, well tolerated, and is effective in removing the offending substances in the serum which may cause disease. We review this literature, in order to educate the reader and to motivate interest in studying this condition in the future.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Plasmapheresis in Neonatal Lupus</dc:title> <dc:creator>Mark Sharobim</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Angelica S. J. Scribner</dc:creator> <dc:creator>William N. Rose</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010002</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-12-29</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-12-29</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>8</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3010002</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/2</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/1"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 1-7: Short-Term Functional Outcomes of Unicompartmental versus Total Knee Arthroplasty in an Asian Population</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/1</link> <description>Unicompartmental and Total Knee Arthroplasty (UKA and TKA) are both established surgical options for the treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. However, the superiority of one over the other remains controversial. Our retrospective study aims to compare short-term functional outcomes in similar patients who underwent either TKA or UKA. Pre- and post-operative range of motion (ROM), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), and Knee Society Function Score (KSFS) were used as outcome measures. Our sample included 57 patients, among which 27 underwent TKA and 30 underwent UKA, including one patient who underwent bilateral UKA. At 1 year, there were no differences in the OKS, KSKS, or KSFS scores between the two groups. There was a significantly better range of motion in patients who underwent UKA compared to TKA (122.9 &amp;amp;plusmn; 11.7 degrees vs 109.9 &amp;amp;plusmn; 13.9 degrees, p &amp;amp;lt; 0.001). Functional outcomes following UKA and TKA were found to be similar. Hence, in view of its lower morbidity and shorter length of hospital stay, UKA may be considered over a TKA for the treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis whenever deemed appropriate.</description> <pubDate>2022-12-21</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 3, Pages 1-7: Short-Term Functional Outcomes of Unicompartmental versus Total Knee Arthroplasty in an Asian Population</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/1">doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010001</a></p> <p>Authors: Tamara Lee Ting Soh Nicholas Li Khai Loh Sean Wei Loong Ho Arun-Kumar Kaliya-Perumal Chung Yuan Kau </p> <p>Unicompartmental and Total Knee Arthroplasty (UKA and TKA) are both established surgical options for the treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. However, the superiority of one over the other remains controversial. Our retrospective study aims to compare short-term functional outcomes in similar patients who underwent either TKA or UKA. Pre- and post-operative range of motion (ROM), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), and Knee Society Function Score (KSFS) were used as outcome measures. Our sample included 57 patients, among which 27 underwent TKA and 30 underwent UKA, including one patient who underwent bilateral UKA. At 1 year, there were no differences in the OKS, KSKS, or KSFS scores between the two groups. There was a significantly better range of motion in patients who underwent UKA compared to TKA (122.9 &amp;amp;plusmn; 11.7 degrees vs 109.9 &amp;amp;plusmn; 13.9 degrees, p &amp;amp;lt; 0.001). Functional outcomes following UKA and TKA were found to be similar. Hence, in view of its lower morbidity and shorter length of hospital stay, UKA may be considered over a TKA for the treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis whenever deemed appropriate.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Short-Term Functional Outcomes of Unicompartmental versus Total Knee Arthroplasty in an Asian Population</dc:title> <dc:creator>Tamara Lee Ting Soh</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Nicholas Li Khai Loh</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Sean Wei Loong Ho</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Arun-Kumar Kaliya-Perumal</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Chung Yuan Kau</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato3010001</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-12-21</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-12-21</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>3</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Communication</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>1</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato3010001</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/3/1/1</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/16"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 114-125: Effect and Regulation of Obesity-Associated Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation in Major Rheumatic Diseases</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/16</link> <description>Current lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to obesity development, leading to low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI). Apart from obesity, LGCI is also related to rheumatic diseases such as osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA). In these, an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue has been linked to an excessive production of proinflammatory factors, such as adipokines. This work&amp;amp;rsquo;s aim is to stablish the effect of obesity-associated LGCI in major rheumatic diseases and to determine optimal strategies to reduce it. Obesity is a risk factor for developing OA, where a systemic LGCI state has been found. Concretely, obesity-associated LGCI has been described as an OA instauration and progression promoter. To avoid this, several therapeutical approaches (diet control, physical exercise, or nutraceuticals) have been tested. OP is another major rheumatic disease where a basal LGCI has been described, being worsened by obesity. As in OA, diet management and supplementation with vitamin D or probiotics have been proposed as approaches to treat obesity-associated LGCI in this pathology. Currently, the increase in the prevalence of rheumatic diseases is unstoppable. Nonetheless, obesity is a risk factor that can be controlled. Thus, the study of new interventions to control the impact of obesity-associated LGCI is a challenge for the management of patients with rheumatic diseases.</description> <pubDate>2022-11-30</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 114-125: Effect and Regulation of Obesity-Associated Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation in Major Rheumatic Diseases</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/16">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040016</a></p> <p>Authors: Ana Alonso-P茅rez Mar铆a Guill谩n-Fresco Miriam L贸pez-Fag煤ndez Andr茅s Pazos-P茅rez Ant铆a Crespo-Golmar Mar铆a Pi帽eiro-Ramil Ver贸nica L贸pez Alberto Jorge-Mora Rodolfo G贸mez </p> <p>Current lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to obesity development, leading to low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI). Apart from obesity, LGCI is also related to rheumatic diseases such as osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA). In these, an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue has been linked to an excessive production of proinflammatory factors, such as adipokines. This work&amp;amp;rsquo;s aim is to stablish the effect of obesity-associated LGCI in major rheumatic diseases and to determine optimal strategies to reduce it. Obesity is a risk factor for developing OA, where a systemic LGCI state has been found. Concretely, obesity-associated LGCI has been described as an OA instauration and progression promoter. To avoid this, several therapeutical approaches (diet control, physical exercise, or nutraceuticals) have been tested. OP is another major rheumatic disease where a basal LGCI has been described, being worsened by obesity. As in OA, diet management and supplementation with vitamin D or probiotics have been proposed as approaches to treat obesity-associated LGCI in this pathology. Currently, the increase in the prevalence of rheumatic diseases is unstoppable. Nonetheless, obesity is a risk factor that can be controlled. Thus, the study of new interventions to control the impact of obesity-associated LGCI is a challenge for the management of patients with rheumatic diseases.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Effect and Regulation of Obesity-Associated Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation in Major Rheumatic Diseases</dc:title> <dc:creator>Ana Alonso-P茅rez</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Mar铆a Guill谩n-Fresco</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Miriam L贸pez-Fag煤ndez</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Andr茅s Pazos-P茅rez</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Ant铆a Crespo-Golmar</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Mar铆a Pi帽eiro-Ramil</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Ver贸nica L贸pez</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Alberto Jorge-Mora</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Rodolfo G贸mez</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040016</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-11-30</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-11-30</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>114</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2040016</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/16</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/15"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 112-113: Rheumato at Day 1</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/15</link> <description>The inaugural issue of Rheumato exhibits the gamut of phenomenology that is inherent to why we became rheumatologists: our reliance on fundamentals, the quest to decipher apparently disparate findings, problem solving, hypothesis formation as to mechanisms and relationships, assessing the applicability and adaptability of new technologies and exploring the validity of old concepts/perspectives, and constantly reviewing our perspectives and performance [...]</description> <pubDate>2022-11-02</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 112-113: Rheumato at Day 1</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/15">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040015</a></p> <p>Authors: Bruce Rothschild </p> <p>The inaugural issue of Rheumato exhibits the gamut of phenomenology that is inherent to why we became rheumatologists: our reliance on fundamentals, the quest to decipher apparently disparate findings, problem solving, hypothesis formation as to mechanisms and relationships, assessing the applicability and adaptability of new technologies and exploring the validity of old concepts/perspectives, and constantly reviewing our perspectives and performance [...]</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Rheumato at Day 1</dc:title> <dc:creator>Bruce Rothschild</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040015</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-11-02</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-11-02</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Editorial</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>112</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2040015</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/15</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/14"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 98-111: An Exploration of the Implications of Sequencing Order on Group Pain Interventions in Veterans</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/14</link> <description>Background: Efforts to increase acceptance and reduce avoidance behaviors in patients who suffer from chronic pain are likely to have additional beneficial effects on pain management. The primary aim of the current study was to evaluate whether a sequential approach to treatment, where acceptance-based coping strategies are taught prior to problem-focused coping strategies using manualized group therapies, improves pain-related outcomes. Methods: The current investigation is a single-group, longitudinal ex post facto study. A sample of 168 Veterans participated in the current study at a midwestern VA medical center. All participants were administered a standard pre- and post-intervention assessment battery. The primary outcome analysis was a 4 &amp;amp;times; 2 repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance. Results: The current study did not find a significant interaction effect for intervention x time but did find a significant main effect for time. All treatment conditions were associated with decreases in pain severity, pain interference, illness-focused coping strategies, catastrophizing behaviors, and global distress. Participation in both of the combined groups did not produce significantly different pain-related outcomes compared to participation in one group. Conclusion: These findings reinforce common factors theory in psychotherapy and provide insight into treatment dosage for patients who suffer from chronic pain. The current findings underline the importance of researching pain management, as it is a fundamental aspect of clinical practice, training, and research in rheumatology.</description> <pubDate>2022-10-17</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 98-111: An Exploration of the Implications of Sequencing Order on Group Pain Interventions in Veterans</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/14">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040014</a></p> <p>Authors: David Cosio Madison Simons </p> <p>Background: Efforts to increase acceptance and reduce avoidance behaviors in patients who suffer from chronic pain are likely to have additional beneficial effects on pain management. The primary aim of the current study was to evaluate whether a sequential approach to treatment, where acceptance-based coping strategies are taught prior to problem-focused coping strategies using manualized group therapies, improves pain-related outcomes. Methods: The current investigation is a single-group, longitudinal ex post facto study. A sample of 168 Veterans participated in the current study at a midwestern VA medical center. All participants were administered a standard pre- and post-intervention assessment battery. The primary outcome analysis was a 4 &amp;amp;times; 2 repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance. Results: The current study did not find a significant interaction effect for intervention x time but did find a significant main effect for time. All treatment conditions were associated with decreases in pain severity, pain interference, illness-focused coping strategies, catastrophizing behaviors, and global distress. Participation in both of the combined groups did not produce significantly different pain-related outcomes compared to participation in one group. Conclusion: These findings reinforce common factors theory in psychotherapy and provide insight into treatment dosage for patients who suffer from chronic pain. The current findings underline the importance of researching pain management, as it is a fundamental aspect of clinical practice, training, and research in rheumatology.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>An Exploration of the Implications of Sequencing Order on Group Pain Interventions in Veterans</dc:title> <dc:creator>David Cosio</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Madison Simons</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040014</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-10-17</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-10-17</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>98</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2040014</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/14</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/13"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 93-97: Unusual Case Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Young Woman</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/13</link> <description>Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease. Serositis occurs in 16% of SLE patients, and while cardiac tamponade and acute peritonitis with ascites can occur during the course of the disease, they are rare as the first presentation. A 25-year-old woman presented to the emergency department in Tishreen Hospital with complaints of dyspnea, fever, chills, and chest and abdominal pain. Two months prior, she suffered from musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss of about 15 kg, severe hair loss, and recurrent oral aphthous. On clinical examination, the patient was pale and tired with dyspnea and pitting edema (grade 3&amp;amp;ndash;4). Pericardiocentesis was emergently performed because there were signs of cardiac tamponade. Three days later, the patient developed an acute surgical abdomen due to acute peritonitis and ascites. Later, the patient was diagnosed with SLE after excluding malignant and infectious diseases. Consequently, methylprednisolone pulses, azathioprine, and hydroxychloroquine 200 mg/day were introduced immediately. The clinical status of the patient dramatically improved, and three months later, the patient was symptom-free with normal laboratory tests. In conclusion, although cardiac tamponade and acute surgical abdomen because of acute peritonitis and ascites as the initial presentation of SLE are very rare, they can occur coincidently.</description> <pubDate>2022-10-14</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 93-97: Unusual Case Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Young Woman</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/13">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040013</a></p> <p>Authors: Samaher Almousa Hala Wannous Kamar Khedr Heba Qasem </p> <p>Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease. Serositis occurs in 16% of SLE patients, and while cardiac tamponade and acute peritonitis with ascites can occur during the course of the disease, they are rare as the first presentation. A 25-year-old woman presented to the emergency department in Tishreen Hospital with complaints of dyspnea, fever, chills, and chest and abdominal pain. Two months prior, she suffered from musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss of about 15 kg, severe hair loss, and recurrent oral aphthous. On clinical examination, the patient was pale and tired with dyspnea and pitting edema (grade 3&amp;amp;ndash;4). Pericardiocentesis was emergently performed because there were signs of cardiac tamponade. Three days later, the patient developed an acute surgical abdomen due to acute peritonitis and ascites. Later, the patient was diagnosed with SLE after excluding malignant and infectious diseases. Consequently, methylprednisolone pulses, azathioprine, and hydroxychloroquine 200 mg/day were introduced immediately. The clinical status of the patient dramatically improved, and three months later, the patient was symptom-free with normal laboratory tests. In conclusion, although cardiac tamponade and acute surgical abdomen because of acute peritonitis and ascites as the initial presentation of SLE are very rare, they can occur coincidently.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Unusual Case Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Young Woman</dc:title> <dc:creator>Samaher Almousa</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Hala Wannous</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Kamar Khedr</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Heba Qasem</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040013</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-10-14</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-10-14</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Case Report</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>93</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2040013</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/13</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/12"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 90-92: Extirpating Inherently Biased Rote Approaches and Replacing Them with Critical-Thinking-Based Interpretation of Evidence</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/12</link> <description>Scientific methodology (logos) is predicated upon generating hypotheses and testing them, following where the collected data and evidence lead [...]</description> <pubDate>2022-10-08</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 90-92: Extirpating Inherently Biased Rote Approaches and Replacing Them with Critical-Thinking-Based Interpretation of Evidence</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/12">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040012</a></p> <p>Authors: Bruce Rothschild </p> <p>Scientific methodology (logos) is predicated upon generating hypotheses and testing them, following where the collected data and evidence lead [...]</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Extirpating Inherently Biased Rote Approaches and Replacing Them with Critical-Thinking-Based Interpretation of Evidence</dc:title> <dc:creator>Bruce Rothschild</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040012</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-10-08</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-10-08</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Editorial</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>90</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2040012</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/12</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/11"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 87-89: Replacing Surf and Turf Medical Care: A Clarion Call for the Incorporation of Rheumatology as an Integral Component of Primary Care Education</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/11</link> <description>The current time/experience allotted for rheumatology in primary care education seems like paying lip service to a medical education clinical approach consisting of: 1 [...]</description> <pubDate>2022-09-20</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 87-89: Replacing Surf and Turf Medical Care: A Clarion Call for the Incorporation of Rheumatology as an Integral Component of Primary Care Education</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/11">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040011</a></p> <p>Authors: Bruce Rothschild </p> <p>The current time/experience allotted for rheumatology in primary care education seems like paying lip service to a medical education clinical approach consisting of: 1 [...]</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Replacing Surf and Turf Medical Care: A Clarion Call for the Incorporation of Rheumatology as an Integral Component of Primary Care Education</dc:title> <dc:creator>Bruce Rothschild</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2040011</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-09-20</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-09-20</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> <prism:section>Editorial</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>87</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2040011</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/4/11</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/10"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 74-86: Immunopathology of Behcet&amp;rsquo;s Disease: An Overview of the Metagenomic Approaches</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/10</link> <description>The impact of the microbiota residing in the body on local and systemic immune responses has been increasingly recognized. The major gut microbe metabolites&amp;amp;rsquo; short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are suggested to regulate the balance between regulatory (Treg) cells and helper T 17 (Th17) cells in physiological and pathological conditions by enhancing regulatory T (Treg) cell function through epigenetic modifications. Patients with Behcet&amp;amp;rsquo;s disease (BD) exhibited enhanced Th17 cell-mediated immune responses and decreased intestinal relative abundances of SCFA-producing bacteria. Causal correlations between aberrant immune responses and gut microbial composition in patients with BD have been reported in Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, China, and Japan. We reported that the gut and oral microbiota profiles of patients with BD shared some common features. Immune responses against both commensal and pathogenic microbes may play a crucial role in BD development. This review summarizes the current literature, which was retrieved from public databases, such as PubMed and MEDLINE using search terms, including Behcet&amp;amp;rsquo;s disease, helper T cells, and microbiota, during 1970&amp;amp;ndash;2022, on the potential functional correlation between immune cells and microbiota in patients with BD.</description> <pubDate>2022-09-02</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 74-86: Immunopathology of Behcet&amp;rsquo;s Disease: An Overview of the Metagenomic Approaches</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/10">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2030010</a></p> <p>Authors: Jun Shimizu Masanori A. Murayama Yoshishige Miyabe Noboru Suzuki </p> <p>The impact of the microbiota residing in the body on local and systemic immune responses has been increasingly recognized. The major gut microbe metabolites&amp;amp;rsquo; short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are suggested to regulate the balance between regulatory (Treg) cells and helper T 17 (Th17) cells in physiological and pathological conditions by enhancing regulatory T (Treg) cell function through epigenetic modifications. Patients with Behcet&amp;amp;rsquo;s disease (BD) exhibited enhanced Th17 cell-mediated immune responses and decreased intestinal relative abundances of SCFA-producing bacteria. Causal correlations between aberrant immune responses and gut microbial composition in patients with BD have been reported in Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, China, and Japan. We reported that the gut and oral microbiota profiles of patients with BD shared some common features. Immune responses against both commensal and pathogenic microbes may play a crucial role in BD development. This review summarizes the current literature, which was retrieved from public databases, such as PubMed and MEDLINE using search terms, including Behcet&amp;amp;rsquo;s disease, helper T cells, and microbiota, during 1970&amp;amp;ndash;2022, on the potential functional correlation between immune cells and microbiota in patients with BD.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Immunopathology of Behcet&amp;amp;rsquo;s Disease: An Overview of the Metagenomic Approaches</dc:title> <dc:creator>Jun Shimizu</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Masanori A. Murayama</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Yoshishige Miyabe</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Noboru Suzuki</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2030010</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-09-02</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-09-02</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>3</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>74</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2030010</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/10</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/9"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 69-73: A Case of Rheumatoid Meningitis</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/9</link> <description>Rheumatoid meningitis, a very rare complication, is not well-recognised, and there are few reports describing its treatment. We report the case of a 74-year-old Japanese woman who was diagnosed with rheumatoid meningitis by characteristic brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and was successfully treated with glucocorticoids. We observed fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging hyperintensity, which had a meningeal gadolinium-enhancing characteristic of rheumatoid meningitis. We suggest that it is possible to diagnose this disease based on characteristic MRI findings and treat patients early using glucocorticoids.</description> <pubDate>2022-08-03</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 69-73: A Case of Rheumatoid Meningitis</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/9">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2030009</a></p> <p>Authors: Takafumi Tomizuka Hirotoshi Kikuchi Kurumi Asako Hajime Kono </p> <p>Rheumatoid meningitis, a very rare complication, is not well-recognised, and there are few reports describing its treatment. We report the case of a 74-year-old Japanese woman who was diagnosed with rheumatoid meningitis by characteristic brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and was successfully treated with glucocorticoids. We observed fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging hyperintensity, which had a meningeal gadolinium-enhancing characteristic of rheumatoid meningitis. We suggest that it is possible to diagnose this disease based on characteristic MRI findings and treat patients early using glucocorticoids.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>A Case of Rheumatoid Meningitis</dc:title> <dc:creator>Takafumi Tomizuka</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Hirotoshi Kikuchi</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Kurumi Asako</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Hajime Kono</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2030009</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-08-03</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-08-03</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>3</prism:number> <prism:section>Case Report</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>69</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2030009</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/9</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/8"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 55-68: Passive Microwave Radiometry as a Component of Imaging Diagnostics in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/8</link> <description>Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a disease with unknown causes in all forms of arthritis in children under 16 years of age. It is diagnosed when other joint pathologies are excluded. Difficulties in early and differential diagnoses lead to rapid disability and an unfavorable life prognosis. Therefore, a timely diagnosis is necessary to prevent irreversible damage to joints and preserve their function. Due to the widespread use of new technologies, modern multimodal imaging has gained recognition, including radiography, ultrasound, and MRI. The combination of methods plays a key role in confirming the diagnosis, monitoring the disease activity, the prognosis during the disease course, and the outcome in children with JIA. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. The introduction of passive microwave radiometry (MWR), in combination with other imaging methods, makes it possible to expand the possibilities of screening the disease in the preclinical and early clinical phases.</description> <pubDate>2022-07-04</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 55-68: Passive Microwave Radiometry as a Component of Imaging Diagnostics in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/8">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2030008</a></p> <p>Authors: Alexander V. Tarakanov Elena S. Ladanova Alexander A. Lebedenko Tatyana D. Tarakanova Sergey G. Vesnin Tatyana Kharybina Igor I. Goryanin </p> <p>Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a disease with unknown causes in all forms of arthritis in children under 16 years of age. It is diagnosed when other joint pathologies are excluded. Difficulties in early and differential diagnoses lead to rapid disability and an unfavorable life prognosis. Therefore, a timely diagnosis is necessary to prevent irreversible damage to joints and preserve their function. Due to the widespread use of new technologies, modern multimodal imaging has gained recognition, including radiography, ultrasound, and MRI. The combination of methods plays a key role in confirming the diagnosis, monitoring the disease activity, the prognosis during the disease course, and the outcome in children with JIA. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. The introduction of passive microwave radiometry (MWR), in combination with other imaging methods, makes it possible to expand the possibilities of screening the disease in the preclinical and early clinical phases.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Passive Microwave Radiometry as a Component of Imaging Diagnostics in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis</dc:title> <dc:creator>Alexander V. Tarakanov</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Elena S. Ladanova</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Alexander A. Lebedenko</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Tatyana D. Tarakanova</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Sergey G. Vesnin</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Tatyana Kharybina</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Igor I. Goryanin</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2030008</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-07-04</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-07-04</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>3</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>55</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2030008</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/8</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/7"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 52-54: The Lumping/Splitting Conversation Related to Fibromyalgia in Rheumatology: Does It Matter?</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/7</link> <description>Diagnoses for which there are no pathognomonic laboratory tests are highly dependent on the opinions we call clinical judgement [...]</description> <pubDate>2022-06-28</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 52-54: The Lumping/Splitting Conversation Related to Fibromyalgia in Rheumatology: Does It Matter?</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/7">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2030007</a></p> <p>Authors: Bruce M. Rothschild </p> <p>Diagnoses for which there are no pathognomonic laboratory tests are highly dependent on the opinions we call clinical judgement [...]</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>The Lumping/Splitting Conversation Related to Fibromyalgia in Rheumatology: Does It Matter?</dc:title> <dc:creator>Bruce M. Rothschild</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2030007</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-06-28</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-06-28</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>3</prism:number> <prism:section>Editorial</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>52</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2030007</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/3/7</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/2/6"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 46-51: Fine Wine and Gout</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/2/6</link> <description>From ancient times to the present day, gout has been associated in the popular and scientific literature with wealthy men who overindulge in fancy foods, fine wine, and debauchery. Curiously, amongst diseases, gout was thought to be good, a malady to be accepted because of otherwise beneficial effects on health, and longevity. This narrative review critically examines the history of these associations and explores in detail the pathogenic factors contributing to development of gout prior to the 20th century. While lead toxicity has been previously implicated with wine, the specific association of gout and fine wine can be attributed to lead complexes in products such as sapa, a grape extract used to sweeten wine, in addition to lead nanoparticles leached from crystal glassware and lead glazed dinner plates. The health benefits of gout can be attributed to lead complexes in fine wine and lead nanoparticles from glazed dinnerware. These compounds have excellent antibacterial properties, thereby inhibiting the presence of pathogenic bacteria in foodstuffs. Probing the association of gout and fine wine provides a very well documented example of how the pathogenesis of disease becomes better understood with the passage of time and continuing, persistent scientific enquiry.</description> <pubDate>2022-05-31</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 46-51: Fine Wine and Gout</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/2/6">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2020006</a></p> <p>Authors: Kenneth P. H. Pritzker Andrea R. Pritzker </p> <p>From ancient times to the present day, gout has been associated in the popular and scientific literature with wealthy men who overindulge in fancy foods, fine wine, and debauchery. Curiously, amongst diseases, gout was thought to be good, a malady to be accepted because of otherwise beneficial effects on health, and longevity. This narrative review critically examines the history of these associations and explores in detail the pathogenic factors contributing to development of gout prior to the 20th century. While lead toxicity has been previously implicated with wine, the specific association of gout and fine wine can be attributed to lead complexes in products such as sapa, a grape extract used to sweeten wine, in addition to lead nanoparticles leached from crystal glassware and lead glazed dinner plates. The health benefits of gout can be attributed to lead complexes in fine wine and lead nanoparticles from glazed dinnerware. These compounds have excellent antibacterial properties, thereby inhibiting the presence of pathogenic bacteria in foodstuffs. Probing the association of gout and fine wine provides a very well documented example of how the pathogenesis of disease becomes better understood with the passage of time and continuing, persistent scientific enquiry.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Fine Wine and Gout</dc:title> <dc:creator>Kenneth P. H. Pritzker</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Andrea R. Pritzker</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2020006</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-05-31</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-05-31</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>2</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>46</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2020006</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/2/6</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/2/5"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 34-45: Kawasaki Disease: Management Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic with an Upsurge in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/2/5</link> <description>Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile illness, principally affecting children under 5 years, due to a systemic vasculitis of obscure etiology. In 2017, the American Heart Association published the diagnostic criteria for KD in their scientific statement. Following the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there has been an upsurge in the reports of KD as well as a novel multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Clinical manifestations of MIS-C are similar to KD and toxic-shock syndrome, making the clinical diagnosis challenging. Studies have shown promising results to differentiate KD from MIS-C using epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and immunological characteristics. Serological evidence may be negative in these patients at presentation, as MIS-C is a late manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 exposure. However, diagnosis and management challenges currently exist due to a gap in knowledge of these conditions. Further research is warranted to identify diagnostic tools to differentiate KD and MIS-C and optimize the therapeutic strategy, reducing morbidity and mortality related to these phenotypically similar diseases. This review aims to highlight the best available evidence for managing children with KD and MIS-C in the background of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.</description> <pubDate>2022-04-02</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 34-45: Kawasaki Disease: Management Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic with an Upsurge in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/2/5">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2020005</a></p> <p>Authors: Gillian Hendriks Suresh Chandran </p> <p>Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile illness, principally affecting children under 5 years, due to a systemic vasculitis of obscure etiology. In 2017, the American Heart Association published the diagnostic criteria for KD in their scientific statement. Following the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there has been an upsurge in the reports of KD as well as a novel multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Clinical manifestations of MIS-C are similar to KD and toxic-shock syndrome, making the clinical diagnosis challenging. Studies have shown promising results to differentiate KD from MIS-C using epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and immunological characteristics. Serological evidence may be negative in these patients at presentation, as MIS-C is a late manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 exposure. However, diagnosis and management challenges currently exist due to a gap in knowledge of these conditions. Further research is warranted to identify diagnostic tools to differentiate KD and MIS-C and optimize the therapeutic strategy, reducing morbidity and mortality related to these phenotypically similar diseases. This review aims to highlight the best available evidence for managing children with KD and MIS-C in the background of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Kawasaki Disease: Management Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic with an Upsurge in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children</dc:title> <dc:creator>Gillian Hendriks</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Suresh Chandran</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2020005</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-04-02</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-04-02</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>2</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>34</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2020005</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/2/5</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/4"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 24-33: Diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease Presenting with Limited and Faint Principal Clinical Features</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/4</link> <description>Background: We examined the characteristics of Kawasaki disease (KD) patients who presented with limited and faint principal clinical features. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 62 KD patients who presented with limited and faint clinical features at admission. A clinical feature that was recognizable by even junior doctors was defined as a definite feature (d-Feature), and a feature that was faint and recognizable by only experienced doctors was defined as a faint feature (f-Feature). Results: At admission, 82% of patients presented with fever and &amp;amp;le;1 d-Feature. Two days later, the d-Features increased in number and diagnoses of KD were established in 32 patients with fever and &amp;amp;ge;4 d-Features. In 30 patients with &amp;amp;le;3 d-Features, experienced doctors recognized f-Features and diagnosed KD in 22 patients because of fever and &amp;amp;ge;4 features. Among eight patients with &amp;amp;le;3 features, experienced doctors diagnosed six patients as incomplete KD considering their faint abnormal echocardiographic findings. For the remaining two patients, experienced doctors decided to commence KD treatments considering the patients&amp;amp;rsquo; clinical course. Conclusions: Sufficient clinical experience is essential during the diagnosis of KD in patients presenting with limited and f-Features. Educational programs for junior doctors on how to recognize f-Features and evaluate faint abnormal coronary artery findings are necessary.</description> <pubDate>2022-03-01</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 24-33: Diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease Presenting with Limited and Faint Principal Clinical Features</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/4">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2010004</a></p> <p>Authors: Yuichi Nomura Yuta Mikami Kiminori Masuda Yoshikazu Kato Naho Nakazaki Hiromi Ikeda Masako Hirabayashi Ryo Kusubae Koji Sameshima </p> <p>Background: We examined the characteristics of Kawasaki disease (KD) patients who presented with limited and faint principal clinical features. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 62 KD patients who presented with limited and faint clinical features at admission. A clinical feature that was recognizable by even junior doctors was defined as a definite feature (d-Feature), and a feature that was faint and recognizable by only experienced doctors was defined as a faint feature (f-Feature). Results: At admission, 82% of patients presented with fever and &amp;amp;le;1 d-Feature. Two days later, the d-Features increased in number and diagnoses of KD were established in 32 patients with fever and &amp;amp;ge;4 d-Features. In 30 patients with &amp;amp;le;3 d-Features, experienced doctors recognized f-Features and diagnosed KD in 22 patients because of fever and &amp;amp;ge;4 features. Among eight patients with &amp;amp;le;3 features, experienced doctors diagnosed six patients as incomplete KD considering their faint abnormal echocardiographic findings. For the remaining two patients, experienced doctors decided to commence KD treatments considering the patients&amp;amp;rsquo; clinical course. Conclusions: Sufficient clinical experience is essential during the diagnosis of KD in patients presenting with limited and f-Features. Educational programs for junior doctors on how to recognize f-Features and evaluate faint abnormal coronary artery findings are necessary.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease Presenting with Limited and Faint Principal Clinical Features</dc:title> <dc:creator>Yuichi Nomura</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Yuta Mikami</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Kiminori Masuda</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Yoshikazu Kato</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Naho Nakazaki</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Hiromi Ikeda</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Masako Hirabayashi</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Ryo Kusubae</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Koji Sameshima</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2010004</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-03-01</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-03-01</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>24</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2010004</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/4</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/3"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 15-23: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity May Predict Disease Severity in Psoriasis</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/3</link> <description>Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease, with many genetic risk factors, one of which seems to be the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism. ACE activity has been shown to be higher in psoriatic patients and it suggests an oxidative stress state, as seen in many cardiovascular disorders. We aimed to explore the association between ACE activity and polymorphisms and cardiovascular risk amongst psoriatic patients. We included 64 psoriatic patients and 1091 controls and compared ACE I/D polymorphism genotype and serum activity for both groups. ACE genotypes were similar in psoriatic patients and controls. Notably, serum ACE activity was higher in psoriatic patients (19.09 &amp;amp;plusmn; 2.86 U/mL) compared to controls (11.85 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.40 U/mL), p = 0.015. Non-HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in II polymorphism (p = 0.037). Psoriatic activity (PASI) was associated with a higher cardiovascular risk estimated by lower HDL concentrations (r = &amp;amp;minus;0.496, p = 0.007), and higher triglyceride levels (r = 0.421, p = 0.020) and TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios (r = 0.612, p &amp;amp;lt; 0.001 and r = 0.437, p = 0.023, respectively). Patients with psoriasis have higher ACE activity levels, independent of ACE genotype. Moreover, disease activity correlated with cardiovascular risk. This could support the eventual role of ACE as a possible biomarker for disease severity and cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients.</description> <pubDate>2022-02-14</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 15-23: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity May Predict Disease Severity in Psoriasis</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/3">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2010003</a></p> <p>Authors: Matilde Bandeira 脗ngela Gil Ana Carolina Santos Vasco C. Rom茫o M谩rio Rui Mascarenhas Paulo Filipe Jo茫o Eurico Fonseca Manuel Bicho </p> <p>Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease, with many genetic risk factors, one of which seems to be the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism. ACE activity has been shown to be higher in psoriatic patients and it suggests an oxidative stress state, as seen in many cardiovascular disorders. We aimed to explore the association between ACE activity and polymorphisms and cardiovascular risk amongst psoriatic patients. We included 64 psoriatic patients and 1091 controls and compared ACE I/D polymorphism genotype and serum activity for both groups. ACE genotypes were similar in psoriatic patients and controls. Notably, serum ACE activity was higher in psoriatic patients (19.09 &amp;amp;plusmn; 2.86 U/mL) compared to controls (11.85 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.40 U/mL), p = 0.015. Non-HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in II polymorphism (p = 0.037). Psoriatic activity (PASI) was associated with a higher cardiovascular risk estimated by lower HDL concentrations (r = &amp;amp;minus;0.496, p = 0.007), and higher triglyceride levels (r = 0.421, p = 0.020) and TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios (r = 0.612, p &amp;amp;lt; 0.001 and r = 0.437, p = 0.023, respectively). Patients with psoriasis have higher ACE activity levels, independent of ACE genotype. Moreover, disease activity correlated with cardiovascular risk. This could support the eventual role of ACE as a possible biomarker for disease severity and cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity May Predict Disease Severity in Psoriasis</dc:title> <dc:creator>Matilde Bandeira</dc:creator> <dc:creator>脗ngela Gil</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Ana Carolina Santos</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Vasco C. Rom茫o</dc:creator> <dc:creator>M谩rio Rui Mascarenhas</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Paulo Filipe</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Jo茫o Eurico Fonseca</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Manuel Bicho</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2010003</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-02-14</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-02-14</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>15</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2010003</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/3</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/2"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 2-14: Ultrasound Features across Subtypes of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/2</link> <description>Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) features across categories of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination including disease assessment parameters and laboratory investigations. In addition, all children were examined by both grayscale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) MSUS images. Results: By MSUS, the number of joints with synovial effusion was 697 of a total 2400 examined joints (29%) and joints with synovial thickening counted 673 (28%). The number of joints with positive PD signals was 446 (18.6%). There was a significant difference among JIA subtypes as regards different MSUS features. Moreover, there was a discrepancy regarding synovial effusion (p = 0.018), hypertrophy scores (p = 0.013), and the total US severity score (p = 0.026). This divergence was attributed to the significant difference between systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) and other categories. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of MSUS in JIA and its subtypes were calculated. Conclusion: MSUS is a highly sensitive method for detecting synovitis, tenosynovitis, and erosive bone disease, and it helps to make proper therapeutic decisions. There was a significant difference among JIA subtypes regarding MSUS features.</description> <pubDate>2022-01-29</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 2-14: Ultrasound Features across Subtypes of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/2">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2010002</a></p> <p>Authors: Doaa Mosad Mosa Ashraf M. Abdelrahman Amany S. El-Bahnasawy </p> <p>Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) features across categories of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination including disease assessment parameters and laboratory investigations. In addition, all children were examined by both grayscale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) MSUS images. Results: By MSUS, the number of joints with synovial effusion was 697 of a total 2400 examined joints (29%) and joints with synovial thickening counted 673 (28%). The number of joints with positive PD signals was 446 (18.6%). There was a significant difference among JIA subtypes as regards different MSUS features. Moreover, there was a discrepancy regarding synovial effusion (p = 0.018), hypertrophy scores (p = 0.013), and the total US severity score (p = 0.026). This divergence was attributed to the significant difference between systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) and other categories. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of MSUS in JIA and its subtypes were calculated. Conclusion: MSUS is a highly sensitive method for detecting synovitis, tenosynovitis, and erosive bone disease, and it helps to make proper therapeutic decisions. There was a significant difference among JIA subtypes regarding MSUS features.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Ultrasound Features across Subtypes of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis</dc:title> <dc:creator>Doaa Mosad Mosa</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Ashraf M. Abdelrahman</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Amany S. El-Bahnasawy</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2010002</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-01-29</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-01-29</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>2</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2010002</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/2</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/1"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 1: Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Rheumato in 2021</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/1</link> <description>Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]</description> <pubDate>2022-01-26</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 2, Pages 1: Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Rheumato in 2021</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/1">doi: 10.3390/rheumato2010001</a></p> <p>Authors: Rheumato Editorial Office Rheumato Editorial Office </p> <p>Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Rheumato in 2021</dc:title> <dc:creator>Rheumato Editorial Office Rheumato Editorial Office</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato2010001</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2022-01-26</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2022-01-26</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>2</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Editorial</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>1</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato2010001</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/2/1/1</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/5"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 1, Pages 22-30: The Efficacy of Sequential Biologic Agents in Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis after Failure of Initial DMARD and anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/5</link> <description>Introduction/Objective: The efficacy of biologic therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been well-established but, in practice, a quarter of patients will either not respond to the first biologic agent or will suffer an adverse event requiring a switch to a different drug. While clinical guidelines exist to help guide therapy and previous studies have examined sequential use of anti-TNF agents, there is little data to inform a multiple switch strategy. Our aim was to measure the efficacy of multiple switches of biologic in severe refractory RA. Methods: We enrolled 111 patients whose therapy with one anti-TNF agent had failed in this open-label observational study. These patients were all treated with a second biologic agent and 27 ultimately required treatment with a third. The response to the therapy and disease activity were assessed at 6 and 12 months after each switch. Results: The remission rates at 6 months were lower than previously reported and the initiation of a second biologic agent resulted in significant improvement at 12 months, including DAS remission in 36% of patients. The response in those receiving a third biologic was less pronounced, as might be expected in this relatively treatment-refractory population. In this group, only patients treated with tocilizumab had maintained remission at one year. Conclusion: Patients who do not respond to an anti-TNF agent often benefit from being switched to a second, or even third, biologic. Importantly, it may take longer than expected to fully assess the effectiveness of a second or third agent in patients with refractory disease.</description> <pubDate>2021-12-21</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 1, Pages 22-30: The Efficacy of Sequential Biologic Agents in Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis after Failure of Initial DMARD and anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/5">doi: 10.3390/rheumato1010005</a></p> <p>Authors: Antonio Giovanni Versace Caterina Oriana Aragona Daniela La Rosa Marianna Chiappalone Maria Concetta Tringali Alberta De Gaetano Charles Frederick Moore Donatella Sangari William Neal Roberts Gianluca Bagnato </p> <p>Introduction/Objective: The efficacy of biologic therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been well-established but, in practice, a quarter of patients will either not respond to the first biologic agent or will suffer an adverse event requiring a switch to a different drug. While clinical guidelines exist to help guide therapy and previous studies have examined sequential use of anti-TNF agents, there is little data to inform a multiple switch strategy. Our aim was to measure the efficacy of multiple switches of biologic in severe refractory RA. Methods: We enrolled 111 patients whose therapy with one anti-TNF agent had failed in this open-label observational study. These patients were all treated with a second biologic agent and 27 ultimately required treatment with a third. The response to the therapy and disease activity were assessed at 6 and 12 months after each switch. Results: The remission rates at 6 months were lower than previously reported and the initiation of a second biologic agent resulted in significant improvement at 12 months, including DAS remission in 36% of patients. The response in those receiving a third biologic was less pronounced, as might be expected in this relatively treatment-refractory population. In this group, only patients treated with tocilizumab had maintained remission at one year. Conclusion: Patients who do not respond to an anti-TNF agent often benefit from being switched to a second, or even third, biologic. Importantly, it may take longer than expected to fully assess the effectiveness of a second or third agent in patients with refractory disease.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>The Efficacy of Sequential Biologic Agents in Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis after Failure of Initial DMARD and anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy</dc:title> <dc:creator>Antonio Giovanni Versace</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Caterina Oriana Aragona</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Daniela La Rosa</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Marianna Chiappalone</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Maria Concetta Tringali</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Alberta De Gaetano</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Charles Frederick Moore</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Donatella Sangari</dc:creator> <dc:creator>William Neal Roberts</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Gianluca Bagnato</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato1010005</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2021-12-21</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2021-12-21</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>1</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Article</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>22</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato1010005</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/5</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/4"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 1, Pages 17-21: An Unusual Case of &amp;ldquo;Conjugal&amp;rdquo; Polymyalgia Rheumatica after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/4</link> <description>The rare occurrence of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in married couples has been reported in the literature. Susceptibility to PMR is contributed by genetic and environmental factors and cases of PMR developing after influenza vaccine have also been described, in a debated phenomenon known as &amp;amp;lsquo;ASIA&amp;amp;rsquo; syndrome. We report the case of two cohabitating married patients developing PMR few weeks after the first dose of ChAdOx1-S SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Both patients presented with typical symptoms suggestive of PMR. Laboratory findings and ultrasound examination confirmed the diagnosis. Glucocorticoid therapy led to rapid improvment of symptoms. Anti-receptor-binding domain IgG titre was tested and, eight weeks after vaccination, both patients showed no antibody response. It has been suggested that vaccines might trigger autoimmune or inflammatory states in predisposed individuals and various hypotheses have been made regarding the pathogenesis of PMR. Although the causative effect of vaccines cannot be determined, the close temporal correlation observed in our case supports the potential role of environmental factors in triggering the onset of PMR. However, the literature indicates that post-COVID19 vaccination immune-mediated or inflammatory adverse events are extremely rare and vaccination should be encouraged since the benefit largely outweighs possible risks.</description> <pubDate>2021-11-30</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 1, Pages 17-21: An Unusual Case of &amp;ldquo;Conjugal&amp;rdquo; Polymyalgia Rheumatica after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/4">doi: 10.3390/rheumato1010004</a></p> <p>Authors: Elena Vanni Jacopo Ciaffi Luana Mancarella Francesco Ursini </p> <p>The rare occurrence of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in married couples has been reported in the literature. Susceptibility to PMR is contributed by genetic and environmental factors and cases of PMR developing after influenza vaccine have also been described, in a debated phenomenon known as &amp;amp;lsquo;ASIA&amp;amp;rsquo; syndrome. We report the case of two cohabitating married patients developing PMR few weeks after the first dose of ChAdOx1-S SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Both patients presented with typical symptoms suggestive of PMR. Laboratory findings and ultrasound examination confirmed the diagnosis. Glucocorticoid therapy led to rapid improvment of symptoms. Anti-receptor-binding domain IgG titre was tested and, eight weeks after vaccination, both patients showed no antibody response. It has been suggested that vaccines might trigger autoimmune or inflammatory states in predisposed individuals and various hypotheses have been made regarding the pathogenesis of PMR. Although the causative effect of vaccines cannot be determined, the close temporal correlation observed in our case supports the potential role of environmental factors in triggering the onset of PMR. However, the literature indicates that post-COVID19 vaccination immune-mediated or inflammatory adverse events are extremely rare and vaccination should be encouraged since the benefit largely outweighs possible risks.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>An Unusual Case of &amp;amp;ldquo;Conjugal&amp;amp;rdquo; Polymyalgia Rheumatica after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination</dc:title> <dc:creator>Elena Vanni</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Jacopo Ciaffi</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Luana Mancarella</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Francesco Ursini</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato1010004</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2021-11-30</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2021-11-30</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>1</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Case Report</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>17</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato1010004</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/4</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/3"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 1, Pages 5-16: The Influence of Dietary Intervention in Connective Tissue Diseases: Evidence from Randomized Clinical Trials</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/3</link> <description>The aim of this review is to identify and discuss randomized clinical trials conducted in patients with connective tissue diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, vasculitis, Sj&amp;amp;ouml;gren&amp;amp;rsquo;s syndrome, and systemic sclerosis. Although limited, the results obtained with bioactive compounds, namely n-3 polyunsaturated and short-chain fatty acids, demonstrate that dietary intervention and nutritional counseling might have an important role as adjuvant therapy in patients with connective tissue diseases, particularly in the light of the comorbidities which characterize these conditions.</description> <pubDate>2021-11-29</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 1, Pages 5-16: The Influence of Dietary Intervention in Connective Tissue Diseases: Evidence from Randomized Clinical Trials</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/3">doi: 10.3390/rheumato1010003</a></p> <p>Authors: Francesca Oliviero Paola Galozzi Elisabetta Zanatta Mariele Gatto Paolo Spinella Andrea Doria </p> <p>The aim of this review is to identify and discuss randomized clinical trials conducted in patients with connective tissue diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, vasculitis, Sj&amp;amp;ouml;gren&amp;amp;rsquo;s syndrome, and systemic sclerosis. Although limited, the results obtained with bioactive compounds, namely n-3 polyunsaturated and short-chain fatty acids, demonstrate that dietary intervention and nutritional counseling might have an important role as adjuvant therapy in patients with connective tissue diseases, particularly in the light of the comorbidities which characterize these conditions.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>The Influence of Dietary Intervention in Connective Tissue Diseases: Evidence from Randomized Clinical Trials</dc:title> <dc:creator>Francesca Oliviero</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Paola Galozzi</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Elisabetta Zanatta</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Mariele Gatto</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Paolo Spinella</dc:creator> <dc:creator>Andrea Doria</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato1010003</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2021-11-29</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2021-11-29</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>1</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Review</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>5</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato1010003</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/3</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/2"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 1, Pages 2-4: Return to the Basics: Examination for Birefringence and Its Direction Is Critical to Diagnosis of Gout</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/2</link> <description>In the spirit of initiating a new journal for Rheumato, it is pertinent to review the attention to the basics that first established the field as an evidence-based approach to recognition and treatment of arthritis and multisystem diseases and the reputation of its disciples as resources for solving diagnostic dilemmas [...]</description> <pubDate>2021-10-27</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 1, Pages 2-4: Return to the Basics: Examination for Birefringence and Its Direction Is Critical to Diagnosis of Gout</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/2">doi: 10.3390/rheumato1010002</a></p> <p>Authors: Bruce M. Rothschild </p> <p>In the spirit of initiating a new journal for Rheumato, it is pertinent to review the attention to the basics that first established the field as an evidence-based approach to recognition and treatment of arthritis and multisystem diseases and the reputation of its disciples as resources for solving diagnostic dilemmas [...]</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Return to the Basics: Examination for Birefringence and Its Direction Is Critical to Diagnosis of Gout</dc:title> <dc:creator>Bruce M. Rothschild</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato1010002</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2021-10-27</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2021-10-27</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>1</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Editorial</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>2</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato1010002</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/2</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <item rdf:about="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/1"> <title>Rheumato, Vol. 1, Pages 1: Publisher鈥檚 Note: Rheumato鈥擜 New Open Access Journal</title> <link>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/1</link> <description>As one of the top four scholarly journal publishers in the world [...]</description> <pubDate>2021-08-12</pubDate> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><b>Rheumato, Vol. 1, Pages 1: Publisher鈥檚 Note: Rheumato鈥擜 New Open Access Journal</b></p> <p>Rheumato <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/1">doi: 10.3390/rheumato1010001</a></p> <p>Authors: Cl脿udia Aun贸s </p> <p>As one of the top four scholarly journal publishers in the world [...]</p> ]]></content:encoded> <dc:title>Publisher鈥檚 Note: Rheumato鈥擜 New Open Access Journal</dc:title> <dc:creator>Cl脿udia Aun贸s</dc:creator> <dc:identifier>doi: 10.3390/rheumato1010001</dc:identifier> <dc:source>Rheumato</dc:source> <dc:date>2021-08-12</dc:date> <prism:publicationName>Rheumato</prism:publicationName> <prism:publicationDate>2021-08-12</prism:publicationDate> <prism:volume>1</prism:volume> <prism:number>1</prism:number> <prism:section>Editorial</prism:section> <prism:startingPage>1</prism:startingPage> <prism:doi>10.3390/rheumato1010001</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0621/1/1/1</prism:url> <cc:license rdf:resource="CC BY 4.0"/> </item> <cc:License rdf:about="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"> <cc:permits rdf:resource="https://creativecommons.org/ns#Reproduction" /> <cc:permits rdf:resource="https://creativecommons.org/ns#Distribution" /> <cc:permits rdf:resource="https://creativecommons.org/ns#DerivativeWorks" /> </cc:License> </rdf:RDF>