1. |
- Sliz, E., et al.
(author)
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Evidence of a causal effect of genetic tendency to gain muscle mass on uterine leiomyomata
- 2023
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Uterine leiomyomata (UL) are the most common tumours of the female genital tract and the primary cause of surgical removal of the uterus. Genetic factors contribute to UL susceptibility. To add understanding to the heritable genetic risk factors, we conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of UL in up to 426,558 European women from FinnGen and a previous UL meta-GWAS. In addition to the 50 known UL loci, we identify 22 loci that have not been associated with UL in prior studies. UL-associated loci harbour genes enriched for development, growth, and cellular senescence. Of particular interest are the smooth muscle cell differentiation and proliferation-regulating genes functioning on the myocardin-cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A pathway. Our results further suggest that genetic predisposition to increased fat-free mass may be causally related to higher UL risk, underscoring the involvement of altered muscle tissue biology in UL pathophysiology. Overall, our findings add to the understanding of the genetic pathways underlying UL, which may aid in developing novel therapeutics.
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2. |
- Riley, M A, et al.
(author)
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Beyond band termination in Er-157 and the search for wobbling excitations in strongly deformed Hf-174
- 2005
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In: Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics. - : IOP Publishing. - 0954-3899 .- 1361-6471. ; 31:10, s. 1735-1740
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High-spin terminating bands in heavy nuclei were first identified in nuclei around Er-158(90). While examples of special terminating states have been identified in a number of erbium isotopes, almost nothing is known about the states lying beyond band termination. In the present work the high-spin structure of Er-157 has been studied using the Gammasphere spectrometer. The subject of triaxial superdeformation and 'wobbling' modes in Lu nuclei has rightly attracted a great deal of attention. Very recently, four strongly or superdeformed (SD) sequences have been observed in Hf-174 and ultimate cranker calculations predict, such structures may have significant triaxial deformation. We have performed two experiments in an attempt to verify the possible triaxial nature of these bands. A lifetime measurement was performed to confirm the large (and similar) deformation of the bands. In addition, a high-statistics, thin-target experiment was run to search for linking transitions between the SD bands and possible wobbling modes.
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3. |
- Riley, M. A., et al.
(author)
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Observation of states beyond band termination in Er-156,Er-157,Er-158 and strongly deformed structures in Hf-173,Hf-174,Hf-175
- 2006
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In: Physica Scripta. - 0031-8949. ; T125, s. 123-126
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High-spin terminating bands in heavy nuclei were first identified in nuclei around Er-158(90). While examples of terminating states have been identified in a number of erbium isotopes, almost nothing is known about the states lying beyond band termination. In the present work, the high-spin structure of Er-156,Er-157,Er-158 has been studied using the Gammasphere spectrometer. The subject of triaxial superdeformation and 'wobbling' modes in Lu nuclei has rightly attracted a great deal of attention. Very recently four strongly or superdeformed (SD) sequences have been observed in Hf-174, and cranking calculations using the Ultimate Cranker code predict that such structures may have significant triaxial deformation. We have performed two experiments in an attempt to verify the possible triaxial nature of these bands. A lifetime measurement was performed to confirm the large (and similar) deformation of the bands. In addition, a high-statistics, thin-target experiment took place to search for linking transitions between the SD bands, possible wobbling modes, and new SD band structures.
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4. |
- Simpson, J., et al.
(author)
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Evolution of structure and shapes in Er 158 to ultrahigh spin
- 2023
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In: Physical Review C. - 2469-9985. ; 107:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The level structure of Er158 has been studied using the Gammasphere spectrometer via the Cd114(Ca48,4n) reaction at 215 MeV with both thin (self-supporting) and thick (backed) targets. The level scheme has been considerably extended with more than 200 new transitions and six new rotational structures, including two strongly coupled high-K bands. Configuration assignments for the new structures are based on their observed alignments, B(M1)/B(E2) ratios of reduced transition probabilities, excitation energies, and comparisons with neighboring nuclei and theoretical calculations. With increasing angular momentum, this nucleus exhibits Coriolis-induced alignments of both neutrons and protons before it then undergoes a rotation-induced transition from near-prolate collective rotation to a noncollective oblate configuration. This transition occurs via the mechanism of band termination around spin 45ħ in three rotational structures. Two distinct lifetime branches, consistent with the crossing of a collective "fast"rotational structure by an energetically favored "slow"terminating sequence, are confirmed for the positive-parity states, and similar behavior is established in the negative-parity states. Weak-intensity, high-energy transitions are observed to feed into the terminating states. At the highest spins, three collective bands with high dynamic moments of inertia and large quadrupole moments were identified. These bands are interpreted as triaxial strongly deformed structures and mark a return to collectivity at ultrahigh spin.
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5. |
- Paul, E. S., et al.
(author)
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The highest spin discrete levels in Ce-131,Ce-132
- 2006
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In: Physica Scripta. - 0031-8949. ; T125, s. 115-118
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The three superdeformed (SD) bands in Ce-132 and the two SD bands in Ce-131 have been extended to higher spin following experiments with the EUROBALL IV spectrometer. The two SD bands in 131Ce have been linked together. However, despite the relatively high population intensity of the bands ( up to 5% of the respective channel), it has not been possible to unambiguously link any of the five SD bands into the low-spin, normally deformed structures of Ce-131,Ce-132.
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7. |
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8. |
- Paul, E. S., et al.
(author)
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Loss of collectivity in the transitional Er-156 nucleus at high spin
- 2009
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In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 79:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Cd-114(Ca-48, 6n gamma) reaction at 215 MeV has been investigated using the Gammasphere spectrometer to study the high-spin structure of the nucleus Er-156(68)88. Many new transitions have been established along with 68 definitive spin-parity level assignments from a high-fold angular-distribution analysis. In addition, absolute B(M 1) and B(E 1) strengths have been inferred from measured gamma-ray branching ratios. Strong B(E 1) strength (10(-3) W.u.) is discussed in terms of possible octupole collectivity at low spin. At high spin, this nucleus undergoes a Coriolis-induced shape transition from a prolate state of collective rotation to a noncollective, triaxial-oblate configuration. The yrast positive-parity structure ultimately terminates in an energetically favored oblate state at I-pi = 42(+). Several weak high-energy gamma-ray transitions have been discovered that feed this favored state. State-of-the-art cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations are used to interpret the high-spin behavior of Er-156 and comparisons are made with other N = 88 isotones.
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9. |
- Paul, E. S., et al.
(author)
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Return of collective rotation in Er-157 and Er-158 at ultrahigh spin
- 2007
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In: Physical Review Letters. - 1079-7114. ; 98:1, s. 1-012501
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A new frontier of discrete-line gamma-ray spectroscopy at ultrahigh spin has been opened in the rare-earth nuclei Er-157,Er-158. Four rotational structures, displaying high moments of inertia, have been identified, which extend up to spin similar to 65h and bypass the band-terminating states in these nuclei which occur at similar to 45h. Cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations suggest that these structures arise from well-deformed triaxial configurations that lie in a valley of favored shell energy which also includes the triaxial strongly deformed bands in Lu161-167.
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13. |
- Naranjo, A., et al.
(author)
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Smokers and non-smokers with rheumatoid arthritis have similar clinical status : data from the multinational QUEST-RA database
- 2010
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In: Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. - 0392-856X .- 1593-098X. ; 28:6, s. 820-827
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives To analyse clinical severity/activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to smoking status. Methods The QUEST-RA multinational database reviews patients for Core Data Set measures including 28 swollen and tender joint count, physician global estimate, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), HAQ-function, pain, and patient global estimate, as well as DAS28, rheumatoid factor (RE), nodules, erosions and number of DMARDs were recorded. Smoking status was assessed by self-report as "never smoked", "currently smoking" and "former smokers". Patient groups with different smoking status were compared for demographic and RA measures. Results Among the 7,307 patients with smoking data available, status as "never smoked," "current smoker" and "former smoker" were reported by 65%, 15% and 20%. Ever smokers were more likely to be RF-positive (OR 1.32; 1.17-1.48, p<0.001). Rheumatoid nodules were more frequent in ever smokers (OR 1.41; 1.24-1.59, p<0.001). The percentage of patients with erosive arthritis and extra-articular disease was similar in all smoking categories. Mean DAS28 was 4.4 (SD 1.6) in non-smokers vs. 4.0 (SD 1.6) in those who had ever smoked. However, when adjusted by age, sex, disease duration, and country gross domestic product, only ESR remained significantly different among Core Data Set measures (mean 31.7mm in non-smokers vs. 26.8mm in ever smoked category). Conclusion RA patients who had ever smoked were more likely to have RF and nodules, hut values for other clinical status measures were similar in all smoking categories (never smoked, current smokers and former smokers).
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15. |
- Carville, S F, et al.
(author)
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EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome
- 2008
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In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 67:4, s. 536-541
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To develop evidence-based recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome. Methods: A multidisciplinary task force was formed representing 11 European countries. The design of the study, including search strategy, participants, interventions, outcome measures, data collection and analytical method, was defined at the outset. A systematic review was undertaken with the keywords "fibromyalgia", "treatment or management" and "trial". Studies were excluded if they did not utilise the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria, were not clinical trials, or included patients with chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis. Primary outcome measures were change in pain assessed by visual analogue scale and fibromyalgia impact questionnaire. The quality of the studies was categorised based on randomisation, blinding and allocation concealment. Only the highest quality studies were used to base recommendations on. When there was insufficient evidence from the literature, a Delphi process was used to provide basis for recommendation. Results: 146 studies were eligible for the review. 39 pharmacological intervention studies and 59 non-pharmacological were included in the final recommendation summary tables once those of a lower quality or with insufficient data were separated. The categories of treatment identified were antidepressants, analgesics, and "other pharmacological" and exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy, education, dietary interventions and "other non-pharmacological". In many studies sample size was small and the quality of the study was insufficient for strong recommendations to be made. Conclusions: Nine recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome were developed using a systematic review and expert consensus.
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16. |
- Evans, AO, et al.
(author)
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High-spin structure beyond band termination in Er-157
- 2004
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In: Physical Review Letters. - 1079-7114. ; 92:25
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The angular-momentum induced transition from a deformed state of collective rotation to a noncollective configuration has been studied. In Er-157 this transition manifests itself as favored band termination near I=45 (h) over bar. The feeding of these band terminating states has been investigated for the first time using the Gammasphere spectrometer. Many weakly populated states lying at high excitation energy that decay into these special states have been discovered. Cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations suggest that these states arise from weakly collective "core-breaking" configurations.
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17. |
- Evans, AO, et al.
(author)
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High-spin structure in Er-157 up to and above band termination
- 2006
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In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 73:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The high-spin structure of Er-157 has been greatly expanded using the Gammasphere spectrometer to investigate the Cd-114(Ca-48,5n) reaction at 215 MeV. Many new transitions have been placed in a greatly augmented level scheme up to spin 40h with many collective rotational sequences established. With increasing angular momentum, this nucleus undergoes a Coriolis-induced shape transition from a deformed state of collective rotation to a noncollective configuration. This transition manifests itself as favored band termination near I=45h in three rotational structures. Many weakly populated states lying at high excitation energy that decay into the terminating states have been discovered. Cranked-Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations suggest that the levels that feed the terminating states arise from weakly collective configurations that break the Z=64 semimagic core.
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19. |
- Hoes, J. N., et al.
(author)
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EULAR evidence-based recommendations on the management of systemic glucocorticoid therapy in rheumatic diseases
- 2007
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In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 1468-2060 .- 0003-4967. ; 66:12, s. 1560-1567
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To develop evidence-based recommendations for the management of systemic glucocorticoid ( GC) therapy in rheumatic diseases. Methods: The multidisciplinary guideline development group from 11 European countries, Canada and the USA consisted of 15 rheumatologists, 1 internist, 1 rheumatologist-epidemiologist, 1 health professional, 1 patient and 1 research fellow. The Delphi method was used to agree on 10 key propositions related to the safe use of GCs. A systematic literature search of PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library was then used to identify the best available research evidence to support each of the 10 propositions. The strength of recommendation was given according to research evidence, clinical expertise and perceived patient preference. Results: The 10 propositions were generated through three Delphi rounds and included patient education, risk factors, adverse effects, concomitant therapy ( ie, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gastroprotection and cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective inhibitors, calcium and vitamin D, bisphosphonates) and special safety advice ( ie, adrenal insufficiency, pregnancy, growth impairment). Conclusion: Ten key recommendations for the management of systemic GC-therapy were formulated using a combination of systematically retrieved research evidence and expert consensus. There are areas of importance that have little evidence ( ie, dosing and tapering strategies, timing, risk factors and monitoring for adverse effects, perioperative GC-replacement) and need further research; therefore also a research agenda was composed.
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20. |
- Marchettini, P, et al.
(author)
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Are there different predictors of analgesic response between antidepressants and anticonvulsants in painful diabetic neuropathy?
- 2016
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In: European Journal of Pain. - : Wiley. - 1090-3801 .- 1532-2149. ; 20:3, s. 472-82
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: To investigate baseline demographics and disease characteristics as predictors of the analgesic effect of duloxetine and pregabalin on diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP).METHODS: Based on data from the COMBO-DN study, a multinational clinical trial in DPNP, the potential impact of baseline characteristics on pain relief after 8-week monotherapy with 60 mg/day duloxetine or 300 mg/day pregabalin was assessed using analyses of covariance. Subgroups of interest were characterized regarding their baseline characteristics and efficacy outcomes.RESULTS: A total of 804 patients were evaluated at baseline. A significant interaction with treatment was observed in the mood symptom subgroups with a larger pain reduction in duloxetine-treated patients having no mood symptoms [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) depression or anxiety subscale score <11; -2.33 (duloxetine); -1.52 (pregabalin); p = 0.024]. There were no significant interactions between treatment for subgroups by age (<65 or ≥65 years), gender, baseline pain severity [Brief Pain Inventory Modified Short Form (BPI-MSF) average pain <6 or ≥6], diabetic neuropathy duration (≤2 or >2 years), baseline haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (<8% or ≥8%), presence of comorbidities and concomitant medication use.CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses suggest that the efficacy of duloxetine and pregabalin for initial 8-week treatment in DPNP was consistent across examined subgroups based on demographics and disease characteristics at baseline except for the presence of mood symptoms. Duloxetine treatment appeared to be particularly beneficial in DPNP patients having no mood symptoms.
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22. |
- Sarzi-Puttini, P., et al.
(author)
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Diagnostic and therapeutic care pathway for fibromyalgia
- 2021
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In: Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. - : Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. - 0392-856X .- 1593-098X. ; 39:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Early diagnosis and timely and appropriate treatments positively influence the history of fibromyalgia syndrome (FM), with favourable repercussions at clinical, psychological, social and economic levels. Notwithstanding, there are still significant problems with timeliness of diagnosis, access to pharmacological therapies – particularly to innovative ones – and appropriate and effective taking in charge of patients. All the aforementioned factors have a great impact on FM patients’ quality of life. Indeed, even though the World Health Organisation recognised FM as a chronic condition in the International Classification of Diseases 10th edition (ICD-10), many countries still fail to recognise the syndrome, and this negatively influences the capability to appropriately protect and care for patients. This is the case in several European Countries. In Italy, a few Regions have started to put in place precise indications for people suffering from FM, aiming at the implementation of diagnostic-therapeutic pathways. The Diagnostic-Therapeutic Care Pathway (DTCP) provides an important tool to meet the needs of patients suffering from chronic diseases. They present the organisation of an integrated assistance network. This includes a seamless path for disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, by means of cooperation among physicians and other healthcare professionals. © Copyright CliniCal and ExpErimEntal rhEumatology 2021.
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23. |
- Sarzi-Puttini, P., et al.
(author)
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Fibromyalgia position paper
- 2021
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In: Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. - : Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. - 0392-856X .- 1593-098X. ; 39:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fibromyalgia syndrome is one of the most common causes of chronic widespread pain, but pain accompanies a wide range of ancillary symptoms. To date, its aetiopathogenesis remains elusive, and diagnosis is exquisitely clinical, due to the lack of biomarkers or specific laboratory alterations in fibromyalgia patients. This position paper has the purpose to summarise the current scientific knowledge and expert opinions about the main controversies regarding fibromyalgia syndrome, namely: (i) fibromyalgia definition and why it is still not recognised in many countries as a distinct clinical entity; (ii) fibromyalgia severity and how to evaluate treatment outcome; (iii) how to treat fibromyalgia and which is a correct approach to fibromyalgia patients. © Copyright CliniCal and ExpErimEntal rhEumatology 2021.
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