Perspectives on the interlinked nature of systemic sclerosis and reflux disease.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disease, characterized by chronic inflammation and vascular changes that result in esophageal smooth muscle atrophy and fibrosis. Subsequent progressive loss of peristalsis in the distal esophagus and loss of lower esophageal sphincter function lead to problems with the protective barrier and exposure of sensitive tissues to the gastroduodenal contents, a disorder called reflux disease. Areas covered: Depending on the range, nature and symptoms of the disease, the term 'reflux disease' may refer to gastroesophageal reflux, laryngopharyngeal reflux, microaspiration into the airways and silent reflux.

The Profile of Serum Transferrin Isoforms in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Introduction: Transferrin, a microheterogeneous iron-transporting N-glycoprotein, is an optimal model for the analysis of the glycosylation profile in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to assess the transferrin isoforms profile in RA patients at the time of diagnosis and then look into their associations with disease activity.

Methods: Serum samples were collected from 48 patients with RA.

Pain, fatigue and functional disability are associated with higher educational needs in systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional study.

In the process of the planned and systematic education of patients/families, it is extremely important to identify patients' health problems as well as their needs and expectations. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between functional disability, health problems and perceived educational needs in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This was a cross-sectional analytic study conducted in six rheumatology centers in Poland.

Common measure of quality of life for people with systemic sclerosis across seven European countries: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to adapt the Systemic Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (SScQoL) into six European cultures and validate it as a common measure of quality of life in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: This was a seven-country (Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden and UK) cross-sectional study. A forward-backward translation process was used to adapt the English SScQoL into target languages.

Independence of carbohydrate-deficient isoforms of transferrin and cyclic citrullinated peptides in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the two types of posttranslational modifications of proteins in RA: glycosylation on the example of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and citrullination by means of autoantibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides.

Methods: The study was carried out in 50 RA patients. CDT was measured using N Latex CDT immunonephelometric test, the results were presented in absolute and relative units.