StemCell Therapy

Overview

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis causes cartilage the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that first targets the lining of joints (synovium).

Uric acid crystals, infections or underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus, can cause other types of arthritis.

Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, involves the wearing away of the cartilage that caps the bones in your joints. With rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial membrane that protects and lubricates joints becomes inflamed, causing pain and swelling. Joint erosion may follow.

The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis involve the joints. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your signs and symptoms may include:

The two main types of arthritis osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis damage joints in different ways.

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to your joint's cartilage the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones. Enough damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can be hastened by a joint injury or infection.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining, known as the synovial membrane, becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

Risk factors for arthritis include:

Severe arthritis, particularly if it affects your hands or arms, can make it difficult for you to do daily tasks. Arthritis of weight-bearing joints can keep you from walking comfortably or sitting up straight. In some cases, joints may become twisted and deformed.

During the physical exam, your doctor will check your joints for swelling, redness and warmth. He or she will also want to see how well you can move your joints. Depending on the type of arthritis suspected, your doctor may suggest some of the following tests.

The analysis of different types of body fluids can help pinpoint the type of arthritis you may have. Fluids commonly analyzed include blood, urine and joint fluid. To obtain a sample of your joint fluid, your doctor will cleanse and numb the area before inserting a needle in your joint space to withdraw some fluid (aspiration).

These types of tests can detect problems within your joint that may be causing your symptoms. Examples include:

Arthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. You may need to try several different treatments, or combinations of treatments, before you determine what works best for you.

The medications used to treat arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis. Commonly used arthritis medications include:

Physical therapy can be helpful for some types of arthritis. Exercises can improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding joints. In some cases, splints or braces may be warranted.

If conservative measures don't help, your doctor may suggest surgery, such as:

Many people use alternative remedies for arthritis, but there is little reliable evidence to support the use of many of these products. The most promising alternative remedies for arthritis include:

While you might first discuss your symptoms with your family doctor, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of joint problems (rheumatologist) for further evaluation.

Before your appointment, make a list that includes:

Your doctor is likely to ask questions, such as:

In many cases, arthritis symptoms can be reduced with the following measures:

Last updated: January 7th, 2016

1998-2017 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of use

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Arthritis Disease Reference Guide - Drugs.com

SUMMARY:

The charity has announced the development of an IBM Watson-powered virtual assistant to interact with website visitors in a form that feels like a natural conversation.

This week, Arthritis Research UK released the results of its survey of over 2,000 British adults about their attitudes to taking exercise, from running and cycling to simply walking and stretching, for at least 20 minutes at a time.

Predictably enough, there was clear evidence of an intention gap three-quarters of respondents said that they wish they exercised more than once per week, but only around half of them (53 percent) do.

Reasons (or excuses) given included lack of time (33%), feeling too tired (32%) and cold weather (28%). But a significant number of respondents 49% said that they suffered from joint pain, and of these, 51% said that it had put them off taking exercise, even though research shows that regular exercise can actually reduce pain and stiffness in joints.

There can be many underlying reasons for joint pain but arthritis is a major cause, which is why the charity has produced a guide to everyday exercise to alleviate symptoms. And for those already living with arthritis, its going further still, using a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to offer information and support via smartphones and computers, in a form that feels like a natural conversation.

The assistant, which has been given the name of Arthy at least for the prototype stage of its development, is powered by IBM Watson and is already being tested by 300 people with arthritis before it is launched to the wider public on the charitys website later this year.

Its part of a two-pronged approach by Arthritis Research UK to helping people with arthritis answer the questions they have about the impact the condition has on their day-to-day life, symptoms and treatment options, says the charitys chief digital officer Zoe Camper.

In April, she says, the charity will also launch a telephone helpline and this will work in tandem with Arthy, so that questions that demand a more in-depth response or a more personal touch can be passed to a human, phone-based advisor. Its all about making sure that people with arthritis have access to information and support, whenever and wherever they need it, she says.

From a financial and technical perspective, theres a lot to consider when embarking on such a sophisticated technology deployment especially for a charity that must ensure that the bulk of its funding is spent directly on its mission. Camper cant go into details as to how Arthritis Research UK is paying for its work with IBM Watson and its Watson Conversation API, beyond saying that theres a partnership element at play here. On the technical side, its clear that a great deal of thought and debate was invested upfront into finding a technology to help the charity get information into the hands of people who need it. Says Camper:

It all started with our organizational strategy to support people with arthritis more directly and we spent about 12 weeks to understand what the problems were that we were trying to fix and then producing something that people with arthritis would want to use.

We maybe spoke to around 26 different individuals or organizations in the business of delivering relevant information digitally and, in the process, we came across IBM Watson. They didnt approach us, the initial contact came from our side.

We also looked at Google and at open-source companies producing their own cognitive algorithms. Id like to think we did a very good sweep of the market, in terms of how information could be provided in a way that puts people at the centre of everything.

Once the decision had been made to go with IBM Watson, a further effort was spent on preparing content so that answers could be delivered via the platform in direct response to users questions. Here, Arthritis Research UK has assembled a dedicated team, as Camper explains:

We now have a group of people who we refer to as cognitive editors. Theyre a very new breed of content producers and I like to think were very much leading the way in this field. Im not sure there are many other organizations like us that would have cognitive editors and its one of the things were most proud of developing. They have sped up the production cycle, so that all of the questions and answers go through a review cycle, are edited and then get sucked back into the platform.

The charity also spread its net widely in recruiting external help and expertise where needed. This was vital, says Camper, as she had never worked with cognitive computing before. Arthy was developed over five months using the charitys 80 years of research-based knowledge and expertise, as well as advice from healthcare professionals, people with arthritis and IBM Watson cognitive computing experts. Academics and consultants from external organizations were also pulled into the effort:

This is sophisticated technology and thats brought a lot of worry with it it isnt something we can just mess about with. But we contacted a lot of people out there at the real bleeding edge of AI and cognitive computing, we asked them questions, we told them we needed their advice. I never went out and said I knew everything, because I absolutely dont. The goal has always been to assemble a team of advisors with experience, fire lots of questions at them, get answers to my worries in advance and get evidence to present to our management team on the best roads to go down with this project.

In time, Arthys knowledge base will grow to enable it to answer more questions including those around diet and treatment options. As IBM Watson learns from each interaction, it will automatically refine the information that is surfaced, along with developing Arthys conversational style. Here, however, some patience is required, says Camper:

The true learning part of all this isnt happening yet. It can only occur when we increase the scale of the project. Weve built the Watson conversation service and used automated testing to help the learning along, so that the cognitive element can start to get to work. Over time, we will see a move away from the very specific answers that we know we wrote ourselves, to answers that have a more nuanced feel in response to the specific question that was asked, a gradual change in the way that the natural language processing forms an answer. But I feel were on the cusp of seeing that, which is very encouraging.

Image credit - Arthritis Research UK

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Arthritis Research UK enlists AI chatbot 'Arthy' in mission to offer ... - Diginomica

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (WITI) -- Pet owners across the country are going crazy over a hemp product they claim helps improve the health of their dogs and cats. Veterinarians are now jumping on board and recommending it to clients instead of animal pharmaceuticals.

You could call it "canine cannabis."

"This is the best I'd ever seen her," Cody Bandley said.

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'Canine Cannabis'

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Eska is a happy Husky on hemp -- but she isn't always calm and relaxed.

"She'll (pace and pant) for hours, especially late at night," Bandley said.

Bandley once tried traditional medication from a veterinarian.

"She had an allergic reaction," Bandley said.

So he started using Healthy Hemp Pet Biscuits instead.

The owners of Desert Raw Holistic Pet hear similar stories from other pet owners.

"Joint pain. We've seen it for arthritis and anxiety, "Aspen Anderson, co-owner of Desert Raw Holistic Pet said.

They carry all the "Healthy Hemp" concoctions -- biscuits, oil, spray, salve and feline mix.

"Our number one seller, every single day," Luke Shaw, co-owner of Desert Raw Holistic Pet said.

The products contain a big-name ingredient in the cannabis world -- cannabidiol, or CBD.

"It comes from a hemp plant. There's no psychotropics in it. There's no THC in it," Dave Merrell, founder of Healthy Hemp Pet Company said.

In other words, CBD won't get your dog, or even you, high -- but it may have therapeutic effects. The quest to come up with these all-natural, non-GMO dog and cat treats started with one of Merrell's own family members -- Mya, who suffers from hip dysplasia.

So what do veterinarians think of his home-spun remedies?

"Right off the bat I was very impressed," Dr. Kimberly Henneman said. "We had several people get back to us pretty quickly and say, 'wow -- we saw a really big difference.'"

Dr. Henneman now recommends them as a first choice to other drugs for some ailments.

"Primarily, we're recommending it for lameness and soreness where we have a diagnosis," Dr. Henneman said.

"Jack suffers from too many birthdays, really. He's got a little arthritis," Lynn Ware Peak said.

Lynn Ware Peak tested the treats, giving them to her 12-year-old Newfoundland/Border Collie for a week.

"I was hoping it would magically erase that little limp he has," Lynn Ware Peak said.

Seven days later, it didn't, but there were other, subtle differences in Jack.

"Into the car a lot more, and so that's something that shows promise for me. In his old age, I think it's definitely worth it, so I'm going to keep doing it," Lynn Ware Peak said.

Merrell says the company plans to start clinical trials for the supplement to gather more information on how CBD impacts animals.

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Canine cannabis: Dogs with anxiety, arthritis and more benefiting from products derived from hemp plant - AOL

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Mar 17th 2017 11:42AM

Patrick Stewart revealed this week that he uses marijuana on a daily basis to help ease the pain from arthritis in his hands.

In a statement obtained by People, the legendary actor noted that he's been using marijuana edibles, spray and ointment in the two years since receiving his medical marijuana card.

SEE ALSO: Donald Trump once kicked One Direction out of one of his hotels

"I have had no negative side effects from this treatment," Stewart said. He also revealed that employing the use of marijuana has "significantly reduced the stiffness and pain" caused by his arthritis.

He went on to note that he thinks his arthritis is a "genetically-based condition," as his mother suffered badly from the debilitating condition. "My mother had badly distorted and painful hands," he said.

Stewart, 76, is just one of 350 million people worldwide that suffer from arthritis, with 40 million of those living in the United States. Surprisingly, there are also about a quarter of a million children in the US that also suffer from arthritis.

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NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 02: Actor Patrick Stewart attends the Build Series at Build Studio on March 2, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 02: Actors Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart attend the Build Series at Build Studio on March 2, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/WireImage) NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 02: Actors Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart attend the Build Series at Build Studio on March 2, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 01: Actor Patrick Stewart enters the 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' taping at the Ed Sullivan Theater on March 01, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/GC Images)

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - FEBRUARY 28: English actor Patrick Stewart attends the press conference of American director James Mangold's film 'Logan' on February 28, 2017 in Taipei, Taiwan of China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Actors Sir Patrick Stewart and Eriq La Salle attend the 'Logan' New York special screening at Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center on February 24, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)

BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 17: Actor Patrick Stewart (L) and his wife Sunny Ozell attend the red carpet of 'Logan' during the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival Berlin at Berlinale Palast in Berlin, Germany on February 17, 2017. (Photo by Maurizio Gambarini/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 20: Actor Patrick Stewart attends the 'Logan. Su momento ha llegado' photocall at Villamagna hotel on February 20, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Eduardo Parra/FilmMagic)

BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 17: (From L to R) Producer Hutch Parker, producer Simon Kinberg, director James Mangold, actors Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen and Hugh Jackman attend the photo call of 'Logan' during the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival at Berlinale Palast in Berlin, Germany on February 17, 2017. (Photo by Maurizio Gambarini/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

English actor Patrick Stewart gestures during a press conference for the film 'Logan' in competition at the 67th Berlinale film festival in Berlin on February 17, 2017. / AFP / John MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images)

BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 17: (L-R) Actors Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart attend the 'Logan' (Masaryk) photo call during the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival Berlin at Grand Hyatt Hotel on February 17, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Brian Dowling/Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 13: Actor Patrick Stewart and his wife, singer/songwriter Sunny Ozell attend the Premiere of A24's 'Green Room' at ArcLight Hollywood on April 13, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Paul Redmond/FilmMagic)

British actor Patrick Stewart (R) and his wife Sunny Ozell pose on the red carpet as they attend the 62nd London Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2016 in London on November 13, 2016. The Evening Standard Theatre Awards were established in 1955 to recognise outstanding achievement in London based Theatre, from actors to playwrights, designers to directors. / AFP / DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS (Photo credit should read DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Actor Sir Patrick Stewart arrives at The Film Is GREAT Reception at Fig & Olive on February 26, 2016 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Actor Patrick Stewart (L) and singer Sunny Ozell attend Michael Sugar, Doug Wald, and Steve Golin's Pre-Oscar Party hosted by GREY GOOSE Vodka at Sunset Tower on February 28, 2016 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Grey Goose)

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Patrick Stewart reveals he uses marijuana on a daily basis for arthritis pain - AOL

GRAND ISLAND When she gets home after basketball practice, Hayley Henke appreciates the chance to soak in the familys hot tub. The fact that the hot tub is outside doesnt bother her, even when the weather is cold.

The hot water brings relief to her knees.

Henke, 13, has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which causes joint inflammation and stiffness.

Henke returned to Nebraska earlier this month from Washington, D.C., where she was one of two Nebraska representatives at the Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Summit.

For Henke, the discomfort is worse when she gets up in the morning or after shes been active. An eighth-grader at Central Catholic school in Grand Island, she takes part in volleyball, basketball and track.

The arthritis bothers her fingers, ankles, toes and wrists, but the greatest pain is in her knees.

After shes been running a while, she sometimes has to take a break at practice. Last year, she ran the 400 meters in track, but this spring she will concentrate on the 100- and 200-meter dashes, because the longer distances are harder on her knees.

Henke was diagnosed with arthritis when she was in first grade. The pain was so bad that Henke would sometimes curl up in her mothers lap.

Henke has undergone 10 knee surgeries. During those procedures, a doctor scopes the knee to assess damage to the joints, drains the fluid and injects steroids.

Both of her knees will have to be replaced before she turns 18.

Henke was one of about 45 people who spoke at the Capitol this month to an audience that included members of Congress. She also met with Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and people who work on medical issues for Sen. Ben Sasse and Rep. Adrian Smith.

Henke urged the Nebraskans to join the Congressional Arthritis Caucus. Nebraska is one of five states not represented in that group. The health representative from Smiths office seemed especially interested in her information, Henke said.

In her talks, Henke told her story and reminded people that children and teenagers can be victims of arthritis.

Stephanie Henke appreciates her daughters strength. Its been fun to watch her grow and be able to speak to the groups in Washington, she said.

As a Junior Platinum Ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation, Henke is given a monthly task to call attention to arthritis.

Every Sunday, Stephanie injects a medicine called methotrexate into her daughters thigh. That drug prevents joint damage.

After each one of her knee surgeries, she needs crutches or a wheelchair to get around for about a week.

When she wakes up each morning, she knows if the weather is about to change. She feels stiffness or pain in her joints.

Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, regular illnesses take a greater toll on Henke.

She ended up in the hospital last year for just a common flu, her mom said. That hospital stay lasted five or six days.

Henke is also partially blind in one of her eyes from the arthritis.

Because of the support of local Shriners, Henke receives medical care at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Minneapolis.

She also sees a childrens rheumatologist twice a year in Omaha.

Link:
13-year-old with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis visits DC - Omaha World-Herald

March 14, 2017

Arthritis diagnoses are at an all-time high in the United States, affecting 54 million adults, Anne Schuchat, M.D., acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a recent press conference. And that number is expected to grow to 78 million adults by 2040, she added.

The March 7 media event was held in conjunction with the release of a new Vital Signs report about the condition, which the CDC produced by analyzing data from the National Health Interview Survey.

In addition to the sheer numbers, Schuchat said she found alarming the number of people who are limited by the condition. Twenty-four million people with arthritis now have trouble doing things such as kneeling on the ground, holding a cup, lifting a grocery bag or walking to the car, she said.

Among adults with arthritis, the percentage whose lives are particularly limited has increased by about 20% since 2002, from about 36% in 2002 to 43% in 2015,she said.

Schuchat recommended that physicians and other professional caregivers encourage older adults to exercise and attend disease management programs, where they can learn to reduce their symptoms by 10 to 20%.

Physical activity can decrease pain and improve function by almost 40%, she said, but only about one-third of adults with arthritis report being active.

In the past, people with arthritis may have been told not to be active in fear of making their arthritis worse, Schuchat said. It's now proven that being physically active can be helpful, and there are ways to be active that can accommodate physical limitations from arthritis.

Schuchat suggested that older adults with arthritis try walking, biking, swimming or participating in other exercise, starting slowly and building up to longer periods of activity.

Exercise also presents an alternative to the opioids that some adults with arthritis may be prescribed for pain, aching, stiffness and swelling of the joints, Schuchat said. It also can help with depression and other chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, that have been linked to the condition, she said.

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Arthritis is at an all-time high, CDC says - McKnight's Senior Living - McKnight's Senior Living

Despite the fact that millions of Australians are affected by arthritis, theres still much we dont know about the condition.

While we know sufferers often suffersevere pain and even disfigurement, there are still unanswered questions that have left many in the dark about living with arthritis, as well as the possibility of a cure.

This is no small issue: almost 4million Australians live with arthritis a number thats expected to blow out to 7 million by 2050 and another 6.3 million have low bone density, a related condition.

Now, a public seminar offers peoplerare opportunity to ask doctors and arthritis experts questions about the condition and have them answered in a thorough, thoughtful way.

In a bid to open up theconversation about the common but poorly understood condition, the Queensland University of Technology is hosting a public seminar on Saturday 18 March, where anyone can come along and listen to experts talk about the latest innovations in this area. The seminar, which is part of of QUTs Real World Health series, will be held in Brisbane and broadcast live online so people around the country can tune in and take part.

Themost pressing issues in arthritis research is the need to develop an early-diagnosis test, and to find acure for the condition. Professor Yin Xiao from the QUT Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation is working on just that.

At present theres no single test which will early diagnose or a drug that cure osteoarthritis, he told Starts at 60. In particular, our research interests include identifying risk factors of osteoarthritis, evaluating new ways of early diagnostics through improved imaging methods, and working towards designing and testing new treatments that help to repair osteoarthritis joints.

At the seminar, speakers will be addressing key questions, including:

The experts will openthe floor to the public to pose questions, and those who cant attend in person canemail questions through ahead of time thenwatch the seminar via a live stream online from home.

If youd like to submit a question about arthritis, you can do by emailing [emailprotected] before Saturday.

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Unique opportunity to get your arthritis worries addressed - Starts at 60

Fresh off a third-place finish in the 2017 Burton U.S. Open slopestyle competition, Olympian and five-time X Games medalist Spencer OBrien is arguably one of the sports most progressive and talented riders. But thats the stuff of headlines.

Behind the scenes, the Canadian, 29, has fought her way through painful rheumatoid arthritis since a 2013 diagnosis, just two months before the Sochi Winter Olympics.

The year before OBriens genetic condition was identified was torture. Advancing swelling and stiffness made it nearly impossible to get out of bed, let alone launch off of a lofty, icy slopestyle feature.

I was like an 80-year-old woman, but I was only 25, OBrien told GrindTV. Id go to the gym and have morning stiffness for five hours. It was mind-blowing that I let it go on that long.

But it wasnt surprising. Onset of her arthritis was slow, it often presented as injury and no one in OBriens immediate family had it. It was hard to diagnose.

RELATED: Skier Angeli VanLaanen on living with Lyme disease

In the morning I would have creaky, achy knees, but it would subside. You adapt to it, she says. I thought I was just getting older. I do an impact sport, so I thought it was normal aches and pains. You get blinded by the pain.

In fact, the arthritic inflammation of OBriens joints was especially awful in her shoulders. By Olympic trials time, she couldnt lift her arms over her head. There were cortisone shots, a progressing cyst in her knee and scary joint inflammation in her toes.

Id have to prep myself to lift my head off the pillow, she says. Putting my feet on the ground was so hard.

From trauma to treatment Once doctors finally nailed the issue, OBrien was exhausted mentally and physically. Amazingly, she has continued to compete as shes dialed in medical treatment over the years.

Now she injects a refrigerated shot in her thigh once a month for prolonged relief. While the immune suppressant helps ward off the bodys inflammatory response, it also makes OBrien more susceptible to infection, which means she can get sick easily.

RELATED: Turmeric may be 2017s trendiest spice: Heres what you need to know

Even small cuts, if they were to infect the blood or bones, could be deadly.

Im a young woman, so I dont want to be on this injection forever, OBrien says. But for now, its working. Theres more hope: Rheumatoid arthritis can go into remission. However, the trade-off is going off the medicine, and OBrien is not ready to test that just yet.

An elimination diet is another alternative something shes researching. But first theres more snowboarding to prepare for, which, for OBrien, includes extensive dryland training more than most in her sport will do.

Im focused on the [2018 PyeongChang, South Korea] Olympics now. It would be amazing to go again for Canada, says OBrien, who, newly diagnosed at Sochi, didnt even make it to the opening and closing ceremonies.

I finally feel my age again, OBrien says, like a fully able-bodied person.

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Pro snowboarder Spencer O'Brien overcomes odds of early arthritis - GrindTV

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a particularly nasty form of arthritis. While the more common form of arthritis osteoarthritis typically results from use and overuse of joints which wear down protective cartilage, RA is known to result from autoimmunity. The immune system is misdirected to attack the lining of joints, causing swelling, severe pain, and if not treatedjoint destruction. Not only the joints are affected, however. RA involves an inflammatory process that can affect many body organs, including the skin, heart, lungs and bone marrow. For example, it's known that RA sufferers have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.

Of course, just because autoimmunity is involved doesn't mean that external factors can't or don't play an important role in instigating the disease. And recent research published in Science Translational Medicine suggests how good dental care might well be an important factor in preventing the onset of RA.

The investigators, led by Dr. Maximilian Koenig from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, explained that mucosal surfaces such as those of the gums, lungs and GI tract have long been suspected as possible sites of RA initiation. In fact in the early part of the 20th century, pulling all a patient's teeth was thought to be a means of treating RA it didn't work, though.

This recent study investigated the possibility that a bacterium associated with periodontal disease Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) could be the initiator of the autoimmune feature of RA. The investigators noted that Aa, of all the other identified microbes, was the only one known that could produce the spectrum of antigens found in the joints of individuals with RA.

To investigate this possibility, they collected fluid from the gum regions ofpeople with periodontal disease and from those of controls and analyzed them for the presence of altered proteins those which had been "citrullinated"1 which are known to be immune system targets.Further, they identifieda pore-forming toxin, leukotoxin A (LtxA) produced by Aa which triggers the production of the citrullinated proteins.And the immune system will make antibodies to such proteins the autoantibodies.They determined that62 percent of individuals with periodontitis had antibodies to LtxA, compared to only 11 percent of controls without periodontal disease (a statistically significant difference). Also, these antibodies were significantly enriched in patients with RA compared to healthy patients without periodontitis.

In sum, people with periodontitis are more likely to have the Aa bacterial toxin and thus more likely to produce targets (citrullinated proteins) for the immune system. This in turn, links periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

While these data are certainly not the last word in RA initiation, they are reasonable evidence that the disease can be triggered by the products of this particular bacterium, and could provide a means of identifying those at risk of developing the condition. At the very least, they underline the importance of good dental hygiene and health.

1. A citrullinated protein is one in which the amino acid arginine is converted to the amino acid citrulline. This change affects the way the protein folds and functions.

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Brush and Floss to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis - American Council on Science and Health

More than 54 million adults in the United States -- or about one in four -- have arthritis, and almost 60 percent of these individuals are of working age (i.e., ages 18-64). What's worse is that more than 24 million adults with arthritis have activity limitations from their disease, with the percentage of these patients having grown from about 36 percent in 2002 to about 43 percent in 2014.

That's according to a CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report(www.cdc.gov) (MMWR) and an accompanying Vital Signs report(www.cdc.gov) released March 7. The reports were based on data from the CDC's 2013-2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).

Physical limitations these adults experience may be as simple as having difficulty holding a cup, lifting a grocery bag or walking to their car -- but they still hinder their ability to pursue everyday activities.

"Arthritis symptoms keep millions of Americans from going about their daily routines," said CDC Acting Director Anne Schuchat, M.D., in a news release.(www.cdc.gov) "Doctors and loved ones can help people with arthritis by encouraging them to be as physically active as they can be. Physical activity is a proven strategy to ease pain and reduce symptoms among people with arthritis."

The CDC found that when patients with arthritis engage in physical activity, they can reduce their arthritis symptoms by as much as 40 percent. However, many adults with arthritis aren't physically active, with about one-third reporting they don't engage in physical activity during leisure time.

The reports also noted that adults with arthritis can reduce their symptoms by participating in disease management education programs. But these programs are being underutilized, with just one in 10 patients signing up. According to the CDC, the best way to improve sign-up rates is for health care professionals to recommend these programs, because adults with arthritis are significantly more likely to attend an education program when their physician suggests they do so.

As previous NHIS survey analyses have found, women, adults who were unable to work, those in fair or poor health, and those with obesity, heart disease or diabetes had higher age-adjusted prevalences of both arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitations.

Although the prevalence of arthritis among adults who were unemployed was similar to that among employed adults, unemployed respondents had a much higher prevalence of arthritis-attributable activity limitations. According to the CDC, this finding suggests that disease-attributable activity limitations may play a role in these people's unemployment.

Also as in past analyses, arthritis prevalence was similar among blacks and whites, but the prevalence of arthritis-attributable activity limitations was higher among blacks. Findings in Hispanics were mixed, with a much lower prevalence of arthritis but a proportionately higher prevalence of arthritis-attributable activity limitations.

"Our findings suggest that the burden of arthritis is increasing and requires more widespread use of existing, underused evidence-based interventions," the MMWR report concluded. "Physical activity is a proven strategy for managing arthritis, with known benefits for the management of many other chronic conditions."

The report went on to say that efforts to improve the health of adults with arthritis, including those with comorbid chronic conditions, should include wider dissemination and implementation of evidence-based interventions.

"These interventions meet the unique needs of adults with arthritis and have been found to reduce pain and improve function, mood and confidence to manage health and quality of life," the report said.

Because the CDC views arthritis as a large and growing clinical and public health problem, the agency is funding arthritis programs in 12 states this year to disseminate community-based arthritis-appropriate evidence-based physical activity and self-management education interventions.

"Its extremely important for primary care providers to encourage their patients with arthritis to be physically active," said CDC epidemiologist Kamil Barbour, Ph.D., in the news release. "It is just as important for them to motivate their patients to attend workshops to learn how to better manage their arthritis."

Related AAFP News Coverage New NIH Research Program Targets Health Disparity, Chronic Disease (9/7/2016)

More From AAFP American Family Physician: AFP By Topic: Arthritis and Joint Pain

Familydoctor.org: Rheumatoid Arthritis(familydoctor.org)

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Arthritis Limits Daily Activities of 24 Million U.S. Adults - AAFP News

fox6now.com

Canine cannabis: Dogs with anxiety, arthritis and more benefiting from products derived from hemp plant fox6now.com MILWAUKEE Pet owners across the country are going crazy over a hemp product they claim helps improve the health of their dogs and cats. Veterinarians are now jumping on board and recommending it to clients instead of animal pharmaceuticals.

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Canine cannabis: Dogs with anxiety, arthritis and more benefiting from products derived from hemp plant - fox6now.com

If your dog could talk, being his best friend would be a lot easier. However, he cant tell you that his knees stiffen up after he plays too long or that his hips hurt when he goes up or down stairs. Hes counting on you to recognize signs of pain and decreased mobility and to have your veterinarian diagnose and treat the condition.

Its arthritis. And it hurts.

I have it, too. Most older people do. The Pfizer Animal Health and the Arthritis Foundation have joined together the first ever partnership between a human health disease foundation and an animal health disease to explore the insights, facts and treatment solutions for both human and canine arthritis sufferers alike.

Arthritis affects over 70 million humans and 11 million dogs. It is a chronic health problem for both people and their dogs, causing pain, loss of mobility and quality of life. We know humans suffer from stiff joints, soreness and inflammation due to arthritis. Upon observation, you can see how this affects our beloved canine friends. It is up to us to help them find relief through diet, exercise and medication.

Arthritis is a painful, degenerative joint disease that affects one in five adult dogs in the U.S.

It is even more common in older dogs (my very limited experience has been that larger dogs seem to be really susceptible, too). Unfortunately, many of the cases go undiagnosed because owners attribute the subtle changes in the dogs to old age or slowing down.

Any dog can develop arthritis, and knowing the signs and symptoms of pain will help you determine when your dog may need veterinary attention. Could your dog have arthritis? Ask yourself these simple questions: Does your dog limp or appear stiff during or after activity? Is your dog slow to rise from a resting position? Does your dog lag behind or tire easily during long walks? Is your dog reluctant to climb steps or jump up?

If your answers to these questions are yes, its possible that your dog is suffering from painful arthritis. The sooner your dog is properly diagnosed and treated, the sooner he can overcome the pain. If your dog has arthritis, pain relief is possible with Rimadyl, a medication for dogs that has been proven clinically effective for the relief of pain associated with arthritis.

I dont know exactly how long Rimadyl has been on the market, but I think it has been available by prescription for a relatively short time from your veterinarian. It is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication available in caplets and in easy-to-give chewable tablets that dogs love (all dogs, except mine). Signs of Rimadyl intolerance may include loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, which could indicate side effects involving the digestive tract, liver or kidneys. This sounds horrible and even worse than the illness itself. Some of these reported side effects are really rare at less than 1 percent.

Please dont let your dog suffer with the pain of arthritis.

For the animals, thank you for caring.

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It's arthritis and it hurts - Buffalo Bulletin

Scientists have long known that there is a link between schizophrenia and rheumatoid arthritis. People who suffer from schizophrenia tend not to develop rheumatoid arthritis, and people with rheumatoid arthritis are at low risk for schizophrenia.

Though this relationship has been clear for more than 50 years, nobody really knew why the link existed, according to University of Pittsburgh professor of psychiatry and human geneticsVishwajitNimgaonkar.

We thought that there might be genetic factors that might explain this phenomenon, he said.

Nimgaonkarshunch has been backed up bynew research identifying 29 genetic markersin the human genome that are associated with both diseases.

One form of the marker increases the risk for schizophrenia and another form of the marker increases the risk for rheumatoid arthritis, he said.

A genetic marker is an individual gene or a sequence of DNA.

Nimgaonkarsaid all 29 of the markers they identified were within eight genes already thought to be possible culprits for both schizophrenia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Nimgaonkarsaid he hypothesizes that there is a complex relationship between the proteins produced by these genes and the likelihood someone might develop either disease. Genes produce proteins that carry out the genetic instructions to generate particular attributes such as hair color, height or susceptibility to specific diseases.

Probably there are thousands of genes, each of small effect, that may be together causing the risk for this illness and interacting with each other to produce the risk, said Harvard Medical School psychiatry professorMatcheriKeshivan.

KeshivansaidNimgaonkarswork is consistent with the theory that schizophrenia might have some auto-immune component, similar to rheumatoid arthritis, wherein the immune system attacks healthy joint cells.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system attacks healthy joint cells, creating inflammation, leading to pain and swelling. About 1.5 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause permanent joint damage and disfiguring if not treated early, according to theArthritis Foundation.

Keshivansaid that in patients with schizophrenia, genes might overproduce proteins that are meant to clean up neurons in the brain, a process known as synaptic pruning, which can lead to healthy neurons being damaged.

Keshivansaid hes hopeful that better understanding of the genetic causes of schizophrenia can lead to new treatments and added that the disease is likely caused by genetic factors.

But at the same time, we do not have a very good idea as to which particular genes might be causing this disease, Keshivan said.

According to theSchizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America, orSARDAA, about 3.5 million Americans and 1.1 percent of the worlds population are affected by the disease, which is characterized by delusions, hallucinations and disorganized speech and behavior.

Keshivansaid other symptoms of the disease include a lack of motivation and impaired cognition, which he called negative symptoms. He said, while treatments currently available are reasonably effective at treating the delusions and hallucinations, treating the negative symptoms is much more difficult. He said hes hopeful that understanding more about the genetic causes of the disease can lead to more holistic therapies.

SARDAAreports that about 75 percent of patients reach full or partial recovery, while a quarter do not see improvements with existing therapies, which include medication and psychotherapy.

While there are many questions left unanswered,Nimgaonkarsaid the findings represent a good starting point for further research. Because the analysis depended completely on existing datasets, he said laboratory experiments will help confirm and clarify his teams results.

What we are trying to do is to reach out to our colleagues inrheumatology, and what wed like to do is test these theories using actual tissues from patients: brain tissue, synovial (joint) tissues, or blood cells, he said.

The findings are published in the journalnpjSchizophrenia.

Photo Credit: Timothy K. Hamilton

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Pitt Study Sheds Light On Genetic Link Between Schizophrenia And Arthritis - 90.5 WESA

Millions of people around the world are living with arthritis. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control puts that figure at nearly 23 million, or one in every four adults. But as common as it is, arthritis is actually just one word used to describe the joint inflammation associated with over 200 musculoskeletal conditions that affect everyone differently. This means people who seek out information about their condition online are often met with a barrage of confusing literature or conflicting pieces of advice that dont address their individual symptoms.

So British charity Arthritis Research UK and IBM Watson are trying to solve that problem with the introduction of a web and mobile-based virtual personal assistant for people in the UK, where about 10 million people are living with the condition. Created with the Watson Conversation API which allows for quick, simple building of chatbots or virtual agents across mobile devices, messaging platforms or physical robots the digital assistant draws information from the Arthritis Research UK library and specific input from the user to offer personalized, immediate advice on symptom management, treatment options and any other questions they may have.

We know that there are millions of people in the UK living with arthritis whose lives are severely limited as they struggle with unanswered questions. We want to ensure that everyone has access to information and support, whenever and wherever they need it, Arthritis Research UKs CEO Liam OToole said in a statement. Were really excited to be working with IBM Watson on this innovative new service that will enable us to have conversations with anyone seeking help, that we simply wouldnt be able to answer so quickly otherwise. Were confident that this new virtual assistant willhelp more people push back the ways arthritis limits their lives.

The tool is currently being tested by 300 people with arthritis in the UK, and it was developed over five months using Arthritis Research UKs eight decades of research and expertise as well as advice from health care professionals and IBM Watson cognitive computing experts. Additionally, more than 350 people with arthritis helped to develop, test and improve the tool, which will learn over time to develop more personalized feedback to users.

The eventual goal -- that users will simply speak to an AI-powered chatbot about their specific condition and receive highly personalized advice in return -- wont be available right away. The initial UK deployment will start out slowly, with users typing their inquiries into the site and the virtual assistant providing general information about arthritis and exercise that users can save online or print out. As use increases, the knowledge base will grow, enabling Arthritis Research UK to answer more questions such as those around diet and treatment options.

Considering the joint pain and limited dexterity in their hands many people with arthritis experience, its expected they will want an option that relieves them of the need to type. There is a plan for that. IBM Watson computing will learn from each interaction to refine the information retrieval tool for each user, and eventually, the tool will leverage the Watson cognitive voice input and output features (as well as location services) to understand questions spoken to the virtual assistant.

Arthritis Research UK developed the Watson-powered digital personal assistant themselves, providing a terrific example of how IBM's open, cloud-based Watson development platform is making cognitive computing broadly accessible to organizations and individuals worldwide, Cameron Brooks, IBM European Director for Watson in the Public Sector, said in a statement. Further, Arthritis Research UKs use of Watson APIs is a model for organizations thinking about how they might integrate cognitive computing into their services in order to positively impact the lives of people living with a serious health condition.

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UK arthritis resource charity taps IBM Watson to build virtual assistant - MobiHealthNews

A new treatment for a common kind of arthritis replaces damaged cartilage to cushion painful joints.

The synthetic cartilage is made with the same material as a contact lens. Nichelle Perry opted to try it after her arthritis became so bad that she could barely put shoes on, let alone walk. Six months after her surgery, she's a back in the gym.

"This is a revolutionary type of product that potentially is a lifelong solution to a lot of patients to maintain motion and decrease the pain that they're suffering from," Dr. Selene Parekh, who offers the treatment at his orthopedic clinic in Durham, N.C., told NBC News.

Arthritis affects 54 million Americans mostly women and that number is growing every year.

Many cases are simply treated with painkillers. Some patients get surgery. Perry was offered the option of having the bones in her painful big toe fused. She opted for the implant.

So far, doctors in the United States only use it for big toes, but European doctors are using it in knees and thumbs, also.

Data about use of the implant so far shows pain reduction in 91 percent of patients, and more than 100 percent improvement in their ability to play sports and participate in other mobile activities.

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New Arthritis Implant Uses Contact Lens Material as a Cushion - NBCNews.com

Miami Herald

Arthritis afflicts about 1 in 4 adults in the US, CDC says Miami Herald About 60 percent of those with arthritis were between the ages of 18 and 64, that is, working age. Activity limitations from arthritis increased by 20 percent since 2002, the report found. Simple, everyday tasks, such as walking or lifting bags, are ... 1 In 4 US Adults Are Disabled By Arthritis: CDC ReportsI4U News all 2 news articles »

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Arthritis afflicts about 1 in 4 adults in the US, CDC says - Miami Herald

David Mikolyzk, M.D., For USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin 12:40 p.m. CT March 13, 2017

David Mikolyzk, M.D.(Photo: Provided)

Question:I have been having pain at the base of my thumb near the wrist, and am having increased difficulty opening jars and turning doorknobs. Is there such a thing as thumb arthritis?

Answer:Thumb arthritis is a very common problem. It affects up to 10 percentof middle-aged women. In people older than 75, it affects 40 percentof women and 25 percentof men.

Thumb arthritis is the No. 1 cause of arthritis surgery in the upper extremity. Often, patients have arthritis in many parts of the body, including the hip and knee joints. In the thumb, the pain is located where the thumb attaches to the wrist (at what is called the carpometacarpal joint). The normal cartilage surfaces get worn away and bone starts rubbing on bone causing pain. Over time, daily activities become increasingly uncomfortable. Pain occurs with pinching and twisting motions, such as opening a jar, turning a doorknob, and even writing or brushing teeth. Lifting objects is often difficult as a result ofthe pain.

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The diagnosis of thumb arthritis is made with a history and physical exam as well as plain X-rays. Expensive tests are rarely, if ever, needed. The arthritis can range from mild to very severe. X-ray findings do not always correlate with the amount of pain.

Often,the pain of arthritis is very debilitating as a result ofhaving to use our thumbs for a lot of activities.

The good news is that treatment is very effective. Treatment of thumb arthritis often starts with non-operative measures. Splints, anti-inflammatory medicationsand cortisone injections can be helpful. The goal of a splint is to limit the bone-on-bone motion that causes pain in the joint. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections aim to control the pain of arthritis.

When these treatments are no longer working or the pain is severe, surgery is very helpful. Surgery involves removing a small bone in the wrist where the bones are rubbing and causing pain. A tendon is used to suspend the thumb and prevent further bone-on-bone pain. After surgery, the thumb is immobilized for a short time, and then therapy is started to regain motion and strength of the thumb. My patients are extremely happy after this procedure. Their pain is gone and the thumb still moves and functions like normal. This is the most gratifying procedure I performbecause patients have tremendous pain relief.

David Mikolyzk,M.D.,is a fellowship-trained hand and wrist surgeon at Holy Family Memorials Lakeshore Orthopaedics.

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Ask A Doctor: Treating thumb arthritis - Herald Times Reporter

March 13, 2017 6:01 PM By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) Doctors at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine are conducting a study to see if stem cell therapy will ease the pain of arthritis and the results of their research could benefit human patients as well.

Its Zoeys last check up,walking on a special mat called a forceplate to measure how much weight she puts on each leg.

It was just a year ago that putting weight on her front legs was painful.The 2-year-old Golden Retriever was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia, a condition that created arthritis in both elbows.

It is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs, saidDr. Kimberly Agnello at Penn Vet.

Zoeys owner, Christine Brown, says she was a bundle of energy when she first got Zoey.

She was so sweet, said Brown. She was your typical energetic puppy.

But soon Brown knew her dog was hurting.

After coming back from a walk and taking a nap, she would get up and limp, said Brown. With her being a puppy it was devastating.

Zoey was enrolled in aPenn Vet trial to determine the benefits of stem cell therapy as a treatment to ease arthritic pain.

They are randomized into three groups, whether they receive an interarticular joint injection of hyaluronic acid or they geteither stem cells derived from their bone marrow or stem cells derived from fat, saidAgnello.

The stems cells from the dogs bone marrow are injected back into the elbow joint. Doctors hope it will relieve the arthritic pain.

We also remove a little fragment of bone that can be causing some more pain, saidAgnello.

The research isnt just about arthritis in dogs but humans as well.

The goals of this study are to look for different treatments to not only help our canine patientsbut also to help human patients with arthritis, saidAgnello.

For now results are promising.

Oh my gosh, she is not limping, she runs and jumps, and has a great time, said Brown.

The trial is ongoing so there is no hard data yet to show final results if stem cells are effective for treating arthritis, but Dr.Agnello says there are many dogs in the study and almost all of them have improved during the year-long research.

Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3 and The CW Philly 57s Emmy Award-winning health reporter, is featured daily on Eyewitness News. As one of the television industrys most respected medical reporters, Stephanie has been recognized by community and he...

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Veterinary Doctors Conduct Study Looking To Ease Arthritis Pain - CBS Philly

By News Bulletin contributor

CRESTVIEW Area residents may participate in a lunch and learn seminar titled Arthritis: What it is and What We Can Do about It.

The seminar begins at 12:30 p.m. March 17 in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room, 125 Cracker Barrel Road, Crestview. Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is hosting the event, which is free to attend.

Dr. William Markowski, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Bluewater Orthopedics, will present information on arthritis and discuss advancements in adult reconstruction. He specializes in joint replacement; hip, knee and shoulder arthroscopy; sports medicine; direct anterior hip replacement; hand surgery; and fracture care.

Markowski will discuss diagnosis and treatment options for degenerative or inflammatory bone disease and the benefits of minimally invasive, direct anterior hip replacement.

After the seminar, attendees may discuss areas of concern and ask questions. Reservations are required due to limited space.

After non-surgical treatments for arthritis have been exhausted, hip replacements can be beneficial to ease pain, according to a Sacred Heart media release. This procedure has gained widespread popularity because of the proven accelerated recovery time for patients.

Call 278-3600 to register for the seminar. Visit http://www.sacredheartemerald.org for more information about Sacred Heart on the Emerald Coast.

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Seminar to focus on arthritis - Crestview News Bulletin

Prevention.com

5 Best Sex Positions If You Have Arthritis Prevention.com Some 53 million adults in the U.S. suffer from arthritis, according to the CDC, and while it's an oft-talked about condition, there's one not-so-pleasant aspect of it that's harder to open up about: Living with debilitating joint pain and fatigue can ...

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