the biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are very effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), however there is a lack of head-to-head comparison studies.

It has not been studied yet whether factors such as the number of subjects recruited by specialized centers for multicenter trials may influence weight loss during a low-calorie diet (LCD). This study aimed at determining whether the number of recruited subjects per center might predict relative weight loss. This is a post hoc analysis of an existing database: 701 obese subjects (77% women, 23% men, mean BMI: 38.9 kg/m(2)) were enrolled at 22 sites (4-85 subjects/site) in five countries to follow a LCD providing 800-1,000 kcal/day during 8 weeks. The main outcome measure was the percentage weight loss after the 8-week LCD. Mean weight loss differed significantly between participating centers (5.8-11.8% of the initial weight; P <0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between relative weight loss and the number of recruited subjects per center (r = 0.38; P <0.001). In a multiple stepwise regression analysis, the number of recruited subjects per center appeared to be the main predictive factor of weight loss (R(2) = 0.07; P <0.001). As the number of participants within each center is clustered, we applied a hierarchical model to model the average weight loss vs. the number of participants included at each center. This model allows to predict that for 10 extra patients in a center, the average weight loss would increase by 0.5%. This is the first study suggesting that the number of recruited subjects per center may impact weight loss, and could therefore be considered as a new predictor for weight loss that is independent from the individual.

To evaluate in a prospective, randomized clinical trial (RCT), symptom response among obese knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients following a feasible, intensive weight-loss program for 16 weeks.

It is important to recognize the diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM) to adequately advise patients with this chronic pain disease. FM coexists with other rheumatic diseases and may therefore serve as a confounder in connection with estimation of disease activity. The aetiology and pathogenesis of FM remain unknown, although central sensitisation seems to play a major role. Following exclusion of a number of differential diagnoses, the remaining patients have several treatment options including centrally-acting medication.

Anterior knee tendon problems are seldom reported in badminton players although the game is obviously stressful to the lower extremities.

Both Nordic walking and Exercise on Prescription have potential as elements in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. These programs are recommended, but their effectiveness has not yet been established. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of these 2 interventions compared with standard information on physical activity.