Evaluate the collective function of references cited together in a given text segment.
Classify their combined role into one of the following categories: 'method', 'background', or 'result'.

Text:Elevated serum BAFF levels are involved in the pathogenesis of B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [12], multiple sclerosis (MS) [13], systemic sclerosis (SS) [14] and RA [15].
Category: