CT-based comprehensive scoring system for assessing hip arthropathy in ankylosing spondylitis: feasibility study with clinical correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a CT-based scoring system for assessment of hip arthropathy in AS. METHODS: All AS patients were prospectively recruited, consented, and underwent whole-body stereoradiographs and pelvis CT, which were assessed by two independent radiologists. Stereoradiographs were assessed according to Kellgreen-Lawrence and BASRI-h. For the Hip arthropathy CT score in AS (HACTSAS), joints were divided into 7 segments and scored for joint space, osteophytes, subchondral cysts/erosions. Patients were clinically assessed for range of motion (ROM), pain, and clinical scores (BASMI, BASFI, ASQol, BASDAI and ASDAS). Radiological scores correlations with clinical parameters were compared. ROM sensitivity and specificity for hip arthropathy (BASRI-h ≥ 2) were calculated. RESULTS: Sample included 112 patients, with 36/112 females and 76/112 males. Average age was 51.0 ± 11.2 years and mean duration of AS was 20.9 ± 9.6 years. ICC for HACTSAS, Kellgreen-Lawrence and BASRI-h were 0.89, 0.89 and 0.82 respectively. HACTSAS showed moderate absolute correlation with ROM (ρ=-0.41) and BASMI (ρ = 0.45), and weak with pain (ρ = 0.18) and BASFI (ρ = 0.25). BASRI-h and Kellgreen-Lawrence exhibited moderate correlation with ROM (ρ=-0.44 and ρ=-0.40, respectively), weak with pain (ρ=-.27and ρ=-0.23, respectively) and BASFI (ρ=-0.16 and ρ=-0.18, respectively), but only weak with BASMI (ρ=-0.34 and ρ=-0.36, respectively). Internal rotation <15°, abduction <31°, and intermalleolar distance <75cm were, respectively, 73%, 70% and 73% sensitivity and 81%, 65% and 68% specific for hip arthropathy. CONCLUSION: HACTSAS exhibited higher correlation with BASMI and BASFI when compared with BASRI-h, but less correlation with pain and ROM. Internal rotation was the best clinical discriminator for hip arthropathy.

The effect of antimalarials on the safety and persistence of treatment with biologic agents or Janus kinase inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To test the association of use of antimalarials with the overall safety of treatment in RA patients receiving one or multiple courses of biologic (b)DMARDs or a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi). METHODS: BiobadaBrasil is a multicentric registry-based cohort study of Brazilian patients with rheumatic diseases starting their first bDMARD or JAKi. The present analysis includes RA patients recruited from January 2009 to October 2019, followed up over one or multiple (up to six) courses of treatment (latest date, 19 November 2019). The primary outcome was the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs). Total and system-specific adverse events (AEs) and treatment interruption served as secondary outcomes. Negative binomial regression with generalized estimating equations (to estimate multivariate incidence rate ratios, mIRR) and frailty Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The number of patients enrolled was 1316 (2335 treatment courses, 6711 patient-years [PY]; 1254.5 PY on antimalarials). The overall incidence of SAEs was 9.2/100 PY. Antimalarials were associated with reduced risk of SAEs (mIRR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.68; P < 0.001), total AEs (0.68; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.81; P < 0.001), serious infections (0.53; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.84; P = 0.007) and total hepatic AEs (0.21; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.85; P = 0.028). Antimalarials were also related to better survival of treatment course (P = 0.003). There was no significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular AEs. CONCLUSION: Among RA patients on treatment with bDMARDs or JAKi, concomitant use of antimalarials was associated with reduced the incidence of serious and total AEs and with longer treatment course survival.

Factors Associated With Mortality in Patients With Immune-Mediated Rheumatic Diseases and COVID-19 From Latin America: Data From Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients with rheumatic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) from Argentina, Mexico and Brazil, and to assess factors associated with mortality in this population. METHODS: Data from 3 national registries, SAR-COVID (Argentina), CMR-COVID (Mexico), and ReumaCoV-Brasil (Brazil), were combined. Adult patients with IMIDs and SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, IMID clinical characteristics and treatment, and SARS-CoV-2 infection presentation and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 4827 individuals were included: 2542 (52.7%) from SAR-COVID, 1167 (24.2%) from CMR-COVID, and 1118 (23.1%) from ReumaCoV-Brasil. Overall, 82.1% were female with a mean age of 49.7 (SD, 14.3) years; 22.7% of the patients were hospitalized, and 5.3% died because of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). Argentina and Brazil had both 4% of mortality and Mexico 9.4%. In the multivariable analysis, older age (≥60 years; odds ratio [OR], 7.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.6-12.4), male sex (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1), living in Mexico (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.0-4.4), comorbidity count (1 comorbidity: OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-2.1), diagnosis of connective tissue disease or vasculitis (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.4), and other diseases (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.6-4.1) compared with inflammatory joint disease, high disease activity (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.5-7.0), and treatment with glucocorticoids (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.5) or rituximab (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.7-6.6) were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in patients with IMIDs was particularly high in Mexicans. Ethnic, environmental, societal factors, and different COVID-19 mitigation measures adopted have probably influenced these results.

Characteristics associated with poor COVID-19 outcomes in people with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis: data from the COVID-19 PsoProtect and Global Rheumatology Alliance physician-reported registries.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate factors associated with severe COVID-19 in people with psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). METHODS: Demographic data, clinical characteristics and COVID-19 outcome severity of adults with PsO, PsA and axSpA were obtained from two international physician-reported registries. A three-point ordinal COVID-19 severity scale was defined: no hospitalisation, hospitalisation (and no death) and death. ORs were estimated using multivariable ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 5045 cases, 18.3% had PsO, 45.5% PsA and 36.3% axSpA. Most (83.6%) were not hospitalised, 14.6% were hospitalised and 1.8% died. Older age was non-linearly associated with COVID-19 severity. Male sex (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.83), cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic and cancer comorbidities (ORs 1.25-2.89), moderate/high disease activity and/or glucocorticoid use (ORs 1.39-2.23, vs remission/low disease activity and no glucocorticoids) were associated with increased odds of severe COVID-19. Later pandemic time periods (ORs 0.42-0.52, vs until 15 June 2020), PsO (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.65, vs PsA) and baseline exposure to TNFi, IL17i and IL-23i/IL-12+23i (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.73; OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.87; OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.98; respectively; vs no disease-modifying antirheumatic drug) were associated with reduced odds of severe COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Older age, male sex, comorbidity burden, higher disease activity and glucocorticoid intake were associated with more severe COVID-19. Later pandemic time periods, PsO and exposure to TNFi, IL17i and IL-23i/IL-12+23i were associated with less severe COVID-19. These findings will enable risk stratification and inform management decisions for patients with PsO, PsA and axSpA during COVID-19 waves or similar future respiratory pandemics.

High rate of abdominal aortic calcification in COPD patients and its relationship with musculoskeletal fragility.

A very high rate of abdominal aortic calcification was observed in patients with COPD. Vascular calcification severity was associated with older age and lower bone mass at the femur in women. INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and cardiovascular disease are frequent comorbidities in COPD. Considering routine x-ray as a simple tool to access vertebral fractures and vascular calcification, the rate and severity of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and its association with musculoskeletal outcomes were investigated in COPD patients. METHODS: Ninety-six COPD patients (44 men and 52 women, 65.8 (51-83) and 64.3 (44-85) years-old, respectively) underwent spirometry, laboratory workout, bone mineral density (BMD) measurements with body composition analysis, and thoracolumbar spine radiography. Vertebral fractures (VFs) and AAC were defined using Genant semiquantitative approach and Kauppila score, respectively. RESULTS: Densitometric osteoporosis and VFs grades 2-3 were detected in almost 40% and 23% of the participants, respectively. Two-thirds of the participants had AAC ≥ 1 while significant atherosclerotic burden (extended AAC, Kauppila score ≥ 5) was seen in 40.6% of the sample. Women with significant atherosclerotic burden were older (P = 0.044) and had lower femoral neck BMD (P = 0.012) when compared to those with an AAC score < 5. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that body fat tended to be associated with increased odds of extended AAC in men (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.99-1.13, P = 0.099) while femoral neck BMD (0.01 g/cm2) was found to be significantly associated with extended AAC in women (OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.99; P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: COPD patients present a very high rate of AAC and its extended phenotype. Easily measured by conventional spine radiography, AAC severity in women with COPD is associated with low bone mass at the femoral neck, a surrogate marker for musculoskeletal fragility.

Factors associated with poor outcomes in SLE patients with COVID-19: Data from ReumaCoV-Brazil register.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate factors associated with COVID-19 severity outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of a prospective, multi-stage cohort study-"The ReumaCoV Brazil"-designed to monitor patients with immune-mediated rheumatologic disease (IMRD) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. SLE adult patients with COVID-19 were compared with those without COVID-19. SLE activity was evaluated by the patient global assessment (PGA) and SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). RESULTS: 604 SLE patients were included, 317 (52.4%) with COVID-19 and 287 (47.6%) in the control group. SLE COVID-19 patients reported a lower frequency of social isolation and worked more frequently as health professionals. There was no difference in the mean SLEDAI-2K score between groups in the post-COVID-19 period (5.8 [8.6] vs. 4.5 [8.0]; p = 0.190). However, infected patients reported increased SLE activity according to the Patient Global Assessment (PGA) during this period (2.9 [2.9] vs. 2.3 [2.6]; p = 0.031. Arterial hypertension (OR 2.48 [CI 95% 1.04-5.91], p = 0.041), cyclophosphamide (OR 14.32 [CI 95% 2.12-96.77], p = 0.006), dyspnea (OR: 7.10 [CI 95% 3.10-16.23], p < 0.001) and discontinuation of SLE treatment medication during infection (5.38 [CI 95% 1.97-15.48], p = 0.002), were independently associated with a higher chance of hospitalization related to COVID-19. Patients who received telemedicine support presented a 67% lower chance of hospitalization (OR 0.33 [CI 95% 0.12-0.88], p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Hypertension and cyclophosphamide were associated with a severe outcome, and telemedicine can be a useful tool for SLE patients with COVID-19.

Participating as a research team during the COVID-19 pandemic benefits mental health of undergraduate medical students in Brazil.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, undergraduate medical students (UMS) exposed to isolation, social distancing and complete or partial face-to-face educational activities interruption may present increased stress, depression and anxiety. This study was undertaken to evaluate if, during isolation, UMS involved in online group activities as investigators of a research project (volunteer group) would present better mental health than their colleagues, not involved in that research (control group). A Web-based survey, via the Google Forms platform, including details on demographic data, life habits, previous health conditions, worries with the COVID-19 pandemic, sleep pattern modifications and depression, anxiety and mental stress, using the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) was implemented from 20 July to 31 August 2020. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 20.0. A p-value <0.05 was significant. A total of 684 UMS were included, 228 as a volunteer group and 456 as a control group. Mean age was 23.15 (3.16) years. The groups were paired for age, gender, ethnicity, life habits and previous health conditions. Older age, male gender, participation in the research project, unchanged sleep pattern during the pandemic, lack of fear from getting the COVID-19 and lack of previous health conditions were associated with lower DASS21 scores (better mental health). Participating as investigators of a research project foreseeing frequent interaction with patients, colleagues and professors (other investigators) lead to better mental health during the COVID-19 quarantine in Brazil.

Incidence and risk factors for moderate/severe COVID-19 in rheumatic diseases patients on hydroxychloroquine: a 24-week prospective cohort.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 and its main outcomes in rheumatic disease (RD) patients on hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) compared to household cohabitants (HC). METHODS: This is a 24-week nationwide prospective multi-centre cohort with a control group without RD and not using HCQ. All participants were monitored through scheduled phone interviews performed by health professionals. Details regarding COVID-19 symptoms, and epidemiological, clinical, and demographic data were recorded on a specific web-based platform. COVID-19 was defined according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health criteria and classified as mild, moderate or severe. RESULTS: A total of 9,585 participants, 5,164 (53.9%) RD patients on HCQ and 4,421 (46.1%) HC were enrolled from March 29th, 2020 to September 30th, 2020, according to the eligibility criteria. COVID-19 confirmed cases were higher in RD patients than in cohabitants [728 (14.1%) vs. 427 (9.7%), p<0.001] in a 24-week follow-up. However, there was no significant difference regarding outcomes related to moderate/ severe COVID-19 (7.1% and 7.3%, respectively, p=0.896). After multiple adjustments, risk factors associated with hospitalisation were age over 65 (HR=4.5; 95%CI 1.35-15.04, p=0.014) and cardiopathy (HR=2.57; 95%CI 1.12-5.91, p=0.026). The final survival analysis demonstrated the probability of dying in 180 days after a COVID-19 diagnosis was significantly higher in patients over 65 years (HR=20.8; 95%CI 4.5-96.1) and with 2 or more comorbidities (HR=10.8; 95%CI 1.1-107.9 and HR=24.8; 95%CI 2.5-249.3, p=0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although RD patients have had a higher COVID-19 incidence than individuals from the same epidemiological background, the COVID-19 severity was related to traditional risk factors, particularly multiple comorbidities and age, and not to underlying RD and HCQ.

How Did Patients Living With Immune-Mediated Rheumatic Diseases Face the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil? Results of the COnVIDa Study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought additional burden to patients living with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRDs), especially at the beginning of 2020, for which information for this population is lacking. METHODS: COnVIDa is a cross-sectional study on patients with IMRD from all regions of Brazil who were invited to answer a specific and customized Web questionnaire about how they were facing the COVID-19 pandemic, especially focusing on health care access, use of medications, and patient-reported outcomes related to IMRD activity. The questionnaire was applied from June 1 to 30, 2020. RESULTS: In total, 1722 of 2576 patients who answered the Web questionnaire were included in the final analysis. Participants were most frequently women, 56% were between 31 and 50 years old, and most (55%) has private health insurance. The most commonly reported IMRD was rheumatoid arthritis (39%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (28%). During the study period, 30.7% did not have access to rheumatology consultations, and 17.6% stopped chronic medications. Telemedicine was reported in 44.8% of patients. CONCLUSION: COnVIDa demonstrated a negative impact on health care access and treatment maintenance of patients living with IMRD during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it also presented an uptake of telemedicine strategies. Data presented in this study may assist future coping policies.

Seasonal effect on biomarker responses in sentinel species: innovation in mangrove conservation status assessment.

We evaluated the environmental quality in mangrove areas of the Western Atlantic with different levels and history of contamination, considering biomarkers for the crab Ucides cordatus. For this purpose, specimens were collected in two climatic seasons (rainy and dry seasons) and assays of genotoxicity (MN, micronucleus), cytotoxicity (NRRT, neutral red retention time) and biochemical (MT, metallothionein; and LPO, lipoperoxidation) were conducted. In the most impacted mangroves, there was an increase in the mean of micronucleus (frequency of MN/1000), which was associated with a shorter retention time (minutes of NRRT). In contrast, the most pristine areas showed MN < 3 and NRRT < 100 min, with no seasonal effect, indicating a lower effect of degenerative processes by xenobiotics. The rainy season was more harmful, especially regarding cytogenotoxicity. The use of bioindicator species for environmental monitoring should be guided by an analysis of biomarkers considering the season, because during the period of highest rainfall, biomarkers values can change.

Vegetation patterns and the influence of rainfall after long-term fire suppression on a woody community of a Brazilian savanna.

We evaluated the structural and floristic characteristics of a Brazilian savanna fragment occupied by cerradão (CD) and cerrado sensu stricto (CS) in response to the influence of rainfall and long-term fire suppression. We carried out floristic, phytosociological and remote sensing studies in a cerrado fragment located in Corumbataí (SP, Brazil) after 43 years of complete fire suppression. We surveyed 43 plots of 200 m2 each (17 plots in CS and 26 plots in CD) and all individuals ≥ 0.32 cm diameter measured at 30 cm from the ground were included in the sample. We calculated phytosociological parameters for each species and classified them in three ecological groups, namely savanna, generalist and forest species. The remote sensing analysis used aerial photographs and satellite images from 1962 to 2019 (i.e. 59 years). The structural study of community revealed high predominance of forest and generalist species when compared to savanna species. Non-linear correlation between CD expansion rates and total rainfall within the study period indicated a positive influence of the rainfall (R2 = 0.42). Thus, our analysis indicated a tendency of a continuous and fast expansion of CD over areas of CS in the long-term absence of fire combined with periods of heavy rain.

Decomposition of leaf litter in the Brazilian savanna on limestone and sandstone Neosols.

Litter decomposition in the soil is an important stage of the nutrient cycling process that interferes with functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Soil fertility and litter nutritional quality are fundamental factors that affect decomposition efficiency of plant residues. We evaluated decomposition in two areas of 'cerrado sensu stricto', each with a type of Neosol - limestone (eutrophic) and sandstone (dystrophic). In a rural area located in the municipality of Ituiutaba (MG, Brazil), 10 plots were randomly selected to install litter bags with 10 g of mixture of dry leaves that were used to estimate rate and time of leaf-litter decomposition from October/2015 to January/2016. Decomposition rate in the limestone cerrado was significantly higher than in the sandstone cerrado. This difference mustn't be explained by the edaphic texture between areas, since it was similar between them. But may be explained through aluminum absence and higher soil fertility in the limestone cerrado, especially phosphorus that is highly limiting in dystrophic cerrados like the sandstone cerrados, in which decay of decomposing leaf-litter was directly proportional to the levels of phosphorus. Limestone presence reduces aluminum toxicity and circumvent phosphorus limitation in the cerrado, favoring decomposition. Such influence is probably an important feature for limestone cerrados.

Entropy: From Thermodynamics to Information Processing.

Entropy is a concept that emerged in the 19th century. It used to be associated with heat harnessed by a thermal machine to perform work during the Industrial Revolution. However, there was an unprecedented scientific revolution in the 20th century due to one of its most essential innovations, i.e., the information theory, which also encompasses the concept of entropy. Therefore, the following question is naturally raised: "what is the difference, if any, between concepts of entropy in each field of knowledge?" There are misconceptions, as there have been multiple attempts to conciliate the entropy of thermodynamics with that of information theory. Entropy is most commonly defined as "disorder", although it is not a good analogy since "order" is a subjective human concept, and "disorder" cannot always be obtained from entropy. Therefore, this paper presents a historical background on the evolution of the term "entropy", and provides mathematical evidence and logical arguments regarding its interconnection in various scientific areas, with the objective of providing a theoretical review and reference material for a broad audience.

Higher bodily adiposity, fat intake, and cholesterol serum levels are associated with higher disease activity in psoriatic arthritis patients: is there a link among fat and skin and joint involvement?

INTRODUCTION/ OBJECTIVES: Assuming that there is a link between lipid and glucose metabolism and inflammation in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), our aim was to evaluate the relationships among body composition measurements, food intake, and disease activity in patients with PsA. METHODS: A total of 97 patients with PsA, according to the CASPAR criteria, were included in this cross-sectional study. Body composition measurements (whole-body DXA, GE-Lunar), food intake (3-day registry) and biochemical and inflammatory serum markers were evaluated. Skin and joint disease activity were assessed by using PASI, BSA, DAS28, and minimal disease activity (MDA). The level of significance was set as p < 0.05. RESULTS: A higher prevalence of obesity, according to the fat mass index (FMI) (92.7%), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) (54%) were found, but no significant changes regarding lean or bone mass were found. Joint disease activity was positively correlated with total body fat (r = 0.4; p < 0.001), FMI (r = 0.33; p < 0.001), body mass index (r = 0.20; p < 0.049) and waist circumference (r = 0.27; p = 0.009). In addition, joint disease activity was negatively associated with muscle mass (r = - 0.38; p < 0.001). Skin disease activity was positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.3; p = 0.003) and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.28; p = 0.006). After multiple adjustments, patients with severe joint disease activity had higher body adiposity than patients in remission or with low disease activity. Skin disease activity was associated with higher trans-fat intake and lower omega-6 consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a possible harmful link among fat (body adiposity, saturated fat consumption, LDL-cholesterol serum levels) and joint and skin disease activity in patients with PsA.

Childhood Craniopharyngioma: A 22-Year Challenging Follow-Up in a Single Center.

Craniopharyngioma is a sellar/suprasellar benign tumor whose aggressiveness may imply in endocrine disturbances (hypothalamic obesity and hormone deficiencies). Fifty-seven patients were evaluated according to clinical characteristics, hypothalamic involvement, type of treatment, anthropometric variables, adiposity indexes (body mass index Z score category at diagnosis and post-treatment, total body fat, visceral adipose tissue, and metabolic syndrome components) and analyzed through multiple regression and logistic models. Patients were stratified according to growth hormone deficiency and recombinant human growth hormone use. Mean ages at diagnosis and at study evaluation were 9.6 and 16.6 years old, respectively. A set of 43/57 (75.4%) patients presented with important hypothalamic involvement, 24/57 (42.1%) received surgical treatment and cranial radiotherapy, and 8/57 (14%) interferon-α exclusively. Fifty-five patients (96.5%) were considered growth hormone deficient, and 26/57 (45.6%) grew despite no recombinant human growth hormone replacement therapy. At diagnosis, 12/57 (21%) patients were obese, and 33/57 (57.9%) at study evaluation, and after 3.2 years (median) post first therapy. There was no influence of height Z score on body mass index Z score. Body mass index Z score at diagnosis positively influenced body mass index Z score, total body fat, waist circumference and the presence of the metabolic syndrome post-treatment. Replacement of recombinant human growth hormone decreased total body fat and visceral adipose tissue. Craniopharyngioma patients worsened body mass index Z score category 3.2 years (median) after first treatment. Body mass index Z score increased due to real weight gain, without height decrease. Replacement of recombinant human growth hormone had beneficial effect on adiposity.

Density, abundance and extractive potential of the mangrove crab, Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Brachyura, Ocypodidae): subsidies for fishery management.

Ucides cordatus is a relevant fishery resource of Brazilian mangroves and requires legal normative to sustainable use based on stock assessment and management. This study evaluated some population parameters (structure, density, abundance, fishery potential and stock) of this crab species in Brazil Southeast (São Paulo, State), discussing the use of the results to delineate fishery management strategies. Density was monthly evaluated (September 1998 to August 1999), using five sample quadrats of 2x2 m. Density (ind.m-2) was indirectly estimated by counting the opened (with biogenic activity) and closed galleries, and contrasted with flooding level by tides using the vertical distribution of macroalgae in the base of trees. Density of U. cordatus ranges from 2 to 11 ind.m-2 (6±2 ind.m-2) and statistical difference occurred among monthly means (F=11.58; p=0.000). The relationship density vs. tidal flooding indicated a decrease of U. cordatus density in mangroves with higher levels of tidal flooding (r=-0.94; p=0.001). The total abundance of U. cordatus was estimated in 63.7 millions of crabs in 10.61 km2, with a reduction of 34.9% due to total mortality discount. Estimates like that are uncommon in literature, and could be used for fishery forecasts, allowing improvement by the introduction of new variables to be known in the future.

Physical Activity Questionnaires Do Not Accurately Estimate Fitness in Older Women.

The objective was to compare the performance of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Baecke questionnaire to estimate maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in healthy older women. One hundred healthy women aged 60 years and older answered the IPAQ and Baecke questionnaires and underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test. The 6-min walk (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG), and handgrip strength test (HST) were also performed. Mean age and body mass index were 68.5 ± 6.3 years and 27 ± 4.7 kg/m2, respectively. No significant correlation was seen between VO2max, IPAQ and Baecke questionnaires. IPAQ did not correlate with any functional tests while Baecke correlated weakly with the 6MWT and TUG test. VO2max correlated significantly with the 6MWT (r = .38; p = .0001), HST (r = .34; p = .001), and TUG (r = -.41; p = .0001). In a multivariate regression model, TUG was the best estimator for VO2max (R2 = .217; p = .0001). In conclusion, IPAQ and Baecke questionnaires do not associate significantly with VO2max in older women.

Performance of the classification criteria in patients with late-onset axial spondyloarthritis.

AIM: To evaluate the performance of four different classification criteria for spondyloarthritis (SpA) in patients with late-onset symptoms and to compare the clinical, laboratory and radiographic outcomes among the patients with symptoms before and after 45 years of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 329 patients with SpA were enrolled in this prospective cohort. Patients with psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, colitis associated arthritis and peripheral or undifferentiated SpA were excluded. The remaining individuals were divided into two groups based on their ages at the time of onset of symptoms: from 16 to 45 years of age (adult-onset, A-O) and after 45 years of age (late-onset, L-O). The clinical data were collected, including BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, mSASSS, ASDAS, as were concomitant diseases and medications, efficacy and safety data. The performance of four SpA classification criteria, including modified New York, ESSG, Amor and ASAS, was evaluated in both groups. p value <.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (9.72%) had L-O axial SpA. Mean age of diagnosis and symptoms were 57.6 (8.0) years and 7.6 (5.1) years, respectively. L-O patients had statistically worse functional impairment and higher disease activity. However, they had lower radiographic sacroiliac and spine damage (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Our data showed that almost 10% of the patients with SpA had late-onset of symptoms. Moreover, they had higher disease activity, worse physical function and lower spine radiographic damage than A-O SpA patients. Additionally, the ASAS classification criteria had the best performance and might be used in clinical practice.