Sleep deprivation increases the regularity of isometric torque fluctuations.

The regularity of the fluctuations present in torque signals represent the adaptability of the motor control. While previous research showed how it is affected by neuromuscular fatigue and ageing, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. It is currently under debate whether these changes are explained by central or peripheral neuromuscular mechanisms. Here, we experimentally manipulated the sleep of thirteen young adults through a supervised 24 h-sleep deprivation protocol. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sleep deprivation on the regularity of torque fluctuations, and other standard torque-related outcomes (Peak Torque - PT - and Rate of Torque Development - RTD). The participants were asked to perform knee extension maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and submaximal knee extensions at 40% of MVC for 30 s. PT and RTD were calculated from the MVC and the regularity of the torque fluctuations was determined on the submaximal task through Sample Entropy (SampEn). In addition, rate of perceived effort (RPE) was collected. We found no significant changes in PT and RTD. The regularity of torque fluctuations significantly increased (i.e., a decrease in SampEn) after 24 h-sleep deprivation (PRE = 1.76 ± 0.268, POS24 = 1.71 ± 0.306; p = 0.044). Importantly, we found a negative correlation between RPE and SampEn relative changes after sleep deprivation. This study brings new insights towards the understanding of the underlying mechanisms that explain changes in torque fluctuations, demonstrating that these changes are not limited to neuromuscular processes but are also likely to be affected by other domains, such as psychological profile, which can indirectly affect the neural drive to the muscles.

In-situ acceleration-speed profile of an elite soccer academy: A cross-sectional study.

Speed is an essential skill in sports performance and an important performance metric in talent identification. This study aims to evaluate and compare the sprint acceleration characteristics across different age groups in an elite soccer academy. A total of 141 elite academy soccer players were recruited to participate in the study, and they were assigned to their respective competitive age groups, ranging from under-14 to the B-team. An individual in-situ acceleration-speed (A-S) profile was assessed and derived from Global Position System (GPS) speed-acceleration raw data, from 10 consecutive football sessions, in the beginning of the season. The results showed that under-14 players exhibited significantly lower theoretical maximum speed (S0) (ηp2 = 0.215, p < 0.01) when compared with all other age groups. However, no differences were found between maximum theoretical acceleration (A0) and A-S slope between age groups. The results suggest that sprint mechanical profiles of young soccer athletes remain stable throughout their athletic development. Nevertheless, younger athletes have less capacity to apply horizontal force at higher speeds (S0).

Semitendinosus and biceps femoris long head activity during the single leg bridge test in healthy individuals.

INTRODUCTION: The single leg bridge test (SLBT) has been suggested as a clinical test to examine function, screen injury risk, and monitor the effectiveness of rehabilitation programes targeting the hamstring. This study aimed to determine the inter-day reliability and repeatability of both SLBT performance, semitendinosus (ST), and biceps femoris long head (BFlh) surface electromyography (sEMG) responses and characterise the BFlh and ST electrical activity during the SLBT performed until exhaustion in healthy individuals. METHODS: Twelve physically active young men without previous hamstring injury were tested for the number of repetitions attained, and sEMG signal median frequency and amplitude in both ST and BFlh of each lower limb, randomly in two sessions, with a seven-day interval between sessions. RESULTS: High reliability [ICC = 0.85] was found for the number of SLBT repetitions attained. Reliability of sEMG outcomes showed better results for ST (ICC = 0.62-0.91) than for BFlh (ICC = 0.39-0.81), and a high to very-high repeatability was found for both ST (ICC = 0.91-0.84) and BFlh (ICC = 0.91-0.85). sEMG median frequency decreased and amplitude increased for both BFlh (p ≤ 0.001) and ST (p ≤ 0.039) at the end of SLBT, suggesting localised fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: The SLBT performed by healthy individuals until exhaustion proved to be reliable and to induce fatigue in both BFlh and ST, where the sEMG median frequency and amplitude can be measured on different days with acceptable reliability and high repeatability, suggesting its potential future use in both practical and clinical settings.

Are the Cross-Culturally Adapted Versions of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia 11-Item Valid, Reliable, and Responsive? A COSMIN-Informed Systematic Review of Measurement Properties.

Numerous cultural adaptations of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia 11-item version (TSK-11) scale have emerged since the original version was introduced. We conducted a (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) COSMIN-informed systematic review of measurement properties to identify the cross-cultural adaptation of the TSK-11 and report, critically appraise, and systematize its measurement properties. Six databases were searched for studies published since 2005. Studies reporting on the measurement properties of culturally adapted versions of the TSK-11, published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, were considered for inclusion. The results were synthesized by measurement properties and rated against the COSMIN criteria for good measurement properties. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach and presented in a summary of findings table. Twenty-three studies were included, and cultural adaptations for 15 languages were identified: English, Chinese, Cantonese, Swedish, German, Dutch, Arabic, Turkish, Danish, Spanish, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Marathi, Thai, and Persian. There is "high" certainty in the evidence for "sufficient" criterion validity (TSK-17, r = .84) and "insufficient" measurement error (small detectable change range 5.6-6.16). "Moderate" certainty in the evidence for "sufficient" construct validity (87.8% of hypotheses confirmed), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient2,1 = .747-.87), and "low" certainty in evidence for "sufficient" responsiveness. The numerous sources of heterogeneity prevent conclusions from being drawn regarding structural validity. Measurement error, responsiveness, and structural validity of the TSK-11 require further investigation. Clinicians should complement the use of TSK-11 with other instruments. Future studies on the structural validity of the questionnaire should standardize the data analysis methods. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the measurement properties of the cross-cultural adaptations of the TSK-11. Clinicians should be aware that cultural and clinical aspects may influence the structural validity of the questionnaire. Using the TSK-11 as a stand-alone instrument may omit relevant clinical progression in the patient's condition.

Stride-to-stride fluctuations and temporal patterns of muscle activity exhibit similar responses during walking to variable visual cues.

Incorporating variability within gait retraining approaches has been proposed and shown to lead to positive changes. Specifically, submitting the individuals to walk in synchrony to cues that are temporally organized with a fractal-like patterns, promotes changes at the stride-to-stride fluctuations closer to those typically find in young adults. However, there is still a need to understand the underlying neuromuscular mechanisms associated to such improvement. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether changes in the temporal structure of the variability in gait patterns are accompanied by changes in muscle activity patterns. Fourteen young individuals walked synchronized to one uncued (UNC) and three cued conditions: isochronous (ISO), fractal (FRC) and random (RND). Inter-stride intervals were determined from an accelerometer placed on the lateral malleoli. Inter-muscle peak intervals were obtained from the electromyographic signal from the gastrocnemius muscle. Fractal scaling, obtained through detrended fluctuation analysis, and coefficient of variation were calculated. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to identify differences between conditions. Significant main effect was observed for both fractal scaling and coefficient of variation. Both shown no differences between UNC and FRC conditions, while ISO and RND were significantly lower compared to UNC and FRC conditions. In addition, a Pearson's Correlation was used to test the correlation between variables. A strong correlation was found the temporal structure of gait and muscle activity patterns. These findings strengthen the current literature regarding the incorporation of variability within cued approaches. Specifically, it shows that such an approach allows the modification of the neuromuscular processes underlying the stride-to-stride fluctuations.

External Training Loads and Soft-Tissue Injury Occurrence During Congested Versus Noncongested Periods in Football.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of congested and noncongested fixture periods during 2 seasons in a professional male football team on soft-tissue injury incidence and external load. METHODS: Thirty-three professional football players from a Portuguese Liga I team participated in this study. Weekly external load and soft-tissue injury rate and burden of 2 consecutive seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23) were analyzed. RESULTS: Total soft-tissue injury rate and burden for the 2 seasons were 3.9 and 3.2 injuries per 1000 hours and 71.8 and 60.5 days per 1000 hours for congested and noncongested periods, respectively. No significant differences were observed between congested and noncongested periods. Total high-speed running, sprint distance, distance above 80% and 90% of maximal velocity, and meters accelerating and decelerating above 2 m/s2 were significantly higher for noncongested weeks. Match accelerations and decelerations above 3 m/s2 were higher during congested periods and training during noncongested periods. No differences between the 2 periods were observed for the total number of accelerations and decelerations above 3 m/s2. Overall, physical outputs per week were higher for training during noncongested weeks, whereas matches during congested periods registered higher external load. CONCLUSIONS: No effect of a congested schedule was observed on soft-tissue injury rates and injury burden. Higher match exposure during congested periods increased external load performed per week, and during noncongested periods, training load was superior to congested weeks.

Hamstrings passive and active shear modulus: Implications of conventional static stretching and warmup.

PURPOSE: This study compares the acute effects of a static stretching and a warmup protocol on the active and passive shear modulus of the hamstring muscles. METHODS: Muscle shear modulus was assessed at rest and during isometric contractions at 20 % of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). RESULTS: After stretching, the passive shear modulus pattern was not altered, while at 20 % MVIC the biceps femoris short head (BFsh) and semimembranosus showed a shear modulus increase and decrease, respectively, which resulted on BFsh-SM pair differences (pre: 3.8 ±â€¯16.8 vs. post: 39.3 ±â€¯25.1 kPa; p < 0.001; d = 1.66) which was accompanied by a decrease of 18.3 % on MVIC. Following the warmup protocol, passive shear modulus remained unchanged, while active shear modulus was decreased for the semitendinosus (pre: 65.3 ±â€¯13.5 vs. post: 60.3 ±â€¯12.3 kPa; p = 0.035; d = 0.4). However, this difference was within the standard error of measurement (10.54 kPa), and did not impact the force production, since it increased only 1.4 % after the warmup. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the passive and active shear modulus responses of the individual hamstring muscles to static stretching are muscle-specific and that passive and active hamstring shear modulus are not changed by a standard warmup intervention.

Females Present Reduced Minimum Toe Clearance During Walking As Compared to Males in Active Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Physical decline due to aging has been associated with the risk of falls. Minimum toe clearance (MTC) is a gait parameter that might play a role in the mechanism of tripping and falling. However, it is unclear if there are any sex-related effects regarding MTC as people age. The present study investigated if there are sex-related differences in MTC in older active adults. METHODS: Twenty-three females and 23 males (F: 65.5 ±â€…4.8 years; M: 61.9 ±â€…5.2 years) walked on a treadmill at a preferred walking speed, while kinematic data were obtained at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz and up-sampled to 120 and 240 Hz. MTC was calculated from the kinematics data and evaluated concerning its magnitude (ie, MTC and MTC/leg length), the time between left/right MTC (ie, T-MTC), amount of variability (ie, coefficient of variation [CV] and coefficient of variation modified [CVm]), and temporal structure of variability, that is, the complexity of the time series (ie, MTC α, T-MTC α). RESULTS: No sex effects were found for MTC/leg length, for the amount of variability (ie, CV and CVm), and for the complexity of the time series (MTC α, T-MTC α). However, females exhibited significantly lower MTC and T-MTC after adjusting for walking speed, mass, and age as covariates. CONCLUSIONS: The reduced MTC in females suggests a potential sex-related disparity in the risk of tripping and falling among active older adults.

Changes in passive and active hamstrings shear modulus are not related after a warmup protocol.

This study aimed to determine whether changes in hamstrings passive and active shear modulus after a warmup protocol are correlated. Twenty males without a history of hamstring strain injury participated. Muscle shear modulus was assessed using ultrasound-based shear wave elastography at rest and during isometric contractions at 20% of maximal voluntary isometric effort before and immediately after a warmup protocol. Changes in passive shear modulus did not seem to be associated with changes in active shear modulus. The results of this study suggest that changes in passive and active hamstring shear modulus are not associated after a standardized warmup intervention.

Stride-to-stride variability is altered when running to isochronous visual cueing but remains unaltered with fractal cueing.

Running synchronised to external cueing is often implemented in both clinical and training settings, and isochronous cueing has been shown to improve running economy. However, such cueing disregards the natural stride-to-stride fluctuations present in human locomotion which is thought to reflect higher levels of adaptability. The present study aimed to investigate how alterations in the temporal structure of cueing affect stride-to-stride variability during running. We hypothesised that running using cueing with a fractal-like structure would preserve the natural stride-to-stride variability of young adults. Thirteen runners performed four 8-min trials: one uncued (UNC) trial and three cued trials presenting an isochronous (ISO), a fractal (FRC) and a random (RND) structure. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to identify changes in the dependent variables. We have found no main effect on the cardiorespiratory parameters, whereas a significant main effect was observed in the temporal structure of stride-to-stride variability. During FRC, the participants were able to retain the fractal patterns of their natural locomotor variability observed during the UNC condition, while during the ISO and RND they exhibited more random of fluctuations (i.e., lower values of fractal scaling). Our results demonstrate that cueing based on the natural stride-to-stride fluctuations opens new avenues for training and rehabilitation.

The effects of melatonin and magnesium in a novel supplement delivery system on sleep scores, body composition and metabolism in otherwise healthy individuals with sleep disturbances.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a novel dietary supplement, including melatonin and magnesium, delivered via coffee pods on sleep quality, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and body composition in individuals with poor sleep quality disturbances. Using a double-blinded, randomized, crossover trial, we recruited 35 participants to a 4-week intervention with both supplements (1.9 mg melatonin + 200 mg elemental magnesium before sleep) and placebo conditions, considering a 7d washout period between treatments. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was applied, RMR (kcal) was measured using indirect calorimetry (canopy ventilated open-circuit system) and body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Decreases in PSQI and anger - hostility scores, as well as in energy intake and fat mass, were observed (p < 0.05) for both conditions, from baseline to the end of each 4-week intervention. Differences between conditions were also observed for these parameters along with energy spent in activity, number of sedentary breaks, sleep efficiency, latency time, time in bed, total sleep time, awakening time, and movement index (p < 0.05) favouring the supplement condition. However, the final PSQI questionnaire scores still indicated poor sleep quality on average (PSQI > 5), in both conditions, with no changes regarding RMR. A melatonin-magnesium supplement, in a coffee pod format, showed improvements in sleep quality in otherwise healthy individuals with sleep disturbances, however PSQI questionnaire scores still indicated poor quality on average (PSQI > 5).

Seroprevalence of Protective Antibodies Against Influenza and the Reduction of the Influenza Incidence Rate: An Annual Repeated Cross-Sectional Study From 2014 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Seroepidemiological studies provide estimates of population-level immunity, prevalence/incidence of infections, and evaluation of vaccination programs. We assessed the seroprevalence of protective antibodies against influenza and evaluated the correlation of seroprevalence with the cumulative annual influenza incidence rate. METHODS: We conducted an annual repeated cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey, during June-August, from 2014 to 2019, in Portugal. A total of 4326 sera from all age groups, sex, and regions was tested by hemagglutination inhibition assay. Seroprevalence and geometric mean titers (GMT) of protective antibodies against influenza were assessed by age group, sex, and vaccine status (65+ years old). The association between summer annual seroprevalence and the difference of influenza incidence rates between one season and the previous one was measured by Pearson correlation coefficient (r). RESULTS: Significant differences in seroprevalence of protective antibodies against influenza were observed in the population. Higher seroprevalence and GMT for A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) were observed in children (5-14); influenza B seroprevalence in adults 65+ was 1.6-4.4 times than in children (0-4). Vaccinated participants (65+) showed significant higher seroprevalence/GMT for influenza. A strong negative and significant correlation was found between seroprevalence and ILI incidence rate for A(H1N1)pdm09 in children between 5 and 14 (r = -0.84; 95% CI, -0.98 to -0.07); a weak negative correlation was observed for A(H3N2) and B/Yamagata (r ≤ -0.1). CONCLUSIONS: The study provides new insight into the anti-influenza antibodies seroprevalence measured in summer on the ILI incidence rate in the next season and the need for adjusted preventive health care measures to prevent influenza infection and transmission.

Síndrome de Sapho: relato de caso clínico / SAPHO syndrome: clinical case report

El síndrome de SAPHO es una condición relativamente rara, la cual designa varios desordenes que gana su nombre del epónimo por la sinovitis, acné, pustulosis, hiperostosis, osteítis. Relato de caso. Masculino, 15 años de edad, blanco, estudiante que hace dos años se encuentra en tratamiento por acné conglobata, que hace dos meses evoluciona con artralgia en pierna izquierda, tarsitis derecha y lumbalgia inflamatoria. Al examen físico se encuentra, palidez cutánea, pies invertidos y planos, rodillas en valgo, sacroileítis acentuada a la izquierda, tarsitis derecha, dolor en entesis (calcáneos) piel con lesiones cutáneas acneiformes extensas en rostro, dorso y tórax anterior. Exámenes complementarios: anemia normocitica y normo crómica, RX: sacro iliacas con señales de sacroileítis bilateral con psuedo alargamiento en la parte izquierda. USG de los pies normales, fondo de ojo: normal, HLAB27: negativa. Se inició indometacina y fisioterapia. Discusión: cuadro clínico de acné, artropatía inflamatoria característica del síndrome SAPHO, tratamiento conservador.

SAPHO syndrome is a relatively rare condition which designates several disorders that gain its name from the eponymous by synovitis, acne, pustular, hyperostosis, osteitis. Case report. Male, 15 years old, white, student who two years ago is in treatment for acne conglobata, who two months ago evolves with left leg arthralgia, right tarsitis and inflammatory low back pain. Physical examination includes skin paleness, inverted and flat feet, valgus knees, left sore sacroiliitis, right tarsitis, pain in entesis (calcaneus) skin with extensive acneiform skin lesions on face, dorsum and anterior thorax. Complementary examinations: normocytic anemia and normal chromosome, RX: iliac sacrum with signs of bilateral sacroiliitis with psuedo elongation in the left side. USG of normal feet. Fundus of eye: normal, HLAB27: negative. Indomethacin and physiotherapy were started. Discussion: clinical picture of acne, inflammatory arthropathy characteristic of SAPHO syndrome, conservative treatment.

Ultrasound of ankles in the diagnosis of complications of chikungunya fever / Ultrassonografia do tornozelo no diagnóstico das complicações da febre chikungunya

Abstract Objective: To describe the main ultrasound findings of chikungunya fever in the ankle. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study involving 52 patients referred to the Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto and presenting with clinical and biochemical evidence of chikungunya fever. The examinations were performed by a radiologist with more than 20 years of experience in ultrasound. Results: The predominant gender was female (in 88.5%), and the mean age was 58.4 years. The majority (61.5%) of the patients came from the northern part of the city of Rio de Janeiro, and 46.2% were using corticosteroids to treat inflammatory symptoms. The most common alterations observed by ultrasound were joint effusion (in 69.2%), tenosynovitis (in 59.6%), cellulitis (in 46.2%), Kager's fat pad thickening (in 29.9%), myositis (of the soleus or flexor hallucis longus muscle) (in 17.3%), retrocalcaneal bursitis (in 5.8%), tendon ruptures (in 3.8%), and increased vascular flow on power Doppler (in 3.8%). Conclusion: Signs of synovitis and tenosynovitis were the main ultrasound findings in a predominantly female population with a mean age of 58.4 years. Further studies are needed in order to define the role of ultrasound in the follow-up of such patients.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever os principais achados ultrassonográficos da febre chikungunya no tornozelo. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal e observacional com 52 pacientes encaminhados ao Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto com quadros clínico e laboratorial compatíveis com febre chikungunya. Os exames foram realizados por um radiologista com mais de 20 anos de experiência no método. Resultados: Houve predomínio do sexo feminino (88,5%) e média de idade dos pacientes de 58,4 anos. A maioria dos doentes (61,5%) era proveniente da zona norte da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e fazia uso de esteroides (46,2%) para o tratamento dos sintomas inflamatórios. As alterações ultrassonográficas mais comuns foram: derrame articular (69,2%), tenossinovites (59,6%), celulite (46,2%), espessamento da gordura de Kager (29,9%), miosite (sóleo e/ou flexor longo do hálux) (17,3%), bursite retrocalcânea (5,8%), roturas tendíneas (3,8%) e hiperfluxo vascular pelo Doppler de amplitude (3,8%). Conclusão: Predominaram os sinais ultrassonográficos de sinovite e tenossinovite numa população majoritariamente do sexo feminino e com idade média de 58,4 anos. Sugere-se a realização de outros estudos para definição do papel da ultrassonografia no acompanhamento desses doentes.

Síndrome Antissintetase: relato de dois casos e revisão da literatura / Antisynthetase Syndrome: two case reports and literature review

A Síndrome Antissintetase (SAS) é caracterizada por miosite, fenômeno de Raynaud, febre, doença pulmonar intersticial, artropatia e mãos de mecânico associados à presença de anticorpos contra a sintetase do RNAt especialmente anti-Jo-1. Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar a literatura sobre SAS e relatar dois casos, sendo o caso 1 de uma paciente com Polimiosite que desenvolveu, após alguns anos de doença, subluxação da articulação interfalangeana proximal do primeiro quirododáctilo direito, associada a manifestações pulmonares e anti-Jo-1 positivo. O caso 2 é de uma paciente com Dermatomiosite que evoluiu com subluxação dos dois primeiros quirodáctilos, anti-Jo-1 positivo e alterações pulmonares intersticiais na TC de tórax, porém assintomática. Esses casos demonstram a importância do diagnóstico precoce. Os autores descrevem dois casos dessa síndrome rara, enfatizando a sua gravidade do ponto de vista pulmonar e articular.

Antisynthetase Syndrome (ASS) is characterized by myositis, Raynaud's phenomenon, fever, interstitial lung disease, mechanic's hands and arthropathy associated with the presence of antibodies against tRNA synthetase, especially anti-Jo-1. This article aims to review the literature on ASS and report two cases where the first is a patient with polymyositis who developed subluxation on the proximal interphalangeal joint of bilateral first right finger after a few years of the disease, associated with pulmonary manifestations and positive anti-JO-1. In the second case, we present a patient with dermatomyositis, who developed a subluxation of the two first fingers, anti-Jo1 positive and chest CT changes, but without clinical evidence of pulmonary involvement. These cases reveal the importance of performing early diagnosis. The authors describe two cases of this rare syndrome, emphasizing the severity of interstitial lung disease and arthritis.

Revisão sistemática da indução de autoanticorpos e lúpus eritematoso pelo infliximabe / Systematic review of infliximab-induced autoantibodies and systemic lupus erythematosus

Nesta revisão sistemática abordamos a indução de autoanticorpos e lúpus eritematoso pelo infliximabe, analisando estudos que dosaram vários autoanticorpos antes e após o uso do infliximabe em diversas doenças (artrite reumatoide, espondilite anquilosante, artrite psoriásica e doença de Crohn). Nossa busca foi realizada em nove bases de dados (Pub-Med, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Scirus, Cochrane, EMBASE, Scielo e LILACS). Foram encontradas 998 referências; 24 artigos foram separados na íntegra, dos quais 10 foram excluídos por não entrarem em nossos critérios de seleção. A escolha dos artigos foi realizada por dois revisores, e as divergências foram resolvidas por um terceiro revisor. Incluímos estudos de fase IV, com no mínimo três meses de duração. No total foram estudados 760 pacientes; o fator antinuclear, o anticorpo anti-DNA de dupla hélice e os antígenos extraídos pela salina foram os mais verificados. De todos os pacientes, apenas 10 (1,3%) apresentaram manifestações clínico-laboratoriais de lúpus induzido por infliximabe.

The present systematic review aims to discuss infliximab-induced autoantibodies and subsequent onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through the analyses of primary reports measuring autoantibodies both before and after the administration of infliximab for the treatment of several diseases - e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. Our literature search was performed in nine databases - PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Scirus, Cochrane, EMBASE, Scielo and LILACS, and the search query retrieved 998 primary reports, from which 24 articles were selected and further narrowed down to 14, based on our inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers performed the article selection and a third reviewer solved discrepancies. Our inclusion criteria comprised primary reports of phase IV clinical trials with duration of at least three months. In total, 760 patients were evaluated and the most prevalent assays performed in the studies were anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-double stranded DNA antibodies (anti-dsDNA), and antibodies to saline-extracted antigens (ENA panel). Of all patients evaluated, 10 (1.3%) showed clinical signs and laboratorial evidence of infliximabinduced SLE.

Revisão sistemática da Indução de autoanticorpos e lúpus eritematoso pelo infliximabe / Systematic review of infl iximab-induced autoantibodies and systemic lupus erythematosus

Nesta revisão sistemática abordamos a indução de autoanticorpos e lúpus eritematoso pelo infliximabe, analisando estudos que dosaram vários autoanticorpos antes e após o uso do infliximabe em diversas doenças (artrite reumatoide, espondilite anquilosante, artrite psoriásica e doença de Crohn). Nossa busca foi realizada em nove bases de dados (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Scirus, Cochrane, EMBASE, Scielo e LILACS). Foram encontradas 998 referências; 24 artigos foram separados na íntegra, dos quais 10 foram excluídos por não entrarem em nossos critérios de seleção. A escolha dos artigos foi realizada por dois revisores, e as divergências foram resolvidas por um terceiro revisor. Incluímos estudos de fase IV, com no mínimo três meses de duração. No total foram estudados 760 pacientes; o fator antinuclear, o anticorpo anti-DNA de dupla hélice e os antígenos extraídos pela salina foram os mais verificados. De todos os pacientes, apenas 10 (1,3%) apresentaram manifestações clínico-laboratoriais de lúpus induzido por infliximabe.

Atualização em dermatomiosite / Updating in dermatomyositis

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dermatomiosite é umadoença sistêmica crônica, de etiologia desconhecida, que se caracterizapor acometimento inflamatório da pele e dos músculos.O diagnóstico baseia-se nos achados clínicos e laboratoriais. Os corticoides são a terapia mais utilizada. As causas de óbito maisfrequentes são neoplasia maligna, septicemia e fibrose pulmonar.O objetivo deste estudo foi efetuar uma ampla revisão de literatura com foco no reconhecimento dos principais achados clínicos e no tratamento desta doença.CONTEÚDO: A dermatomiosite é uma doença sistêmica crônica que se caracteriza por acometimento inflamatório da pele e dos músculos. Possui duas formas principais: miopática, maisfrequente, onde se encontram lesões musculares e cutâneas; e amiopática, somente com lesões cutâneas. O sexo feminino é o mais afetado, e a idade média do diagnóstico é 40 anos. Manifestações cutâneas são observadas em todos os pacientes. Das alterações sistêmicas, a manifestação muscular mais frequente é a perda de força proximal, e a manifestação pulmonar mais comum é a pneumopatia intersticial. Podem ser observadas neoplasias durante o seguimento da doença, sendo mais frequentes nos pacientes acima de 60 anos. A desidrogenase lática é a enzima muscular alterada na maioria dos casos. O diagnóstico da dermatomiositepode ser realizado por exame anatomopatológico de biópsia muscular,além de eletroneuromiografia. Os corticoides são os mais utilizados. As causas de óbito mais frequentes são neoplasia maligna,septicemia e fibrose pulmonar. Não há causa conhecida. Odiagnóstico baseia-se nos achados clínicos e laboratoriais.CONCLUSÃO: Através da analise dos dados bibliográficos foi possível concluir que a dermatomiosite é uma doença de diagnóstico predominantemente clínico. Os exames laboratoriais e de imagem constituem importantes confirmadores do quadro, mas nunca são identificadores isolados, sendo sempre a clínica, soberana no diagnóstico desta doença.(...)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The dermatomyosits is a systemic chronic disease, of unknown etiology, which is characterized for inflammatory attack of the skin and muscles. The diagnosis is based on clinical and laboratory finds. The corticosteroids are the most used therapy. The most frequent causes of death are: the malignant neoplasia, the septicemia and the pulmonary fibrosis. A bibliographical revision was carried out, with the objective of attracting attention of the doctors for the recognition of the principal clinical finds of this illness. CONTENTS: The dermatomyositis is a systemic chronic disease that is characterized by the inflammatory attack of the skin and muscles. It has two principal forms: miopatic that is more frequent, and presents muscular and skin injuries; and the amiopatic that presents skin injuries only. The feminine sex is more affected mainly at the middle age of 40s. Skin manifestations are observed in all the patients. Among the systemic alterations,the most frequent muscular demonstration is the loss of strength proximal, and the commonest pulmonary demonstration is interstitial pneumopathy. Neoplasis can be observed during the continuation of the disease, and is more frequent in the patients above 60 years old. The Lactic dehydrogenase means that the muscular enzyme is altered in most of the cases. The diagnosis of the dermatomyositis can be done for the muscular biopsy applyinganatomopatologic exam, besides electroneuromiography examination. The corticosteroids are the most used therapy. The most frequent causes of death are the malignant neoplasis, sepsis, and the pulmonary fibrosis and there is no known cause. The diagnosis is based on the clinical and laboratories finds.CONCLUSION: Through the analyzes of the bibliographical facts it is possible to conclude that dermatomiositis is a disease of predominantly clinical diagnosis.(...)

Avaliaçäo morfológica comparativa do preparo de canais curvos, utilizando-se das limas Flex-R, frente a duas técnicas de preparo: manual e Endo Gripper / Comparative morphologic evaluation of root canal preparation with Flex-R files by means of two preparation techniques: manual and Endo Gripper

A proposiçäo deste estudo foi verificar o desempenho das limas Flex-R usadas manulamente e acopladas ao Endo Gripper em raízes mesiovestibulares de molares inferiores e mesial de molares superiores extraídos de humanos frente à utilizaçäo da técnica da Força Balanceada Manual e do Endo Gripper. Dos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que näo houve diferença estatisticamente significante quando comparadas às limas Flex-R de uso manual e acopladas ao Endo Gripper, quanto à presença ou näo de uniformidade, desvio apical e a lisura das paredes do canal radicular