Do different protocols affect the success rate or bond strength of glass-ceramics repaired with composite resin? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Intraoral repair techniques prevent unnecessary replacement of ceramic restorations, thereby increasing the survival rate. However, adhesion between ceramics and the composite resin is challenging and how different protocols influence adhesion is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the influence of different protocols on repairing glass-ceramic surfaces with composite resins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Embase electronic databases were searched to select studies comparing bond strength values or survival rates of glass-ceramic repaired with composite resins using different surface treatment protocols. No publication year or language restriction was applied. Data sets were extracted from all included studies, and the mean differences calculated. A 95% confidence interval was calculated by using the random effect model (Rev Man 5.4). RESULTS: The search identified 5037 studies, and 165 were assessed for eligibility. Finally, 123 in vitro studies were included in the systematic review and 48 in the meta-analysis. Considering different glass-ceramics, bond strength tests, and aged or not aged specimens, 37 meta-analyses found the effect of repair protocols: only adhesive, silane plus adhesive alone or preceded by hydrofluoric (HF) acid, airborne-particle abrasion (APA) with Al2O3 particles, silica-coated APA (SCAPA), diamond rotary instrument (DRI), and laser irradiation (LI). CONCLUSIONS: For feldspathic porcelain, HF acid, APA, SCAPA, or DRI improved the repair micromechanical retention; applying silane is essential to HF-conditioned surfaces but the use of adhesive is optional when silane is applied. Results for leucite and lithium disilicate were inconclusive in terms of suggesting a treatment other than HF acid plus silane and adhesive applications.

Nestin and NG2 transgenes reveal two populations of perivascular cells stimulated by photobiomodulation.

Pericytes and glial cells are known to collaborate in dental pulp tissue repair. Cell-based therapies that stimulate these stromal components may be of therapeutic relevance for partially vital dental pulp conditions. This study aimed to examine the early effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) in pericytes from experimentally injured pulp tissue. To accomplish this, we used the Nestin-GFP/NG2-DsRed mice, which could allow the identification of distinct pericyte phenotypes. We discovered the presence of two pericytes subsets within the dental pulp, the Nestin + NG2+ (type-2) and Nestin- NG2+ (type-1). Upon injury, PBM treatment led to a significant increase in Nestin+ cells and pericytes. This boost was mainly conferred by the more committed pericyte subset (NestinNG2+ ). PBM also stimulated terminal blood vessels sprouting adjacent to the injury site while maintaining signs of pulp vitality. In vitro, PBM induced VEGF upregulation, improved dental pulp cells proliferation and migration, and favored their mineralization potential. Herein, different subsets of perivascular cells were unveiled in the pulp tissue. PBM enhanced not only NG2+ cells but nestin-expressing progenitors in the injured dental pulp.

The new 2019-EULAR/ACR classification criteria specific domains at diagnosis can predict damage accrual in 670 childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the 2019-European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) criteria at diagnosis of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) are associated with higher rates of early damage scored by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) Damage Index (SDI). METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study included 670 cSLE patients with ≤5 years of disease duration. All patients fulfilled both 2019-EULAR/ACR and 1997-ACR classification criteria. Total score of 2019-EULAR/ACR criteria and each of its specific domains were assessed at diagnosis as predictors of damage accrual at the last visit, according to the presence of any organ damage (defined by SDI ≥ 1). RESULTS: Median disease duration was 2.8 (IQR 1.8-3.8) years and 200 (29.9%) patients had at least one organ damage (SDI ≥ 1). The most frequent domains were neuropsychiatric (12%), renal (7%), and musculoskeletal (6%). There was a higher frequency of renal (58% vs 43%, p = 0.0004) and neuropsychiatric domain (21% vs 7%, p < 0.0001) of 2019-EULAR/ACR criteria in patients with damage (SDI ≥ 1) compared to those without damage (SDI = 0). Patients scoring renal or neuropsychiatric domains of the 2019-EULAR/ACR criteria at diagnosis were associated with renal damage (odds ratio 9.701, 95% confidence interval 3.773-24.941, p < 0.001) or neuropsychiatric damage (OR 9.480, 95% CI 5.481-16.399, p<0.0001) at latest visit, respectively. cSLE patients with positive anti-dsDNA at diagnosis were also associated with renal damage by the latest visit (OR 2.438, 95% CI 1.114-5.3381, p = 0.021). Constitutional, hematologic, mucocutaneous, serosal, and musculoskeletal domains and specific criteria as well as other immunologic criteria were not associated with damage accrual. Median of SLEDAI-2K was significantly higher in patients with global damage (19.5 (2-51) vs 14 (0-51), p<0.001). 2019-EULAR/ACR score >25 was associated with more overall (SDI ≥ 1) (38% vs 25%, p = 0.0002) and renal damage (11% vs 5%, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The 2019-EULAR/ACR criteria at diagnosis were associated with a higher rate of early damage in cSLE patients, especially for renal and neuropsychiatric damage. Of note, damage was particularly associated with high disease activity at diagnosis and 2019-EULAR/ACR score >25.

Subclinical Pulmonary Hypertension in Childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Associated with Minor Disease Manifestations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 852 childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients. This was a large multicenter study conducted in 10 Pediatric Rheumatology Services of São Paulo state, Brazil. PH was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure >35 mmHg and/or measurement of the mean pulmonary artery pressure >25 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure >15 mmHg by transthoracic echocardiogram. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, disease activity score (SLEDAI-2K), disease damage score (SLICC/ACR-DI) and treatments were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using Bonferroni correction (p < 0.002). PH was observed in 17/852 (2%) cSLE patients. Effort dyspnea occurred in 3/17, chest pain in 1/17 and right ventricle dysfunction in 3/17 cSLE patients. None had pulmonary thromboembolism or antiphospholipid syndrome. Further comparison between 17 cSLE with PH and 85 cSLE control patients without PH with similar disease duration [15 (0-151) vs. 15 (0-153) months, p = 0.448], evaluated at the last visit, revealed higher frequencies of fever (47 vs. 9%, p < 0.001), reticuloendothelial manifestations (41 vs. 7%, p < 0.001) and serositis (35 vs. 5%, p = 0.001) in the former group. Frequencies of renal and neuropsychiatric involvements and antiphospholipid syndrome, as well as the median of SLEDAI-2K and SLICC/ACR-DI scores, were comparable in both groups (p > 0.002). Normal transthoracic echocardiography was evidenced in 9/17 (53%), with median cSLE duration of 17.5 months (1-40) after PH standard treatment. PH was a rare manifestation of cSLE occurring in the first two years of disease. The majority of patients were asymptomatic with mild lupus manifestations. The underlying mechanism seemed not to be related to pulmonary thromboembolism and/or antiphospholipid syndrome.

Pancreatitis Subtypes Survey in 852 Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Pancreatitis is a rare and a life-threatening systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) manifestation in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE). The objective of this study was to systematically classify pancreatitis in cSLE according to the International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis and determine the overall prevalence, clinical features, laboratory, and first episode outcomes. METHODS: A multicenter cohort study in 10 pediatric rheumatology centers, including 852 patients with cSLE. RESULTS: Pancreatitis was diagnosed in 22 of 852 (2.6%) patients with cSLE. It was classified as acute pancreatitis in 20 (91%), acute recurrent pancreatitis in 2 (9%), and none of them had chronic pancreatitis. None of them had gallstones, traumatic pancreatitis, or reported alcohol/tobacco use. The comparison of patients with pancreatitis (first episode) and without this complication revealed a shorter disease duration (1 [0-10] vs 4 [0-23] years, P < 0.0001) and higher median of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (21 [0-41] vs 2 [0-45], P < 0.0001). The frequencies of fever (P < 0.0001), weight loss (P < 0.0001), serositis (P < 0.0001), nephritis (P < 0.0001), arterial hypertension (P < 0.0001), acute renal failure (P < 0.0001), macrophage activation syndrome (P < 0.0001), and death (P = 0.001) were also higher in patients with pancreatitis. The frequencies of intravenous methylprednisolone use (P < 0.0001) and the median of prednisone dose (55 [15-60] vs 11 [1-90] mg/day, P < 0.0001) were significantly higher in patients with pancreatitis. Of note, the 2 patients with acute recurrent pancreatitis had 2 episodes, with pain-free interval of 1 and 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study characterizing pancreatitis using the International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis standardized definitions in patients with cSLE showing that the predominant form is acute pancreatitis seen in association with glucocorticoid treatment and active severe disease.

Validation of DIAGNOdent laser fluorescence and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) in diagnosis of occlusal caries in permanent teeth: an in vivo study.

The aim of this in vivo study was to validate the DIAGNOdent laser fluorescence method and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) for caries classification against the gold standard, histological examination, for detecting occlusal caries on permanent molars; the thresholds used were the outer enamel (D1), the inner enamel and outer third of the dentine (D2), and the inner two-thirds of the dentine (D3). Patients with non-impacted third molars (n = 43) were recruited from a university clinic. A trained examiner performed the examinations. After the teeth were extracted, the histological criterion was used to determine the severity of the lesions. Intra-examiner agreement (weighted kappa) for ICDAS was 0.60 and reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) for DIAGNOdent was 0.968. The correlations with the histological reference were weak for DIAGNOdent (rs = 0.369) and moderate for ICDAS (rs = 0.515). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve at D1, D2, and D3 were 0.60, 0.69, and 0.91, respectively, for ICDAS and 0.55, 0.65, and 0.92, respectively, for DIAGNOdent. ICDAS and DIAGNOdent proved to be reproducible methods with similar performance in the detection of occlusal carious lesions in dentine. The ability of DIAGNOdent to detect initial enamel lesions was higher than that of ICDAS, but with low specificity. The usefulness of DIAGNOdent as an adjunct method for assessment of initial occlusal caries in permanent molars is questionable.

Bond strength of fiber posts to the root canal: Effects of anatomic root levels and resin cements.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Decementation is one of the most frequent causes of failure in the post-cement system. The bond strength in different parts of the canal may be influenced by technical and anatomic factors. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effects of anatomic root levels to reach the canal and different resin cements on the bond strength of fiberglass posts along the canal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-five roots of bovine teeth were endodontically treated, prepared with 15-mm-long post spaces and divided according to the anatomic root level: coronal (with 15-mm post space), middle (with 10-mm post space), and apical (with 5-mm post space). Fiberglass posts were luted with the cements (n=15): conventional resin cement with 3-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system (RelyX ARC/SBMP); self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200) and autopolymerizing resin cement with etch-and-rinse adhesive system (C&B/All-Bond 2). After 24 hours, specimens were sectioned and subjected to the push-out test. The maximum extrusion load was recorded (0.5 mm/minute, 200 N). Data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test (α=.05). Failure mode was analyzed by using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: There were no significant effects of resin cements (P>.05). The bond strength at apical third was higher when the canal was reached at the apical level than at the coronal level (P=.022). When each root level was directly reached, the coronal bond strength was lower than apical (P=.001) and middle (P=.021) for all cements. CONCLUSIONS: When the canal was reached at the coronal, medium, and apical levels, the bond strength of conventional, self-adhesive and autopolymerizing resin cements was lower in the coronal root third.

Qualitative evaluation of scanning electron microscopy methods in a study of the resin cement/dentine adhesive interface.

Sample preparation and imaging techniques for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of dehydrated dental samples can hinder the structural analyses. This study qualitatively evaluated images obtained with two different protocols of SEM preparation and analysis to assess the dentine adhesive interface. The crown and root dentine of 12 bovine incisors were subjected to cementation with the resin cement RelyX U100 or RelyX ARC/SBMP (n = 6). After storage for 7 days in a moist environment at 37 ± 1°C, the dentine samples were dehydrated in an ascending alcohol series, and three specimens from each group were coated with gold or carbon and examined in a high-vacuum (JEOL JSM-6360LV, 10 kV) or low-vacuum (FEI Quanta 200F, 15-30 kV) microscope. Images were obtained at magnifications between 50 and 2,000×, but with different working distances. The use of high vacuum for carbon and gold coating and SEM visualization led to cracks in the samples. A small number of cracks can be described in the specimens subjected to the low-vacuum technique. The protocol for SEM imaging in low vacuum was considered more appropriate for preservation of the integrity of the evaluated structures.

Bond strength of two universal adhesive systems to human dentin using different strategies.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to dentin of two universal adhesive systems: Single Bond Universal (SBU) and Ambar Universal (AU), used in different adhesion strategies. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty-six human teeth were prepared (n=6) and treated following different adhesive strategies: G1: SBU-etch-and-rinse, applied on dry dentin; G2: SBUetch- and-rinse, applied on moist dentin; G3: SBU-self-etching; G4: AU-etch-and-rinse, applied on dry dentin; G5: AU-etch-and-rinse, applied on moist dentin; G6: AU-self-etching. The specimens were submitted to µTBS test, failure analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: Microtensile bond strength was significantly lower in G1 than G2 and G3. AU adhesive performed worse than the SBU system, except in G5. Cohesive and mixed failures predominated in G1 and G2, while adhesive failures predominated in G3 and G5. CONCLUSIONS: Universal adhesives are an interesting innovation, but there are still doubts about their performance, mainly regarding the different protocols provided by the manufacturers. The conventional adhesive strategy on moist dentin demonstrated higher µTBS for both adhesives. The use of the selfetching strategy with the SBU showed promising results.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência de união à microtração (µTBS) de dois sistemas adesivos universais: Single Bond Universal (SBU) e Ambar Universal (AU), utilizados em diferentes estratégias de adesão. Materiais e método: 36 dentes humanos foram preparados (n=6) e tratados seguindo diferentes estratégias adesivas: G1: SBU-condicionamento e enxágue, aplicado sobre dentina seca; G2: SBU-condicionamento e enxágue, aplicado sobre dentina úmida; G3: SBU-autocondicionante; G4: AU-condicionamento e enxágue, aplicado em dentina seca; G5: AU-condicionamento e enxágue, aplicado sobre dentina úmida; G6: AU-autocondicionante. Os espécimes foram submetidos ao teste de µTBS, análise de falhas e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM). Os dados foram analisados com os testes ANOVA e Tukey (p<0,05). Resultados: A resistência de união à microtração de G1 foi significativamente menor que G2 e G3. O adesivo AU teve um desempenho pior que o sistema SBU, com exceção do G5. Falhas coesivas e mistas predominaram em G1 e G2 enquanto G3 e G5 apresentaram predominância de falhas adesivas. Conclusões: Os adesivos universais representam uma inovação interessante, mas ainda há dúvidas sobre seu desempenho, principalmente em relação aos diferentes protocolos fornecidos pelos fabricantes. A estratégia adesiva convencional em dentina úmida demonstrou maior µTBS para ambos os adesivos. O uso da estratégia autocondicionante com a SBU apresentou resultados promissores.

Spotlight on latent tuberculosis infection screening for juvenile idiopathic arthritis in two countries, comparing high and low risk patients.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic diseases are associated with an increase in overall risks of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of TB and the frequency of latent TB infection (LTBI), in clinical practice, for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients from high and low risk of TB incidence endemic countries. METHODS: This is an international, multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study of data collection from Brazil and Registry of Portugal at REUMA.PT. The inclusion criteria were patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) with age ≤ 18 years who underwent screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection [tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA)]. Chest X-rays and history of exposure to TB were also assessed. RESULTS: 292 JIA patients were included; mean age 14.3 years, mean disease duration 7.5 years, 194 patients (66.4%) performed only TST, 14 (4.8%) only IGRA and 84 (28.8%) both. The frequency of LTBI (10.6%) and TB was similar between the two countries. The reasons for TB screening were different; in Brazil it was performed more often at JIA onset while in Portugal it was performed when starting Disease Modified Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) treatment (p < 0.001). Isoniazid therapy was prescribed in 40 (13.7%) patients (31 with LTBI and 9 with epidemiologic risks and/or due to contact with sick people). Only three patients (1%) developed active TB. CONCLUSION: We found nearly 10% of patients with LTBI, a small percentage of patients with treatment due to epidemiologic risks and only 1% with active TB. Distinct reasons and screening methods for LTBI were observed between the two countries.

Hormone profile in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus with previous or current amenorrhea.

To identify the underlying mechanism of amenorrhea in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients, thirty-five (11.7%) JSLE patients with current or previous amenorrhea were consecutively selected among the 298 post-menarche patients followed in 12 Brazilian pediatric rheumatology centers. Pituitary gonadotrophins [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)] and estradiol were evaluated in 32/35 patients, and prolactin and total testosterone in 29/35 patients. Patient's medical records were carefully reviewed according to demographic, clinical and therapeutic findings. The mean duration of amenorrhea was 7.2 ± 3.6 months. Low FSH or LH was observed in 7/32 (22%) JSLE patients and normal FSH or LH in 25 (78%). Remarkably, low levels of FSH or LH were associated with higher frequency of current amenorrhea (57% vs. 0%, P = 0.001), higher median disease activity (SLEDAI) and damage (SLICC/ACR-DI) (18 vs. 4, P = 0.011; 2 vs. 0, P = 0.037, respectively) and higher median current dose of prednisone (60 vs. 10 mg/day, P = 0.0001) compared to normal FSH or LH JSLE patients. None of them had decreased ovarian reserve and premature ovarian failure. Six of 29 (21%) patients had high levels of prolactin, and none had current amenorrhea. No correlations were observed between levels of prolactin and SLEDAI, and levels of prolactin and SLICC/ACR-DI scores (Spearman's coefficient). We have identified that amenorrhea in JSLE is associated with high dose of corticosteroids indicated for active disease due to hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis suppression.

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus-related antiphospholipid syndrome: A multicenter study with 1519 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus-related antiphospholipid syndrome(cSLE-APS) in a large Brazilian population. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was carried-out in 27 Pediatric Rheumatology university centers, including 1519 cSLE patients. RESULTS: cSLE-APS was observed in 67/1519 (4%) and was diagnosed at disease onset in 39/67 (58%). The median disease duration was 4.9 (0-17) years. Thrombosis recurrences were evidenced in 18/67 (27%) cSLE-APS patients. The most frequent thrombosis sites in cSLE-APS patients were: venous thrombosis in 40/67 (60%), especially deep vein thrombosis in 29/40 (72%); arterial thrombosis in 35/67 (52%), particularly stroke; small vessels thrombosis in 9/67 (13%) and mixed thrombosis in 3/67 (4%). Pregnancy morbidity was observed in 1/67 (1%). Non-thrombotic manifestation associated to cSLE-APS occurred in 21/67 (31%), mainly livedo reticularis in 14/67 (21%), valvar thickening in 4/67 (6%) and valvar vegetations not related to infections in 2/67 (3%). None of them had catastrophic APS. Further analysis demonstrated that the median of SLICC/ACR-DI [1(0-5) vs. 0(0-7),p < 0.0001] was significantly higher in cSLE-APS patients compared to cSLE without APS. The frequencies of cerebrovascular disease (40% vs. 1%,p < 0.0001), polyneuropathy (9% vs. 1%,p < 0.0001), SLICC/ACR-DI ≥1 (57% vs. 27%, p < 0.0001) and intravenous cyclophosphamide use (59% vs. 37%, p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the former group. CONCLUSIONS: Our large multicenter study demonstrated that cSLE-APS was a rare condition, occurring during disease course with a high accrual damage. Central and peripheral neuropsychiatric involvements were distinctive features of this autoimmune thrombosis.

A review of the biological and clinical aspects of radiation caries.

AIM: The aim of this article is to review the clinical and biological features underlying the development and progression of radiation caries. BACKGROUND: Although radiotherapy (RT) plays an important role in the management of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), it is also associated with several undesired side effects such as radiation caries which is a common, yet serious, complication. To review the condition, the Pubmed database was searched using the keywords "radiotherapy," "radiation," "caries," "hyposalivation," "prevention" and "management". Only studies published in the English language were selected. Cross-referencing identified additionally relevant studies. REVIEW RESULTS: RT leads to alterations in the dentition, saliva, oral microflora, and diet of patients. Consequently, irradiated patients are at increased risk for the development of a rapid, rampant carious process known as radiation caries. Motivation of patients, adequate plaque control, stimulation of salivary flow, fluoride use, and nutritional orientation are essential to reduce the incidence of radiation caries and ultimately improve the quality of life for HNC patients. CONCLUSION: Radiation caries is an aggressive side effect of RT. Dentists play an important role in the prevention of the condition via comprehensive oral healthcare before, during, and after the active cancer therapy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dentists should understand the clinical and biological aspects underlying radiation caries to prevent the development of lesions and provide optimal treatment when needed.

Epidemiology and management practices for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a survey in Latin America.

To assess epidemiology and management practices of Latin America Pediatric Rheumatologists (LAPR) about childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). A cross-sectional study was performed in 288 LAPR PANLAR members based on online survey about cSLE practices. The response rate of web-based survey by LAPR was 170/288(59%) and the majority worked in university hospitals (63%). The ACR and/or SLICC classification criteria (99%) and disease activity tools (97%) were almost universally used by LAPR, whereas damage index (70%) and CHAQ (58%) instruments were less frequently used. Laboratory exams, diagnostic imaging, and biopsies were generally available (> 75%), however low availability for densitometry (66%). Drug access was excellent for the most common prescribed medications (> 75%), except for belimumab (11%). Emerging mosquito-borne diseases were also reported: dengue (20%), chikungunya (11%), and Zika (8%). Groups were further divided in two, according to the median number of cSLE patients followed by LAPR in the last year: groups A and B (≥ 25 and < 25, respectively). Frequencies of condom in combination with other contraceptive methods were significantly higher in group A than B (p = 0.01). The frequencies of reported pregnancy (p < 0.001) and non-adherence to therapy were significantly higher in group A (p = 0.023). Alcohol intake (p = 0.004) and illicit drug use (p = 0.007) were also reported more frequently by LAPR of group A in at least one cSLE patient. This first large web-based survey demonstrated an overall excellent access for diagnosis and therapy by LAPR, probably related to their high rate of practices in tertiary care of university hospitals. Adherence to therapy, pregnancy, and substance abuse was identified as major challenges in this population, particularly in larger centers.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a severe disease flare with serious outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prevalence, clinical manifestations, laboratory abnormalities and treatment in a multicenter cohort study including 847 childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients with and without diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), as well as concomitant parameters of severity. METHODS: DAH was defined as the presence of at least three respiratory symptoms/signs associated with diffuse interstitial/alveolar infiltrates on chest x-ray or high-resolution computer tomography and sudden drop in hemoglobin levels. Statistical analysis was performed using Bonferroni correction (p < 0.0022). RESULTS: DAH was observed in 19/847 (2.2%) cSLE patients. Cough/dyspnea/tachycardia/hypoxemia occurred in all cSLE patients with DAH. Concomitant parameters of severity observed were: mechanical ventilation in 14/19 (74%), hemoptysis 12/19 (63%), macrophage activation syndrome 2/19 (10%) and death 9/19 (47%). Further analysis of cSLE patients at DAH diagnosis compared to 76 cSLE control patients without DAH with same disease duration [3 (1-151) vs. 4 (1-151) months, p = 0.335], showed higher frequencies of constitutional involvement (74% vs. 10%, p < 0.0001), serositis (63% vs. 6%, p < 0.0001) and sepsis (53% vs. 9%, p < 0.0001) in the DAH group. The median of disease activity score(SLEDAI-2 K) was significantly higher in cSLE patients with DAH [18 (5-40) vs. 6 (0-44), p < 0.0001]. The frequencies of thrombocytopenia (53% vs. 12%, p < 0.0001), intravenous methylprednisolone (95% vs. 16%, p < 0.0001) and intravenous cyclophosphamide (47% vs. 8%, p < 0.0001) were also significantly higher in DAH patients. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study to demonstrate that DAH, although not a disease activity score descriptor, occurred in the context of significant moderate/severe cSLE flare. Importantly, we identified that this condition was associated with serious disease flare complicated by sepsis with high mortality rate.

Remission status follow-up in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize articular and systemic inflammatory activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), identifying remission status with and without medication. METHODS: A total of 165 JIA cases, followed for a mean period of 3.6 years, were reviewed in order to characterize episodes of inactivity and clinical remission on and off medication. The resulting data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, survival analysis, by comparison of Kaplan-Meier curves, log rank testing and binary logistic regression analysis in order to identify predictive factors for remission or persistent activity. RESULTS: One hundred and eight of the cases reviewed fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 57 patients (52.7%) exhibited a total of 71 episodes of inactivity, with a mean of 2.9 years per episode; 36 inactivity episodes (50.7%) resulted in clinical remission off medication, 35% of which were of the persistent oligoarticular subtype. The probability of clinical remission on medication over 2 years was 81, 82, 97 and 83% for cases of persistent oligoarticular, extended oligoarticular, polyarticular and systemic JIA, respectively. The probability of clinical remission off medication 5 years after onset of remission was 40 and 67% for patients with persistent oligoarticular and systemic JIA, respectively. Persistent disease activity was significantly associated with the use of an anti-rheumatic drug combination. Age at JIA onset was the only factor that predicted clinical remission (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, the probability of JIA progressing to clinical remission was greater for the persistent oligoarticular and systemic subtypes, when compared with polyarticular cases.

Bond strength of two universal adhesive systems to human dentin using different strategies / Resistência de união de sistemas adesivos universais à dentina humana usando diferentes estratégias

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) to dentin of two universal adhesive systems: Single Bond Universal (SBU) and Ambar Universal , used in different adhesion strategies. Materials and Method: Thirty-six human teeth were prepared (n=6) and treated following different adhesive strategies: G1: SBU-etch-and-rinse, applied on dry dentin; G2: SBUetch- and-rinse, applied on moist dentin; G3: SBU-self-etching; G4: AU-etch-and-rinse, applied on dry dentin; G5: AU-etch-and-rinse, applied on moist dentin; G6: AU-self-etching. The specimens were submitted to μTBS test, failure analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p<0.05). Results: Microtensile bond strength was significantly lower in G1 than G2 and G3. AU adhesive performed worse than the SBU system, except in G5. Cohesive and mixed failures predominated in G1 and G2, while adhesive failures predominated in G3 and G5. Conclusions: Universal adhesives are an interesting innovation, but there are still doubts about their performance, mainly regarding the different protocols provided by the manufacturers. The conventional adhesive strategy on moist dentin demonstrated higher μTBS for both adhesives. The use of the selfetching strategy with the SBU showed promising results.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência de união à microtração (μTBS) de dois sistemas adesivos universais: Single Bond Universal (SBU) e Ambar Universal , utilizados em diferentes estratégias de adesão. Materiais e método: 36 dentes humanos foram preparados (n=6) e tratados seguindo diferentes estratégias adesivas: G1: SBU-condicionamento e enxágue, aplicado sobre dentina seca; G2: SBU-condicionamento e enxágue, aplicado sobre dentina úmida; G3: SBU-autocondicionante; G4: AU-condicionamento e enxágue, aplicado em dentina seca; G5: AU-condicionamento e enxágue, aplicado sobre dentina úmida; G6: AU-autocondicionante. Os espécimes foram submetidos ao teste de μTBS, análise de falhas e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM). Os dados foram analisados com os testes ANOVA e Tukey (p<0,05). Resultados: A resistência de união à microtração de G1 foi significativamente menor que G2 e G3. O adesivo AU teve um desempenho pior que o sistema SBU, com exceção do G5. Falhas coesivas e mistas predominaram em G1 e G2 enquanto G3 e G5 apresentaram predominância de falhas adesivas. Conclusões: Os adesivos universais representam uma inovação interessante, mas ainda há dúvidas sobre seu desempenho, principalmente em relação aos diferentes protocolos fornecidos pelos fabricantes. A estratégia adesiva convencional em dentina úmida demonstrou maior μTBS para ambos os adesivos. O uso da estratégia autocondicionante com a SBU apresentou resultados promissores.

Spotlight on latent tuberculosis infection screening for juvenile idiopathic arthritis in two countries, comparing high and low risk patients

Abstract Background: Rheumatic diseases are associated with an increase in overall risks of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of TB and the frequency of latent TB infection (LTBI), in clinical practice, for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients from high and low risk of TB incidence endemic countries. Methods: This is an international, multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study of data collection from Brazil and Registry of Portugal at REUMA.PT. The inclusion criteria were patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) with age ≤ 18 years who underwent screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection [tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA)]. Chest X-rays and history of exposure to TB were also assessed. Results: 292 JIA patients were included; mean age 14.3 years, mean disease duration 7.5 years, 194 patients (66.4%) performed only TST, 14 (4.8%) only IGRA and 84 (28.8%) both. The frequency of LTBI (10.6%) and TB was similar between the two countries. The reasons for TB screening were different; in Brazil it was performed more often at JIA onset while in Portugal it was performed when starting Disease Modified Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) treatment (p < 0.001). Isoniazid therapy was prescribed in 40 (13.7%) patients (31 with LTBI and 9 with epidemiologic risks and/or due to contact with sick people). Only three patients (1%) developed active TB. Conclusion: We found nearly 10% of patients with LTBI, a small percentage of patients with treatment due to epide-miologic risks and only 1% with active TB. Distinct reasons and screening methods for LTBI were observed between the two countries.

Anti-RO/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies: Association with mild lupus manifestations in 645 childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge there are no studies assessing anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB autoantibodies in a large population of childhood-systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study performed in 10 Pediatric Rheumatology services, São Paulo state, Brazil. Anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 645 cSLE patients. RESULTS: Anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies were evidenced in 209/645 (32%) and 102/645 (16%) of cSLE patients, respectively. Analysis of cSLE patients with and without anti-Ro/SSA antibodies revealed higher frequencies of malar rash (79% vs. 71%, p=0.032), photosensitivity (73% vs. 65%, p=0.035), cutaneous vasculitis (43% vs. 35%, p=0.046) and musculoskeletal involvement (82% vs. 75%, p=0.046) in spite of long and comparable disease duration in both groups (4.25 vs. 4.58years, p=0.973). Secondary Sjögren syndrome was observed in only five patients with this antibody (2.5% vs. 0%, p=0.0035), two of them with concomitant anti-La/SSB. The presence of associated autoantibodies: anti-Sm (50% vs. 30%, p<0.0001), anti-RNP (39% vs. 21%, p<0.0001) and anti-ribossomal P protein (46% vs. 21%, p=0.002) was also significantly higher in patients with anti-Ro/SAA antibodies. Further evaluation of cSLE patients with the presence of anti-La/SSB antibodies compared to those without these autoantibodies showed that the frequency of alopecia (70% vs. 51%, p=0.0005), anti-Sm (59% vs. 31%, p<0.0001) and anti-RNP (42% vs. 23%, p<0.0001) were significantly higher in the former group. CONCLUSIONS: Our large multicenter cohort study provided novel evidence in cSLE that anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB antibodies were associated with mild manifestations, particularly cutaneous and musculoskeletal. Secondary Sjögren syndrome was rarely observed in these patients, in spite of comparable frequencies of anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB reported for adult SLE.