Caspase-3 activation in human melanoma A375 cell line by a novel selective sigma-2 agonist.

Two novel 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-ol derivatives, 11a and 11b, with high affinity for sigma-2 receptors and a very good sigma-1/sigma-2 selectivity ratio were synthesized. In comparison with several well established sigma-2 selective ligands, 11 b showed a very low sigma-1 receptor affinity. Functional assays demonstrated that 11b acts as an agonist and in A-375 human melanoma cell line is able to lower levels of procaspase-3, thus confirming a potential major role for sigma-2 pure agonists in the treatment of rapid proliferating melanoma cells.

Distribution of interleukin-10 family cytokines in serum and synovial fluid of patients with inflammatory arthritis reveals different contribution to systemic and joint inflammation.

Evidence exists that interleukin (IL)-10 family cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We sought to determine whether or not these cytokines are involved in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). We conducted a prospective study on patients with PsA, RA and osteoarthritis (OA); healthy controls (HC) were also included. We analysed IL-20, IL-24 and IL-19 serum and synovial fluid (SF) levels and change of serum levels following treatment with biological agents. IL-20 serum levels were increased in PsA and RA compared with OA patients and HC and with matched SF levels. IL-24 serum levels in PsA, RA and OA patients were higher than those in HC and also with respect to matched SF in PsA. IL-19 serum levels were higher in HC and OA compared with PsA and RA patients; IL-19 SF levels were higher in PsA and RA compared with OA patients, and in PsA compared with RA patients. PsA and RA patients showed a reduction of IL-19 serum levels after biological treatment. Therefore, IL-19 seems to be involved mainly in the joint inflammation, whereas IL-20 and IL-24 appear to participate mainly in the systemic responses. These findings may further the comprehension of the contribution of these cytokines to the inflammatory response involved in chronic arthritis, as well as to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Comparison of conventional L-thyroxine withdrawal and moderate hypothyroidism in preparation for whole-body 131-I scan and thyroglobulin testing.

PURPOSE: After thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, patients often withdraw L-T4 for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, showing signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. A slighter hypothyroidism (reducing L-T4 to one-half) has been proposed to limit these inconveniences. We evaluated half-dose L-T4 protocol, in comparison to conventional L-T4 withdrawal, in terms of effectiveness and improvement of clinical and biochemical disorders. METHODS: We randomized 55 thyroid cancer patients into two groups: 29 patients underwent 5 weeks of half-dose of previous L-T4 treatment (HD group); 26 patients replaced L-T4 with L-T3 for 3 weeks followed by 2 weeks of withdrawal (TW group). Clinical features (Zulewsky clinical score) and biochemical parameters (lipids, liver, and muscle enzymes) were evaluated in all patients at baseline and after 5 weeks. RESULTS: Total cholesterol, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase increased at 5 weeks in both groups, but significantly more in TW, but no difference was found by clinical score. Patients who achieved the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) target value (25 µU/ml) were 92.3% in TW group and 48.3% in HD group (p < 0.001). In the HD group, only basal TSH statistically correlated with the achievement of the TSH target. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that a basal TSH ≥0.52 µU/ml is required to reach an adequate TSH level. CONCLUSIONS: Half-dose L-T4 protocol, compared to conventional L-T4 withdrawal, is associated with less biochemical disorders but no significant clinical advantage. Therefore, the half-dose protocol reaches an adequate TSH target in 48.3% of patients and is not effective unless basal serum TSH is ≥0.52 µU/ml.

Predictive factors for partial remission according to the Ankylosing Spondylitis Assessment Study working group in patients with ankylosing spondylitis treated with anti-TNFα drugs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive factors for achieving partial remission (PR) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with anti-TNFα. We longitudinally enrolled in a multi-center study 214 AS patients, classified according to New York criteria, treated with anti-TNFα drugs adalimumab (ADA), etanercept (ETA) and infliximab (INF) with at least 12 months of follow up. PR was reached when the score was <20 mm (on a visual analogue scale of 0-100 mm) in each of the following 4 domains: 1) patient global assessment (in the last week); 2) pain (spinal pain); 3) function [measured by the bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI)]; 4) inflammation [mean of intensity and duration of morning stiffness, from the bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI)]. Two hundred fourteen AS patients (M/F=160/54; median age/range=43.2/19-78 years; median disease duration/ range=96/36-189 months) were treated with ADA (15.8%), ETA (28.9%) and INF (55.1%). At 12 and 24 months, high serum level of C reactive protein (CRP) (≥2 vs ≤0.8 mg/dL) were associated with higher rate of PR in AS patients treated with anti-TNFα drugs. At 24 months, PR was associated with shorter disease duration (≤36 vs ≥189 months) and higher erythrosedimentation rate (ESR) values (≥45 vs ≤17 mm/h). In male patients lower bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI) (≤2 vs ≥6) and absence of psoriasis were associated with higher PR rate only at 12 months. Other parameters assessed before treatment, such as BASDAI, BASFI, peripheral arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and uveitis were not associated with PR. Our long-term longitudinal study in a setting of clinical practice showed that inflammatory parameters (i.e. CRP, ESR) and disease duration represent the most important predictive variables to achieve PR with an anti-TNFα treatment.

Assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis in ankylosing spondylitis: correlations with disease activity indices.

The aim of the study was to evaluate atherosclerosis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) through the assessment of morphological and functional measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. Twenty patients [M/F=12/8, age (median/range) 43.5/28-69 years; disease duration (median/range) 9.7/1-36) years] with AS classified according to modified New York criteria and twenty age and sex related healthy controls with negative past medical history for cardiovascular events were enrolled in the study. In all patients and controls, the intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid artery, carotid bulb and internal carotid artery, and the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of non-dominant arm brachial artery were determined, using a sonographic probe Esaote GPX (Genoa, Italy). Furthermore, we assess the main disease activity and disability indices [bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index, ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score-eritrosedimentation rate (ASDAS-ESR), ASDAS-C-reactive protein (CRP), bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index, bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index) and acute phase reactants. Plasmatic values of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride and homocysteine were carried out in all twenty patients. IMT at carotid bulb was significant higher in patients than in controls (0.67 mm vs 0.54 mm; P=0.03). FMD did not statistically differ between patients and controls (12.5% vs 15%; P>0.05). We found a correlation between IMT at carotid bulb and ESR (rho 0.43; P=0.04). No correlation was found between FMD and disease activity and disability indices. This study showed that in AS patients, without risk factors for cardiovascular disease, carotid bulb IMT, morphological index of subclinical atherosclerosis, is higher than in controls.

Rapid effectiveness of certolizumab pegol in non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

In axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), the efficacy of certolizumab pegol (CZP), a novel pegylated anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha drug has not been investigated. We report that CZP showed a rapid effectiveness, assessed clinically and by magnetic resonance imaging, in a patient with a non-radiographic axial SpA, classified according to Assessment in SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria. This case suggests that CZP could be considered an useful treatment in non-radiographic axial SpA, supporting that an earlier therapeutic approach could play a relevant role in the management of the disease.

Italian Society of Rheumatology recommendations for the management of gout.

OBJECTIVE: Gout is the most common arthritis in adults. Despite the availability of valid therapeutic options, the management of patients with gout is still suboptimal. The Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) aimed to update, adapt to national contest and disseminate the 2006 EULAR recommendations for the management of gout. METHODS: The multidisciplinary group of experts included rheumatologists, general practitioners, internists, geriatricians, nephrologists, cardiologists and evidence-based medicine experts. To maintain consistency with EULAR recommendations, a similar methodology was utilized by the Italian group. The original propositions were translated in Italian and priority research queries were identified through a Delphi consensus approach. A systematic search was conducted for selected queries. Efficacy and safety data on drugs reported in RCTs were combined in a meta-analysis where feasible. The strength of recommendation was measured by utilising the EULAR ordinal and visual analogue scales. RESULTS: The original 12 propositions were translated and adapted to Italian context. Further evidences were collected about the role of diet in the non-pharmacological treatment of gout and the efficacy of oral corticosteroids and low-dose colchicine in the management of acute attacks. Statements concerning uricosuric treatments were withdrawn and replaced with a proposition focused on a new urate lowering agent, febuxostat. A research agenda was developed to identify topics still not adequately investigated concerning the management of gout. CONCLUSIONS: The SIR has developed updated recommendations for the management of gout adapted to the Italian healthcare system. Their implementation in clinical practice is expected to improve the management of patients with gout.

Automating behavioral analysis in neuroscience: Development of an open-source python software for more consistent and reliable results.

BACKGROUND: The application of automated analyses in neuroscience has become a practical approach. With automation, the algorithms and tools employed perform fast and accurate data analysis. It minimizes the inherent errors of manual analysis performed by a human experimenter. It also reduces the time required to analyze a large amount of data and the need for human and financial resources. METHODS: In this work, we describe a protocol for the automated analysis of the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and the Open Field (OF) test using the OpenCV library in Python. This simple protocol tracks mice navigation with high accuracy. RESULTS: In the MWM, both automated and manual analysis revealed similar results regarding the time the mice stayed in the target quadrant (p = 0.109). In the OF test, both automated and manual analysis revealed similar results regarding the time the mice stayed in the center (p = 0.520) and in the border (p = 0.503) of the field. CONCLUSIONS: The automated analysis protocol has several advantages over manual analysis. It saves time, reduces human errors, can be customized, and provides more consistent information about animal behavior during tests. We conclude that the automated protocol described here is reliable and provides consistent behavioral analysis in mice. This automated protocol could lead to deeper insight into behavioral neuroscience.

Inhibiting effect of Dorstenia asaroides extracts on cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Dorstenia asaroides extracts on cariogenic properties of the most cariogenic bacteria, Streptococcus mutans. Hexane (HFr), ethyl-acetate (EFr) and chloroform (CFr) extracts obtained from D. asaroides rhizomes were submitted to chemical analyses, Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC), glycolysis assay and S. mutans 12-h-old initial biofilms. Chemical characterization showed that all the extracts present furanocoumarins. The MIC values were 80 (HFr and CFr) and 50 µg/mL (EFr). Acid production by S. mutans cells was significantly disrupted by HFr (12.5 mg/mL), EFr (at 2.5; 6.25 and 12.5 mg/mL) and CFr (at 2.5, 6.25 and 12.5 mg/mL) (p < 0.01). Topical applications of HFr, EFr and CFr significantly reduced the colony forming units of S. mutans biofilms compared with those treated with control group in order to 20, 30 and 25% respectively (p < 0.01). The results of the present study suggest that rhizomes of D. asaroides had inhibitory effects on cariogenic properties of S. mutans.

Psoriatic arthritis: imaging techniques.

Imaging techniques to assess psoriatic arthritis (PsA) include radiography, ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and bone scintigraphy. The radiographic hallmark of PsA is the combination of destructive changes (joint erosions, tuft resorption, osteolysis) with bone proliferation (including periarticular and shaft periostitis, ankylosis, spur formation and non-marginal syndesmophytes). US has an increasing important role in the evaluation of PsA. In fact, power Doppler US is useful mainly for its ability to assess musculoskeletal (joints, tendons, entheses) and cutaneous (skin and nails) involvement, to monitor efficacy of therapy and to guide steroid injections at the level of inflamed joints, tendon sheaths and entheses. MRI allows direct visualization of inflammation in peripheral and axial joints, and peripheral and axial entheses, and has dramatically improved the possibilities for early diagnosis and objective monitoring of the disease process in PsA. MRI has allowed explaining the relationships among enthesitis, synovitis and osteitis in PsA, supporting a SpA pattern of inflammation where enthesitis is the primary target of inflammation. CT has little role in assessment of peripheral joints, but it may be useful in assessing elements of spine disease. CT accuracy is similar to MRI in assessment of erosions in sacroiliac joint involvement, but CT is not as effective in detecting synovial inflammation. Bone scintigraphy lacks specificity and is now supplanted with US and MRI techniques.

Dental enamel, fluorosis and amoxicillin.

INTRODUCTION: Amoxicillin is one of the most used antibiotics among pediatric patients for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections and specially for acute otitis media (AOM), a common diseases of infants and childhood. It has been speculated that the use of amoxicillin during early childhood could be associated with dental enamel fluorosis, also described in literature with the term Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH), because they are generally situated in one or more 1st permanent molars and less frequently in the incisors. The effect ofAmoxicillin seems to be independent of other risk factors such as fluoride intake, prematurity, hypoxia, hypocalcaemia, exposure to dioxins, chikenpox, otitis media, high fever and could have a significant impact on oral health for the wide use of this drug in that period of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to review the current literature about the association between amoxicillin and fluorosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: A literature survey was done by applying the Medline database (Entrez PubMed); the Cochrane Library database of the Cochrane Collaboration (CENTRAL). The databases were searched using the fol-lowing strategy and keywords: amoxicillin* AND (dental fluorosis* OR dental enamel*) and MIH*. After selecting the studies, only three relevant articles published between 1966 and 2011 were included in the review. CONCLUSION: The presence of several methodological issues does not allow to draw any evidence-based conclusions. No evidence of association was detected, therefore, there is a need of further well-designed studies to assess the scientific evidence of the relationship between amoxicillin and fluorosis and to restrict the prescription of this drug for recurrent upper respiratory tract infections especially acute otitis media (AOM) during the first two years of life. When it is possible can be opportune to use an alternative antibiotic treatment.

Prevalence of astigmatism in a paediatric population with malocclusions.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of astigmatism among a paediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 322 consecutive patients of the department of Orthodontics and Gnathology, Dental Clinic, University of L'Aquila, were enlisted for the study and 176 were selected according to the exclusion criteria. Pre- treatment diagnostic data, which included radiographic cephalometric and dental cast evaluation, were recorded and presence of astigmatism was assessed through an ophthalmological examination. Differences in the prevalence of astigmatism by sex and malocclusion were analysed by using the chi-square (Pearson's chi-square test) and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: According to the sagittal malocclusion, patients were classified as Class I (N=122), Class II Division 1 (N=26), Class II Division 2 (N=9), or Class III (N=19); according to the transverse malocclusion patients were classified into cross-bite (N=39) and no cross-bite (N=137) groups; after ophthalmological examination astigmatism was detected in 32 patients (18.18%). Statistically significant correlations were found between astigmatism and cross-bite (p < 0.0001), while no associations were found with other malocclusions. No gender influence was found for astigmatism or malocclusion. DISCUSSION: Few study investigated a possible relationship between the ocular and stomatognathic system, and no data are available in the scientific literature. A higher prevalence of astigmatism was found in patients with cross-bite: as expected no other significant association was found. The relationship between astigmatism and cross-bite could be either related to a specific skeletal pattern, which could induce visual alterations, or to the effect of abnormal visual input on the postural system, which could induce stomatognathic alterations. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest a possible association between astigmatism and cross-bite, but future studies are needed to confirm and explain this observation.

Prevalence of hyperopia and strabismus in a paediatric population with malocclusions.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hyperopia and strabismus among a paediatric population with malocclusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a total of 322 consecutive patients observed at the department of Orthodontics and Gnathology, Dental Clinic, University of L'Aquila, 176 were selected for the study according to the exclusion criteria. Pretreatment diagnostic data, which included radiographic, cephalometric and dental cast evaluation, were recorded and presence of hyperopia or strabismus was assessed through an ophthalmological examination. Differences in incidence rates of strabismus or hyperopia by sex and malocclusion were analysed by using the chi-square (Pearson's chi-square test) and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: According to the sagittal malocclusion, patients were classified as Class I (122), Class II division 1 (26), Class II Division 2 (9), or Class III (19); after ophthalmological examination, hyperopia was detected in 8.6% of patients, while strabismus was present in 3.6% of them. No gender influence was found for hyperopia, strabismus or malocclusion. DISCUSSION: Few studies investigated a possible relationship between the ocular and stomatognathic system, and no data are available in the scientific literature; the present study did not highlight differences in the prevalence of hyperopia or strabismus in the three Angle classes malocclusion. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study did not suggest a possible association between hyperopia or strabismus and sagittal malocclusion, but future studies are needed to confirm and explain this observation.

Validity, responsiveness and feasibility of an Italian version of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure for patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to produce an Italian version of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in a group of patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and examine the psychometric properties of this version, evaluating its internal consistency, external validity and reliability. Responsiveness and feasibility were also taken into account. METHODS: The Italian COPM, the Italian version of the COPM, was administered to 30 Caucasian patients affected by AS (24 males, 6 females, median age 48 yrs, range 32-67, median disease duration 14 yrs, range 1-30 yrs) together with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity (BASDAI) and the Italian version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha for reliability. Construct validity of the COPM was evaluated by a correlation between the BASFI, BASDAI and HAQ scores. Test-retest reliability was assessed by the Intraclass correlation coefficient. Responsiveness and feasibility were also considered. RESULTS: All patients completed the validation study. The questionnaire was internally consistent (alpha coefficient=0.774). A significant correlation was recorded between the COPM and the BASFI (rho=-0.566, p<0.01), BASDAI (rho=-0.491, p<0.01). Test-retest reliability showed a good correlation coefficient and it was confirmed by Bland-Altman method. CONCLUSIONS: The Italian COPM is a valid and reliable instrument focused to detect change in a client's perception of occupational performance over time, in AS patients. Our results confirm the utility of this questionnaire to measure outcome and in planning treatment intervention for patients with AS.

High serum resistin in chronic viral hepatitis is not a marker of metabolic disorder.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The role of resistin, an adipocyte-secreted hormone, in insulin resistance and in inflammation is controversial. In chronic hepatitis C, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and liver steatosis are frequent and inconsistently correlated to circulating resistin levels. In this study we assessed if viral aetiology and host metabolic parameters influence serum resistin in patients with HCV- and HBV- related chronic hepatitis. METHODOLOGY: Serum resistin was measured by ELISA and correlated to viral aetiology, age, gender, BMI, HOMA-IR, liver steatosis, hepatitis staging and grading, blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol in 43 patients with chronic hepatitis C, in 16 with chronic hepatitis B and in 29 healthy controls. RESULTS: In both groups of patients resistin was significantly higher than in controls, with higher values in HBV- than in HCV-patients (p = 0.0007). Resistin levels were correlated to aetiology and, inversely, to age (p = 0.026), diabetes (p = 0.036) and steatosis (p = 0.029). Multiple regression analysis showed that resistin concentration was dependent only on the aetiology of liver disease (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In chronic viral hepatitis serum resistin levels are high and not associated with altered metabolic parameters or with the histological activity of the disease. The meaning of higher resistin in HBV- than in HCV- chronic hepatitis is unclear.

Effect on anterior temporalis surface EMG of eyes open-closed condition.

BACKGROUND: The use of rest surface EMG of jaw elevator muscles is still debated. The low voltage recorded in anterior temporalis muscle by electromyography (EMG) in rest position could be affected by electronic noise or by activity coming from other muscles. Our goal was to evaluate the physiological behaviour of the anterior temporalis by surface EMG at rest mandible position during open or closed eyes condition in healthy young subjects without both malocclusion and visual defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surface EMG of anterior temporalis, masseter, digastric, sternomastoid muscle and mandible kinesiographic movement were recorded in 20 young, healthy individuals without both malocclusion and visual defect during open-closed eyes condition. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in surface EMG of anterior temporalis comparing eyes closed to eyes open condition. CONCLUSION: Physiology of open-closed eyes in healthy, young subjects without malocclusion or visual defect does not imply a change in surface EMG of anterior temporalis muscle.

Sonographic-detected joint effusion compared with physical examination in the assessment of sacroiliac joints in spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: An observational case-control study was designed to analyse the discriminative value of ultrasound (US)-detected joint effusion compared with physical examination in the assessment of sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in patients with spondyloarthropathy (SpA) with or without inflammatory back pain (IBP). METHODS: 45 patients with SpA, classified according to European Spondylarthropathy Study Group criteria, and 30 healthy volunteers were studied. All patients had clinical evaluation of the SIJ, Bath ankylosing spondylitis (AS) metrology index, Bath AS disease activity index, Bath AS functional index, health assessment questionnaire, patient's and physician's visual analogue scale on global disease activity. RESULTS: Ultrasound showed joint effusion in 38.9% of SIJ of patients with SpA and in 1.7% of SIJ of controls (p<0.001). The presence of IBP was significantly associated with SIJ effusion assessed by US alone or plus at least one SIJ test. SIJ effusion assessed by US alone or plus at least one SIJ test had a positive likelihood ratio (LR) (2.67 and 4.04, respectively) for the presence of IBP higher than LR of single clinical tests. Positive sacral sulcus test, iliac gapping and midline sacral thrust test were associated with SIJ effusion assessed by US, but all clinical tests, singly and in various combinations, had a low LR for the presence of SIJ effusion assessed by US. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that high resolution sonography is useful in the assessment of SIJ involvement in SpA, resulting in images that are fast and inexpensive and may locate, complementing the physical examination, the origin of IBP.

The radiological assessment of axial involvement in psoriatic arthritis: a validation study of the BASRI total and the modified SASSS scoring methods.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the validity of the BASRI and m-SASSS scores for the radiological axial involvement in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Secondary end-points were to report on clinical, functional and radiographic characteristics of axial involvement. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were satisfaction of the CASPAR criteria and the presence of clinical, functional and/or radiological axial involvement. Three observers scored the radiographs by BASRI and m-SASSS. The construct validity was assessed by examining the correlation of instruments with patient reported outcomes and anthropometric measures. The reliability and the feasibility of the scores were also considered. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were enrolled (58 M, 19 F, mean age 49.4 + or - 10.8 yrs, disease duration 13.9 + or - 7.9 yrs). Both instruments showed some modest but significant correlation with clinical measures. When compared, the BASRI showed a correlation with BASMI (rho=0.47, p<0.001), cervical rotation (rho=-0.49, p<0.001), tragus to wall (rho=0.34, p<0.01) and occiput to wall (rho=0.49, p<0.001), modified Schober test (rho=-0.24, p<0.05) and RLDQ (rho=-0.24, p<0.05). When compared, m-SASSS showed a correlation with BASMI (rho=0.39, p<0.001), cervical rotation (rho=-0.41, p<0.001), tragus to wall (rho=0.31, p<0.01) and occiput to wall (rho=0.42, p<0.001), modified Schober and Schober test (rho=-0.34, p<0.001; rho= -0.32, p<0.01), finger to floor (rho=0.37, p<0.01). No correlation was found with BASFI, BASDAI and HAQ. Test-retest showed a good reliability of the scores. Both were feasible but BASRI was the quickest. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that BASRI and m-SASSS were valid instruments for use in spondylitis associated with psoriatic arthritis. Longitudinal data is required to provide sensitivity to change of the two scores.

Enhanced in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity and mobilization of free phenolic compounds of soybean flour fermented with different beta-glucosidase-producing fungi.

AIMS: To evaluate the soybean polyphenol glucosides bioconversion to aglycone forms by different beta-glucosidases-producing filamentous fungi to enhance their antioxidant activity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Soybean defatted flour was submitted to solid-state fermentation with Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus niveus and Aspergillus awamori. The fungi studied produced approximately the same beta-glucosidase activity units amount when p-nitrophenyl-beta-d-glucopyranoside was used as substrate for the assay. However, electrophoretic analysis, using 4-methylumbellipheryl-beta-d-glucopyranoside as substrate, showed that beta-glucosidase produced by A. niveus was more active. Fermented methanolic extracts showed an increase in polyphenol and genistein contents and antioxidant activities. The highest genistein content was found in soybean fermented by A. niveus. Methanolic extracts of the soybean fermented by the different fungi showed a similar capacity of scavenging H(2)O(2) generated in vivo by the tumour promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate. CONCLUSIONS: A. niveus synthesized a beta-glucosidase with higher specificity to hydrolyse genistin beta-glycosidic bond than those produced by A. awamori and A. niger. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The utilization of these beta-glucosidases-producing fungi in soybean fermentation processes resulted in the obtaining of methanolic extracts with different antioxidant potentials that could be used either therapeutically or as an antioxidant in nonphysiological oxidative stress conditions, as the one induced in skin by UV radiation.

Assessment of the potential genotoxic risk of medicinal Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract using in vivo assays.

Tamarindus indica has been used in folk medicine as an antidiabetic, a digestive aid, and a carminative, among other uses. Currently, there is no information in the toxicology literature concerning the safety of T. indica extract. We evaluated the clastogenic and/or genotoxic potential of fruit pulp extract of this plant in vivo in peripheral blood and liver cells of Wistar rats, using the comet assay, and in bone marrow cells of Swiss mice, using the micronucleus test. The extract was administered by gavage at doses of 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg body weight. Peripheral blood and liver cells from Wistar rats were collected 24 h after treatment, for the comet assay. The micronucleus test was carried out in bone marrow cells from Swiss mice collected 24 h after treatment. The extract made with T. indica was devoid of clastogenic and genotoxic activities in the cells of the rodents, when administered orally at these three acute doses.