Dysgeusia increases the risk for death and other side effects during antineoplastic systemic treatment for solid tumors: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy (QT) is a systemic treatment using a combination of antineoplastic drugs, orally or intravenously, that inhibit tumor growth and fast-growing normal cells. Due to its nonspecificity, chemotherapy can cause a series of adverse effects, such as altered taste (dysgeusia), associated with malnutrition and, consequently, other adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract and increased mortality risk. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dysgeusia on the incidence of other adverse effects and overall survival during antineoplastic chemotherapy (chemotherapy). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Electronic Health Record system of the Cancer Institute of Ceará over two years. Before the CT session, the multi-professional team evaluated the patient for the presence and severity of adverse effects (AE), using scores from the CTCAE v5.0 scale. Dysgeusia scores were collected and associated with clinical pathological data, with other adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oral mucositis, anorexia, constipation), and with overall survival. Chi-square and Mantel-Cox log-rank tests were used. RESULTS: Of 5744 patients evaluated, dysgeusia presented a frequency of 50.6%, being directly associated with female gender (p=0.001), overweight (p=0.022), high tumor stages (p=0.009), a combination of adjuvant and neoadjuvant (p=0.010) and four-year survival (p=0.030). Dysgeusia frequency was directly associated with diarrhea (p<0.001), anorexia (p<0.001), oral mucositis (p<0.001), nausea (p<0.001), constipation (p<0.001) and vomiting (p<0.001), and inversely associated with fatigue (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Dysgeusia during CT increases the risk of other adverse effects and negatively impacts prognosis.

Effects of caffeine chewing gum supplementation on exercise performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to determine the effect of caffeine gum (Caff-gum) on exercise performance-related outcomes. Several databases were searched for studies assessing the effect of Caff-gum in placebo-controlled protocols involving healthy adults. Random-effects meta-analyses using standardized mean differences (SMD) were performed to determine the effect of Caff-gum on exercise outcomes with several sub-analyses (training status, exercise type, timing and dose) for potential modifying factors. 14 studies were included, totalling 200 participants. There was a significant overall effect of Caff-gum compared to placebo (SMD = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.10-0.32; p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed improved performance for trained (SMD = 0.23, 95%CI: 0.08-0.37; p = 0.004), but not for untrained (SMD = 0.14, 95%CI: -0.02-0.29; p = 0.07) individuals. Caff-gum improved both endurance (SMD = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.12-0.42; p = 0.002) and strength/power (SMD = 0.20, 95%CI: 0.03-0.37; p = 0.03) performance outcomes. Caff-gum was ergogenic when consumed within 15 min prior to initiating exercise (SMD = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.07-0.4; p = 0.01), but not when provided >15 min prior (SMD = -0.48, 95%CI = -1.7-0.82; p = 0.25). There was no significant effect of Caff-gum with doses <3 mg/kg body mass (BM) (SMD = 0.20, 95%CI: -0.03-0.43; p = 0.07), but there was a significant effect when the dose was ≥3 mg/kg BM (SMD = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.07-0.37; p = 0.01). Caff-gum supplementation may be an effective ergogenic strategy for trained athletes involved in both endurance and strength/power exercise, using a recommended dose of ≥3 mg/kg BM consumed within 15 min of initiating exercise.HighlightsThis study determined the effect of Caff-gum on exercise performance, using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fourteen studies, totalling 200 participants performing a variety of endurance and strength/power exercise tests were included. The relative Caff-gum dose ranged from 1.27-4.26 mg/kg BM and timing ranged from 120 min prior to exercise up to intra-test application.Caff-gum was shown to be an effective ergogenic aid for trained individuals involved in both endurance and strength/power exercise.Supplement dose and timing modified the efficacy of Caff-gum. Supplementation with Caff-gum was effective when provided in doses ≥3 mg/kg BM and within 15 min prior to initiating exercise.Trained endurance or strength/power athletes seeking to benefit from caffeine in the form of chewing gum should supplement within 15 min prior to initiating an exercise task, in doses ≥3 mg/kg BM.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1478-1549.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Aschersonia mackerrasiae on whitefly, Cladosporium corticola on bark of Melaleuca quinquenervia, Penicillium nudgee from soil under Melaleuca quinquenervia, Pseudocercospora blackwoodiae on leaf spot of Persoonia falcata, and Pseudocercospora dalyelliae on leaf spot of Senna alata. Bolivia, Aspicilia lutzoniana on fully submersed siliceous schist in high-mountain streams, and Niesslia parviseta on the lower part and apothecial discs of Erioderma barbellatum on a twig. Brazil, Cyathus bonsai on decaying wood, Geastrum albofibrosum from moist soil with leaf litter, Laetiporus pratigiensis on a trunk of a living unknown hardwood tree species, and Scytalidium synnematicum on dead twigs of unidentified plant. Bulgaria, Amanita abscondita on sandy soil in a plantation of Quercus suber. Canada, Penicillium acericola on dead bark of Acer saccharum, and Penicillium corticola on dead bark of Acer saccharum. China, Colletotrichum qingyuanense on fruit lesion of Capsicum annuum. Denmark, Helminthosphaeria leptospora on corticioid Neohypochnicium cremicolor. Ecuador (Galapagos), Phaeosphaeria scalesiae on Scalesia sp. Finland, Inocybe jacobssonii on calcareous soils in dry forests and park habitats. France, Cortinarius rufomyrrheus on sandy soil under Pinus pinaster, and Periconia neominutissima on leaves of Poaceae. India, Coprinopsis fragilis on decaying bark of logs, Filoboletus keralensis on unidentified woody substrate, Penicillium sankaranii from soil, Physisporinus tamilnaduensis on the trunk of Azadirachta indica, and Poronia nagaraholensis on elephant dung. Iran, Neosetophoma fici on infected leaves of Ficus elastica. Israel, Cnidariophoma eilatica (incl. Cnidariophoma gen. nov.) from Stylophora pistillata. Italy, Lyophyllum obscurum on acidic soil. Namibia, Aureobasidium faidherbiae on dead leaf of Faidherbia albida, and Aureobasidium welwitschiae on dead leaves of Welwitschia mirabilis. Netherlands, Gaeumannomycella caricigena on dead culms of Carex elongata, Houtenomyces caricicola (incl. Houtenomyces gen. nov.) on culms of Carex disticha, Neodacampia ulmea (incl. Neodacampia gen. nov.) on branch of Ulmus laevis, Niesslia phragmiticola on dead standing culms of Phragmites australis, Pseudopyricularia caricicola on culms of Carex disticha, and Rhodoveronaea nieuwwulvenica on dead bamboo sticks. Norway, Arrhenia similis half-buried and moss-covered pieces of rotting wood in grass-grown path. Pakistan, Mallocybe ahmadii on soil. Poland, Beskidomyces laricis (incl. Beskidomyces gen. nov.) from resin of Larix decidua ssp. polonica, Lapidomyces epipinicola from sooty mould community on Pinus nigra, and Leptographium granulatum from a gallery of Dendroctonus micans on Picea abies. Portugal, Geoglossum azoricum on mossy areas of laurel forest areas planted with Cryptomeria japonica, and Lunasporangiospora lusitanica from a biofilm covering a biodeteriorated limestone wall. Qatar, Alternaria halotolerans from hypersaline sea water, and Alternaria qatarensis from water sample collected from hypersaline lagoon. South Africa, Alfaria thamnochorti on culm of Thamnochortus fraternus, Knufia aloeicola on Aloe gariepensis, Muriseptatomyces restionacearum (incl. Muriseptatomyces gen. nov.) on culms of Restionaceae, Neocladosporium arctotis on nest of cases of bag worm moths (Lepidoptera, Psychidae) on Arctotis auriculata, Neodevriesia scadoxi on leaves of Scadoxus puniceus, Paraloratospora schoenoplecti on stems of Schoenoplectus lacustris, Tulasnella epidendrea from the roots of Epidendrum × obrienianum, and Xenoidriella cinnamomi (incl. Xenoidriella gen. nov.) on leaf of Cinnamomum camphora. South Korea, Lemonniera fraxinea on decaying leaves of Fraxinus sp. from pond. Spain, Atheniella lauri on the bark of fallen trees of Laurus nobilis, Halocryptovalsa endophytica from surface-sterilised, asymptomatic roots of Salicornia patula, Inocybe amygdaliolens on soil in mixed forest, Inocybe pityusarum on calcareous soil in mixed forest, Inocybe roseobulbipes on acidic soils, Neonectria borealis from roots of Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris, Sympoventuria eucalyptorum on leaves of Eucalyptus sp., and Tuber conchae from soil. Sweden, Inocybe bidumensis on calcareous soil. Thailand, Cordyceps sandindaengensis on Lepidoptera pupa, buried in soil, Ophiocordyceps kuchinaraiensis on Coleoptera larva, buried in soil, and Samsoniella winandae on Lepidoptera pupa, buried in soil. Taiwan region (China), Neophaeosphaeria livistonae on dead leaf of Livistona rotundifolia. Türkiye, Melanogaster anatolicus on clay loamy soils. UK, Basingstokeomyces allii (incl. Basingstokeomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Allium schoenoprasum. Ukraine, Xenosphaeropsis corni on recently dead stem of Cornus alba. USA, Nothotrichosporon aquaticum (incl. Nothotrichosporon gen. nov.) from water, and Periconia philadelphiana from swab of coil surface. Morphological and culture characteristics for these new taxa are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Osieck ER, Shivas RG, et al. 2023. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1478-1549. Persoonia 50: 158- 310. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2023.50.05.

The biological activity of serum bacterial lipopolysaccharides associates with disease activity and likelihood of achieving remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Dysbiotic intestinal and oral microbiota have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the mechanisms how microbiota could impact disease activity have remained elusive. The aim of this study was to assess the association of the biological activity of serum lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with disease activity and likelihood of achieving remission in RA patients. METHODS: We measured Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-stimulating activity of sera of 58 RA patients with a reporter cell line engineered to produce secreted alkaline phosphatase in response to TLR4 stimulation. Levels of LPS-binding protein, CD14, and CD163 were determined by ELISA assays. RESULTS: The patient serum-induced TLR4 activation (biological activity of LPS) was significantly associated with inflammatory parameters and body mass index at baseline and at 12 months and with disease activity (DAS28-CRP, p<0.001) at 12 months. Importantly, baseline LPS bioactivity correlated with disease activity (p=0.031) and, in 28 early RA patients, the likelihood of achieving remission at 12 months (p=0.009). The level of LPS bioactivity was similar at baseline and 12-month visits, suggesting that LPS bioactivity is an independent patient-related factor. Neutralization of LPS in serum by polymyxin B abrogated the TLR4 signaling, suggesting that LPS was the major contributor to TLR4 activation. CONCLUSION: We describe a novel approach to study the biological activity of serum LPS and their impact in diseases. The results suggest that LPS contribute to the inflammatory burden and disease activity on patients with RA and that serum-induced TLR4 activation assays can serve as an independent prognostic factor. A graphical summary of the conclusions of the study.

A systematic review of microbiome composition in osteoarthritis subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) started to be associated to shifted microbiota composition recently. This systematic review aims to elucidate if there is a common microbiota composition linked with OA between different studies. METHODS: We screened PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane databases up to July 26th 2021 to identify original studies in which microbiome was assessed from OA individuals, both in human and laboratory animals' studies. Bacteria associated with OA were summarized to find common patterns between the studies. RESULTS: We identified 37 original studies where the microbiota composition was assessed in OA subjects. We identified some bacteria (Clostridium, Streptococcus, Bacteroides and Firmicutes) that were reported to be upregulated in OA subjects, whereas Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium longum were associated with improved OA outcomes. The heterogeneity of sampling and analysis methods, different taxonomical levels reported and the lack of healthy controls in several studies made it difficult to compare the studies and reach conclusions about a potential causal link. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated that some bacteria were identified as regulators of OA. Future works following standardized methodologies with more proper controls are needed to elucidate our understanding of the role of the microbiota in OA pathogenesis and progress towards new treatments.

PIMA: A population informative multiplex for the Americas.

We describe an ancestry-informative autosomal SNP multiplex designed to be a small-scale, flexible panel that can complement uniparental markers in assessing the American variability (i.e. pre-Colombian) found in contemporary indigenous American populations. This study centered on choosing SNPs with the specific characteristics of: 1) extreme allele frequency differences between indigenous Americans and the African, European and East Asian population groups that contribute to present-day population variation in the Americas; 2) high informativeness-for-assignment In values; and 3) well-spaced genomic distribution and chromosomal separation from existing small-scale forensic ancestry marker sets. The resulting capillary electrophoresis SNaPshot single base extension test was named: PIMA (Population Informative Multiplex for the Americas), comprising 26 autosomal SNPs, a single X-chromosome SNP plus the amelogenin sex marker adapted for SNaPshot. PIMA complements the established 34plex forensic ancestry panel to provide a powerful and simple tool for the analysis of American populations, including those with admixed histories, commonly encountered in America. Comparing the results obtained with the combined marker panels of PIMA and 34plex to SNP data from a much larger ancestry panel allowed us to gauge their relative efficiency. PIMA+34plex gives equivalent power to the 314-SNP 'LACE' genomic ancestry control panel, while requiring a much smaller genotyping effort. The ancestry profiles and genetic structure of 22 populations spread across the American continent were estimated using PIMA+34plex data, and those estimates were contrasted with information provided by uniparental markers (mtDNA and Y-chromosome loci) for a small set of admixed individuals from Venezuela. Our results indicate that an American genetic component is efficiently detected in contemporary American populations using a small set of ancestry informative SNPs, and these co-ancestry estimates are consistent with the known history and demography of the Americas. The small scale and high population differentiation power of PIMA, particularly when combined with 34plex, provides a practical and powerful tool for genetic studies of American populations as well as forensic DNA analyses.

Lumican is upregulated in osteoarthritis and contributes to TLR4-induced pro-inflammatory activation of cartilage degradation and macrophage polarization.

OBJECTIVE: Lumican (LUM) is a major extracellular matrix glycoprotein in adult articular cartilage and its expression is known to be upregulated upon cartilage degeneration. LUM is associated with the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) activation of the TLR4 signalling cascade, with TLR4 being highly associated with inflammation in rheumatic diseases. However, the main role of the LUM structural molecule in osteoarthritis (OA) remains elusive. The aim of this study was, therefore, to understand the role of LUM during TLR4-mediated activation in OA. METHODS: After measuring LUM levels in synovial fluid (SF) of OA patients and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TLR4 activation, the role of LUM in the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules and cartilage degradation was assessed in vitro and ex vivo in a cartilage explant model. Primary macrophage activation and polarization were studied upon LUM co-stimulation with LPS. RESULTS: We demonstrate that LUM is not only significantly upregulated in SF from OA patients compared to healthy controls, but also that LUM increases lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TLR4 activation. Furthermore, we show that a pathophysiological level of LUM augments the LPS-induced TLR4 activation and expression of downstream pro-inflammatory molecules, resulting in extensive cartilage degradation. LUM co-stimulation with LPS also provided a pro-inflammatory stimulus, upregulating primary macrophage activation and polarization towards the M1-like phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: These findings strongly support the role of LUM as a mediator of PAMP-induced TLR4 activation of inflammation, cartilage degradation, and macrophage polarization in the OA joint and potentially other rheumatic diseases.

Magnetoliposomes as model for signal transmission.

Liposomes containing magnetic nanoparticles (magnetoliposomes) have been extensively explored for targeted drug delivery. However, the magnetic effect of nanoparticles movement is also an attractive choice for the conduction of signals in communication systems at the nanoscale level because of the simple manipulation and efficient control. Here, we propose a model for the transmission of electrical and luminous signals taking advantage of magnetophoresis. The study involved three steps. Firstly, magnetite was synthesized and incorporated into fusogenic large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) previously associated with a fluorescent label. Secondly, the fluorescent magnetite-containing LUVs delivered their contents to the giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), which were corroborated by magnetophoresis and fluorescence microscopy. In the third step, magnetophoresis of magnetic vesicles was used for the conduction of the luminous signal from a capillary to an optical fibre connected to a fluorescence detector. Also, the magnetophoresis effects on subsequent transmission of the electrochemical signal were demonstrated using magnetite associated with CTAB micelles modified with ferrocene. We glimpse that these magnetic supramolecular systems can be applied in micro- and nanoscale communication systems.

Molecular mechanisms involved in the protective actions of Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators in brain cells.

Synthetic selective modulators of the estrogen receptors (SERMs) have shown to protect neurons and glial cells against toxic insults. Among the most relevant beneficial effects attributed to these compounds are the regulation of inflammation, attenuation of astrogliosis and microglial activation, prevention of excitotoxicity and as a consequence the reduction of neuronal cell death. Under pathological conditions, the mechanism of action of the SERMs involves the activation of estrogen receptors (ERs) and G protein-coupled receptor for estrogens (GRP30). These receptors trigger neuroprotective responses such as increasing the expression of antioxidants and the activation of kinase-mediated survival signaling pathways. Despite the advances in the knowledge of the pathways activated by the SERMs, their mechanism of action is still not entirely clear, and there are several controversies. In this review, we focused on the molecular pathways activated by SERMs in brain cells, mainly astrocytes, as a response to treatment with raloxifene and tamoxifen.

Comparação randomizada de intervenções coronárias percutâneas guiadas por tomografia de coerência óptica versus ultrassom intravascular versus angiografia. Estudo randomizado ISIGHT / Randomized comparison of percutaneous coronary interventions guided by optical coherence tomography versus intravascular ultrasound versus angiography. ISIGHT randomized study

INTRODUÇÃO: Meta-análise de grande porte demonstrou que intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) guiada por ultrassom intracoronário (USIC) associou-se com menor ocorrência de eventos adversos em comparação com ICP guiada por angiografia. A tomografia de coerência óptica (TCO) possui resolução 10 vezes maior que a do USIC. No entanto, seu papel como guia de ICP foi pouco estudado. MÉTODOS: O objetivo primário do estudo iSIGHT é investigar a não inferioridade da ICP guiada por TCO em comparação com a ICP guiada por USIC quanto ao co-desfecho primário da área mínima do stents (AMS) e expansão dos stents ao final dos procedimentos. O objetivo secundário é avaliar a superioridade dos métodos de imagem invasivos (USIC e TCO) em comparação com um protocolo otimizado de ICP guiada por angiografia. Pacientes portadores de doença arterial coronária com ≥1 lesão em coronárias nativas com 2,25-4,0mm de diâmetro foram randomizados (1:1:1), em blocos de 9, para ICP guiada por angiografia, USIC, e TCO. Com um α unicaudal de 0,05 e margens de não inferioridade de 1,1mm2 para AMS e 6,85% para expansão dos stents, 150 pacientes (50 em cada grupo) fornece poder de 80% para investigar a não inferioridade da ICP guiada por TCO em comparação com guia por USIC. Caso a não inferioridade fosse alcançada para os co-desfechos primários, testamos de forma hierárquica a superioridade da ICP guiada por TCO contra ICP guiada por USIC e angiografia, e ICP guiada por USIC contra ICP guiada por angiografia. RESULTADOS: 151 pacientes foram randomizados para ICP guiada por TCO (51 pacientes; 51 lesões), USIC (51 pacientes; 52 lesões) e angiografia (49 pacientes; 53 lesões). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto as características clínicas e demográficas dos pacientes. A maioria (70,6%) dos pacientes eram homens, e a média das idades foi 59,3±9,8 anos. Síndrome coronária aguda foi a indicação mais frequente (59,3%) para ICP. O diâmetro de referência dos vasos incluídos foi 2,84±0,63, com lesões de 21,69±9,43mm de comprimento e percentual de estenose de 71,94±11,53%. A média de volume de contraste (94,1±40,5mL) utilizado nos casos guiados por TCO foi numericamente maior que nos casos guiados por USIC (82,1±41,3mL) e angiografia (72,3±35,8mL), porém não significativamente diferente (p=0,434)...(AU)

Rheumatoid arthritis and sleep quality / Artrite reumatoide e qualidade do sono

ABSTRACT Background: Sleep disturbances are common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and contribute to loss of life quality. Objective: To study associations of sleep quality with pain, depression and disease activity in RA. Methods: This is a transversal observational study of 112 RA patients submitted to measurement of DAS-28, Epworth scale for daily sleepiness, index of sleep quality by Pittsburg index, risk of sleep apnea by the Berlin questionnaire and degree of depression by the CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale) questionnaire. We also collected epidemiological, clinical, serological and treatment data. Results: Only 18.5% of RA patients had sleep of good quality. In univariate analysis a bad sleep measured by Pittsburg index was associated with daily doses of prednisone (p = 0.03), DAS-28 (p = 0.01), CES-D (p = 0.0005) and showed a tendency to be associated with Berlin sleep apnea questionnaire (p = 0.06). In multivariate analysis only depression (p = 0.008) and Berlin sleep apnea questionnaire (p = 0.004) kept this association. Conclusions: Most of RA patients do not have a good sleep quality. Depression and risk of sleep apnea are independently associated with sleep impairment.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Os distúrbios do sono são comuns em pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR) e contribuem para a perda da qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Estudar as associações entre a qualidade do sono e a dor, depressão e atividade da doença na AR. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal com 112 pacientes com AR submetidos à avaliação do DAS-28, escala de Epworth para sonolência diurna, qualidade do sono pelo índice de Pittsburg, risco de apneia do sono pelo questionário de Berlim e grau de depressão pelo questionário CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression). Também foram coletados dados epidemiológicos, clínicos, sorológicos e de tratamento. Resultados: Apenas 18,5% dos pacientes com AR tinham uma boa qualidade do sono. Na análise univariada, um sono ruim medido pelo índice de Pittsburg esteve associado à dose diária de prednisona (p = 0,03), DAS-28 (p = 0,01), CES-D (p = 0,0005) e mostrou uma tendência a estar associado à apneia do sono pelo questionário de Berlim (p = 0,06). Na análise multivariada, somente a depressão (p = 0,008) e a apneia do sono pelo questionário de Berlim (p = 0,004) mantiveram essa associação. Conclusões: A maior parte dos pacientes com AR não tem uma boa qualidade de sono. A depressão e o risco de apneia do sono estão independentemente associados ao comprometimento do sono.

Rheumatoid arthritis and sleep quality.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and contribute to loss of life quality. OBJECTIVE: To study associations of sleep quality with pain, depression and disease activity in RA. METHODS: This is a transversal observational study of 112 RA patients submitted to measurement of DAS-28, Epworth scale for daily sleepiness, index of sleep quality by Pittsburg index, risk of sleep apnea by the Berlin questionnaire and degree of depression by the CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale) questionnaire. We also collected epidemiological, clinical, serological and treatment data. RESULTS: Only 18.5% of RA patients had sleep of good quality. In univariate analysis a bad sleep measured by Pittsburg index was associated with daily doses of prednisone (p=0.03), DAS-28 (p=0.01), CES-D (p=0.0005) and showed a tendency to be associated with Berlin sleep apnea questionnaire (p=0.06). In multivariate analysis only depression (p=0.008) and Berlin sleep apnea questionnaire (p=0.004) kept this association. CONCLUSIONS: Most of RA patients do not have a good sleep quality. Depression and risk of sleep apnea are independently associated with sleep impairment.

Artrite reumatoide fator antinuclear positivo / Rheumatoid arthritis with positivity for antinuclear antibody

Objetivos: Verificar a prevalência de FAN positivo em portadores de AR e estudar a sua correlação com elementos clínicos. Material e Métodos: Foram estudados 113 pacientes portadores de AR quanto à idade do diagnóstico, sexo, presença de nódulos reumatóides, presença de alterações radiológicas (osteoporose justa articular e erosões) em RX de mãos, presença de fator reumatoide. Estes dados foram correlacionados com a presença do FAN. Resultados: A prevalência de FAN positivo foi de 21,24%, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os sexos (p=0,553). Os títulos variaram entre 1:40 e 1:320, sendo a maioria (83,3%) padrão pontilhado. Não houve significância estatística entre o FAN positivo e idade de início da doença (p=0,4611) ou presença de alterações radiológicas (p=0,4397). Houve correlação significante entre FAN positivo e presença de nódulos reumatoides, onde 50% dos pacientes com nódulos tinham este anticorpo(p=0,0197). Conclusão: O presente estudo concluiu que os pacientes com AR nodular possuíam mais FAN positivo, o que pode ser indicativo de associação deste anticorpo com doença mais grave.

Objective: To verify the prevalence of ANA in patients with RA and study its correlation with clinical findings. Material and Methods: We studied 113 patients with rheumatoid arthritis for diagnosis age, sex, rheumatoid nodules, radiologic findings in hand X-rays and rheumatoid factor. These results were correlated with the presence of ANA. Results: About 21.24% of the patients had positive ANA and no significant gender differenceswere observed. The titers were between 1:40 to 1:320 and most of them (83.3%) with mottled pattern. No statistical significance could be found among ANA positive patients with regards to age of diagnosis (p=0.46) or radiological findings (p=0.43). There was a positive correlation of presence of rheumatoid nodules and finding of positive ANA (p=0.01). Conclusion: We conclude that patients with nodular RA have more frequently positive ANA, which can indicate that this antibody is present in more severe disease.

Atividade das espondiloartrites e níveis séricos de vitamin D / Serum vitamin D levels and spondyloarthritis activity

Objetivo: Estudar se os níveis de vitamina D influem na atividade das espondiloartrites. Métodos: Estudo transversal observacional de 92 pacientes com ES e 92 controles para níveis de vitamina D. Níveis de vitamina D foram associados com perfil clinico e laboratorial e com dados de atividade da doença medidos pelo BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) e dados de função medidos pelo BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Functional Index). Resultados: Os níveis de vitamina D dos controles eram semelhantes ao dos indivíduos normais (p=0.36). Encontrou-se associação dos níveis de vitamina D com BASDAI (p= 0,01) e com os valores de hemoglobina (p=0,04) dos pacientes. Nenhum dos demais parâmetros estudados associou-se com níveis de vitamina D. Conclusão: Níveis séricos de vitamina D estão associados com maior atividade de doença em pacientes com espondiloartrites.

Objective: To study whether vitamin D levels influence the activity of spondyloarthritis. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study of 92 patients with SpAand 92 controls for vitamin D. Vitamin D serum levels were associated with clinical and laboratory profile as well as activity data of the disease measured by the BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) and functional data measured by BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Functional Index). Results: Vitamin D levels of controls were similar to that of normal subjects (p = 0.36). Vitamin D levels associated with BASDAI (p = 0.01) and hemoglobin values (p = 0.04) of patients. None of the other studied parameters related with levels of vitamin D. Conclusion: Serum vitamin D levels are associated with increased disease activity in patients with SpA.

Distúrbios de humor em pacientes com lupus eritematoso sistêmico / Mood disorders in patients with lupus erythematosus

Objetivo: Estudar a prevalência de alterações de humor em pacientes com LES procurando relacioná-las com a percepção global de saúde. Metodologia: Estudaram-se 84 pacientes com LES e 84 pessoas saudáveis para depressão pela escala de Beck e ansiedade pela escala de Hamilton. No grupo com LES, obtiveram-se a percepção global da própria saúde por escala visual analógica. Resultados: Pacientes com LES obtiveram maiores resultados na escala de ansiedade (p=0,05); mas não na de depressão (p=0,65). O grau de ansiedade era maior naqueles pacientes com mais idade (p= 0,015) mas não nos com maior tempo de doença (p=0,73). Não se encontrou associação do grau de ansiedade com estado civil ou escolaridade do paciente. Todavia, o grau de ansiedade se correlacionou de maneira negativa com a percepção global da saúde (p=0,0023). Conclusões: Pacientes com LES sofrem mais de ansiedade do que a população normal. Este achado é mais comum nos pacientes mais idosos e naqueles que percebem a sua saúde como pior.

Objective: To study the prevalence of humor disturbances in patients with SLE trying to correlate them with the global perception of health. Methods: We studied 84 patients with SLE and 84 controls for depression scale of Beck and anxiety scale of Hamilton. In the SLE group we obtained the global perception of health through an analogical visual scale. Results: Patients with SLE obtained higher scores in anxiety scale (p=0.05) but not in depression scale (p=0.65). The anxiety degree correlated with patient's age but not with disease duration, degree of formal education or civil estate. However the degree of anxiety correlated in a negative way with global perception of health (p=0.0023). Conclusion: Patients with SLE suffer more from anxiety than the normal population.

Efeitos colaterais oculares dos antimaláricos / Antimalarial ocular side effects

Introdução: A cloroquina e a hidroxicloroquina são medicamentos amplamente utilizados para tratamento das doenças do tecido conjuntivo como artrite reumatóide, lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, Síndrome de Sjögren e osteoartrite mãos. Seus efeitos colaterais mais temidos são os oculares: depósitos corneais e retinopatia. Material e métodos: Foram estudados os prontuários dos pacientes portadores de artrite reumatoide do ambulatório de reumatologia do Hospital Evangélico de Curitiba e usuários de antimaláricos (total de 167) para alterações oculares secundárias ao medicamento. Resultados: Em 5 pacientes existia diagnóstico de maculopatia e em 4 o diagnóstico de ceratopatia por cloroquina, com associação positiva para idade avançada e com tempo de uso. Conclusão: A ceratopatia e maculopatia por antimaláricos ocorreram em pequena proporção de usuários de cloroquina (2,4% e 3% respectivamente), não sendo encontrado este efeito adverso nos usuários de hidroxicloroquina.

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are widely used drugs indicated for treatment of connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren´s syndrome and hand osteoarthritis. The most feared side effects of these medications are corneal deposits and maculopathy. Material and methods: We reviewed the charts of 167 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from rheumatology unit of Hospital Evangélico de Curitiba for ocular side effects of this medication. Results: There was maculopathy in 5 patients using chloroquine and in 4 of them, there was ceratopathy. This finding had a positive association with older age and prolonged use of this medication. Conclusions: Antimalarial cerathopathy and maculopathy occurred in a small proportion of cloroquine users (2,4 and 3% respectively). These side effects weren't found in hydroxylchlroquine patients.

Perfil de segurança no uso de metotrexate para tratamento de doenças reumáticas / Profile safe use of methotrexate for treatment of rheumatic disease

Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência de efeitos colaterais em usuários de metotrexate (MTX) para artrite reumatoide e lúpus. Material e métodos: Foram revisados os prontuários de 49 usuários de MTX para alterações de provas de função hepática, ocorrência de citopenias e de pneumonites inersticiais. Foram coletados dados como tempo de uso, dose semanal de metotrexate, doença de base e que indicou a medicação e associação com outros modificadores de doença Resultado: Cerca de 12% dos pacientes desenvolveram efeitos colaterais requerendo a retirada da droga. O efeito colateral mais comum foi alteração de transaminases. Estas alterações não dependeram de dose semanal usada (p=0,54 para SGOT e p=0,95 para SGPT), nem do tempo de uso (SGOT com p=0,59 e SGPT com p=0,40), mas foram mais comum em usuários de associação com sulfassalazina (p=0,0029). Pneumonite intersticial foi vista em 4,08% dos casos sendo todos os pacientes com esta complicação portadores de artrite reumatóide. Citopenia apareceu em somente 1 paciente. Conclusão: O uso de MTX demonstrou ser seguro em pacientes com doenças reumáticas.

Objective: To verify the prevalence of collateral side effects in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus MTX treated patients. Material and methods: We reviewed 49 charts of MTX users for hepatic dysfunction, cytopenias and interstitial pneumonitis occurrence. Data from treatment duration, weekly used doses, associations with other disease modifying agents and disease that indicated the treatment were also collected. Results: In was found that there were side effects that precluded further drug use in 12% of patients. The commonest was raised transaminases. This side effect wasn't associated with weekly MTX dose (p=0.54 for SGOT and p=0.95 for SGPT), neither with treatment time (SGOT with p=0.59 and SGPT with p=0.40). A relationship of raised transaminases and use of associated sulfassalazine was found (p=0.0029). Interstitial pneumonitis was seen in 4.08% of patients being all of them rheumatoid arthritis patients. Cytopenia appeared in just one patient. Conclusion: The MTX use was found to be safe in rheumatic diseases patients.

Prevalência de alterações cognitivas em uma população com lupus eritematoso sistêmico / Prevalence of cognitive disorders in a systemic lupus erythematosus population

Objetivo: estudar a prevalência de alterações cognitivas em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) comparando-a com a de população saudável. Métodos: Foram aplicados 168 questionários a 84 pacientes portadores de LES e 84 controles. O questionário era composto da escala de Beck para depressão, mini-mental e escala de Hamilton para ansiedade, assim como determinação da percepção da saúde global através de escala visual analógica. Dados clínicos e demográficos foram coletados dos prontuários. Resultados: Pacientes com LES mostraram resultados significativamente inferiores no mini-mental (p=0,0065) do que os controles. Esta diminuição mostrou correlação com o grau de ansiedade (p=0,002), mas não com o de depressão (0,06). Observou-se também correlação entre alteração do mini-mental e percepção global de saúde (p=0,03). Conclusão: Pacientes com LES têm mais alterações cognitivas que a população normal. O grau dessas alterações está associado ao grau de ansiedade e percepção global de saúde.

Objective: To study the prevalence of cognitive impairment in a group of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients comparing them with normal population. Methods: We applied 168 questionnaires to 84 lupus patients and 84 controls. The questioner included demographic date, Beck scale for depression, mini-mental, Hamilton scale for anxiety as well as determination of global health state by analogical visual scale. Results: Patients with SLE scored significantly lower in mini-mental as controls (p=0,0065). This results showed a correlation with the degree of anxiety (p=0,002) but not with depression (0,006). We also observed correlation between mini-mental results and global health perception (p=0,003). Conclusion: Patients with SLE have more cognitive impairment than normal population. The degree of such alterations is related with the degree of anxiety and global perception of health.

Prevalência de doenças de autoimunidade em pacientes com tireoidite de Hashimoto / Autoimmunity diseases prevalence in patients with Hashimoto

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de tais doenças em pacientes com tireoidite de Hashimoto (TH). Métodos: Foi utilizada uma amostra aleatória de 155 pacientes com TH, questionando-se idade, tempo de diagnóstico, existência de autoanticorpos tireoidianos e coexistência de outras doenças. Resultados: A amostra compunha-se de 135 mulheres e 20 homens, com idade média de 53 anos e duração média de doença de 6 anos. Existia positividade para anticorpo antitireoperoxidase (TPO) e 54,54% para antitireoglobulina (TG). Em 67,82% existia positividade para algum dos anticorpos antitireoidianos. Em 6,45% dos pacientes havia uma segunda doença associada, destes, em 40% artrite reumatóide, em 20% lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, em 10% polimiosite, em10% psoríase e em 10% retocolite ulcerativa. Uma paciente com AR tinha também esclerodermia associada. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que em TH existia uma prevalência de 6% de uma segunda doença de autoimunidade, o que é compatível com a literatura. Como o hipotireoidismo pode simular doenças reumáticas, esse conhecimento é importante no manejo correto destes pacientes.

Objective: It is to assess the prevalence of such diseases in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Methods: We used a random sample of 155 patients with HT, questioning whether age, time of diagnosis, presence of thyroid autoantibodies and the coexistence of other diseases. Results: The sample consisted of 135 women and 20 men, with mean age was 53 years and with mean disease duration of 6 years. Eighty six percent were positive for anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO) and 54.54% for thyroglobulin (TG). In 67.82% existed at least one antithyroid antibody. In 6.45% of patients there was a second disease associated; 40% were reumatoid arthritis, 20% systemic lupus erythematosus, 10% polymyositis, 10% psoriasis and 10% of ulcerative colitis. One patient with RA had also 50 Prevalência de Doenças de Autoimunidade em Pacientes com Tireoidite de Hashimoto. scleroderma. Conclusion: We conclude that in TH there was a prevalence of 6% of a second autoimmune disease, which is according with the literature. Because hypothyroidism can mimic rheumatic diseases, such knowledge is important in the correct management of these patients.