Impact of probiotic supplementation in a patient with type 2 diabetes on glycemic and lipid profile.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive chronic non-communicable disease associated with various comorbidities; it is considered complex and therefore multifactorial strategies must be applied to reduce the associated risks. The aim of this before-and-after clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of adjuvant supplementation with probiotics in patients with T2DM. METHODS: The study included 20 patients aged >30 years with T2DM who were overweight or obese. The patients were administered probiotic supplements daily for 90 days, which consisted of probiotics Bacillus clausii microorganism strain. The patients' blood glucose parameters, lipid and intestinal microbiota profiles, blood pressure (BP), drug therapy, body mass index (BMI), and food tissue were evaluated. RESULTS: At the end of the study, we observed a statistically significant difference in blood glucose, increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) plasma levels, and improved intestinal microbiota profiles among the patients included in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that probiotic supplementation significantly reduced fasting glycemia and promoted an improvement in their lipid profiles and intestinal health. These findings are promising and the use of probiotics may be an appropriate adjuvant therapy for glycemic control in patients with T2DM.

Metabolomic Biomarker Candidates for Skeletal Muscle Loss in the Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA) Model.

There is no consensus for diagnosis or treatment of RA muscle loss. We aimed to investigate metabolites in arthritic mice urine as biomarkers of muscle loss. DBA1/J mice comprised collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and control (CO) groups. Urine samples were collected at 0, 18, 35, 45, 55, and 65 days of disease and subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Metabolites were identified using Chenomx and Birmingham Metabolite libraries. The statistical model used principal component analysis, partial least-squares discriminant analysis, and partial least-squares regression analysis. Linear regression and Fisher's exact test via the MetaboAnalyst website were performed (VIP-score). Nearly 100 identified metabolites had CIA vs. CO and disease time-dependent differences (p < 0.05). Twenty-eight metabolites were muscle-associated: carnosine (VIPs 2.8 × 102) and succinyl acetone (VIPs 1.0 × 10) showed high importance in CIA vs. CO models at day 65; CIA pair analysis showed histidine (VIPs 1.2 × 102) days 55 vs. 65, histamine (VIPs 1.1 × 102) days 55 vs. 65, and L-methionine (VIPs 1.1 × 102) days 0 vs. 18. Carnosine was fatigue- (0.039) related, creatine was food intake- (-0.177) and body weight- (-0.039) related, and both metabolites were clinical score- (0.093; 0.050) and paw edema- (0.125; 0.026) related. Therefore, muscle metabolic alterations were detected in arthritic mice urine, enabling further validation in RA patient's urine, targeting prognosis, diagnosis, and monitoring of RA-mediated muscle loss.

A Graphene-Based Enzymatic Biosensor Using a Common-Gate Field-Effect Transistor for L-Lactic Acid Detection in Blood Plasma Samples.

Lactate is an important organic molecule that is produced in excess during anaerobic metabolism when oxygen is absent in the human organism. The concentration of this substance in the body can be related to several medical conditions, such as hemorrhage, respiratory failure, and ischemia. Herein, we describe a graphene-based lactate biosensor to detect the concentrations of L-lactic acid in different fluids (buffer solution and plasma). The active surface (graphene) of the device was functionalized with lactate dehydrogenase enzyme using different substances (Nafion, chitosan, and glutaraldehyde) to guarantee stability and increase selectivity. The devices presented linear responses for the concentration ranges tested in the different fluids. An interference study was performed using ascorbic acid, uric acid, and glucose, and there was a minimum variation in the Dirac point voltage during detection of lactate in any of the samples. The stability of the devices was verified at up to 50 days while kept in a dry box at room temperature, and device operation was stable until 12 days. This study demonstrated graphene performance to monitor L-lactic acid production in human samples, indicating that this material can be implemented in more simple and low-cost devices, such as flexible sensors, for point-of-care applications.

Development of new adjusted equations to estimate the skeletal muscle mass stratified by nutritional status for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a methodological study / Desenvolvimento de novas equações ajustadas para estimativa da massa muscular esquelética estratificada pelo estado nutricional para pacientes com artrite reumatoide: um estudo metodológico

Abstract Our objective was to adjust and validate predictive equations for appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Whole-body DXA data in 90 RA patients were used for measurement of ASM (kg). The prediction equation anthropometric for muscle mass proposed by Lee et al was used to generate estimates of ASM. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI, kg/m2) was calculated. Frequency analysis, Paired student's t-test, Linear regression, Pearson correlation, Intraclass correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman scatter were performed. The statistical significance considered was p<0.05. Lee's equation was overestimated by 30% when compared with ASMI by DXA. When stratified by nutritional status, Lee's equation overestimated the ASMI by 30% in overweight patients and by 50% in obese patients when compared with DXA (p<0.05). These adjusted equations estimated values for ASMI were closer to those obtained by DXA than those estimated by the original Lee's equation (p<0.05). This greater concordance was confirmed by the observed interclass correlation coefficients and by Bland-Altman scatter graphs. In conclusion, the prediction of muscle mass in RA patients may be performed with equations that consider the nutritional status of patients.

Resumo Nosso objetivo foi ajustar e validar equações preditivas para massa muscular esquelética apendicular (ASM) em pacientes com Artrite Reumatoide (AR). Dados de DXA de corpo inteiro em 90 pacientes com AR foram usados ​​para medição de ASM (kg). A equação de predição antropométrica de massa muscular proposta por Lee et al foi utilizada para gerar estimativas de ASM. Índice de massa muscular esquelética apendicular (ASMI, kg / m2) foi calculada. Análise de frequência, Teste t de Student pareado, Regressão linear, Correlação de Pearson, Coeficientes de correlação intraclasse e Dispersão de Bland-Altman foram realizados. A significância estatística considerada foi p<0,05. A equação de Lee superestimou em 30% quando comparada com a ASMI da DXA. Quando estratificada por estado nutricional, a equação de Lee superestimou o ASMI em 30% em pacientes com sobrepeso e em 50% em pacientes obesos em comparação com DXA (p<0,05). Esses valores estimados de equações ajustadas para ASMI foram mais próximos daqueles obtidos por DXA do que aqueles estimados pela equação de Lee original (p<0,05). Essa maior concordância foi confirmada pelos coeficientes de correlação interclasses observados e pelos gráficos de dispersão de Bland-Altman. Em conclusão, a predição da massa muscular em pacientes com AR pode ser realizada com equações que consideram o estado nutricional dos pacientes.

Cachexia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that leads to altered body composition. The loss of lean mass with a preservation or increase in fat mass has been termed rheumatoid cachexia (RC), to contrast with classic cachexia, which is characterized by severe weight loss. There are limited data on the prevalence and progression of cachexia in RA over time, as well as on associated factors. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of cachexia and to determine associations with potential factors. METHODS: This prospective cohort study recruited consecutively patients diagnosed with RA and followed for 1 year. The assessments were performed: clinical features, body composition, and physical function. RC and classic cachexia were assessed by several established diagnostic criteria. The pairwise Student's t test, Chi-square test, and GEE were performed (accepted at p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Of 90 patients recruited, 81 completed the study. Most patients were women (88.9%), and the mean age was 56.5 ± 7.3 years. At baseline, the median DAS28-CRP was 3.0 (IQR, 1.0-3.0), 13.3-30.0% of the included patients had RC, while none met criteria for classic cachexia. The prevalence of cachexia did not change after 12 months. Disease activity status and treatment with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were significantly associated with changes on body composition and physical function (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, RC was common, while classic cachexia was absent. Disease activity and use of biologic therapies were associated with changes on body composition and physical function, underscoring the importance of aiming for remission when treating RA.

Height and sexual maturation in girls with juvenile idiopathic arthritis / Estatura e maturação sexual em meninas com artrite idiopática juvenil

Abstract Objective To evaluate height, sexual maturation, and the difference between final and expected height in girls with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and no glucocorticoid treatment for at least six months, as compared to a group of healthy girls. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 44 girls with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, diagnosed according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria, and 59 healthy controls aged between 8 and 18 (incomplete) years with no comorbid chronic diseases. Demographic data were collected from all participants, and disease and treatment variables were compiled for the patient group. Anthropometric measurements were converted into Z-scores based on World Health Organization standards. Sexual maturation was classified according to Tanner stages. Results Body mass index and height Z-scores were lower in girls with juvenile idiopathic arthritis as compared to control participants. These values differed significantly in Tanner stage II. Three (6.8%) girls with juvenile idiopathic arthritis had height-for-age Z-scores <−2 (short stature). Girls with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and higher cumulative glucocorticoid doses were significantly more likely to present with short stature. The percentage of prepubertal girls in the juvenile idiopathic arthritis group was significantly higher than that observed in the control group, (p = 0.012). Age of menarche, adult height, and the difference between actual and expected height did not differ between groups. Conclusion These findings suggest that even six months after the suspension of glucocorticoid treatment, children with polyarticular/systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtypes are still susceptible to low height and delayed puberty.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a estatura, maturação sexual e a diferença entre a estatura final e a esperada em meninas com artrite idiopática juvenil (AIJ) sem tratamento com glicocorticoides por pelo menos seis meses, em comparação com um grupo de meninas saudáveis. Métodos Este estudo transversal avaliou 44 meninas com artrite idiopática juvenil, diagnosticadas de acordo com os critérios da International League of Associations for Rheumatology e 59 controles saudáveis, entre oito e 18 anos (incompletos) sem comorbidades por doenças crônicas. Os dados demográficos foram coletados de todos os participantes e as variáveis de doença e tratamento foram compiladas para o grupo de pacientes. As medidas antropométricas foram convertidas em escores-z com base nos padrões da Organização Mundial da Saúde. A maturação sexual foi classificada de acordo com os estágios de Tanner. Resultados Índice de massa corporal e escores-z de estatura foram menores em meninas com artrite idiopática juvenil em comparação com os participantes-controle. Esses valores diferiram significativamente no estágio II de Tanner. Três (6,8%) meninas com artrite idiopática juvenil tinham escores-z de estatura para idade < -2 (baixa estatura). Meninas com artrite idiopática juvenil poliarticular e doses cumulativas de glicocorticoides foram significativamente mais propensas a apresentar baixa estatura. A porcentagem de meninas pré-púberes no grupo artrite idiopática juvenil foi significativamente maior do que a observada no grupo controle (p = 0,012). A idade da menarca, a estatura adulta e a diferença entre a estatura real e a esperada não diferiram entre os grupos. Conclusão Esses achados sugerem que, mesmo após seis meses da suspensão do tratamento com glicocorticoides, as crianças com os subtipos poliarticular/sistêmico de AIJ ainda são suscetíveis a baixa estatura e atraso na puberdade.

Height and sexual maturation in girls with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate height, sexual maturation, and the difference between final and expected height in girls with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and no glucocorticoid treatment for at least six months, as compared to a group of healthy girls. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 44 girls with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, diagnosed according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria, and 59 healthy controls aged between 8 and 18 (incomplete) years with no comorbid chronic diseases. Demographic data were collected from all participants, and disease and treatment variables were compiled for the patient group. Anthropometric measurements were converted into Z-scores based on World Health Organization standards. Sexual maturation was classified according to Tanner stages. RESULTS: Body mass index and height Z-scores were lower in girls with juvenile idiopathic arthritis as compared to control participants. These values differed significantly in Tanner stage II. Three (6.8%) girls with juvenile idiopathic arthritis had height-for-age Z-scores <-2 (short stature). Girls with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and higher cumulative glucocorticoid doses were significantly more likely to present with short stature. The percentage of prepubertal girls in the juvenile idiopathic arthritis group was significantly higher than that observed in the control group, (p=0.012). Age of menarche, adult height, and the difference between actual and expected height did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that even six months after the suspension of glucocorticoid treatment, children with polyarticular/systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtypes are still susceptible to low height and delayed puberty.

Application of the MISSCARE scale in an Oncology Service: a contribution to patient safety.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of and reasons for missed nursing care in oncology units. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted at inpatient oncology units at a private hospital. Eighty-three professionals from the nursing team took part. The MISSCARE instrument and a sociodemographic questionnaire were administered. Simple descriptive statistics were used for analyses. Pearson's chi-square test was used to detect associations between variables. RESULTS: The care tasks missed most frequently were assisting with toileting needs within 5 minutes of a request (57.8%), ambulation 3 times per day or as ordered (44.6%), and turning patients every 2 hours (36.1%). The main reasons for missed care were related to communication: tension or communication breakdowns within the nursing team, and the caregiver responsible off unit or unavailable (both 66.2%). CONCLUSIONS: there is a need to develop nursing interventions that neutralize and/or reduce the negative results of this missed care in order to improve the quality of care provided to cancer patients.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in the early diagnosis of sepsis in an intensive care unit: a case-control study. / Razão neutrófilo-linfócito no diagnóstico precoce de sepse em unidade de terapia intensiva: um estudo de caso-controle.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of sepsis and mortality in patients admitted to an intensive care unit. METHODS: Case-control study of adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Patients who had sepsis as the reason for admission and who had a previous complete blood count examination were included as case patients. The following statistical analyses were performed: ROC curves, binary logistic regression, and Mann-Whitney and Pearson's chi-square tests. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The ROC curve values were 0.62 for neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, 0.98 for band neutrophils and 0.51 for total leukocytes. The presence of a neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio greater than 5.0, leukocyte count above 12,000mm3/mL and band neutrophil percentage above 10% were risk factors for sepsis; however, only the SAPS 3 and SOFA score were related to patient mortality. CONCLUSION: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and band neutrophils in combination with other parameters may be markers for the early detection of sepsis in intensive care units.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a razão neutrófilo-linfócito na predição de sepse e mortalidade em pacientes admitidos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: Estudo de caso-controle de pacientes adultos admitidos em terapia intensiva. Foram incluídos como casos pacientes que tiveram sepse como razão de admissão e possuíam exame laboratorial de hemograma prévio. As análises estatísticas realizadas foram curva ROC, regressão logística binária, Mann Whitney e qui-quadrado de Pearson. Foi considerado significativo valor de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Os valores de curva ROC foram 0,62 para razão neutrófilo-linfócito, 0,98 para neutrófilos bastonados e 0,51 para leucócitos totais. A presença de razão neutrófilo-linfócito superior a 5,0, o número de leucócitos acima de 12.000mm3/mL e número de neutrófilos bastonados acima 10% foram fatores de risco para sepse, entretanto somente os escores SAPS 3 e SOFA estavam relacionados a mortalidade dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: A razão neutrófilo-linfócito e os neutrófilos bastonados em combinação com outros parâmetros podem ser marcadores na detecção precoce de sepse em terapia intensiva.

Razão neutrófilo-linfócito no diagnóstico precoce de sepse em unidade de terapia intensiva: um estudo de caso-controle / Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in the early diagnosis of sepsis in an intensive care unit: a case-control study

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a razão neutrófilo-linfócito na predição de sepse e mortalidade em pacientes admitidos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Estudo de caso-controle de pacientes adultos admitidos em terapia intensiva. Foram incluídos como casos pacientes que tiveram sepse como razão de admissão e possuíam exame laboratorial de hemograma prévio. As análises estatísticas realizadas foram curva ROC, regressão logística binária, Mann Whitney e qui-quadrado de Pearson. Foi considerado significativo valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: Os valores de curva ROC foram 0,62 para razão neutrófilo-linfócito, 0,98 para neutrófilos bastonados e 0,51 para leucócitos totais. A presença de razão neutrófilo-linfócito superior a 5,0, o número de leucócitos acima de 12.000mm3/mL e número de neutrófilos bastonados acima 10% foram fatores de risco para sepse, entretanto somente os escores SAPS 3 e SOFA estavam relacionados a mortalidade dos pacientes. Conclusão: A razão neutrófilo-linfócito e os neutrófilos bastonados em combinação com outros parâmetros podem ser marcadores na detecção precoce de sepse em terapia intensiva.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of sepsis and mortality in patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Methods: Case-control study of adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Patients who had sepsis as the reason for admission and who had a previous complete blood count examination were included as case patients. The following statistical analyses were performed: ROC curves, binary logistic regression, and Mann-Whitney and Pearson's chi-square tests. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The ROC curve values were 0.62 for neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, 0.98 for band neutrophils and 0.51 for total leukocytes. The presence of a neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio greater than 5.0, leukocyte count above 12,000mm3/mL and band neutrophil percentage above 10% were risk factors for sepsis; however, only the SAPS 3 and SOFA score were related to patient mortality. Conclusion: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and band neutrophils in combination with other parameters may be markers for the early detection of sepsis in intensive care units.

Adolescent and youth health policies in the Portuguese-Brazilian context: specificities and approximations. / Políticas de Saúde de adolescentes e jovens no contexto luso-brasileiro: especificidades e aproximações.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the scientific production on adolescent health policies and programs in Brazil and Portugal in the period 2010-2017. METHOD: This is a literature review based on the Scoping Review method. The research guidingquestion was: "How is the scientific production on adolescent health policies and programs in Brazil and Portugal characterized?"Search was carried out in October 2017 on the BVS, EBSCO and Google Scholar platforms. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were selected, namely, 17 Brazilian and 5 Portuguese. Seven cross-cutting thematic categories were identified, as follows: policy and program evaluation; health promotion and education; mental health; sexual and reproductive health; violence; oral health and nutritional health. We canconclude that, albeit in different social contexts, the themes reflect traditional areas of intervention of policies and programs, except for those arising from the phenomenon of structural violence, markedly present in the Brazilian reality. Also, the lack of emerging issues such as gender identities, migratory flows, and morbimortality from external causes reveal a possible care gap in policies and programs and a necessary field to be explored.

O objetivo deste artigo é caracterizar a produção científica sobre políticas e programas de saúde de adolescentes no Brasil e em Portugal no período 2010-2017. Estudo de revisão da literatura, baseado no método de "Scoping Review". A questão de investigação: como se caracteriza a produção científica sobre políticas e programas de saúde de adolescentes do Brasil e de Portugal? As buscas foram realizadas no mês de outubro de 2017, nas plataformas BVS, EBSCO e Google Acadêmico. Foram selecionados 22 estudos, 17 brasileiros e 5 portugueses. Foram identificadas sete categorias temáticas transversais: avaliação de políticas e programas; promoção e educação para a saúde; saúde mental; saúde sexual e reprodutiva; violência; saúde bucal e saúde nutricional. Conclui-se que, embora em contextos sociais distintos, as temáticas refletem áreas tradicionais de intervenção das políticas e programas, com exceção daquelas decorrentes do fenômeno da violência estrutural, marcadamente presente na realidade brasileira. Ainda, ausência de temáticas emergentes como identidades de gênero, fluxos migratórios e morbimortalidade por causas externas, revelando possível vazio assistencial das políticas e programas e um campo necessário a ser explorado.

Políticas de Saúde de adolescentes e jovens no contexto luso-brasileiro: especificidades e aproximações / Adolescent and youth health policies in the Portuguese-Brazilian context: specificities and approximations

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é caracterizar a produção científica sobre políticas e programas de saúde de adolescentes no Brasil e em Portugal no período 2010-2017. Estudo de revisão da literatura, baseado no método de "Scoping Review". A questão de investigação: como se caracteriza a produção científica sobre políticas e programas de saúde de adolescentes do Brasil e de Portugal? As buscas foram realizadas no mês de outubro de 2017, nas plataformas BVS, EBSCO e Google Acadêmico. Foram selecionados 22 estudos, 17 brasileiros e 5 portugueses. Foram identificadas sete categorias temáticas transversais: avaliação de políticas e programas; promoção e educação para a saúde; saúde mental; saúde sexual e reprodutiva; violência; saúde bucal e saúde nutricional. Conclui-se que, embora em contextos sociais distintos, as temáticas refletem áreas tradicionais de intervenção das políticas e programas, com exceção daquelas decorrentes do fenômeno da violência estrutural, marcadamente presente na realidade brasileira. Ainda, ausência de temáticas emergentes como identidades de gênero, fluxos migratórios e morbimortalidade por causas externas, revelando possível vazio assistencial das políticas e programas e um campo necessário a ser explorado.

Abstract Objective To characterize the scientific production on adolescent health policies and programs in Brazil and Portugal in the period 2010-2017. Method This is a literature review based on the Scoping Review method. The research guidingquestion was: "How is the scientific production on adolescent health policies and programs in Brazil and Portugal characterized?"Search was carried out in October 2017 on the BVS, EBSCO and Google Scholar platforms. Results Twenty-two studies were selected, namely, 17 Brazilian and 5 Portuguese. Seven cross-cutting thematic categories were identified, as follows: policy and program evaluation; health promotion and education; mental health; sexual and reproductive health; violence; oral health and nutritional health. We canconclude that, albeit in different social contexts, the themes reflect traditional areas of intervention of policies and programs, except for those arising from the phenomenon of structural violence, markedly present in the Brazilian reality. Also, the lack of emerging issues such as gender identities, migratory flows, and morbimortality from external causes reveal a possible care gap in policies and programs and a necessary field to be explored.

Prevalence of rheumatoid cachexia in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Low muscle mass occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without weight loss; this condition is referred as rheumatoid cachexia. The aim of the current study was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the rheumatoid cachexia prevalence. METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies published in English, between 1994 and 2016, was conducted using MEDLINE (via PubMed) and other relevant sources. Search strategies were based on pre-defined keywords and medical subject headings. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was used to estimate the prevalence, and because studies reported different methods and criteria to estimate body composition and prevalence of rheumatoid cachexia, subgroup analyses were performed. Meta-regression adjusted for the 28-joint disease activity score and disease duration (years) was performed (significance level at P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Of 136 full articles (one duplicate publication) screened for inclusion in the study, eight were included. The estimated overall prevalence of rheumatoid cachexia was 19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 07-33%]. This prevalence was 29% (95% CI 15-46%) when body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. When the diagnostic criteria were fat-free mass index below the 10th percentile and fat mass index above the 25th percentile, rheumatoid cachexia prevalence was 32% (95% CI 14-52%). The 28-joint disease activity score and disease duration had no influence on the estimated prevalence of rheumatoid cachexia (P > 0.05). Most studies were rated as having moderate methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis showed a prevalence of rheumatoid cachexia of 15-32%, according to different criteria, demonstrating that this condition is a frequent comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis. To better understand its clinical impact, more studies using standardized definitions and prospective evaluations are urgently needed.

Collagen-induced arthritis as an animal model of rheumatoid cachexia.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by chronic polyarticular synovitis and presents systemic changes that impact quality of life, such as impaired muscle function, seen in up to 66% of the patients. This can progress to severely debilitating state known as rheumatoid cachexia-without loss of fat mass and body weight-for which there is little consensus in terms of diagnosis or treatment. This study aims to evaluate whether the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) animal model also develops clinical and functional features characteristic of rheumatoid cachexia. METHODS: Male DBA1/J mice were randomly divided into 2 groups: healthy animals (CO, n = 11) and CIA animals (n = 13). The clinical score and edema size, animal weight and food intake, free exploratory locomotion, grip strength, and endurance exercise performance were tested 0, 18, 35, 45, 55, and 65 days after disease induction. After euthanasia, several organs, visceral and brown fat, and muscles were dissected and weighed. Muscles were used to assess myofiber diameter. Ankle joint was used to assess arthritis severity by histological score. Statistical analysis were performed using one-way and two-way analyses of variance followed by Tukey's and Bonferroni's test or t-test of Pearson and statistical difference were assumed for a P value under 0.05. RESULTS: The CIA had significantly higher arthritis scores and larger hind paw edema volumes than CO. The CIA had decreased endurance exercise performance total time (fatigue; 23, 22, 24, and 21% at 35, 45, 55, and 65 days, respectively), grip strength (27, 55, 63, 60, and 66% at 25, 35, 45, 55, and 65 days, respectively), free locomotion (43, 57, 59, and 66% at 35, 45, 55, and 65 days, respectively), and tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle weight (25 and 24%, respectively) compared with CO. Sarcoplasmic ratios were also reduced in CIA (TA: 23 and GA: 22% less sarcoplasmic ratio), confirming the atrophy of skeletal muscle mass in these animals than in CO. Myofiber diameter was also reduced 45% in TA and 41% in GA in CIA when compared with the CO. Visceral and brown fat were lighter in CIA (54 and 39%, respectively) than CO group. CONCLUSIONS: The CIA model is a valid experimental model for rheumatoid cachexia given that the clinical changes observed were similar to those described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Alterações celulares do HPV e de microflora de pacientes do SUS em São Leopoldo, RS Brasil / Cytological abnormalities from HPV and microflora of SUS patients in São Leopoldo city, RS Brazil

Objetivo: avaliar alterações celulares decorrentes do Papilomavirus Humano (HPV) e de microflora dos exames citopatológico das pacientes do SUS de São Leopoldo-RS. METODOLOGIA: estudo ecológico em base de dados do período de 2006-2014. Variáveis estudadas contemplavam alterações de microflora, alterações causadas por HPV e sociodemográficos. RESULTADOS: a cobertura do rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero estimada foi de 14,6%. Gardenerella vaginallis foi microrganismo patogênico com maior frequência (16,1%) e dentre as alterações relacionadas ao HPV, alterações atípicas apresentam 1,7%, Lesão Intraepitelial de Baixo Grau 0,96% e Lesões Intraepiteliais de Alto Grau 0,22%. DISCUSSÃO: as alterações nos laudos do Papanicolaou estão do município de acordo com os dados observados na literatura, entretanto ressalta-se que a cobertura estimada não atinge as recomendações brasileiras. CONCLUSÃO: as bases de dados disponíveis permitem uma análise da realidade local, entretanto, para isso é necessário o correto preenchimento das mesmas.

Objective: to evaluate cellular alterations due to the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the microflora of the cytopathological test of SUS patients in São Leopoldo-RS. METHODOLOGY: ecological study on a database from 2006-2014. The variables studied included changes in the microflora, changes caused by the HPV and sociodemographic changes. RESULTS: the screening coverage of the estimated cervical cancer was 14.6%. Gardenerella vaginallis was the most frequent pathogenic microorganism (16.1%), and among the HPV-related alterations, atypical alterations represented 1.7%, Low Grade Intraepithelial Lesions, 0.96%, and High Grade Intraepithelial Lesions, 0.22%. DISCUSSION: the results of the changes in Pap smears are in line with the data observed in the literature; however, it should be emphasized that the coverage estimates do not fulfil the Brazilian determinations. Conclusion: the available databases allow an analysis of the local reality. Nevertheless, for this to be feasible, it is necessary to correct them.

Objetivo: evaluar alteraciones celulares derivadas del Papilomavirus Humano (HPV) y de microflora de los exámenes citopatológicos de las pacientes del SUS de São Leopoldo-RS. METODOLOGÍA: estudio ecológico en base de datos del período 2006-2014. Las variables estudiadas incluían cambios de microflora, cambios causados por el HPV y sociodemográficos. RESULTADOS: la cobertura del rastreo del cáncer del cuello del útero estimada, fue de 14,6%. Gardenerella vaginallis fue el microorganismo patógeno más frecuente (16,1%) y entre las alteraciones relacionadas con el HPV, las alteraciones atípicas presentan 1,7%, Lesiones Intraepiteliales de Bajo Grado 0,96% y Lesiones Intraepiteliales de Alto Grado 0,22%. DISCUSIÓN: los resultados de los cambios en los frotis de Papanicolaou están de acuerdo con la literatura, sin embargo se enfatiza que las estimaciones de cobertura no alcanzan las determinaciones brasileñas. CONCLUSIÓN: las bases de datos disponibles permiten un análisis de la realidad local, sin embargo, para eso es necesario llenar adecuadamente

Temporal development of muscle atrophy in murine model of arthritis is related to disease severity.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, affecting mainly the joint but also other tissues. RA patients usually present weakness and muscle atrophy, nonarticular manifestations of the disease. Although causing great impact, the understanding of muscle atrophy, its development, and the mechanisms involved is still very limited. The objective of this study is to evaluate the development of muscle atrophy in skeletal muscle of a murine model of arthritis. METHODS: The experimental murine model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was used. DBA/1J mice were randomly divided into three groups: control (CO, n = 25), sham arthritis (SA, n = 25), and arthritis (CIA, n = 28), analyzed in different time points: 25, 35, and 45 days after the induction of arthritis. The arthritis development was followed by clinical scores and hind paw edema three times a week. The spontaneous exploratory locomotion and weight were evaluated weekly. In all time points, serum was collected before the death of the animals for cytokine analysis, and myofiber cross-sectional areas (CSA) of gastrocnemius (GA) and tibialis anterior (TA) skeletal muscles were evaluated. RESULTS: The clinical parameters of arthritis progressively increased in CIA in all experimental times, demonstrating the greatest difference from other groups at 45 days after induction (clinical score: CO, 00 ± 00; SA, 1.00 ± 0.14; CIA, 3.28 ± 0.41 p > 0.05). The CIA animals had lower weights during all the experimentation periods with a difference of 6 % from CO at 45 days (p > 0.05). CIA animals also demonstrated progressive decrease in distance walked, with a reduction of 54 % in 35 and 74 % at 45 days. Cytokine analysis identified significant increase in IL-6 serum levels in CIA than CO and SA in all experimental times. CSA of the myofiber of GA and TA was decreased 26 and 31 % (p > 0.05) in CIA in 45 days after the induction of disease, respectively. There was significant and inverse correlation between the disease clinical score and myofiber CSA in 45 days (GA: r = -0.71; p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Our results point to a progressive development of muscle wasting, with premature onset arthritis. These observations are relevant to understand the development of muscle loss, as well as for the design of future studies trying to understand the mechanisms involved in muscle wasting. As far as we are concerned, this is the first study to evaluate the relation between disease score and muscle atrophy in a model of arthritis.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Giant Horsetail (Equisetum giganteum L.) in Antigen-Induced Arthritis.

Equisetum giganteum is a plant used in traditional medicine as diuretic. From our knowledge this is the first time this plant is tested in an in vivo model of acute inflammation. To evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of giant horsetail (AEGH) as immunomodulatory therapy, antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) was generated in mice with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA). Inflammation was evaluated by articular nociception, leukocytes migration and lymphocyte proliferation. AEGH reduced nociception at 3, 6 and 24 h (P < 0.01), decreased leukocyte migration (P < 0.015), and inhibited lymphocyte proliferation stimulated with Concanavalin A and Lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.05). In conclusion, AEGH has an anti-inflammatory potential in acute model of inflammation, as well as immunomodulatory effect on both B and T lymphocytes, with an action independent of cytotoxicity.

Diminished expression of complement regulatory proteins on peripheral blood cells from systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

CD55, CD59, CD46, and CD35 are proteins with complement regulatory (Creg) properties that ensure cell and tissue integrity when this system is activated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Creg expression on peripheral blood cells from SLE patients and its association with cytopenia and disease activity. Flow cytometric analyses were performed on blood cells from 100 SLE patients and 61 healthy controls. Compared with healthy controls, we observed in SLE patients with lymphopenia and neutropenia decreased expression of CD55, CD59, and CD46 (P < 0.05). In SLE patients with anemia, CD59 and CD35 were decreased on red blood cells. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between CD55 and CD59 on neutrophils and the disease activity. The results suggest there is an altered pattern of Creg expression on the peripheral blood cells of SLE patients, and the expression is correlated with disease activity and/or with activation of the complement system.