Oral health and plaque microbial profile in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Background: The oral microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis through activation of mucosal immunity. This study tested for associations between oral health, microbial communities and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory study of subjects aged 10-18 years with oligoarticular, extended oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA was conducted.

Relationship Between Esophageal Abnormalities on Fluoroscopic Esophagram and Pulmonary Function Testing in Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis.

Objective: Juvenile systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disabling autoimmune condition that affects multiple organs in addition to skin, notably the gastrointestinal and pulmonary systems. The relationship between esophageal abnormalities and pulmonary disease in juvenile SSc is not well understood. We describe associations between radiologic esophageal abnormalities and pulmonary function.

Brief Report: HLA-DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 in Juvenile-Onset Systemic Sclerosis.

Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare disease that is particularly uncommon in children. Specific HLA alleles have been associated with SSc in adults. This study was undertaken to investigate HLA class II alleles in juvenile-onset SSc.

Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation following high-dose immunosuppressive therapy for advanced multiple sclerosis: long-term results.

The purpose of the study was to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of high-dose immunosuppressive therapy (HDIT) followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). TBI, CY and antithymocyte globulin were followed by transplantation of autologous, CD34-selected PBSCs. Neurological examinations, brain magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for oligoclonal bands (OCB) were serially evaluated.

Capillary regeneration in scleroderma: stem cell therapy reverses phenotype?

Background: Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease with a characteristic vascular pathology. The vasculopathy associated with scleroderma is one of the major contributors to the clinical manifestations of the disease.

Methodology/principal Findings: We used immunohistochemical and mRNA in situ hybridization techniques to characterize this vasculopathy and showed with morphometry that scleroderma has true capillary rarefaction.