Neuropsychiatric manifestations in primary Sjogren syndrome.

Introduction: Neurologic manifestations in primary Sjogren's Syndrome (pSS) are characterized by a heterogeneity of clinical manifestations. In clinical practice, physicians are challenged with the absence of diagnostic criteria and the lack of clinical trials to support treatment. In this article, we will review the epidemiology, clinical and immunological characterization, diagnosis, and treatment of neurologic events in pSS.

Micromass cultures are effective for differentiation of human amniotic fluid stem cells into chondrocytes.

Objectives: Articular cartilage is vulnerable to injuries and undergoes an irreversible degenerative process. The use of amniotic fluid mesenchymal stromal stem cells for the reconstruction of articular cartilage is a promising therapeutic alternative. The aim of this study was to investigate the chondrogenic potential of amniotic fluid mesenchymal stromal stem cells from human amniotic fluid from second trimester pregnant women in a micromass system (high-density cell culture) with TGF-β3 for 21 days.

Olfactory function in systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. A longitudinal study and review of the literature.

Background/purpose: To evaluate olfactory function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and healthy controls over a 2-year period, and to determine the association of olfactory dysfunction with age, disease activity, disease damage, treatment, anxiety and depression symptoms and limbic structures volumes.

Methods: Consecutive SLE and SSc patients were enrolled in this study. Clinical, laboratory disease activity and damage were assessed according to diseases specific guidelines.