Polymorphisms of the cytokine genes TGFB1 and IL10 in a mixed-race population with Crohn's disease.

Background: Most Crohn's disease (CD) genes discovered in recent years are associated with biological systems critical to the development of this disease. TGFB1 and IL10 are cytokines with important roles in CD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between CD, its clinical features and TGFB1 and IL10 gene polymorphisms.

Tuberculin skin testing in inflammatory bowel disease patients from an endemic area of Brazil.

Objective: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder involving the gastrointestinal tract. Immunosuppressive drugs are usually prescribed to treat IBD patients, and this treatment can lead to tuberculosis reactivation. This paper aimed to analyze tuberculin skin test (TST) results in IBD patients at a reference center in Brazil.

Dyslipidemia in racially admixtured children with cystic fibrosis.

Objectives: There are few studies reporting lipid profile in cystic fibrosis (CF) and most of them are in adult Caucasians. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid profile of racially admixtured youths with CF.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted between August and September 2009 at a reference service for CF, evaluating clinical and laboratory data.

Botulinum toxin type A versus amitriptyline for the treatment of chronic daily migraine.

Objective: To compare the effects of botulinum toxin type A with those of amitriptyline on the treatment of chronic daily migraines.

Methods: Chronic migraine sufferers were randomized into two groups and treated with 25 or 50mg/day of amitriptyline or 250U of botulinum toxin type A. A reduction of at least 50% in the number of pain episodes, in the intensity of pain, and in the number of drug doses for pain and reports of improvement by the patient or by the examiner were the main endpoints.

Low prevalence of glucose intolerance in racially mixed children with cystic fibrosis.

Objective: To evaluate glucose tolerance in racially mixed Brazilian youth with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted between August and September 2007, at a reference service for CF, evaluating: glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood glucose, and insulin levels, before and 2 h after a glucose overload.

Results: There were 46 patients aged between 6 yr and 16 yr and 2 months (median: 9 yr and 10 months) of whom 64% were boys.

Impact of psychiatric disorders on the quality of life of brazilian HCV-infected patients.

The aim of our study was to determine the impact of psychiatric comorbidities on the health-related quality of life of HCV-infected patients. Assessment of clinical, socio-demographic and quality of life data of the patients followed up at a Hepatology unit was performed by using a standard questionnaire and the SF-36 instrument. Psychiatric diagnoses were confirmed by using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Brazilian version 5.

Effect of nicotine treatment and withdrawal on random-pattern skin flaps in rats.

Background: Tobacco use is associated with a high incidence of skin necrosis after surgery. The ideal timing for the cessation of tobacco use before plastic surgery has not, however, been precisely determined. The aim of this work was to define the ideal duration of nicotine withdrawal prior to random-pattern skin flap surgery in rats.