Changes in the result of antinuclear antibody immunofluorescence assay on HEp-2 cells reflect disease activity status in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background The objective of the study was to determine whether the staining pattern and titer of indirect immunofluorescence assay on HEp-2 cells (HEp-2 IFA) are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity. Methods A total of 269 consecutive patients meeting the ACR and SLICC criteria for SLE were classified into three groups according to the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI2K): Remission (SLEDAI2K = 0; n = 47); Intermediate (SLEDAI2K = 1-5; n = 111); Active (SLEDAI2K ≥ 6; n = 111). All subjects were assessed for HEp-2 IFA titer and staining pattern and nine traditional parameters of SLE disease activity.

Effect of probiotics on gastrointestinal symptoms and immune parameters in systemic sclerosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Objectives: Changes in the intestinal microbiota have been associated with the pathogenesis of SSc. Probiotics act by modulating the microbiome and the immune response. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and immune responses in SSc patients.

Could obesity be considered as risk factor for non-vertebral low-impact fractures?

Background: It has long been established that obesity plays a positive role against osteoporosis (OP) and low-impact fractures (Fx). However, more recent data has shown higher fracture risk in obese individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between BMI, particularly obesity, OP and low-impact Fx in Brazilian women, as well as to evaluate the SAPORI (Sao Paulo Osteoporosis Risk Index) tool performance to identify low BMD according BMI category.

Analysis of the indicators of the Family Health Program in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo.

Objective: To analyze the Family Health Program replaced by the Family Health Strategy in 2011, based on health indicators and diseases classified as primary care sensitive.

Methods: This was a descriptive, analytical and documental study carried out in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo between 2002 and 2007. We analyzed data from Health observatory for the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo.

Determination of bacterial aetiologic factor on tracheobronchial lavage in relation to clinical signs of bovine respiratory disease.

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of Mannheimiahaemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Mycoplasma spp., in relation to clinical signs of respiratory disease. Tracheobronchial lavage samples were collected from 96 (healthy and unhealthy) cattle in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score: Analytical performance and distribution range in a large cohort of blood donors.

Background: The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) is a serological score that includes hyaluronic acid (HA), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1(TIMP-1), and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and shows good performance for detecting liver fibrosis. There are few studies evaluating ELF's intra and inter-assay variation and stability of the samples. The influence of host variables, such as age, gender and body mass index (BMI) is also not well known.

Humoral autoimmune response heterogeneity in the spectrum of primary biliary cirrhosis.

Objective: To compare autoantibody features in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and individuals presenting antimitochondria antibodies (AMAs) but no clinical or biochemical evidence of disease.

Methods: A total of 212 AMA-positive serum samples were classified into four groups: PBC (definite PBC, n = 93); PBC/autoimmune disease (AID; PBC plus other AID, n = 37); biochemically normal (BN) individuals (n = 61); and BN/AID (BN plus other AID, n = 21). Samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on rat kidney (IIF-AMA) and ELISA [antibodies to pyruvate dehydrogenase E2-complex (PDC-E2), gp-210, Sp-100, and CENP-A/B].

S100β Levels in CSF of Nonambulatory Dogs with Intervertebral Disk Disease Treated with Electroacupuncture.

The aim of the study was to investigate S100β levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of nonambulatory dogs with intervertebral disk disease treated with electroacupuncture: 10 dogs with thoracolumbar disk extrusion graded 3 to 5 (EA group) and 7 dogs without neurologic dysfunction (control group). All dogs regained ambulation. S100β was detected by Western blot analysis where EA group dogs were evaluated at two time points (M1 = before EA and M2 = when the dogs return ambulation) and at one time point from control group.

Assessing knowledge on fibromyalgia among Internet users.

Objective: To assess knowledge on fibromyalgia in a sample of patients, their families, and professionals interested on the theme from some Brazilian states.

Methods: Analysis of the results of an electronic fibromyalgia knowledge questionnaire completed by 362 adults who had access to the the support group for fibromyalgia site (www.unifesp.

Occurrence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Brazilian Indians from Umutina Reservation, Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Unlabelled: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is associated with periodontal disease, especially localized aggressive periodontitis, produces a potent leukotoxin and its distribution is influenced by ethnic characteristics of the population.

Objective: Using culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, this study evaluated the occurrence of this microorganism and the distribution of leukotoxic strains isolated from Indians belonging to the Umutima Reservation, Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Material And Methods: Forty-eight native Brazilians with gingivitis and 38 with chronic periodontitis, belonging to Umutina, Paresi, Bororo, Bakairi, Kayabi, Irantxe, Nambikwara and Terena ethnicities, were studied.