Portuguese recommendations for the use of biological therapies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis -2016 update

Objective: To update the recommendations for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with biological therapies, endorsed by the Portuguese Society of Rheu -matology (SPR). Methods: These treatment recommendations were formulated by Portuguese rheumatologists based on litera -ture evidence and consensus opinion. At a national meeting the 11 recommendations were discussed and updated. The document resulting from this meeting circulated to all Portuguese rheumatologists, who anonymously voted online on the level of agreement with the recommendations. Results: These recommendations cover general aspects as shared decision, prospective registry in Reuma.pt, asses sment of activity and RA impact and treatment objec tive. Consensus was also achieved regarding specific aspects as initiation of biologic therapy, assessment of res pon se, switching and definition of persistent remission. Conclusion: These recommendations may be used for guidance of treatment with biological therapies in patients with RA. As more evidence becomes available and more therapies are licensed, these recommendations will be updated.publishersversionpublishe

Characterisation of microbial attack on archaeological bone

As part of an EU funded project to investigate the factors influencing bone preservation in the archaeological record, more than 250 bones from 41 archaeological sites in five countries spanning four climatic regions were studied for diagenetic alteration. Sites were selected to cover a range of environmental conditions and archaeological contexts. Microscopic and physical (mercury intrusion porosimetry) analyses of these bones revealed that the majority (68%) had suffered microbial attack. Furthermore, significant differences were found between animal and human bone in both the state of preservation and the type of microbial attack present. These differences in preservation might result from differences in early taphonomy of the bones. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved