Efficacy and safety of endovascular therapy for posterior cerebral artery occlusion stroke - Cohort study.

Introduction: Endovascular therapy (EVT) is a highly effective stroke treatment, but trials that led to its approval did not include patients with posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusion. Recent studies have suggested an increased risk of intracranial haemorrhage and mortality with treatment in this population. The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of EVT for PCA occlusion with that of EVT for middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Jasminum-based Nano-reinforced Calcium Hydroxide Reduces Postoperative Pain in Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel Jasminum-based titanium dioxide nano-reinforced calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)) intracanal medicament in reducing postoperative pain (PP) compared to conventional Ca(OH) in patients with symptomatic apical periodontitis.

Methods: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06653608, 10/19/2024) included patients with single-rooted teeth diagnosed with pulp necrosis and symptomatic AP.

CBCT-Assessed Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Primary Endodontic Treatment and Retreatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Periapical radiographs have limitations in assessing endodontic treatment outcomes, which can be addressed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This systematic review evaluates primary root canal treatment and retreatment outcomes using CBCT, focusing on periapical healing, success, and prognostic factors.

Methods: A literature search (in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) was performed up to March 8, 2024, in collaboration with a medical information specialist.

Functional impairment in COPD can be predicted using genomic-derived data.

Objective: Reduced functional capacity and muscle weakness are two major contributors to functional impairment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The underlying causes of functional impairment are poorly understood and, therefore, we sought to investigate the contribution of genetic factors.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of sociodemographic, clinical and genetic information of people with COPD.

Complexity of the Therapeutic Regimen in Older Adults with Cancer: Associated Factors.

Background/objectives: Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon and is often associated with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Complex medication regimens are common among older adults and contribute to the occurrence of harmful health outcomes. Age is one of the main risk factors for cancer.

Psychological Mediators of the Association between Obesity and Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress.

Introduction: There is still paucity of knowledge about which factors can mediate the link between obesity and mental health problems. This study aimed to investigate psychological mediators of the association between different weight profiles (healthy, overweight, and obesity) and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Methods: A sample of 407 adults (≥18 years old) with different weight profiles recruited from general population was assessed for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and dimensions of emotion regulation and body investment/body image.

Sickle Cell Anemia Screening in Newborns and Analysis of Haplotypes in Patients from Santiago Island, Cape Verde.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) results from a mutation in the -globin gene, leading to the production of mutant hemoglobin, known as hemoglobin S (HbS). Despite being a genetic disorder, the phenotype of SCA can be influenced by the level of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which is associated with beta S-globin haplotypes. In this study, we conducted newborn screening (NBS) using samples collected from umbilical cord blood in two hospitals on Santiago Island, Cape Verde.

Nutrition and Physical Activity Education in Medical School: A Narrative Review.

This review explores the diverse landscape of integrating nutrition and physical activity education into medical school curricula, focusing on the imperative role of physicians in promoting health through lifestyle changes. By examining global medical education structures, we uncovered disparities in nutrition and physical activity training, and highlighted the need for a shared framework to address international and regional challenges. Despite acknowledging the importance of both nutrition and physical activity, studies have consistently uncovered deficiencies in medical school curricula, especially in skills related to providing lifestyle advice and behavioral counseling.

Prognostic Scores for Mortality in Invasive Mechanically Ventilated Burn Patients.

Introduction: Managing burn patients is a challenge requiring a multidisciplinary team with the ability to predict complications and act early to avoid them. There are few studies characterizing the population of critically ill burn patients in need of ventilatory support. This study aimed to describe the population of burn patients in need of invasive mechanical ventilation support and assess in-hospital mortality and the factors associated with it.

Polypharmacy and drug interactions in older patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy: associated factors.

Background: Polypharmacy in older adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy leads to increased risks of drug interactions, translating in potential hazardous health outcomes. This study aims to assess the prevalence of polypharmacy, drug-drug interactions (DDIs), and severe-drug interactions (SDIs) in older patients with cancer. Antineoplastic agents (ANAs) involvement and possible risk contexts (comorbidities with cardiac risk, and high-risk medications) were also analysed.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a cardio-oncology rehabilitation framework compared to an exercise intervention for cancer survivors with high cardiovascular risk.

Background: A cardio-oncology rehabilitation model among cancer survivors showed superior results comparing to a community-based exercise intervention. However, questions remain about its cost-effectiveness.

Aims: To assess the cost-effectiveness of a center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) program when compared to usual care encompassing a community-based exercise training (CBET), among cancer survivors with high cardiovascular risk.

Effectiveness of specific scapular therapeutic exercises in patients with shoulder pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: Therapeutic exercise has been considered a useful tool to rehabilitate shoulder pain, namely through its influence on scapular dynamics. Accordingly, the effectiveness of scapular therapeutic exercise needs to be explored. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of scapular therapeutic exercises in shoulder pain and to identify the most effective exercise type (focal or multijoint) and ways of delivering them (as dose and progression).

Endovascular therapy for posterior cerebral artery occlusion: systematic review with meta-analysis.

Endovascular therapy (EVT) is a highly effective stroke treatment, but trials validating this intervention did not include patients with posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusion. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of EVT for acute PCA occlusion. PubMed, Scopus, ISI, and CENTRAL were searched for studies assessing EVT in adult patients with PCA occlusion.

Effect of physical exercise on immune, inflammatory, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and fatty acids of breast cancer survivors: results from the MAMA_MOVE Gaia After Treatment trial.

Purpose: Physical exercise has positive effects on clinical outcomes of breast cancer survivors such as quality of life, fatigue, anxiety, depression, body mass index, and physical fitness. We aimed to study its impact on immune, inflammatory, cardiometabolic, and fatty acids (FA) biomarkers.

Methods: An exploratory sub-analysis of the MAMA_MOVE Gaia After Treatment trial (NCT04024280, registered July 18, 2019) was performed.

Minimal Intervention of Patient Education for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

To explore the effects of minimal intervention of patient education (MIPE) for reducing disability and pain intensity in patients with low back pain (LBP). Intervention systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases from inception to May 2023.

Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment on Marital Relationships: Sleeping Together Again?

Objective We assess the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment on the quality of marital relationships. Moreover, we evaluate the proportion of couples sleeping separately before treatment and whether there was any change after treatment began, which is still little explored in the literature. Methods A prospective study was conducted between April 2021 and April 2023, with users diagnosed with OSA in a level 2 hospital in Portugal.

Effects of a Physical Exercise Program on Quality of Life and Physical Fitness of Breast Cancer Survivors: the MAMA_MOVE Gaia After Treatment Trial.

To assess the effects of a group class physical exercise program on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), physical fitness and activity, and safety in early breast cancer women after treatment, a double-phase trial [16-week control phase (CP) followed by a 16-week intervention phase (IP)] was designed. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline (T1), 8 (T2) and 16 (T3) weeks (CP), and 24 (T4) and 32 (T5) weeks (IP). The primary endpoint was global health status.

Concentration of inverted repeats along human DNA.

This work aims to describe the observed enrichment of inverted repeats in the human genome; and to identify and describe, with detailed length profiles, the regions with significant and relevant enriched occurrence of inverted repeats. The enrichment is assessed and tested with a recently proposed measure (-scores based measure). We simulate a genome using an order 7 Markov model trained with the data from the real genome.

Acute kidney injury after endovascular therapy in acute stroke patients: systematic review with meta-analysis.

Aims: Endovascular therapy (EVT) is a highly effective stroke treatment, but it requires the administration of contrast media which puts patients at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular patients.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus, ISI and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for observational and experimental studies assessing the occurrence of AKI in adult acute stroke patients submitted to EVT.

Analysis of Potential Risk Factors for Multidrug-Resistance at a Burn Unit.

Background: Infections by multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in burn patients. This study aimed to analyze the evolution of MDR bacteria over a five-year period at Coimbra Burns Unit (CBU) in Portugal, seeking to assess the possible associations of specific bacteria with presumed risk factors.

Methods: The data obtained consisted of identified bacteria present in any microbiological sample from each patient (including blood, central venous catheter, urine, tracheal aspirate and/or wound exudate).

Edaravone for acute ischemic stroke - Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Introduction: Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and disability. Despite major advances in reperfusion therapies, most patients don´t benefit from these treatments as the time window for such interventions is limited. Therefore, other treatment options are desirable.

Monthly Follow-Ups of Functional Status in People with COPD: A Longitudinal Study.

Functional status is an important and meaningful outcome in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), although its measurement is not embedded in routine clinical assessments. This study described the functional status of people with COPD using the 1-min sit-to-stand test (1minSTS) over a 6-month period and the examined sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with this outcome. Data from a prospective study including people with COPD were analyzed.

Sex differences in axial spondyloarthritis: data from a Portuguese spondyloarthritis cohort.

Background: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), particularly ankylosing spondylitis was historically considered a male's disease and has been under-recognized in women. Emerging evidence reveals sex differences in pathophysiology, disease presentation and therapeutic efficacy.

Objective: To identify differences between sexes in a Portuguese cohort of patients with axSpA regarding clinical manifestations, disease activity, functional capacity, patient related outcomes and presence of sacroiliitis on x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging.