Higher Levels of Cytokines in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

Background: Inflammation is a key element in the initiation and progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Understanding the impact of inflammatory molecules, as cytokines in PAD could help us to improve the prognosis of these patients. The main goal of this study was to compare the serum level of cytokines between patients with claudication to those with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

Inflammatory Cells in Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle of Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease or Chronic Venous Disease: A Prospective, Observational, and Histological Study.

The main goal of this study was to assess whether the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) correlates with increased inflammatory cell infiltration. An observational, single-centre, and prospective study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2022. Clinical characteristics and anthropometric measures were registered.

Educational disparities in Brazil may interfere with the cognitive performance of Parkinson's disease patients.

Unlabelled: The prevalence of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) is about 20% to 60%. The Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) is the most used cognitive screening test.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of clinical and demographic characteristics, specifically the education level, on the MMSE score in PD patients of a northeast Brazilian sample.

Exploring the Diversity of Visceral, Subcutaneous and Perivascular Adipose Tissue in a Vascular Surgery Population.

The prevalence of obesity has doubled, with a concomitant increase in cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of visceral, subcutaneous and peri-aortic adipose tissue determined with computed tomography (CT) scans and to correlate them with cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric measures and medication. An observational and prospective study was conducted, and 177 subjects were included.

Inflammation and Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass in Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia.

Background: Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease of the lower extremities. Atherosclerosis, inflammation, and sarcopenia are independently associated and potentiate each other. Inflammation is deeply involved in the formation and progression of atherosclerosis and is also involved in the pathophysiology of sarcopenia.

Falls in Parkinson's disease: the impact of disease progression, treatment, and motor complications.

Unlabelled: The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) tends to increase worldwide in the coming decades. Thus, the incidence of falls is likely to increase, with a relevant burden on the health care system.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical factors and drug use associated with falls in PD patients.

Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease?-Opportunistic Review.

Obesity is a risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis. However, the influence of adipose tissue in carotid atherosclerosis is not completely understood. No systematic review/meta-analysis was previously performed to understand if obesity is a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis.

Feasibility indicators of telemedicine for patients with dementia in a public hospital in Northeast Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The use of telemedicine has become a fundamental tool in healthcare in recent years, especially at times of Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, there are several telemedicine tools that are simple, inexpensive, and effective means of communication. This article aims to describe indicators of feasibility including patient recruitment, attendance, discomfort (internet connection issues and/or noncompliant patient behavior), satisfaction, and travel time and cost savings of virtual telemedicine consultations for patients with dementia.

Association of Skeletal Muscle and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Lower Extremity Arterial Disease.

Background: Sarcopenia is defined as low muscle mass, with low muscle strength or low physical performance. The skeletal muscle mass (or density) and strength are inversely associated with cardiovascular risk factors. We aim to determine the relationship between skeletal muscle characteristics (strength, mass, area), and cardiovascular risk factors in a population with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD).

CLOVES Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment in an Adult Patient.

CLOVES syndrome is a rare, nonheritable sporadic overgrowth disorder. In the world 130-200 cases have been reported. This is the first case of CLOVES described in Portugal, which had been not been diagnosed for the last 36 years.

Sarcopenia as a Prognostic Factor in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Descriptive Review.

Background: Determine the influence of sarcopenia on the prognosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was performed with the keywords and medical subject heading (MesH): "muscle, skeletal", "sarcopenia", "prognosis", "duration of stay", "death", "mortality", "patient readmission", "length of stay", "peripheral arterial disease", "intermittent claudication" and "critical limb ischemia". Papers published from January 2010 to October 2020 in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese were eligible for inclusion.

Levoatrial cardinal vein with left-to-right shunt in a neonate: Multi-imaging diagnosis.

We present a rare case of a levoatrial cardinal vein identified during the work-up of a patient with coarctation of the aorta. Early diagnosis and repair in the neonatal period prevented future manifestations of left-to-right shunt and the need for reoperations, in contrast with the later-age presentation of this congenital anomaly. An integrative approach was crucial for prompt detection, intraoperative confirmation and complete one-stage repair.

Lower Extremity Fibro-Adipose Vascular Anomaly-Case Report.

Fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a painful complex vascular malformation, characterized by muscle fibrofatty infiltration, usually in lower limb, associated with contracture of the ipsilateral extremity. This article describes the first case of FAVA reported in Portugal successfully treated with surgery. A 9-year-old female was admitted complaining of a painful mass in the right leg.

A Rare Cause of Upper Limb Lymphoedema.

This is the first case report of upper extremity lymphoedema caused by a thyroid tumour. An 87 year old female patient with grade 3 lymphoedema of the upper right extremity was admitted. The lymphoedema had developed over the course of two years.

Brazilian Portuguese validation of Mood Disorder Questionnaire.

Background: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorders already validated in many languages.

Methods: Patients from 2 psychiatric outpatient facilities were diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) type I and II and major depression according to the mood module of the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (SCID), Axis I Disorders--Clinician Version. In addition, a control group of healthy subjects was selected.