G-Protein Coupled Receptors in the Aging Brain.

Cells translate extracellular signals to regulate processes such as differentiation, metabolism and proliferation, via transmembranar receptors. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the largest family of transmembrane receptors, with over 800 members in the human species. Given the variety of key physiological functions regulated by GPCRs, these are main targets of existing drugs.

Feasibility of a Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of a four-week home-based therapeutic exercise program for individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Patients And Methods: Feasibility outcomes, namely the recruitment rate, retention rate, exercise adherence and adverse events, as well as pain, knee muscle strength, range of motion, functional mobility, physical function, and postural sway were assessed on 15 individuals (4 males, 11 females; mean age 62.8±2.

Analyses of pressure ulcer incidence in inpatient setting in a Portuguese hospital.

Aim: To gain more insight into the magnitude of the problem of pressure ulcer incidence in general wards of a Portuguese hospital.

Material And Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record database from 7132 adult patients admitted to medical and surgical wards of Aveiro Hospital during 2012. The development of (at least) one pressure ulcer during the length of stay was associated with age, gender, type of admission, specialty units, first Braden Scale score, length of stay, patient discharge outcome and ICD-9 diagnosis.

Analyses of pressure ulcer point prevalence at the first skin assessment in a Portuguese hospital.

Aim: To analyze the first pressure ulcer risk and skin assessment records of hospitalized adult patients in medical and surgical areas of Aveiro Hospital during 2012 in association with their demographic and clinical characteristics.

Material And Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record database from 7132 adult patients admitted to medical and surgical areas in a Portuguese hospital during 2012. The presence of (at least) one pressure ulcer at the first skin assessment in inpatient setting was associated with age, gender, type of admission, specialty units, length of stay, patient discharge and ICD-9 diagnosis.

Pressure ulcer risk assessment: retrospective analysis of Braden Scale scores in Portuguese hospitalised adult patients.

Aims And Objectives: To analyse the Braden Scale scores and sub-scores assessed in Portuguese hospitalised adult patients in association with their characteristics, diagnoses and length of stay.

Background: The Braden Scale is used worldwide for pressure ulcer risk assessment and supports nurses in the implementation of preventive interventions.

Design: Retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record database from adult patients admitted to medical and surgical areas during 2012.

Adaptation and validation of WHODAS 2.0 in patients with musculoskeletal pain.

Objective: To validate the Portuguese version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0).

Methods: The original, 36 item version of the WHODAS 2.

Comparing the content of instruments assessing environmental factors using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

Purpose: To describe and compare the content of instruments that assess environmental factors using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL and PEDro databases was conducted using a pre-determined search strategy. The identified instruments were screened independently by two investigators, and meaningful concepts were linked to the most precise ICF category according to published linking rules.

Cardiac function after CPAP therapy in patients with chronic heart failure and sleep apnea: a multicenter study.

Background And Purpose: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for sleep apnea (SA), although the evidence for improving chronic heart failure (CHF) is inconclusive. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of CPAP treatment on the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) among other cardiological variables in a randomized, multicenter, placebo (sham-CPAP)-controlled study.

Methods: After the selection procedure, 60 patients with CHF with LVEF<45% and SA with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)>10/h were evaluated at baseline, and after 3 months of treatment with optimal CPAP or sham-CPAP.

Minimally invasive surgical implantation of left ventricular epicardial leads for ventricular resynchronization using video-assisted thoracoscopy.

Background And Objectives: Cardiac resynchronization via left ventricular or biventricular pacing is an option for selected patients with ventricular systolic dysfunction and widened QRS complex. Stimulation through a coronary vein is the technique of choice for left ventricular pacing, but this approach results in a failure rate of approximately 8%. We describe our initial experience with minimally invasive surgical implantation of left ventricular epicardial leads using video-assisted thoracoscopy.

Fluid preload in obstetric patients. How to do it?

Background And Objectives: In has been shown in non-obstetric patients, that a fast acute fluid preload immediately after spinal anesthesia was more effective than a slow preload before regional block to decrease the incidence and severity of arterial hypotension after spinal anesthesia. This study aimed at comparing the incidence of arterial hypotension and vasopressants consumption in parturients submitted to C-section under spinal anesthesia with different fluid preload regimens.

Methods: Sixty term pregnant women submitted to C-section under spinal anesthesia.