Assessment of the performance of vascular access for hemodialysis.

Background: Life and quality of life on hemodialysis depends on adequate vascular access. An autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has the best performance, while the use of a central venous catheter (CVC) may have a negative impact on fistula performance and may be associated with increased systemic inflammation. Our objective is to evaluate the performance of vascular accesses in patients undergoing a chronic hemodialysis program.

Efficacy and safety of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the prevention of pressure injuries in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Pressure injuries (PIs), especially in the sacral region are frequent, costly, and increase morbidity and mortality of patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). These injuries can occur as a result of prolonged pressure and/or shear forces. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can increase muscle mass and improve local circulation, potentially reducing the incidence of PI.

The Mediation Effect of Coping Strategies between Personality and Blood Pressure in Pregnancy Complicated by Hypertension.

Background: Hypertension is the most common medical condition during pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders are associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus. This study examined the role played by personality and coping strategies in relation to blood pressure levels during pregnancy.

Total Th1/Th2 cytokines profile from peripheral blood lymphocytes in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia syndrome.

To evaluate total Th1/Th2 cytokines in CD3 cells (immunocompetent T-lymphocytes) and peripheral blood lymphocytes, mostly CD4+ (T helper cells) and CD8+ (T-cytotoxic cells) subpopulations in preeclampsia. Total blood leukocytes and lymphocytes counts, percent cells: CD3, INF-g/CD3, IL-4/CD3, and IL-10/CD3, CD4/CD8 were determined by flow-cytometry. Preeclampsia (= 26) and normal pregnancy (= 25) participants were age and gestational age matched.

Coping with stress and personality: A study in pregnancies complicated by hypertension.

Objective: The objective of this work is to investigate the role of personality in pregnancies complicated by hypertension, thru analysis of structure and associations between negative affect and coping strategies, and their role towards psychological distress.

Method: A cross-sectional study with 343 women, where 192 pregnancies complicated by hypertension, was carried out by employing the following tools: the five-factor model (Big Five), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Jalowiec's Coping Inventory. Two complementary strategies were carried out: an exploratory approach on the interactions between latent variables and a confirmatory technique.

The Quality of Mobile Apps Used for the Identification of Pressure Ulcers in Adults: Systematic Survey and Review of Apps in App Stores.

Background: The increasing global use of smartphones has contributed to the growing use of apps for various health conditions, showing promising results. Through mobile apps, it is possible to perform chronological and iconographic follow-up of wounds, such as pressure ulcers, using a simple and practical tool. However, numerous surveys have pointed out issues related to the functionality, design, safety, and veracity of app information.

Increased proteinuria and uric acid levels are associated with eclamptic crisis.

Objectives: Eclampsia results in high morbidity and mortality, so it is important to identify clinical and laboratorial aspects that may be useful as potential markers to differentiate women at higher risk. Thus, we aim to identify, among women with preeclampsia, aspects that may increase the risk to develop eclampsia.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Phosphodiesterases and preeclampsia.

Antagonizing vasodilation has been considered one of the potential mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Phosphodiesterases hydrolyze cGMP, interfering with the action of nitric oxide on vascular smooth muscle, thus causing vasoconstriction. We hypothesize that the phosphodiesterases in maternal plasma, phosphodiesterase-5 in particular, may be linked to clinical manifestations in preeclampsia syndrome.

Serum tissue factor as a biomarker for renal clear cell carcinoma.

Purpose: to determine the usefulness of serum TF as a potential marker for patients with clear cell RCC.

Materials And Methods: prospective study of 30 patients with clear cell RCC submitted to nephrectomy and 16 controls without clear cell RCC treated surgically for other conditions. TF is a endothelium marker that was correlated with worse prognosis in a variety of solid tumors including RCC.

Serum nitrate and NOx levels in preeclampsia are higher than in normal pregnancy.

Objectives: To compare nitric oxide (NO) serum levels in women with and without preeclampsia.

Methods: 106 women were classified into preeclampsia group (n = 40) and normotensive group (n = 66). NO content was measured in the serum.

Immature platelet fraction in hypertensive pregnancy.

Background: Imbalance in hemostatic mechanisms can occur during pregnancy with a tendency for hypercoagulability and increased thrombosis risk. Pregnant women with hypertensive disorder, especially preeclampsia, show alterations in platelet indexes. Immature platelet fraction (IPF) has been suggested as a sensitive index for monitoring changes in platelet production and destruction.

Endocan-1 concentrations in maternal and fetal plasma and placentae in pre-eclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Introduction: Endocan-1 has been proposed as a possible biomarker and predictor of vascular endothelial related pathologies. Thus, we hypothesised that Endocan-1 levels would be up-regulated in maternal plasma and placentae from women with pre-eclampsia. The aim of our study was to compare Endocan-1 concentrations in maternal/fetal plasma and placentae from normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 90 kDa isoform: Biomarker for diagnosis of preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia (PE), one of the leading gestational hypertensive diseases, is characterized by increased blood pressure (⩾140/90mmHg) and pathological proteinuria after 20weeks gestation. It is a complex, multifactorial syndrome with an unestablished etiology and cure. The search continues for a biomarker that could assist in the early prediction or diagnosis of PE, reducing the rate of maternal and fetal mortality.

Blood-brain barrier breakdown in reduced uterine perfusion pressure: a possible model of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical entity characterized by headaches, altered mental status, seizures, and visual disturbances and is associated with white matter vasogenic edema. There are no experimental models to study PRES brain changes.

Methods: Twenty-eight pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 7: (1) pregnant-control; (2) reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP); (3) invasive blood pressure (IBP); and (4) reduced uterine perfusion pressure plus invasive blood pressure (RUPP-IBP).

Is there any relationship between ABO/Rh blood group and patients with pre-eclampsia?

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between pre-eclampsia and blood groups in a group of pregnant women hospitalized in a University Hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil - Hospital São Lucas (HSL)/PUCRS.

Study Design: Our sample consisted of 10,040 pregnant women admitted to the maternity department of HSL between 2005 and 2010. The patients were reviewed retrospectively for inclusion.

Erythrocytes L-arginine y+ transporter inhibition by N-ethylmaleimide in ice-bath.

Erythrocytes L: -arginine uptake is conveyed by y+ and y+L membrane transport systems. Pre-incubation with N-ethylmaleimide for 10 min at 37°C inhibits the y+ system. The aim of this study was to determine the ideal pre-incubation temperature in evaluating y+ and y+L systems.

Flow-mediated dilatation in the differential diagnosis of preeclampsia syndrome.

Background: The preeclampsia syndrome is associated with endothelial dysfunction and the differential diagnosis between pure preeclampsia (PE) and superimposed preeclampsia (SPE) can be only be attained 12 weeks after delivery.

Objective: To compare the assessment of endothelial function through flow-mediated dilatation in pregnant women with pure preeclampsia and superimposed preeclampsia.

Methods: The flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was carried out according to the recommendations of the International Brachial Artery Reactivity Task Force in pregnant women with preeclampsia syndrome.

Erythrocyte L-arginine uptake in peritoneal dialysis patients changes over time.

During long-term exposure to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD), the characteristics of the peritoneal membrane may be altered. The substrate for nitric oxide synthesis is L-arginine, which may enter cells via the y+ and y+L transport systems. Peritoneal membrane characteristics may depend on vascular function and the L-arginine-NO pathway.

Erythrocyte L-arginine uptake in peritoneal dialysis patients: systems y and y+ L.

L-Arginine is the substrate for nitric oxide synthesis and may enter cells by the y+ and y+ L transport systems. Peritoneal membrane characteristics may depend on vascular function and the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway. In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated erythrocyte L-arginine uptake in stable peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with various categories of peritoneal transport function.

Effect of radiocontrasts on selected membrane transport systems.

Background: This study was aimed at examining the effects of radiocontrast agents on selected membrane transport functions.

Methods: The effect of diatrizoate sodium (DS), diatrizoate meglumine (DM), and diatrizoate compound (DC) on Na+/K+ pump activity and number, L-arginine, and choline transports were evaluated in erythrocytes of normal individuals and patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Results: Norrmal individuals' erythrocytes potassium influxes were 1.

L-arginine erythrocyte transport increases during pregnancy and immediately postpartum.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate erythrocyte membrane transport of L-arginine in pregnancy and immediately postpartum.

Study Design: The study comprised 103 women with normal pregnancy, initially evaluated at the second trimester (II), followed into the third trimester (III), and immediately postpartum (PP). Total erythrocyte L-arginine uptake was measured with (14)C-L-arginine, at 37 degrees C, for 3 minutes.