Biosafety Issues in Patient Transport during COVID-19: A Case Study on the Portuguese Emergency Services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, first responders faced significant biosafety challenges, especially while handling patient transport, potentially exposing them to infection. The PANDEM-2 (European project on pandemic preparedness and response) project, funded by the Horizon 2020 program, sought to investigate the challenges confronting Emergency Medical Systems throughout the EU. First responders from Portugal's National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) were considered as a representative operational model of the national first responder agencies of European member states because they played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Characterization of Potential Intoxications with Medicines in a Regional Setting.

The Portuguese Poison Information Center (from Portuguese-CIAV) is a call center that offers medical assistance in case of possible intoxication with any kind of product, including medicines. This center´s main goal is to inform and guide the general public and health professionals. This work aimed to analyze and compare data corresponding to the telephone calls from the Algarve region (South of Portugal), received by CIAV during 2019 and 2020, regarding potential intoxications with medicines.

Gla-Rich Protein, Magnesium and Phosphate Associate with Mitral and Aortic Valves Calcification in Diabetic Patients with Moderate CKD.

Accelerated and premature cardiovascular calcification is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Valvular calcification (VC) is a critical indicator of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in this population, lacking validated biomarkers for early diagnosis. Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a cardiovascular calcification inhibitor recently associated with vascular calcification, pulse pressure, mineral metabolism markers and kidney function.

[Venomous Animals in the Portuguese Territory: Clinical Management of Bites and Stings].

There are many native species of animals with the potential to cause severe disease in Portugal. Of the four clinically relevant snake species, the vipers (Vipera latastei and Vipera seoanei) are the most concerning. They can cause severe disease and require in-hospital management, monitoring and specific treatment, including the administration of anti-snake venom serum.

PT EMT - Portuguese Emergency Medical Team Type 1 Relief Mission in Mozambique.

Introduction: The tropical cyclone Idai hit Mozambique in the city of Beira on March 15, 2019. During the following days, the Portuguese Emergency Medical Team (PT EMT) and its infrastructure deployed to Mozambique with the mission of helping local people and collaborating with the authorities.

Methods: Data analyzed were collected in the period of the deployment, from April 1-April 30, 2019.

Gla-Rich Protein (GRP) as an Early and Novel Marker of Vascular Calcification and Kidney Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients with CKD: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study.

Vascular calcification (VC) is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. New diagnostic/prognostic tools are required for early detection of VC allowing interventional strategies. Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a cardiovascular calcification inhibitor, whose clinical utility is here highlighted.

FGF23-klotho axis as predictive factors of fractures in type 2 diabetics with early chronic kidney disease.

Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate the relevance of FGF23-klotho axis in the predisposition for bone fractures in type 2 diabetic patients with early chronic kidney disease.

Methods: In a prospective study we included 126 type 2 diabetic patients with CKD stages 2-3 (from 2010 to 2017). We used descriptive statistics, ANOVA and chi-square test.

Resistin as a predictor of cardiovascular hospital admissions and renal deterioration in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background: High resistin levels have been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular hospitalizations are common, especially in diabetic and renal impaired patients. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of serum resistin as a predictor of cardiovascular hospitalizations in type 2 diabetic patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Plasmatic Klotho and FGF23 Levels as Biomarkers of CKD-Associated Cardiac Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Background: Research over the past decade has focused on the role of Klotho as a cardio protective agent that prevents the effects of aging on the heart and reduces the burden of cardiovascular disease CVD. The role of the interaction between fibroblast growth factor 23-(FGF-23)/Klotho in Klotho-mediated actions is still under debate. The main objective was to ascertain the potential use of plasmatic Klotho and FGF23 as markers for CKD-associated cardiac disease and mortality.

Characteristics and outcomes of e-cigarette exposure incidents reported to 10 European Poison Centers: a retrospective data analysis.

Background: The use of e-cigarettes has increased during the past few years. Exposure to e-cigarette liquids, whether intentional or accidental, may lead to adverse events our aim was to assess factors associated with e-cigarette exposures across European Union Member States (EU MS).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of exposures associated with e-cigarettes reported to national poison centers was performed covering incidents from 2012 to March 2015 from 10 EU MS.

Klotho levels: association with insulin resistance and albumin-to-creatinine ratio in type 2 diabetic patients.

Purpose: The present study aimed at evaluating the relationship between Klotho levels and insulin resistance and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in type 2 diabetic patients with CKD.

Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study in our outpatient diabetic nephropathy clinic from 2014 to 2016, enrolling a total of 107 type 2 diabetic patients with stage 2-3 CKD, with a mean age of 59 years. Several clinical and laboratorial parameters were evaluated, including those related to mineral and carbohydrate metabolism.

What is the role of apelin regarding cardiovascular risk and progression of renal disease in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy?

Aims: To evaluate the association of different apelin levels with cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization, renal function, and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients with mild to moderate CKD.

Methods: An observational, prospective study involving 150 patients divided into groups according to baseline apelin levels: 1 ≤ 98 pg/mL, 2 = 98-328 pg/mL, and 3 ≥ 329 pg/mL. Baseline characteristics were analyzed and compared.