A proposal to analyze the progression of non-dialytic chronic kidney disease by surrogate endpoints: introducing parametric survival models.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CDK) progression studies increasingly use surrogate endpoints based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate. The clinical characteristics of these endpoints bring new challenges in comparing groups of patients, as traditional Cox models may lead to biased estimates mainly because they do not assume a hazard function.

Objective: This study proposes the use of parametric survival analysis models with the three most commonly used endpoints in nephrology based on a case study.

Effectiveness of a smoking cessation decision-making electronic tool (): A randomized clinical trial.

There is an underutilization of smoking cessation treatment among patients with chronic conditions, which indicates a need for new strategies to engage them. Web-based smoking cessation decision-making tools can be beneficial. This study assessed the effectiveness of the software at increasing engagement to smoking cessation counseling groups among Brazilian smokers with chronic conditions.

Abdominal ultrasound augments the medical students' ability to identify free intraabdominal fluid.

Objective: Free intra-abdominal fluid describes an accumulation of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It has different etiologies, but it frequently constitutes a meaningful clinical sign. In this study, the authors interrogate whether abdominal ultrasound augments the medical students' ability to identify free intra-abdominal fluid.

Web-based decision-making tool for smoking cessation (Pare de fumar conosco) among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil : one-arm feasibility study.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of Pare de fumar conosco, a web-based smoking cessation decision-making tool, among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil.

Methods: We recruited 85 Brazilian smokers in two clinical centres for chronic conditions to complete Pare de fumar conosco. Outcome measures included interest in using smoking cessation resources and self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence 12 weeks following the intervention.

Basal energy expenditure and diet- induced modifications to thermogenesis in short bowel syndrome.

Background & Aim: The influence of food intake on diet-induced thermogenesis, in the absence of parenteral nutrition, has not been assessed in short bowel syndrome (SBS) patients. We studied basal energy expenditure (BEE) and diet-induced thermogenesis in SBS patients (n=8) and paired healthy adult volunteer controls (n=8).

Methods: Energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry (IC) before and after control diet intake.

[Protective factors for iron deficiency anemia: prospective study in low-income infants].

This study was performed to assess both risk and protective factors associated with iron deficiency anemia in 130 infants with age below 24 months, with low socio-economic status and followed since their births by a primary health care program in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Growth, morbidity and dietary factors were analysed as well as hemoglobin levels (Hb) at regular intervals (6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months). The portable Hemocue photometer was employed to measure hemoglobin levels and anemia was considered when Hb values were below 11 g/dL.