Evaluation of QuantiFERON-TB Gold for the Diagnosis of Infection in HTLV-1-Infected Patients.

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) test for the diagnosis of (MTB) infection in HTLV-1-infected individuals. HTLV-1-infected participants were divided into four groups: HTLV-1-infected individuals with a history of tuberculosis (HTLV/TB), individuals with positive HTLV and tuberculin skin tests (HTLV/TST+) or negative TST (HTLV/TST-), and HTLV-1-negative individuals with positive TST results (HN/TST+).

Co-Creation in the Development of Digital Therapeutics: A Narrative Review.

Digital therapeutics (DTx) are transforming healthcare delivery through personalised, evidence-based interventions that offer a cost-effective approach to health management. However, their widespread adoption faces significant barriers including privacy concerns, usability issues, and integration challenges within healthcare systems. This review assesses the current evidence on DTx, with a particular focus on the role of co-creation in enhancing design and usability.

Glittre-ADL test to assess functional capacity in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: Reproducibility, minimal detectable change, and cutoff point.

Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the gold standard for functional capacity assessment, although it is costly and not easily accessible. The Glittre-ADL test may be a low-cost alternative for patients with heart failure.

Objective: To establish a cutoff point for functional capacity of patients with heart failure using the Glittre-ADL test.

Relational and functional aspects of safety for patients and caregivers in intensive care: scoping review.

Objective: To analyze the relational and functional aspects of patient safety through the experiences reported by the patients themselves and/or their caregivers in intensive care units.

Method: Scoping review developed with searches, in September 2021 and updated in November 2022, in the following databases: Virtual Health Library, considering only the LILACS, BDENF, IBECS, ColecionaSUS databases; SCIELO, PsycINFO, EMBASE, COCHRANE, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science.

Results: The final selection included 14 articles highlighting communication as an essential relational factor for care safety.

[Multimorbidity and utilization of health services in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors].

The scope of this paper was to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity in the city of São Paulo and to verify the factors associated with the utilization of the health services. It involved a population based cross-sectional study based on data from the Health Survey in the city of São Paulo, in which descriptive analysis was conducted, and logistic regression models were developed using multimorbidity and sociodemographic independent variables, living conditions and use of health services as the outcome. A total of 3,184 individuals aged 20 years or older participated, with a mean age of 43.

Alterations in GABA receptor-mediated inhibition triggered by status epilepticus and their role in epileptogenesis and increased anxiety.

The triggers of status epilepticus (SE) in non-epileptic patients can vary widely, from idiopathic causes to exposure to chemoconvulsants. Regardless of its etiology, prolonged SE can cause significant brain damage, commonly resulting in the development of epilepsy, which is often accompanied by increased anxiety. GABA receptor (GABAR)-mediated inhibition has a central role among the mechanisms underlying brain damage and the ensuing epilepsy and anxiety.

Monitoring arthropods under the scope of the LIFE-BEETLES project: I - Baseline data with implementation of the Index of Biotic Integrity.

Background: The urgent need for conservation efforts in response to the global biodiversity crisis is exemplified by initiatives, such as the EU LIFE BEETLES project. This project aims to preserve endangered arthropod species that are crucial for ecosystem functionality, with a focus on endemic beetle species in Flores, Pico and Terceira Islands (Azores, Portugal): Borges & Serrano, 2017, (Tarnier, 1860) and Borges, Serrano & Amorim, 2004. These species are single island endemics respectively from Flores, Pico and Terceira.

A comprehensive analysis of digital health-focused Living Labs: innovative approaches to dementia.

The increasing prevalence of dementia demands innovative solutions; however, existing technological products often lack tailored support for individuals living with this condition. The Living Lab approach, as a collaborative innovation method, holds promise in addressing this issue by actively involving end-users in the design and development of solutions adapted to their needs. Despite this potential, the approach still faces challenges due to its lack of recognition as a research methodology and its absence of tailored guidelines, particularly in dementia care, prompting inquiries into its effectiveness.

Should We Use the Functional Electrical Stimulation-Cycling Exercise in Clinical Practice? Physiological and Clinical Effects Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

Objective: To examine the evidence regarding functional electrical stimulation cycling's (FES-cycling's) physiological and clinical effects.

Data Sources: The study was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocol. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Review, CINAHL, Scopus, Sport Discus, and Web of Science databases were used.

Renal screening sonography-A comparative study in a Portuguese basic emergency service.

Introduction: Renal Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a screening modality that aids in clinical decision-making for patients with suspected renal colic. This study intends to compare the accuracy and pertinence of sonographic findings obtained by a sonographer in a Basic Emergency Service (BES) with the imaging findings at the Referral Hospital (RH).

Methods: Thirty-one patients suspected of having renal pathology underwent initial sonography screening with POCUS at the BES and were subsequently referred to the RH for additional imaging examinations.

Primary Health Care and Tuberculosis Detection during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Crucial Actions for Intensifying Efforts.

Background: Tuberculosis has been considered a global emergency since 1993, and controlling it has become even more challenging since 2020 due to the health and social crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis case detection activities within primary health Care in the largest city in Brazil.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study on the provision of tuberculosis detection actions in primary healthcare units during the pandemic period.

Pesticide contamination of lactating mothers' milk in Latin America: a systematic review.

Objective: To identify the prevalence of contamination by pesticides and their metabolites in the milk of lactating mothers in Latin America.

Methods: In this systematic review, the PubMed, LILACS, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched up to January 2022 to identify observational studies. The Mendeley software was used to manage these references.

The interplay between climate change and ageing: A systematic review of health indicators.

Climate change and rapid population ageing pose challenges for communities and public policies. This systematic review aims to gather data from studies that present health indicators establishing the connection between climate change and the physical and mental health of the older population (≥ 65 years), who experience a heightened vulnerability to the impacts of climate change when compared to other age cohorts. This review was conducted according to the PICO strategy and following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines.

Safety and feasibility of a functional electrical stimulation cycling-based muscular dysfunction diagnostic method in mechanically ventilated patients.

Background: A nonvolitional diagnostic method based on FES-Cycling technology has recently been demonstrated for mechanically ventilated patients. This method presents good sensitivity and specificity for detecting muscle dysfunction and survival prognosis, even in unconscious patients. As the clinical relevance of this method has already been reported, we aimed to evaluate its safety and feasibility.

Palliative Care in the Ageing European Population: A Cross-Country Comparison.

With Europe's ageing population and rising demand for palliative care, it is crucial to examine the use of palliative care among older adults during their last years of life and understand the factors influencing their access and end-of-life circumstances. This study employed a cohort of SHARE participants aged 65 years or older who had passed away between Wave 6 (2015) and Wave 7 (2017). Information on death circumstances, palliative care utilization, and associated variables were analysed.

Detraining and Retraining Effects from a Multicomponent Training Program on the Functional Capacity and Health Profile of Physically Active Prehypertensive Older Women.

Background: Resuming a physical exercise program after a period of cessation is common in older women. Monitoring the responses during this detraining (DT) and retraining (RT) may allow us to analyze how the body reacts to an increase and a reduction in physical inactivity. Therefore, we conducted a follow-up training, DT, and RT in prehypertensive older women to analyze the response to these periods.

Novel ERLIN2 variant expands the phenotype of Spastic Paraplegia 18.

Background: The Brazilian Northeast region is notable for its high prevalence of consanguineous marriages and isolated populations, which has led to a significant prevalence of rare genetic disorders. This study describes the clinical presentation of four affected individuals from the same family, comprising two siblings and their cousins, with ages ranging from 11 to 20 years.

Methods: In a small and isolated community in Northeastern Brazil, affected individuals initially underwent a clinical assessment.

Managing Non-Cancer Chronic Pain in Frail Older Adults: A Pilot Study Based on a Multidisciplinary Approach.

Considering the multidimensionality of chronic pain, it is crucial to develop comprehensive strategies for its effective management. However, establishing well-defined, evidence-based guidelines for such approaches remains challenging. To overcome this, we present the finding from a 4-month intervention to enhance the management of non-cancer chronic pain in older adults with pre-frailty and frailty.

Follow-Up of Eight-Weeks Detraining Period after Exercise Program on Health Profiles of Older Women.

Background: The multicomponent training program (MTP) is a physical exercise strategy used to combat the sedentary lifestyle in older women (OW). However, periods of interruption in training are common in this population. The aim of our study was to analyze the 8-week MTP effects followed by two, four, and eight weeks of interruption on the lipid profile (LP) and functional capacity (FC) of OW.

Discrepancies between Screening Sonography and Ultrasound in Emergency Department - A Case Report.

Introduction: This case report presents a discrepancy in sonographic findings between a screening sonography performed by a Sonographer in the Basic Emergency Service (BES) and a subsequent ultrasound performed by a Radiologist physician in a Referral Hospital (RH). The aim of this report is to discuss the possible reasons for the discrepancy and its implications for patient care.

Case Presentation: A patient with a history of epigastric pain and vomiting underwent screening sonography in a BES, which suggested Intrahepatic Biliary Dilatation Duct (IHBD) and main pancreatic duct dilatation.

Mechanisms of Organophosphate Toxicity and the Role of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition.

Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) have applications in agriculture (e.g., pesticides), industry (e.

Mercury mobilization in shrubland after a prescribed fire in NE Portugal: Insight on soil organic matter composition and different aggregate size.

Soils constitute the major reservoir of mercury (Hg) in terrestrial ecosystems, whose stability may be threatened by wildfires. This research attempts to look at the effect of prescribed fire on the presence of Hg in a shrubland ecosystem from NE Portugal, delving into its relationship with soil aggregate size and the molecular composition of soil organic matter (SOM). During the prescribed fire, on average 347 mg Hg ha were lost from the burnt aboveground biomass of shrubs and 263 mg Hg ha from the combustion of the soil organic horizon.