The lack of knowledge on acute stroke in Brazil: A cross-sectional study with children, adolescents, and adults from public schools.

Objective: Stroke is an important cause of disability and death in adults worldwide. However, it is preventable in most cases and treatable as long as patients recognize it and reach capable medical facilities in time. This community-based study investigated students' stroke knowledge, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) activation, associated risk factors, warning signs and symptoms, and prior experience from different educational levels in the KIDS SAVE LIVES BRAZIL project.

Home-based training program in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: a randomized pilot study.

Objectives: We aimed to compare the effects of home-and center-based exercise training programs on functional capacity, inspiratory muscle strength, daily physical activity level, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) over a 12-week period.

Methods: This study included 23 patients with CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction 31±6%) randomized to a home-based (n=11) or center-based (n=12) program. Patients underwent 12 weeks of aerobic training (60%-70% heart rate reserve): walking for the home-based and supervised cycling for the center-based group, both combined with resistance training (50% of 1 maximum repetition).

Smoking load reduction is insufficient to downregulate miR-301b, a lung cancer promoter.

Several circulating miRNAs identified in the plasma of smokers have been implicated as promoters of nasopharyngeal and lung carcinoma. To investigate the plasma profile of miRNAs in subjects who reduces the number of smoked cigarettes and who quit after six months. We accompanied 28 individuals enrolled in a Smoking Cessation Program over 6 months.

Pre-frailty status increases the risk of rehospitalization in patients after elective cardiac surgery without complication.

Background And Aim: It has been demonstrated that patients with pre-frailty have more adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery; however, data on prognosis and long-term evolution in patients with pre-frailty after elective cardiac surgery without postoperative complications are still scarce. To evaluate the impact of pre-frailty status on functional survival in patients after elective cardiac surgery without surgical complications.

Methods: This was a retrospective study with 141 patients over 65 years old, with an established diagnosis of myocardial infarction or valve disease.

Risk Factors for Inspiratory Muscle Weakness in Chronic Heart Failure.

Background: Chronic heart failure is commonly associated with inspiratory muscle weakness. However, few studies have investigated the risk factors for inspiratory muscle weakness in individuals with chronic heart failure and systolic dysfunction (left-ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <40%).

Methods: Seventy subjects were recruited in a cardiac center.

Safety and Efficacy of Aerobic Exercise Training Associated to Non-Invasive Ventilation in Patients with Acute Heart Failure.

Background: Exercise training (ET) improves functional capacity in chronic heart failure (HF). However, ET effects in acute HF are unknown.

Objective: To investigate the effects of ET alone or combined with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) compared with standard medical treatment during hospitalization in acute HF patients.

Hemodynamics and tissue oxygenation effects after increased in positive end-expiratory pressure in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Background: Cardiac surgery is widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, several complications can be observed during the postoperative period. Positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) improves gas exchange, but it might be related to decreased cardiac output and possible impairment of tissue oxygenation.

Pre-Frailty Increases the Risk of Adverse Events in Older Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery.

Background: Frailty is identified as a major predictor of adverse outcomes in older surgical patients. However, the outcomes in pre-frail patients after cardiovascular surgery remain unknown.

Objective: To investigate the main outcomes (length of stay, mechanical ventilation time, stroke and in-hospital death) in pre-frail patients in comparison with no-frail patients after cardiovascular surgery.

Reproducibility for Heart Rate Variability Analysis during 6-Min Walk Test in Patients with Heart Failure and Agreement between Devices.

Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is a useful method to assess abnormal functioning in the autonomic nervous system and to predict cardiac events in patients with heart failure (HF). HRV measurements with heart rate monitors have been validated with an electrocardiograph in healthy subjects but not in patients with HF. We explored the reproducibility of HRV in two consecutive six-minute walk tests (6MW), 60-minute apart, using a heart rate monitor (PolarS810i) and a portable electrocardiograph (called Holter) in 50 HF patients (mean age 59 years, NYHA II, left ventricular ejection fraction ~35%).

Alternatives to Aerobic Exercise Prescription in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure.

Background: Exercise is essential for patients with heart failure as it leads to a reduction in morbidity and mortality as well as improved functional capacity and oxygen uptake (v̇O2). However, the need for an experienced physiologist and the cost of the exam may render the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) unfeasible. Thus, the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and step test (ST) may be alternatives for exercise prescription.