Addressing the overuse of hospital emergency departments in the Portuguese NHS: a new paradigm.

The escalating trend of inappropriate visits to Emergency Departments (ED) has led to significant concerns, including resource misallocation, compromised patient care, and an increased burden on healthcare workers. Portugal faces a notable challenge, reporting one of the highest ED visit rates, with an annual average of approximately 6 million ED visits from 2013 to 2023. In response, the "Call First, Save Lives" pilot project was launched by the Portuguese NHS Executive Board, in 2023, at the Local Health Unit (LHU) of Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde.

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccination in older adults and patients with chronic disorders: A position paper from the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, the Portuguese Association of General and Family Medicine, the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, the Portuguese Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of lower respiratory tract infection, hospitalisation and death in adults.

Methods: Based on evidence regarding the impact of RSV on adult populations at risk for severe infection and the efficacy and safety of RSV vaccines, the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, the Portuguese Association of General and Family Medicine, the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, the Portuguese Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine endorses this position paper with recommendations to prevent RSV-associated disease and its complications in adults through vaccination.

Conclusion: The RSV vaccine is recommended for people aged ≥50 years with risk factors (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart failure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, immunocompromise, frailty, dementia, and residence in a nursing home) and all persons aged ≥60 years.

Successful Radical Resection Of Masaoka Iii Squamous Cell Thymic Carcinoma Invading Superior Vena Cava And Right Atrium - Case Report.

Introduction: Complete radical resection is crucial for successfully treating thymic carcinomas. However, when the invasion of the great vessels or the heart in Masaoka III and IV stages occurs, the management poses more challenges. The R0 resection often requires neoadjuvant treatment.

50 Years of the Journal of the Brazilian College of Surgeons: History, Evolution and Future Prospects.

This article celebrates the 50th anniversary of the continuous publication of the Journal of the Brazilian College of Surgeons (RCBC), revisiting its trajectory from the beginning to the present day. RCBC has evolved from a nationally relevant publication to a journal with international impact, constantly adapting to changes in editorial and scientific practices. This article presents an analysis of the major milestones, editorial changes, and innovations that have cemented RCBC as a prominent scientific vehicle.