BRIVA-ONE study: 12-month outcomes of brivaracetam monotherapy in clinical practice.

Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness and tolerability of brivaracetam (BRV) monotherapy in a large series of patients with epilepsy.

Method: This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational, non-interventional study in 24 hospitals across Spain. Patients aged ≥18 years who started on BRV monotherapy, either as first-line or following conversion, at least 1 year before database closure were included.

Comprehensive Characterization of Islet Remodeling in Development and in Diabetes Using Mass Cytometry.

The pancreatic islet is the functional and structural unit of the pancreatic endocrine portion. Islet remodeling occurs in both normal development and pathogenesis of type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, accurately quantifying changes in islet cellular makeup and hormone expressions poses significant challenges due to large intra- and inter-donor heterogeneity and the limited scalability of traditional methods such as immunostaining.

A distinct isoform of Msp300/Nesprin organizes the perinuclear microtubule organizing center in adipose cells.

In many cell types, disparate non-centrosomal microtubule-organizing centers (ncMTOCs) replace functional centrosomes and serve the unique needs of the cell types in which they are formed. In fat body cells (adipocytes), an ncMTOC is organized on the nuclear surface. This perinuclear ncMTOC is anchored by Msp300, encoded by one of two Nesprin-encoding genes in .

NKX2-2 based nuclei sorting on frozen human archival pancreas enables the enrichment of islet endocrine populations for single-nucleus RNA sequencing.

Background: Current approaches to profile the single-cell transcriptomics of human pancreatic endocrine cells almost exclusively rely on freshly isolated islets. However, human islets are limited in availability. Furthermore, the extensive processing steps during islet isolation and subsequent single cell dissolution might alter gene expressions.

Histopathological Clues of Enhanced Inflammation in the Placental Tissue of Women with Chronic Venous Disease in Lower Limbs during Pregnancy.

It is estimated that approximately one in three women develop chronic venous disease (CVD) during pregnancy, a broad spectrum of morphofunctional disorders affecting the venous system in different regions of the body, including the lower limbs. A growing body of evidence supports the diverse maternofetal consequences derived from this condition, with the placenta being an organ particularly affected. Among other consequences, having CVD during pregnancy has been associated with systemic inflammation and altered cytokines and chemokine profiles in the maternal and fetal serum related to this condition.

Interlaminar endoscopic uniportal approach for implantation of a paddle lead larger than 10 mm for spinal cord stimulation: illustrative case.

Background: The authors aim to describe a new technique for implantation of a spinal cord stimulation paddle lead sized over 10 mm through an endoscopic uniportal approach. A new endoscopic cannula was developed for the passage of a paddle lead width between 10 and 13 mm. The distal portion of the cannula was designed with a larger opening, providing better visibility of the anterior portion of the adjacent structures, thus allowing a panoramic view of the electrode passage.

Radiation dose reduction and image quality evaluation for lateral lumbar spine projection.

Purpose: Optimization studies in digital radiology help to reduce the radiological risk to patients and maximize the benefits associated with their clinical purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the optimization of lateral lumbar spine projection via a combination of exposure parameters adjustments and additional filtration using a sectional anthropomorphic phantom.

Materials And Methods: We evaluated the effects of peak voltage, tube loading, and low-cost filters made of copper, titanium, brass, and nickel on both the perceived and physical quality of 125 radiographs obtained in a computer radiography system.

Design and rationale of behavioral nudges for diabetes prevention (BEGIN): A pragmatic, cluster randomized trial of text messaging and a decision aid intervention for primary care patients with prediabetes.

Background: Among 96 million U.S. adults with prediabetes, adoption of evidence-based treatment to prevent diabetes remains low.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and viral suppression: Analysis of three periods between 2011 and 2017 at an HIV-AIDS center, Brazil.

The increased effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the last 30 years is a scientific landmark, and viral suppression is directly associated with treatment adherence. The aim of this study was to compare the results of ART adherence and viral load suppression with the evolution of the protocols and other associated factors, in people living with HIV. A panel analysis of three descriptive longitudinal studies investigating ART adherence and viral load suppression was conducted in people with HIV treated at a drug dispensing unit in the Federal District.

DNA Methylation Description of Hippocampus, Cortex, Amygdala, and Blood of Drug-Resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation were observed in drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (DR-TLE), a disease that affects 25-30% of epilepsy patients. The main objective is to simultaneously describe DNA methylation patterns associated with DR-TLE in hippocampus, amygdala, surrounding cortex to the epileptogenic zone (SCEZ), and peripheral blood. An Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip array was performed in 19 DR-TLE patients and 10 postmortem non-epileptic controls.

Are birds more afraid in urban parks or cemeteries? A Latin American study contrasts with results from Europe.

The escape behaviour, measured as flight initiation distance (FID; the distance at which individuals take flight when approached by a potential predator, usually a human in the study systems), is a measure widely used to study fearfulness and risk-taking in animals. Previous studies have shown significant differences in the escape behaviour of birds inhabiting cemeteries and urban parks in European cities, where birds seem to be shyer in the latter. We collected a regional dataset of the FID of birds inhabiting cemeteries and parks across Latin America in peri-urban, suburban and urban parks and cemeteries.

Neuronal and astrocytic tetraploidy is increased in drug-resistant epilepsy.

Aims: Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological diseases. A third of patients with epilepsy remain drug-resistant. The exact aetiology of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is still unknown.

Outcomes from a Spanish Expanded Access Program on cannabidiol treatment in pediatric and adult patients with epilepsy.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of cannabidiol (CBD) in patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, including Dravet syndrome (DS), and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), in a Spanish Expanded Access Program (EAP).

Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational study of patients treated with purified CBD in 14 hospitals across Spain. Patients with (1) written informed consent and (2) at least 6 months follow-up before the closure of the database were included.

Extensive pharmacokinetic variability of Levetiracetam. ¿Are doctors aware?

Introduction: Levetiracetam was presented as a drug with linear pharmacokinetics. There is currently evidence on its extensive pharmacokinetic variability in real clinical practice.

Objective: To describe levetiracetam pharmacokinetic variability in patients with epilepsy in real clinical practice.

Sex Differences in the Molecular Programs of Pancreatic Cells Contribute to the Differential Risks of Type 2 Diabetes.

Epidemiology studies demonstrate that women are at a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to men. However, the molecular basis of this risk difference is not well understood. In this study, we examined the sex differences in the genetic programs of pancreatic endocrine cells.

Growth model analysis of wild hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) nestlings based on long-term monitoring in the Brazilian Pantanal.

Studies on the breeding of vulnerable and endangered bird species are hindered by low numbers of individuals, inaccessible location of nests, unfavourable environmental conditions, and complex behavioural patterns. In addition, intraspecific variation may emerge only following long-term, systematic observations of little-known patterns and processes. Here, data collected over 30 years were used to determine growth model of hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) chicks in the Pantanal biome of Brazil.

Ocular manifestations of multiple sclerosis in patients from three countries: A Web-based survey.

Objective: This study evaluates the epidemiological characteristics, ophthalmological manifestations, and different therapeutic options available for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in China, Spain, and Cuba.

Methods: A self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct a comparable descriptive cross-sectional study on patients with MS. The survey included patients' demographic data, ocular manifestations related to MS, and treatment methodology followed in the three countries.

Pharmacokinetic variability of eslicarbazepine in real clinical practice.

Introduction: Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a sodium channel blocker indicated for partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization, at a single daily dose. There are very few publications on the levels of ESL metabolites in real clinical practice.

Objective: To describe the serum levels of licarbazepine (main metabolite of ESL) in patients with refractory epilepsy in real clinical practice.

Twist1 signaling in age-dependent decline in angiogenesis and lung regeneration.

Angiogenesis - the formation of new blood capillaries- is impaired in aging animals and contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. A transcription factor, Twist1, contributes to the pathogenesis of age- and angiogenesis-related diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism by which Twist1 controls age-dependent decline in angiogenesis remains unclear.

Feasibility of De-Escalation Implementation for Positive Blood Cultures in Patients With Sepsis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether de-escalation guided by blood cultures for patients with a diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock reduces mortality, and antimicrobial drug resistance (ADR). A prospective, single-center, cohort study was conducted with adults admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock at a public hospital in Sorocaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil, from January 2013 to December 2013. We excluded patients who had negative blood cultures.

Predictors of perfusion computed tomography alterations in stroke mimics attended as stroke code.

Background And Purpose: Stroke mimics (SMs) account for a significant number of patients attended as stroke code (SC) with an increasing number over the years. Recent studies show perfusion computed tomography (PCT) alterations in some SMs, especially in seizures. The objective of our study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and PCT alterations in SMs attended as SC in order to identify potential predictors of PCT alterations in SMs.

Malignant Uterine Neoplasms Attended at a Brazilian Regional Hospital: 16-years Profile and Time Elapsed for Diagnosis and Treatment.

Objective:  The present study aims to evaluate the profile of endometrial carcinomas and uterine sarcomas attended in a Brazilian cancer center in the period from 2001 to 2016 and to analyze the impact of time elapsed from symptoms to diagnoses or treatment in cancer stage and survival.

Methods:  This observational study with 1,190 cases evaluated the year of diagnosis, age-group, cancer stage and histological type. A subgroup of 185 women with endometrioid histology attended in the period from 2012 to 2017 was selected to assess information about initial symptoms, diagnostic methods, overall survival, and to evaluate the influence of the time elapsed from symptoms to diagnosis and treatment on staging and survival.

The Exploitation of Local L. Biodiversity as a Valuable Tool to Cope with Climate Change Maintaining Berry Quality.

(1) Background: The associated increase in global mean surface temperature together with raised atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO) concentration is exerting a profound influence on grapevine development (phenology) and grape quality. The exploitation of the local genetic diversity based on the recovery of ancient varieties has been proposed as an interesting option to cope with climate change and maintaining grape quality. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize the potential fruit quality of genotypes from seven local old grapevine varieties grown under climate change conditions.