Rheumatic Diseases Following Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has been associated with weight reduction and obesity complications improvement. However, there is no clear evidence of the extent and consistency of the effects of this procedure on rheumatic diseases. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to address the impact of MBS on rheumatic diseases.

The impact of atrial voltage and conduction velocity phenotypes on atrial fibrillation recurrence.

Introduction: Low atrial voltage and slow conduction velocity (CV) have been associated with atrial fibrillation (AF); however, their interaction and relative importance as early disease markers remain incompletely understood. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between atrial voltage and CV using high-density electroanatomic (HDE) maps of patients with AF.

Methods: HDE maps obtained during sinus rhythm in 52 patients with AF and five healthy controls were analysed.

Neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratio in seropositive women for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) coinfection.

This study aims to investigate the possible association between neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratio in women with HIV, undergoing antiretroviral treatment, with HPV coinfection. This is a cross-sectional study with HIV positive women; their biological samples were collected for laboratory tests (complete blood count) and oncotic cytology for detection of HPV DNA, by PCR-Nested (PGMY and GP primers). Viral load and CD4 and CD8 T-cells counts were obtained from medical records.

The role of microRNAs in non-invasive diagnosis of bladder cancer: a systematic review.

Objective: MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that are abundantly expressed in various biofluids, making them promising candidates for cancer biomarkers. This review aims to present current evidence on the use of miRNA as biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of bladder cancer.

Methods: A systematic literature review, using the Medline database, was performed in July 2022 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Patient experiences with a smartphone application dedicated to postoperative recovery after elective arthroplasty.

Introduction: In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital health technologies, the widespread use of smartphones has paved the way for innovative applications designed to enhance healthcare experiences. This introduction underscores the global prevalence of smartphone users and their potential in healthcare, particularly exemplified by therapeutic apps such as the 'Post Op' smartphone application. Focused on postoperative support, this app prioritises user-friendly design, data recording, and adherence to national standards.

Strategic Plan for Cardiovascular Health in Portugal - Portuguese Society of Cardiology (PESCP-SPC).

The Strategic Plan for Cardiovascular Health in Portugal is an initiative of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, aligned with efforts by the European Society of Cardiology and the World Heart Federation to develop national plans, at a local level within the cultural and socio-economic contexts, focused on cardiovascular health. The overarching goal is to promote and ensure the continuous and sustained improvement of cardiovascular health in the Portuguese population.The methodology identified key challenges and opportunities for the medium term, highlighted priority areas for intervention, and proposed strategic lines of action.

Synergistic effect of ozone treatment with α-amylase on the modification of microstructure and paste properties of japonica rice starch.

The objective was to evaluate the synergistic effect of ozonization and α-amylase on modifying the microstructure and paste properties of starch, using 0.00042 g of ozone/100 g of buffer for various durations. Enzymatic susceptibility was increased, achieving maximum values of 12.

New records of endoparasites and ectoparasites in free-living road-killed wild animals in the Pampa biome, Southern Brazil.

Wild animals host a wide variety of parasites, and the disorders caused by these parasites are among the most prevalent and significant infectious diseases affecting wildlife. The investigation of parasitic fauna is crucial for the conservation of wild animals, domestic populations, and humans. Therefore, the aim of the study was to survey endo- and ectoparasites in free-living wildlife in southern Brazil.

Statin-Induced Necrotizing Autoimmune Myopathy: An Uncommon yet Challenging Complication of Statin Use.

Statin-induced necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (SINAM) is a rare, disabling, and potentially life-threatening complication of statin use. Although not fully understood, a prevailing hypothesis proposes that statins induce molecular changes in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), leading to the formation of anti-HMGCR antibodies. The subsequent myofibre necrosis is expressed as progressive and persistent proximal muscle weakness and elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels.

Impact of Buriti Oil from Palm Tree on the Rheological, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene for Improved Sustainability.

Recent advancements highlight the utilization of vegetable oils as additives in polymeric materials, particularly for replacing conventional plasticizers. Buriti oil (BO), extracted from the Amazon's palm tree fruit, boasts an impressive profile of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carotenoids, and tocopherol. This study investigates the impact of incorporating buriti oil as a plasticizer in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrices.

Evaluation of the thermomechanical properties of novel epoxy composites reinforced with Geonoma baculifera fibers.

Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have shown a great potential as reinforcements in composites in recent decades. Among other reasons, environmental concerns and the depletion of oil reserves justify research on natural composites as they offer an environmentally friendly alternative and align with the principles of sustainable development. Among the plethora of NLFs available in nature, the ubim fiber (Geonoma baculifera) has not yet been investigated as a reinforcement for composites in potential engineering applications.

The equivalence of a high-stakes objective structured clinical exam adapted to suit a virtual delivery format.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid adaptation of clinical competence assessments, including the transition of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) from in-person to virtual formats. This study investigates the construct equivalence of a high-stakes OSCE, originally designed for in-person delivery, when adapted for a virtual format.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using OSCE scores from the Internationally Educated Nurse Competency Assessment Program (IENCAP®).

[Biomedicalization and responses to aids in Brazil: research notes].

This text addresses the process of biomedicalization in the responses to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (aids), based on field research in Rio de Janeiro and document and literature reviews. Considering the socio-anthropological perspective and social studies of science, the current predominance of preventative biomedical strategies implies both reconfigurations of the scientific and institutional order and interventions in health and sexuality. These transformations reveal an established definition of the epidemic as a clinical problem, reconfiguration of debates on sexuality and stigma, and erasure of the discussion on structural inequalities and human rights, and new studies on HIV/aids within social sciences and humanities are needed.

Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biopolymer Fibers: Fabrication Techniques and Characterization Methods.

Hybrid nanocomposites combining biopolymer fibers incorporated with nanoparticles (NPs) have received increasing attention due to their remarkable characteristics. Inorganic NPs are typically chosen for their properties, such as magnetism and thermal or electrical conductivity, for example. Meanwhile, the biopolymer fiber component is a backbone, and could act as a support structure for the NPs.

Recurrent acute kidney injury is associated with delayed language development in infants with Congenital Heart Disease.

Objective: Neurodevelopmental delay is common in children who undergo surgery for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in infancy. Cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) occurs frequently in the paediatric cardiac Intensive care unit (ICU). Cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) is associated with worse neurodevelopmental scores and delay in cognitive, language, and motor domains in children with CHD.

Exploring the Effect of Preamputation Employment and Income on Ambulation in Dysvascular Lower Extremity Amputees After Amputee Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: To assess the relationship between 2-minute walk test (2MWT) distance, employment status, and median household income in adult dysvascular amputee patients after a 6-week rehabilitation program.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Amputation rehabilitation program.

Wastewater surveillance for antibiotic resistance genes during the late 2020 SARS-CoV-2 peak in two different populations.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a rise in resistant infections after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic started. How and if the pandemic contributed to antibiotic resistance in the larger population is not well understood. Wastewater treatment plants are good locations for environmental surveillance because they can sample entire populations.

Left Atrial Wall Thickness Estimated by Cardiac CT: Implications for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial wall thickness (AWT) is a significant factor in understanding the pathological physiological substrate of atrial fibrillation, with a potentially substantial impact on the outcomes of catheter ablation procedures. Precise measurements of the AWT may provide valuable insights for categorising patients with AF and planning targeted interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the left atrium (LA) using non-invasive multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans and subsequent three-dimensional (3D) image post-processing using novel software designed to calculate atrial thickness dimensions and mass.

Influence of Test Method on the Determination of Tensile Strength Perpendicular to Grain of Timber for Civil Construction.

Tensile perpendicular to grain is an important mechanical property in the design of joints in timber structures. However, according to the standards, this strength can be determined using at least two different methods: uniaxial tensile and three-point static bending. In this context, the present paper aims to investigate the influence of these test methods on the determination of tensile strength perpendicular to grain of wood used in civil construction timber.