Endocan as a marker of endotheliitis in COVID-19 patients: modulation by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, arterial hypertension and previous treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.

Background And Aims: Endocan has been scarcely explored in COVID-19, especially regarding its modulation by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO), hypertension or previous renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors treatment. We compared endocan and other endotheliitis markers in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and assessed their modulation by VV-ECMO, hypertension and previous RAAS inhibitors treatment.

Material And Methods: Serum endocan, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin were measured in "severe" (n = 27), "critically ill" (n = 17) and "critically ill on VV-ECMO" (n = 17) COVID-19 patients at admission, days 3-4, 5-8 and weekly thereafter, and in controls (n = 23) at a single time point.

Addressing Venous Extravasation, a Concern in Intravenous Iron Administration.

Intravenous iron is commonly used to treat anemia related to chronic illnesses, but venous extravasation, an uncommon side effect of intravenous iron, can result in persistent skin discoloration. This report presents the case of a female patient who experienced venous extravasation following intravenous iron administration, with data collected from her patient record. Although venous extravasation is a rare adverse effect, it is important for both patients and healthcare providers to recognize this potential complication.

The workup process of vaccination in IBD patients needs a change-Insights from a multinational survey.

Background: Immunosuppressive medications play a crucial role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but increase susceptibility to infections, underlining the importance of vaccination. Nevertheless, vaccination rates are often low.

Aims: This study assessed the perspective of gastroenterologists (GEs) on vaccination of IBD patients.

Unraveling the Interaction between Inflammation and the Cardiometabolic Index in Older Men: A Pilot Study.

Both cardiometabolic and chronic inflammatory diseases pose a significant challenge to global public health, particularly among older adults. Here, we investigated the interplay between systemic inflammatory status and the cardiometabolic index (CMI) in older men with adequate weight or obesity. In this observational cross-sectional study, older men (71.

Analysis of clinical cure outcome, macrophages number, cytokines levels and expression of annexin-A1 in the cutaneous infection in patients with Leishmania braziliensis.

Background: Leishmania braziliensis, a protozoan prevalent in Brazil, is the known causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). The activation of M1 macrophages is a pivotal factor in the host's ability to eliminate the parasite, whereas M2 macrophages may facilitate parasite proliferation. This study analyzed the clinical outcomes of CL and the patients' immunological profiles, focusing on the prevalence of M1 and M2 macrophages, cytokine production, and annexin-A1 (ANXA1) expression in the lesion.

Music to relieve pain and anxiety in cardiac catheterization: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Unlabelled: Objectiveto evaluate the effectiveness of using music to relieve pain, anxiety, and change in vital signs in adult and older adult patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.Methodsthis is a systematic review with meta-analysis carried out in October 2022, using 12 data sources, without time or language restrictions. The study followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus in African blood donors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: In developing countries, the safety of blood transfusions remains an important public health concern as it is associated with a higher risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). In this study, we aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Africa and assess the temporal trends and regional differences within the continent through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, HINARI, Global Index Medicus and Clinical.

Clinical features in Hodgkin lymphoma patients living with human immunodeficiency virus: A meta-analysis in the antiretroviral therapy era.

Objective: Evaluate the clinical features in people with Hodgkin's lymphoma living with HIV (HIV-HL) during the combination ART (cART) era.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: The study was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of 2020 PRISMA and MOOSE statements.

Blood group is a long-term cardiovascular risk factor after carotid endarterectomy.

Background: ABO blood group system has been clinically related to an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Preliminary data relating Rhesus (Rh) factor and these outcomes also have been published. Our aim was to analyse the impact of blood group on the short and long-term outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

A multisite validation of a two hours antibiotic susceptibility flow cytometry assay directly from positive blood cultures.

Background: Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is urgently needed to provide safer treatment to counteract antimicrobial resistance. This is critical in septic patients, because resistance increases empiric therapy uncertainty and the risk of a poor outcome. We validate a novel 2h flow cytometry AST assay directly from positive blood cultures (PBC) by using a room temperature stable FASTgramneg and FASTgrampos kits (FASTinov® Porto, Portugal) in three sites: FASTinov (site-1), Hospital Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain (site-2) and Centro Hospitalar S.

Psychosocial Factors Associated With Vulvodynia.

Objectives: We set out to identify the psychosocial factors associated with vulvodynia and the effects on sexuality, mental health, and quality of life.

Materials And Methods: PubMed, LILACS, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO were searched in August 2023. Two authors selected and extracted the data independently.

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in paediatric patients: a review systematic and meta-analysis protocol.

Introduction: The paediatric population represents a quarter of the world's population, and like adult patients, they have also suffered immeasurably from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Immunisation is an effective strategy for reducing the number of COVID-19 cases. With the advancements in vaccination for younger age groups, parents or guardians have raised doubts and questions about adverse effects and the number of doses required.

Virtual assessment and management of chronic cough: A scoping review.

Background: Chronic cough is a frequent reason for seeking consultation with primary care providers. The recent widespread adoption of virtual care offers a promising alternative that can be used to optimize the assessment and management of this condition. The objective of this review was to map and identify the strategies used to assess and/or manage chronic cough virtually, and to explore their impact on cough severity and patient satisfaction with virtual care.

Assessment of the Clinical and Functional Health Status of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil Using Telemedicine.

This study aimed to monitor the clinical and functional progression of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and adjust ventilatory support during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil using telemedicine. This longitudinal case series included five evaluations from January 2019 to June 2021. The first and second assessments were performed in person and consisted of pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, functionality (ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised [ALSFRS-R]) and disease staging (King's College criteria).

Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation approaches in patients with post COVID syndrome: a pilot study.

Background: The characteristics of optimal virtual pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for individuals with post-COVID syndrome (PCS) have not been identified. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and satisfaction associated with a virtual PR program with the exercise component delivered through group or self-directed sessions.

Methods: Adults with PCS-respiratory symptoms were randomly assigned to the video conference (PR) or self-directed (PR) group and completed an exercise program (aerobic, strengthening, and breathing exercises) three times/week for eight weeks.

Toxic Shock Syndrome: Eighteen Years of Experience in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Introduction Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a life-threatening disease usually caused by a or group Aβ-hemolytic infection. Methods In this retrospective study, we included patients with TSS admitted to a tertiary hospital's pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) over the last 18 years. We compared the staphylococcal TSS (Staph-TSS) and streptococcal TSS (Strep-TSS) groups.

Using Remote Technology to Engage Patients with Interstitial Lung Diseases in a Home Exercise Program: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: The access and compliance of patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) to exercise programs (EPs) remain challenges.

Objectives: We assessed the dropout rate, intervention completion, compliance with data acquisition and submission, safety, and satisfaction of a home EP delivered via video conference (EP group) or self-directed (EP group) to patients with ILD. Pre- and post-intervention changes in patient outcomes (dyspnea, fatigue, exercise capacity, lung function, and quality of life) were secondarily explored.

Pharmacological treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Summarize the evidence on drug therapies for obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.

Drug therapies for obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder that can affect the quality of life and increase the risk for psychiatric, neurological and cardiometabolic diseases. Despite the significant burden, it poses on health and well-being, there is a lack of evidence regarding the use of drug therapies in these patients. This work aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatment alternatives for patients with OSA.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Case Series.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a reversible clinical-radiographic abnormality. It is characterized by headache, altered consciousness, seizures, and visual disruption, in addition to characteristic white matter edema lesions in the parieto-occipital areas of the brain. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible damage.