Lung Disease in Sjögren's Syndrome: Insights From a Reference Center's Population.

Background Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands. Although primarily affecting these glands, the syndrome can also involve several organs. Interstitial lung disease is one of the most severe complications associated with SS.

Addressing Challenges to Enhance Clinical Research in Portugal: Insights from the OncoT3 Expert Group Delphi Study.

Introduction Over the past decades, clinical research has evolved significantly, driven by advances in regulatory frameworks, technological innovations, and methodological approaches. In Portugal, while there has been progress - such as increased regulatory alignment with European standards and the adoption of digital trial management tools - various challenges remain. These may include, among others, limited access to funding, slower patient recruitment rates, and regulatory hurdles that can delay trial approvals.

High-Flow Nasal Oxygen vs Noninvasive Ventilation in Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure: The RENOVATE Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) are commonly used respiratory support therapies for patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF).

Objective: To assess whether HFNO is noninferior to NIV on the rates of endotracheal intubation or death at 7 days in 5 patient groups with ARF.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This noninferiority, randomized clinical trial enrolled hospitalized adults (aged ≥18 years; classified as 5 patient groups with ARF: nonimmunocompromised with hypoxemia, immunocompromised with hypoxemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] exacerbation with respiratory acidosis, acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema [ACPE], or hypoxemic COVID-19, which was added as a separate group on June 26, 2023) at 33 hospitals in Brazil between November 2019 and November 2023 (final follow-up: April 26, 2024).

Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implantation in Aviation Pilots.

The rising age of pilots and the extension of retirement age underscore the importance of investigating Presbyopia correction intraocular lenses during cataract surgery for Aviation Pilots. This study aims to assess recommendations from aviation regulatory agencies, providing guidance on the use of multifocal intraocular lenses in both commercial and military pilots. A review analysed the perspectives of aviation regulatory agencies regarding the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses in pilots.

Osteolysis after cervical disc arthroplasty with artificial cervical disc.

Purpose: Cervical total disc arthroplasty (TDA) is a motion-preserving alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion that has gained popularity among spine surgeons. Although generally effective, TDA has been associated with rare cases of progressive osteolysis, a complication whose natural history and impact on clinical outcomes are not well understood. This case report aims to present a case of progressive osteolysis following cervical TDA with the SpinalKinetics M6-C Artificial Cervical Disc and to discuss the clinical approach and implications for patient management.

Alterations of White Matter Microstructure in Migraine Patients Vary in the Peri-ictal Phases.

Alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure are commonly found in migraine patients. Here, we employ a longitudinal study of episodic migraine without aura using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) to investigate whether such WM microstructure alterations vary through the different phases of the pain cycle. Fourteen patients with episodic migraine without aura related with menstruation were scanned through four phases of their (spontaneous) migraine cycle (interictal, preictal, ictal, and postictal).

Criteria for medication reconciliation in major orthopedic surgery in high-risk patients: A consensus based on the Delphi method.

Background: Medication reconciliation is relevant in transitional care, however, given limited resources, it is necessary to identify the patients who benefit most from this activity.

Aim: To validate criteria to identify patients at high risk of medication errors undergoing major orthopedic surgery.

Method: Delphi Method in 3 phases, April-June 2023, to obtain consensus on the inclusion criteria, previously defined.

Left Atrial Wall Thickness Measured by a Machine Learning Method Predicts AF Recurrence After Pulmonary Vein Isolation.

Background: Left atrial (LA) remodeling plays a significant role in the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although LA wall thickness (LAWT) has emerged as an indicator of structural remodeling, its impact on AF outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to determine the association between LAWT and AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), as well as to evaluate the relationship between LAWT and LA fibrosis.

Voice Assessment in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Exploratory Study on Associations with Bulbar and Respiratory Function.

Background: Speech production is a possible way to monitor bulbar and respiratory functions in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Moreover, the emergence of smartphone-based data collection offers a promising approach to reduce frequent hospital visits and enhance patient outcomes. Here, we studied the relationship between bulbar and respiratory functions with voice characteristics of ALS patients, alongside a speech therapist's evaluation, at the convenience of using a simple smartphone.

World delirium awareness and quality survey in 2023-a worldwide point prevalence study.

Background: Delirium, an acute brain dysfunction, is proposed to be highly prevalent in clinical care and shown to significantly increase the risk of mortality and dementia.

Objectives: To report on the global prevalence of clinically documented delirium and delirium-related clinical practices in wards caring for paediatric and adult patients in healthcare facilities.

Design: A prospective, cross-sectional, 39-question survey completed on World Delirium Awareness Day, 15 March 2023.

Non-serious adverse events in patients with ulcerative colitis receiving etrasimod: an analysis of the phase II OASIS and phase III ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12 clinical trials.

Background: Etrasimod is an oral, once-daily (QD), selective sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). It is known that non-serious treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) may not lead to UC drug discontinuation but can affect treatment tolerability.

Objectives: This post hoc analysis evaluated the incidence of specific, common, non-serious TEAEs reported in the etrasimod UC clinical programme and the characteristics of affected patients.

Overview for developing Delphi-based interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging: pros and cons.

This review paper offers a concise guide on how to execute Delphi-based interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging. Fundamental to the Delphi methodology are several core principles. First, an initial key element is the selection of experts, known as panelists.

Preparticipation Cardiovascular Screening of Athletes: Current Controversies and Challenges for the Future.

Sports cardiology is an evolving field in cardiology, with several topics remaining controversial. Beyond the several well-known benefits of regular exercise practice, the occurrence of adverse clinical events during sports in apparently healthy individuals, especially sudden cardiac death, and the described long-term adverse cardiac adaptations associated to high volume of exercise, remain challenging. The early identification of athletes with increased risk is critical, but the most appropriate preparticipation screening protocols are also debatable and a more personalized evaluation, considering individual and sports-related characteristics, will potentially optimize this evaluation.

Anti-integrin αvβ6 Autoantibodies are Increased in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Patients With Concomitant Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Correlate With Liver Disease Severity.

Background & Aims: Anti-integrin αvβ6 autoantibodies (anti-αvβ6) are found in more than 50% of individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-αvβ6 in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and their association with liver disease severity.

Methods: Four cohorts of pre-liver transplant patients with PSC were recruited.

Sex-Specific Insights into Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis in Significant Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Narrative Review.

In recent decades, a burgeoning interest in tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has been prompted by a heightened awareness of its prevalence and the advent of dedicated percutaneous treatment approaches. Despite considerable understanding of its intricate anatomy and response to varying pressure and loading conditions, the impact of biological sex remains a subject of investigation. While TR typically afflicts more women, significant differences in TR etiology and post-treatment outcomes have not been conclusively established.