Validation of the Portuguese version of the Movement Disorder Society non-motor rating scale (MDS-NMS) in Parkinson's disease.

Background: The Movement Disorder Society Non-Motor Rating Scale (MDS-NMS) serves as a comprehensive clinical assessment tool for non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) OBJECTIVES: This study aims to validate the Portuguese version of the MDS-NMS, addressing the critical need for culturally adapted rating scales in Portuguese-speaking populations.

Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study engaged native Portuguese-speaking PD patients from 16 Movement Disorders Centers across Portugal and Brazil. We conducted a meticulous translation process into Portuguese, including forward-backward translation and cognitive pretesting.

Peritoneal chemotherapy delivery systems for ovarian cancer treatment: systematic review of animal models.

Introduction: Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer treatment has controversial benefits as most methodologies are associated with significant morbidity. We carried out a systematic review to compare tumor response, measured by tumor weight and volume, between intraperitoneal chemotherapy delivered via drug delivery systems (DDSs) and free intraperitoneal chemotherapy in animal models of ovarian cancer. The secondary aim was to assess the toxicity of DDS-delivered chemotherapy, based on changes in animal body weight.

Safety of two-dose schedule of COVID-19 adsorbed inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac; Sinovac/Butantan) and heterologous additional doses of mRNA BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) in immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals.

Immunocompromised individuals were considered high-risk for severe disease due to SARS COV-2 infection. This study aimed to describe the safety of two doses of COVID-19 adsorbed inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac; Sinovac/Butantan), followed by additional doses of mRNA BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) in immunocompromised (IC) adults, compared to immunocompetent/healthy (H) individuals. This phase 4, multicenter, open label study included solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, cancer patients and people with inborn errors of immunity with defects in antibody production, rheumatic, end-stage chronic kidney or liver disease, who were enrolled in the IC group.

New spirometry recommendations from the Brazilian Thoracic Association - 2024 update.

The latest pulmonary function guideline from the Brazilian Thoracic Association was published in 2002, since which there have been updates to international guidelines (mainly those from the European Respiratory Society and the American Thoracic Society), as well as new national and international publications on various aspects of the performance, interpretation, and clinical implications of spirometry. Despite those updates, a careful analysis of what applies to the reality in Brazil is essential, because there have been studies that evaluated individuals who are representative of our population and who could show responses different from those of individuals in other regions of the world. This document is the result of the work of a group of specialists in pulmonary function who evaluated relevant scientific articles that could be applicable to the population of Brazil.

PREOPERATIVE HOSPITALIZATION AS A BRIDGING STRATEGY FOR WEIGHT LOSS IN PATIENTS WITH BODY MASS INDEX = 50 KG/M2 WHO ARE CANDIDATES FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY.

Background: Preoperative hospitalization with the purpose to obtain more effective weight loss provides intensive care for patients who have a higher body mass index (BMI) and associated diseases that involve a greater risk of peri- and postoperative complications. It is a therapeutic strategy that can make it possible to overcome obstacles related to the difficulty of adhering to obesity treatment.

Aims: To analyze the implementation of a preoperative hospitalization strategy for weight loss in patients eligible for bariatric surgery.

Comprehensive molecular epidemiology of influenza viruses in Brazil: insights from a nationwide analysis.

Influenza A and B viruses represent significant global health threats, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality rates. However, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular epidemiology of these viruses in Brazil, a continental-size country and a crucial hub for the entry, circulation, and dissemination of influenza viruses within South America, still needs to be improved. This study addresses this gap by consolidating data and samples across all Brazilian macroregions, as part of the Center for Viral Surveillance and Serological Assessment project, together with an extensive number of other Brazilian sequences provided by a public database during the epidemic seasons spanning 2021-23.

Deloyers Technique for Restoration of Bowel Continuity Following Extended Left Hemicolectomy: A Comprehensive Analysis of 97 Cases and Literature Review.

Background: Deloyers technique addresses challenges in restoring bowel continuity following extended left hemicolectomies. Despite being first described in 1958, the technique remains underutilized, with limited data on long-term outcomes.

Objective: To evaluate the indications, surgical and functional outcomes of Deloyers technique and review existing literature.

The Patterns of P53, E-Cadherin, β-Catenin, CXCR4 and Podoplanin Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Suggests a Hybrid Invasion Model: an Immunohistochemical Study on Tissue Microarrays.

Purpose: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a significant public health challenge associated with high mortality rates primarily due to its invasive and metastatic behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the expression patterns of five critical biomarkers: β-catenin, E-cadherin, podoplanin (PDPN), CXCR4, and p53 in OSCC tissues and to investigate their correlations with clinicopathologic features and patient outcomes.

Methods: We conducted an immunohistochemical analysis utilizing tissue microarrays (TMAs) from 95 patients diagnosed with primary OSCC.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for early-stage breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Radiation therapy (RT) is a standard treatment for non-metastatic breast cancer and is associated with acute and late toxicities. Intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) may decrease toxicity and is convenient for patients.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of IMRT in women with early stage breast cancer.

Oncolytic alphavirus-induced extracellular vesicles counteract the immunosuppressive effect of melanoma-derived extracellular vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs)-mediated communication by cancer cells contributes towards the pro-tumoral reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment. Viral infection has been observed to alter the biogenesis and cargo of EVs secreted from host cells in the context of infectious biology. However, the impact of oncolytic viruses on the cargo and function of EVs released by cancer cells remains unknown.

Adrenal Venous Sampling Using Metanephrine in Primary Aldosteronism With or Without Cortisol Co-Secretion.

Context: The role of plasma metanephrine in adrenal venous sampling (AVS) for assessing lateralization in primary aldosteronism (PA) requires further clarification.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of plasma metanephrine in AVS for determining aldosterone lateralization in PA, with or without mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS).

Methods: Sequential AVS under cosyntropin stimulation was conducted in 58 consecutive patients with PA and indication for AVS.

Calf circumference may complement the nutritional assessment of children under 10 in the paediatric intensive care unit.

Background: Nutritional intervention during hospitalisation is vital in managing of children and adolescents in intensive care. In this context, body composition measurements, such as mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), can help improve the accuracy of nutritional assessments. However, using MUAC has some limitations.

Insights into the genetic landscape of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas in a Brazilian cohort.

Objective: Germline and somatic drivers are identified in 30% and 40% of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), respectively. In this study, we investigated the genetic landscape of PPGLs in a Brazilian cohort.

Methods: We studied 182 index patients with PPGLs (116 females and 66 males), comprising 118 pheochromocytoma and 70 paraganglioma cases.

Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a relatively rare genetic disorder, inherited in an autosomal codominant manner, that results in reduced serum AAT concentrations, with a consequent reduction in antielastase activity in the lungs, as well as an increased risk of diseases such as pulmonary emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and necrotizing panniculitis. It results from different mutations in the SERPINA1 gene, leading to changes in the AAT glycoprotein, which can alter its concentration, conformation, and function. Unfortunately, underdiagnosis is quite common; it is possible that only 10% of cases are diagnosed.

Cholangiocarcinoma in Latin America: a multicentre observational study alerts on ethnic disparities in tumour presentation and outcomes.

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) represents a global health challenge, with rising incidence and mortality rates. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical course and practices of CCA in Latin America.

Methods: This observational cohort study investigated individuals diagnosed with CCA between 2010 and 2023 at five referral centres across Latin America.

Higher frequency of interstate over international transmission chains of SARS-CoV-2 virus at the Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil state borders.

Brazil's COVID-19 response has faced challenges due to the continuous emergence of variants of concern (VOCs), emphasizing the need for ongoing genomic surveillance and retrospective analyses of past epidemic waves to reassess and fine tune containment protocols. Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil's southernmost state, has international borders and trades with Argentina and Uruguay, along with significant domestic connections within Brazil. The identification of source and sink transmission chains at national and international scales can identify main hubs and pathways to target future interventions.

Acute Infusion-Related Side Effects of Amphotericin B Lipid Complex (ABLC) in Oncohematological Patients: Real-World Data from Brazilian Reference Centers.

Introduction: Amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) is an effective antifungal agent for treating invasive fungal infections (IFIs) even though its formulation is associated with potential adverse events, including those related to its infusion. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of acute infusion-related side effects (IRSE) associated with ABLC and their relationship with the profile of patients with oncohematological disease admitted in Brazilian reference tertiary hospitals.

Methods: This is an observational retrospective study that included clinical records of patients hospitalized, in a period of 6 years, diagnosed with probable or proved IFI and treated with at least two doses of ABLC.