Phytochemical compounds with promising biological activities from Ascophyllum nodosum extracts using microwave-assisted extraction.

Phytochemical-rich antioxidant extracts were obtained from Ascophyllum nodosum (AN) using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Critical extraction factors such as time, pressure, and ethanol concentration were optimized by response surface methodology with a circumscribed central composite design. Under the optimal MAE conditions (3 min, 10.4 bar, 46.8 % ethanol), the maximum recovery of phytochemical compounds (polyphenols and fucoxanthin) with improved antioxidant activity from AN was obtained. In addition, the optimized AN extract showed significant biological activities as it was able to scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, inhibit central nervous system-related enzymes, and exhibit cytotoxic activity against different cancer cell lines. In addition, the optimized AN extract showed antimicrobial, and anti-quorum sensing activities, indicating that this extract could offer direct and indirect protection against infection by pathogenic microorganisms. This work demonstrated that the sustainably obtained AN extract could be an emerging, non-toxic, and natural ingredient with potential to be included in different applications.

Single and Multitarget Systems for Drug Delivery and Detection: Up-to-Date Strategies for Brain Disorders.

This review summarizes the recent findings on the development of different types of single and multitarget nanoparticles for disease detection and drug delivery to the brain, focusing on promising active principles encapsulated and nanoparticle surface modification and functionalization. Functionalized nanoparticles have emerged as promising tools for the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders, offering a novel approach to addressing complex neurological challenges. They can act as drug delivery vehicles, transporting one or multiple therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier and precisely releasing them at the site of action. In diagnostics, functionalized nanoparticles can serve as highly sensitive contrast agents for imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans. By attaching targeting ligands to the nanoparticles, they can selectively accumulate in the affected areas of the brain, enhancing the accuracy of disease detection. This enables early diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. While the field is still evolving, functionalized nanoparticles represent a promising path for advancing our ability to diagnose and treat brain disorders with greater precision, reduced invasiveness, and improved therapeutic outcomes.

Primary care doctor's perception about the scope of plastic surgeons: A national survey.

BACKGROUND: Plastic surgery is characterized by a broad spectrum of aesthetic and reconstructive surgical expertise that is not defined by an anatomic area. The authors sought to identify primary care doctors' perceptions of different fields of plastic surgery. METHODS: A short, anonymous, web-based survey was administered to primary care doctors in Portugal. Respondents were asked to choose the specialist they perceived to be an expert for 29 specific clinical areas, including 20 that are the core of plastic surgery practice. Specialists for selection included the following choices: dermatologist, general surgeon, maxillofacial surgeon, vascular surgeon, neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, otolaryngologist, and plastic surgeon. RESULTS: A total of 430 complete answers to the survey were collected. Out of the 20 clinical cases related to plastic surgery, only nine were attributed to plastic surgery in the majority of the answers: thumb reimplantation (64,2%), abdominoplasty (93%), breast reduction (94%), otoplasty (62,3%), skin graft for a burn (97,7%), breast reconstruction (94,9%), complex open wound (57,2%), facial reanimation (36,7%) and first web space contracture of the hand (78,6%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear underestimation of the role of plastic surgery in a wide range of conditions, which may lead to the downsizing of plastic surgery departments in the national health system. It is of utmost importance to educate primary care doctors so that patients are referred correctly and in a timely manner.

Maternal Profiles and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study from Angola.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize pregnant women admitted to Irene Neto Maternity Hospital, Lubango city, Huíla province, and their pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional facility-based survey between October 2016 and September 2017, involving 500 pregnant women, followed from admission in labor until the end of delivery. Mean (SD) was computed for quantitative variables, while relative and absolute frequencies were determined for categorical variables. Additionally, confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: Among pregnant women 18.3% were adolescents (≤ 19 years) and 14.5% had advanced maternal age (≥ 35 years). Illiteracy was reported by 8.2%. One in three (33.6%) had a short stature (< 1.55 m). Malaria was the most frequent infection during pregnancy (16.3%). Upon admission, 18.1% were anemic (Hb < 11 g/dl) and 36.0% had hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg), contrasting with the few cases reported of chronic hypertension and pregnancy-induced hypertension. There were 15 twin pregnancies. Cesarean section was performed in 25.2% of the women, although there was no medical indication for 23.0% of women having cesareans. Two maternal deaths occurred in our sample. Among live births from singleton pregnancies (97.1%), birth asphyxia (Apgar < 7 at 5 min) was observed in 22.7% and 10.3% had low birth weight (< 2.5 kg). CONCLUSIONS: There are very few studies reporting pregnancy outcomes in Angola. This analysis presents data from Huíla province, the second most populous province. We identified characteristics for higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: adolescence, illiteracy, and short stature. Among newborn outcomes, birth asphyxia and low birth weight demand special attention. Further research is needed to explore the non-medical indications for cesarean section and to better understand the twinning rate in Lubango.

Infrared laser therapy decreases systemic oxidative stress and inflammation in hypercholesterolemic mice with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared irradiation photobiomodulation (NIR-PBM) has been successfully used in periodontal treatment as an adjuvant tool to locally improve cell function and regeneration. Although the relationship between periodontitis and systemic disease constitutes an important aspect of periodontal clinical research, the systemic effects of NIR-PBM in periodontitis are not well known. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of NIR-PBM on systemic oxidative stress and inflammation in an apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout mouse model of periodontal disease (PD). METHODS: We evaluated alveolar bone loss by measuring the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the alveolar bone crest (ABC), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in blood cells, inflammatory activity, plasma cholesterol levels, and lipid peroxidation levels in three experimental groups: (1) ApoEC, control group without intervention; (2) ApoEP, first molar ligation-induced periodontitis for 4 weeks; and (3) ApoEP + PBM, exposed to 808 nm continuous wave, ø ~ 3 mm2, 100 mW, 60 s of NIR-PBM for 7 consecutive days after 4 weeks of periodontitis. At the end of the experimental protocols, ApoEP mice presented significantly increased alveolar bone loss, ROS production, inflammatory activity, plasma cholesterol, and lipid peroxidation levels compared to the ApoEC group (P < 0.05). NIR-PBM for 7 days in the ApoEP + PBM mice significantly decreased systemic ROS production, inflammatory response, plasma cholesterol, and lipid peroxidation levels, similar to those found in the ApoEC group (P > 0.05). However, it was not capable of preventing alveolar bone loss (P > 0.05 compared to ApoEP mice). CONCLUSION: A 7-day treatment with NIR-PBM effectively reduces systemic oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in hypercholesterolemic mice with PD. However, more studies with longer evaluation times are needed to confirm the systemic effects of locally applied NIR-PBM on PD associated with hypercholesterolemia.

Assessment of the Antioxidant Capacity of Commercial Coffee Using Conventional Optical and Chromatographic Methods and an Innovative Electrochemical DNA-Based Biosensor.

As one of the most popular beverages in the world, coffee is a rich source of non-enzymatic bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity. In this study, twelve commercial coffee beverages found in local Portuguese markets were assessed to determine their total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as their antioxidant capacity, by conventional optical procedures, namely, ferric reducing antioxidant power and DPPH-radical scavenging assay, and non-conventional procedures such as a homemade DNA-based biosensor against two reactive radicals: HO• and H2O2. The innovative DNA-based biosensor comprised an adenine-rich oligonucleotide adsorbed onto a carbon paste electrode. This method detects the different peak intensities generated by square-wave voltammetry based on the partial damage to the adenine layer adsorbed on the electrode surface by the free radicals in the presence/absence of antioxidants. The DNA-based biosensor against H2O2 presented a higher DNA layer protection compared with HO• in the presence of the reference gallic acid. Additionally, the phenolic profiles of the twelve coffee samples were assessed by HPLC-DAD, and the main contributors to the exhibited antioxidant capacity properties were caffeine, and chlorogenic, protocatechuic, neochlorogenic and gallic acids. The DNA-based sensor used provides reliable and fast measurements of antioxidant capacity, and is also cheap and easy to construct.

Cortisol dynamics in undergraduate nursing students during clinical practice: protocol for an exploratory cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: This paper presents a protocol for the Investigation of Cortisol Dynamics in Undergraduate Nursing Students, a funded project aiming to understand the fluctuations in anxiety and salivary cortisol levels due to clinical setting changes and the anxiety associated with clinical practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is an exploratory, cross-sectional, observational study that will be conducted at a health and science school in Portugal. Data collection will involve phycological assessment instruments for personality, anxiety, stress, depression and saliva cortisol levels. The target population consists of undergraduate nursing students enrolled in our institution for the academic year of 2022/2023 (N=272), of whom we aim to recruit 35% (N=96) to the study. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The project obtained approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Egas Moniz-Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL, on 5 July 2022 (ID: 116/21.22) and ethical approval from the Egas Moniz Ethics Committee on 28 July 2022 (ID:1110.22). Informed consent will be obtained from those who wish to participate, ensuring students' voluntary participation in the project. The results of this study will be disseminated through open-access peer-reviewed publications and presented at scientific events.

A Multiclass Radiomics Method-Based WHO Severity Scale for Improving COVID-19 Patient Assessment and Disease Characterization From CT Scans.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of COVID-19 patients' disease by comparing a multiclass lung lesion model to a single-class lung lesion model and radiologists' assessments in chest computed tomography scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The proposed method, AssessNet-19, was developed in 2 stages in this retrospective study. Four COVID-19-induced tissue lesions were manually segmented to train a 2D-U-Net network for a multiclass segmentation task followed by extensive extraction of radiomic features from the lung lesions. LASSO regression was used to reduce the feature set, and the XGBoost algorithm was trained to classify disease severity based on the World Health Organization Clinical Progression Scale. The model was evaluated using 2 multicenter cohorts: a development cohort of 145 COVID-19-positive patients from 3 centers to train and test the severity prediction model using manually segmented lung lesions. In addition, an evaluation set of 90 COVID-19-positive patients was collected from 2 centers to evaluate AssessNet-19 in a fully automated fashion. RESULTS: AssessNet-19 achieved an F1-score of 0.76 ± 0.02 for severity classification in the evaluation set, which was superior to the 3 expert thoracic radiologists (F1 = 0.63 ± 0.02) and the single-class lesion segmentation model (F1 = 0.64 ± 0.02). In addition, AssessNet-19 automated multiclass lesion segmentation obtained a mean Dice score of 0.70 for ground-glass opacity, 0.68 for consolidation, 0.65 for pleural effusion, and 0.30 for band-like structures compared with ground truth. Moreover, it achieved a high agreement with radiologists for quantifying disease extent with Cohen κ of 0.94, 0.92, and 0.95. CONCLUSIONS: A novel artificial intelligence multiclass radiomics model including 4 lung lesions to assess disease severity based on the World Health Organization Clinical Progression Scale more accurately determines the severity of COVID-19 patients than a single-class model and radiologists' assessment.

Kinetic Extraction of Fucoxanthin from Undaria pinnatifida Using Ethanol as a Solvent.

Fucoxanthin (Fx) has been proven to exert numerous biological properties, which makes it an interesting molecule with diverse industrial applications. In this study, the kinetic behavior of Fx was studied to optimize three variables: time (t-3 min to 7 days), temperature (T-5 to 85 °C), and concentration of ethanol in water (S-50 to 100%, v/v), in order to obtain the best Fx yield from Undaria pinnatifida using conventional heat extraction. The Fx content (Y1) was found through HPLC-DAD and expressed in µg Fx/g of algae sample dry weight (AS dw). Furthermore, extraction yield (Y2) was also found through dry weight analysis and was expressed in mg extract (E)/g AS dw. The purity of the extracts (Y3) was found and expressed in mg Fx/g E dw. The optimal conditions selected for Y1 were T = 45 °C, S = 70%, and t = 66 min, obtaining ~5.24 mg Fx/g AS; for Y2 were T = 65 °C, S = 60%, and t = ~10 min, obtaining ~450 mg E/g AS; and for Y3 were T = 45 °C, S = 70%, and t = 45 min, obtaining ~12.3 mg Fx/g E. In addition, for the selected optimums, a full screening of pigments was performed by HPLC-DAD, while phenolics and flavonoids were quantified by spectrophotometric techniques and several biological properties were evaluated (namely, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cholinesterase inhibitory activity). These results could be of interest for future applications in the food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical industries, as they show the Fx kinetic behavior and could help reduce costs associated with energy and solvent consumption while maximizing the extraction yields.

Electrochemical Chemically Based Sensors and Emerging Enzymatic Biosensors for Antidepressant Drug Detection: A Review.

Major depressive disorder is a widespread condition with antidepressants as the main pharmacological treatment. However, some patients experience concerning adverse reactions or have an inadequate response to treatment. Analytical chromatographic techniques, among other techniques, are valuable tools for investigating medication complications, including those associated with antidepressants. Nevertheless, there is a growing need to address the limitations associated with these techniques. In recent years, electrochemical (bio)sensors have garnered significant attention due to their lower cost, portability, and precision. Electrochemical (bio)sensors can be used for various applications related to depression, such as monitoring the levels of antidepressants in biological and in environmental samples. They can provide accurate and rapid results, which could facilitate personalized treatment and improve patient outcomes. This state-of-the-art literature review aims to explore the latest advancements in the electrochemical detection of antidepressants. The review focuses on two types of electrochemical sensors: Chemically modified sensors and enzyme-based biosensors. The referred papers are carefully categorized according to their respective sensor type. The review examines the differences between the two sensing methods, highlights their unique features and limitations, and provides an in-depth analysis of each sensor.

Is the Increase in Record of Skin Wounds in Hospitalized Patients in Internal Medicine Units a Side Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Wound care is an important public health challenge that is present in all areas of the healthcare system, whether in hospitals, long term care institutions or in the community. We aimed to quantify the number of skin wounds reported after and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive longitudinal retrospective study compared of wound records in patients hospitalized in the internal medicine service during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (from 1 March 2020, to 28 February 2021) and previous-year to the outbreak (from 1 January 2019, to 31 December 2019). A sample of 1979 episodes was collected corresponding to 932 inpatients, 434 from the pre-pandemic year and 498 from the first year of COVID-19 pandemic; 147 inpatients were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection (3.2%). The percentage of wound episodes in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic was higher than the pre-pandemic year, 17.9% (1092/6090) versus 15% (887/5906), with a significant increase in the months with the highest incidence of COVID cases. This study shows an increase in the burden of wound care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it could be attributable to the increase in the number of patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection in internal medicine units.

Placenta prévia: um estudo baseado nas teorias de enfermagem / Placenta previa: a study based on nursing theories / Placenta previa: un estudio basado en las teorías de enfermería

Introdução: A gestação, apesar de ser um processo fisiológico na saúde da mulher, é uma etapa complexa que exige atenção diferenciada na assistência à saúde. Outrossim, existem algumas condições que provocam danos durante essa fase, como a placenta prévia. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como escopo evidenciar o processo de enfermagem frente à assistência à gestante com tal diagnóstico. Metodologia: A pesquisa tem caráter qualitativo, teórico com subsídio na bibliografia científica, envolvendo a compreensão holística e integral da paciente para a implementação de estratégia para o processo de enfermagem. A partir do estudo das teorias e da fisiopatologia e impactos clínicos, empregou-se as taxonomias do NANDA-I para traçar os diagnósticos de enfermagens mais condizentes. Resultados: Foram identificados 15 diagnósticos que contemplaram os dez domínios encontrados no NANDA. Considerações Finais: Os dados eleitos e o confronto com a literatura enfatizam a relevância positiva na prescrição de diagnósticos de enfermagem na escolha dos cuidados prestados e as teorias subsidiam a assistência materno-fetal.

Introduction: Pregnancy, despite being a physiological process in women's health, is a complex stage that requires special attention in health care. Also, there are some conditions that cause damage during this phase, such as placenta previa. Objective: The purpose of this study is to highlight the nursing process regarding care for pregnant women with such a diagnosis. Methodology: The research is qualitative, theoretical with support in the scientific bibliography, involving the patients holistic and integral understanding for the implementation of a strategy for the nursing process. Based on the study of theories and pathophysiology and clinical impacts, the NANDA-I taxonomies were used to outline the most consistent nursing diagnoses. Results: 15 diagnoses were identified that included the ten domains found in NANDA. Final Considerations: The chosen data and the confrontation with the literature emphasize the positive relevance in the prescription of nursing diagnoses in the choice of care provided and the theories subsidize maternal-fetal assistance.

Introducción: El embarazo, a pesar de ser un proceso fisiológico en la salud de la mujer, es una etapa compleja que requiere especial atención en el cuidado de la salud. Además, existen algunas condiciones que causan daños durante esta fase, como la placenta previa. Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio es resaltar el proceso de enfermería en relación con la atención a las gestantes con dicho diagnóstico. Metodología: La investigación es cualitativa, teórica con apoyo en la bibliografía científica, involucrando la comprensión holística e integral de las pacientes para la implementación de una estrategia para el proceso de enfermería. Con base en el estudio de teorías y fisiopatología e impactos clínicos, se utilizaron las taxonomías NANDA-I para delinear los diagnósticos de enfermería más consistentes. Resultados: Se identificaron 15 diagnósticos que incluían los diez dominios encontrados en la NANDA. Consideraciones finales: Los datos escogidos y la confrontación con la literatura enfatizan la relevancia positiva en la prescripción de los diagnósticos de enfermería en la elección de los cuidados prestados y las teorías subsidian la asistencia materno-fetal.

Perinatal outcomes of adolescent and adult mothers: a systematic review / Resultados perinatais de mães adolescentes e adultas: uma revisão sistemática / Resultados perinatales de madres adolescentes y adultas: una revisión sistemática

Objective: To identify and analyze studies published in the literature that researched adverse perinatal outcomes in live births to adolescent and adult mothers. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed and VHL (LILACS and MEDLINE) were consulted, using the MeSH descriptors with Boolean operators were used, which were grouped as follows: ("maternal age") AND ("risk factors") AND ("Pregnancy Complica- tions OR "Adverse Birth Outcomes" OR "Perinatal outcome"). This analysis resulted in eight articles published between 2018 and 2022. Results: Studies presented a strong as- sociation between young maternal age (<20 years) and unfavorable neonatal outcomes, such as low birth weight, premature delivery, need for oxygen therapy and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. No significant data were found on adverse outcomes in pregnancies in the optimum age range (20>35 years). Conclusion: The analyzed studies point to a strong association between young maternal age and some clinical-obstetric complications.

Objetivo: Identificar e analisar estudos publicados na literatura que pesquisaram desfechos perinatais adversos em nascidos vivos de mães adolescentes e adultas. Métodos: Foram consultadas as bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed e BVS (LILACS e MEDLINE), utilizando-se os MeSH descritores com operadores booleanos, os quais foram agrupados da seguinte forma: ("maternal age") AND ("risk factors") AND ("Pregnancy Complications OU "Resultados adversos do parto" OU "Resultados perinatais"). Essa análise resultou em oito artigos publicados entre 2018 e 2022. Resultados: Os estudos apresentaram forte associação entre a idade materna jovem (<20 anos) e os desfechos neonatais desfavoráveis, como baixo peso ao nascer, parto prematuro, necessidade de oxigenoterapia e internação na UTI neonatal. Não foram encontrados dados significativos sobre resultados adversos em gestações na faixa etária ideal (20>35 anos). Conclusão: Os estudos analisados apontam para uma forte associação entre idade materna jovem e algumas complicações clínico-obstétricas.

Objetivo: Identificar y analizar estudios publicados en la literatura que investigaran resultados perinatales adversos en nacidos vivos de madres adolescentes y adultas. Métodos: Se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos electrónicas PubMed y BVS (LILACS y MEDLINE) utilizando los descriptores MeSH con operadores booleanos, que se agruparon de la siguiente manera: ("edad materna") AND ("factores de riesgo") AND ("complicaciones del embarazo OR "resultados adversos del parto" OR "resultados perinatales"). Este análisis dio como resultado ocho artículos publicados entre 2018 y 2022. Resultados: Los estudios mostraron una fuerte asociación entre la edad materna joven (<20 años) y los resultados neonatales desfavorables, como bajo peso al nacer, parto prematuro, necesidad de oxigenoterapia e ingreso en la UCI neonatal. No se encontraron datos significativos sobre resultados adversos en embarazos en el grupo de edad ideal (20>35 años). Conclusión: Los estudios analizados apuntan a una fuerte asociación entre la edad materna joven y algunas complicaciones clínico-obstétricas.

Effect of bright light on the cognitive and occupational performance of elderly people undergoing hemodialysis: initial data from clinical trial / Efeito da luz brilhante no desempenho cognitivo e ocupacional de idosos em hemodiálise: dados iniciais de ensaio clínico / Efecto de la luz brillante en el rendimiento cognitivo y ocupacional de las personas mayores sometidas a hemodiálisis: datos iniciales de ensayos clínicos

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has no expectation of cure, therefore, the treatment is based on maintaining the chronic state of the disease, through renal replacement therapies, such as hemodialysis or kidney transplant. The CKD can compromise occupational performance, since the beginning of hemodialysis, adapta- tion to new life habits is required. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of bright light on occupational performance of elderly people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis in the state of Ceará, aiming at its impact on the quality of life of these patients. METHOD: Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with and qualitative- quantitative approach, with the use of bright light or placebo light in their homes for 30 minutes, for 4 weeks in the afternoon. From this perspective, the evaluation instruments were used before and after the light: The Dynamic Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment ­ for Geriatric Population (DLOTCA-G) adapted version for the Portuguese language. The sample consisted of 26 elderly people on dialysis, and the col- lection period comprised the months of August 2022 to May 2023. RESULTS: They were 69% (18/26) male and between 60 and 94 years old. The analysis of the impacts of such equipment on these individuals' memory, mental operations and visual-motor skills re- vealed that the bright light group had better results than the placebo group (linear regres- sion, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bright light exposure therapy proved to be very bene- ficial, especially for the memory and mediation of these elderly people, thus reflecting on the improvement of their quality of life.

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença renal crônica (DRC) não possui expectativa de cura, portanto, o tratamento baseia-se na manutenção do estado crônico da doença, por meio de terapias renais substitutivas, como a hemodiálise e transplante renal. A DRC pode comprometer o desempenho ocupacional, pois desde o início da hemodiálise é necessária a adaptação a novos hábitos de vida. OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos da luz brilhante no desempenho ocupacional de idosos com doença renal crônica terminal (DRCT) em hemodiálise no estado do Ceará, visando seu impacto na qualidade de vida desses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um ensaio clínico randomizado e controlado com placebo, com abordagem qualiquantitativa onde a coleta de dados baseou-se na aplicação do DLOTCA-G- Dynamic Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive As- sessment ­ for Geriatric Population em clínicas de hemodiálise, antes e depois do fornecimento da caixa de luz brilhante ou luz placebo. A amostra consistiu em 26 pacientes distribuídos em dois grupos (luz brilhante e placebo) aleatoriamente com idade mínima de 60 e máxima de 94. RESULTADOS: 69% (18/26) eram do sexo masculino e tinham entre 60 e 94 anos. A análise dos impactos desses equipamentos sobre a memória, as operações mentais e as habilidades visuomotoras desses indivíduos revelou que o grupo luz brilhante apresentou melhores resultados do que o grupo placebo (regressão linear, p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A terapia de exposição à luz brilhante mostrou-se muito benéfica, principalmente para a memória e mediação desses idosos, refletindo na melhora de sua qualidade de vida.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) no tiene expectativa de curación, por lo tanto, el tratamiento se basa en mantener el estado crónico de la enfermedad, a través de terapias de reemplazo renal, como la hemodiálisis o el trasplante renal. La ERC puede comprometer el rendimiento ocupacional, ya que al inicio de la hemodiálisis se requiere adaptación a nuevos hábitos de vida. OBJETIVO: Analizar los efectos de la luz brillante sobre el rendimiento laboral de ancianos con enfermedad renal terminal (ERT) en hemodiálisis en el estado de Ceará, con el objetivo de conocer su impacto en la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. MÉTODO: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, controlado con placebo, con enfoque cualitativo-cuantitativo, con el uso de luz brillante o luz placebo en sus hogares durante 30 minutos, durante 4 semanas por la tarde. Desde esta perspectiva, se utilizaron los instrumentos de evaluación antes y después de la luz: La Evaluación Cognitiva de la Terapia Ocupacional Dinámica de Lowenstein - Población Geriátrica (DLOTCA-G) versión adaptada para el idioma portugués. La muestra estuvo conformada por 26 adultos mayores en diálisis, y el periodo de recolección comprendió los meses de agosto de 2022 a mayo de 2023. RESULTADOS: 69% (18/26) varones y entre 60 y 94 años. El análisis de los impactos de dichos equipos sobre la memoria, las operaciones mentales y las habilidades visual-motoras de estos individuos reveló que el grupo de luz brillante tuvo mejores resultados que el grupo placebo (regresión lineal, p<0,001). CONCLUSIONES: La terapia de exposición a la luz brillante demostró ser muy beneficiosa, especialmente para la memoria y mediación de estas personas mayores, reflejando así la mejora de su calidad de vida.

Computer-aided diagnosis through medical image retrieval in radiology.

Currently, radiologists face an excessive workload, which leads to high levels of fatigue, and consequently, to undesired diagnosis mistakes. Decision support systems can be used to prioritize and help radiologists making quicker decisions. In this sense, medical content-based image retrieval systems can be of extreme utility by providing well-curated similar examples. Nonetheless, most medical content-based image retrieval systems work by finding the most similar image, which is not equivalent to finding the most similar image in terms of disease and its severity. Here, we propose an interpretability-driven and an attention-driven medical image retrieval system. We conducted experiments in a large and publicly available dataset of chest radiographs with structured labels derived from free-text radiology reports (MIMIC-CXR-JPG). We evaluated the methods on two common conditions: pleural effusion and (potential) pneumonia. As ground-truth to perform the evaluation, query/test and catalogue images were classified and ordered by an experienced board-certified radiologist. For a profound and complete evaluation, additional radiologists also provided their rankings, which allowed us to infer inter-rater variability, and yield qualitative performance levels. Based on our ground-truth ranking, we also quantitatively evaluated the proposed approaches by computing the normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain (nDCG). We found that the Interpretability-guided approach outperforms the other state-of-the-art approaches and shows the best agreement with the most experienced radiologist. Furthermore, its performance lies within the observed inter-rater variability.

Cost-Effectiveness of the Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Program-Care in Informal Caregivers of People with Alzheimer's Disease.

People with Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis who get informal care remain at home longer, reducing the demand for healthcare resources but increasing the stress of caregiving. Research on the effectiveness of physical training, psychoeducational, cognitive-behavioural, and health education programs in reducing the caregiver load and enhancing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) exist, but none exist about an integrated interdisciplinary program. The goals of this project are (1) to assess the Integral-CARE Interdisciplinary Program (IP) applicability, safety, effects on HRQoL, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for AD caregivers; (2) to evaluate the IP applicability and cost-effectiveness to enhance the physical, psychoemotional, cognitive-behavioural dimensions, and the health education status of informal caregivers, and (3) to study the transference of the results to the public and private sectors. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted with an experimental (IP) and a control group (no intervention). The PI will be conducted over nine months using face-to-face sessions (twice a week) and virtual sessions on an online platform (once a week). There will be an initial, interim (every three months), and final assessment. Focus groups with social and health agents will be organized to determine the most important information to convey to the public and private sectors in Extremadura (Spain). Applicability, safety, HRQoL, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, and HRQoL will be the main outcome measures, while secondary measures will include sociodemographic data; physical, psychoemotional, health education, and cognitive-behavioural domains; program adherence; and patient health status. Data will be examined per procedure and intention to treat. A cost-effectiveness study will also be performed from the viewpoints of private and public healthcare resources.

Occurrence of MDR1 1-delta mutation in herding dog breeds in Portugal.

The impact of drug transporters in veterinary medicine has been recognized in recent years. One of the most well-characterized is the product of the MDR1 gene, P-gp. A 4-bp deletion in the MDR1 gene known since 2001 has been described to affect herding dog breeds. Since many used drugs in veterinary medicine are substrates for P-gp, including the macrocyclic lactones, such as avermectins, this 4-bp deletion causes a pathological condition known as "ivermectin toxicosis." For this reason, it is important to determine the animal status concerning this mutation. In Portugal, the information of the occurrence of this mutation in our breeds is limited. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of this mutation and evaluate its association with Portuguese and non-Portuguese dog breeds in Portugal. To achieve this, a total of 105 animals were studied for the presence of the MDR1 4-bp deletion, 23 of which were from Barbado da Terceira, 10 from Cão da Serra d'Aires, 55 belonging to breeds known to carry the mutation (Australian Shepperd, Border Collie and others) and 17 to other breeds (Labrador Retriever, Jack Russel, and others). Despite the small sample size, we observed the presence of the MDR1 1-delta mutation in previously described breeds and identified this mutation in Barbado da Terceira breed for the first time.

Risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection and mortality in nursing homes / Factores de riesgo asociados con la infección y mortalidad por COVID-19 en centros residenciales

Objective: The aim of this paper was to analyse the association of demographic, clinical and pharmacological risk factors with the presence of SARS-COV-2 virus infection, as well as to know the variables related to mortality from COVID-19 in nursing home (NH) residents. Design: Retrospective case–control study. The study variables of those residents who acquired the infection (case) were compared with those of the residents who did not acquire it (control). A subgroup analysis was carried out to study those variables related to mortality. Site: Nursing homes in the region of Guipúzcoa (Spain). Participants and interventions: 4 NHs with outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 between March and December 2020 participated in the study. The infectivity and, secondary, mortality was studied, as well as demographic, clinical and pharmacological variables associated with them. Data were collected from the computerised clinical records. Main measurements: Infection and mortality rate. Risk factors associated with infection and mortality. Results: 436 residents were studied (median age 87 years (IQR 11)), 173 acquired SARS-CoV-2 (39.7%). People with dementia and Global Deterioration Scale ≥6 were less likely to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus [OR=0.65 (95% CI 0.43–0.97; p<.05)]. Overall case fatality rate was 10.3% (a mortality of 26% among those who acquired the infection). COVID-19 mortality was significantly associated with a Global Deterioration Scale ≥6 (OR=4.9 (95% CI 1.5–16.1)), COPD diagnosis (OR=7.8 (95% CI 1.9–31.3)) and antipsychotic use (OR=3.1 (95% CI 1.0–9.0)). Conclusions: Advanced dementia has been associated with less risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection but higher risk of COVID-19 mortality. COPD and chronic use of antipsychotics have also been associated with mortality. These results highlight the importance of determining the stage of diseases such as dementia as well as maintaining some caution in the use of some drugs such as antipsychotics.(AU)

Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la asociación de factores de riesgo demográficos, clínicos y farmacológicos con la presencia de infección por virus SARS-CoV-2, así como conocer las variables relacionadas con la mortalidad por COVID-19 en residentes institucionalizados en centros residenciales. Diseño: Casos y controles retrospectivo. Se compararon las variables de estudio de aquellos residentes que adquirieron la infección (caso) con las de los residentes que no la adquirieron (control). Se realizó un análisis de subgrupos para conocer aquellas variables relacionadas con la mortalidad. Emplazamiento: Centros residenciales de la provincia de Guipúzcoa (España). Participantes e intervenciones: Cuatro centros residenciales con brotes de SARS-CoV-2, entre marzo y diciembre del 2020. Se estudiaron la infectividad y, de manera secundaria, la mortalidad, así como variables demográficas, clínicas y farmacológicas asociadas con las mismas. Los datos fueron recogidos de las historias clínicas informatizadas. Mediciones principales: Tasa de infección y mortalidad. Factores de riesgo asociados a la infección y a la mortalidad. Resultados: Se estudió a 436 residentes (mediana de edad 87 años [RIC 11]), 173 de ellos adquirieron la infección (39,7%). Los residentes con demencia y un índice en la Global Deterioration Scale ≥6 tuvieron menor probabilidad de infectarse por el virus SARS-CoV-2 (OR=0,65 [IC del 95%, 0,43-0,97; p<0,05]). La tasa de mortalidad global fue del 10,3% (del 26% entre aquellos que adquirieron la infección). La mortalidad por COVID-19 se asoció de manera significativa con un índice Global Deterioration Scale ≥6 (OR=4,9 [IC del 95%, 1,5-16,1]), tener un diagnóstico de EPOC (OR=7,8 [IC del 95%, CI 1,9-31,3]) y con el uso de antipsicóticos (OR=3,1 [IC del 95%, CI 1,0-9,0]).(AU)

Risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection and mortality in nursing homes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to analyse the association of demographic, clinical and pharmacological risk factors with the presence of SARS-COV-2 virus infection, as well as to know the variables related to mortality from COVID-19 in nursing home (NH) residents. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. The study variables of those residents who acquired the infection (case) were compared with those of the residents who did not acquire it (control). A subgroup analysis was carried out to study those variables related to mortality. SITE: Nursing homes in the region of Guipúzcoa (Spain). PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: 4 NHs with outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 between March and December 2020 participated in the study. The infectivity and, secondary, mortality was studied, as well as demographic, clinical and pharmacological variables associated with them. Data were collected from the computerised clinical records. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Infection and mortality rate. Risk factors associated with infection and mortality. RESULTS: 436 residents were studied (median age 87 years (IQR 11)), 173 acquired SARS-CoV-2 (39.7%). People with dementia and Global Deterioration Scale ≥6 were less likely to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus [OR=0.65 (95% CI 0.43-0.97; p<.05)]. Overall case fatality rate was 10.3% (a mortality of 26% among those who acquired the infection). COVID-19 mortality was significantly associated with a Global Deterioration Scale ≥6 (OR=4.9 (95% CI 1.5-16.1)), COPD diagnosis (OR=7.8 (95% CI 1.9-31.3)) and antipsychotic use (OR=3.1 (95% CI 1.0-9.0)). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced dementia has been associated with less risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection but higher risk of COVID-19 mortality. COPD and chronic use of antipsychotics have also been associated with mortality. These results highlight the importance of determining the stage of diseases such as dementia as well as maintaining some caution in the use of some drugs such as antipsychotics.