A enfermagem de reabilitação na promoção da saúde do cuidador informal: benefícios de uma intervenção formativa de prevenção de lesões musculoesqueléticas / Rehabilitation nursing in promoting the health of informal caregivers: benefits of a training intervention to prevent musculoskeletal injuries

Assumir a responsabilidade de prestar cuidados de saúde a alguém no domicílio é uma realidade complexa e que tem um grande impacto na vida do cuidador, tendo implicações na sua saúde física, mental, social e financeira. O sobre-esforço dessa função é percecionado como uma sobrecarga, que é agravada pela sua falta de formação e pelo caráter ininterrupto da função, promovendo o surgimento de lesões musculoesqueléticas. Estas lesões têm causa multifatorial, mas na prestação de cuidados informais, está frequentemente associada a atividades de movimentação manual de pacientes. Este tipo de lesões tem um impacto considerável na vida dos cuidadores informais, acarretando elevados custos para a sociedade, sendo a sua prevenção uma área prioritária da atuação da Enfermagem de Reabilitação. Neste sentido, foi realizado um Estágio de Natureza Profissional, com os objetivos gerais de desenvolver competências especializadas na área da Enfermagem de Reabilitação e de contribuir para a comunidade. Para tal, foi realizada uma investigação, com metodologia quantitativa, longitudinal e de caráter quase-experimental de grupo único, que visou a promoção da saúde e a prevenção de lesões musculoesqueléticas em cuidadores informais de pessoas dependentes, no domicílio. Foram utilizados vários instrumentos para a colheita de dados, tendo-se optado por um Questionário para caracterização sociodemográfica da amostra e pelo Índice de Barthel para caracterização do nível de dependência das pessoas cuidadas, ambos aplicados apenas antes da intervenção com os cuidadores. Os restantes instrumentos utilizados, permitiram verificar que a intervenção adotada, de cariz formativo, foi eficaz na capacitação dos cuidadores informais para a prevenção de lesões musculoesqueléticas, considerando que a amostra abrangida revelou: melhorias significativas relativamente a todas as áreas avaliadas pela Grelha de observação e avaliação sobre conhecimento e adoção de medidas preventivas de lesão; diminuição substancial do número de queixas identificadas pelo Questionário Nórdico Musculoesquelético; diminuição significativa da intensidade da dor, segundo a escala numérica; e diminuição da perceção de sobrecarga, aferida pela Escala da Sobrecarga do Cuidador, todos aplicados nos momentos antes e após intervenção. Consideram-se assim atingidos na generalidade os objetivos elencados, reforçando-se a relevância dos benefícios decorridos da atuação especializada do Enfermeiro de Reabilitação, quando atua na prevenção primária e secundária, além da primordial prevenção terciária. Sublinha-se a importância de investir continuamente nesta área específica, recorrendo a novos estudos que permitam aprofundar o conhecimento sobre os fenómenos concorrentes para este tipo de lesões, e que levem intervenções deste cariz a outras populações, no âmbito do campo de atuação da Enfermagem de Reabilitação.

Taking on the responsibility of providing healthcare to someone at home is a complex reality that has a major impact on the caregiver's life, having implications for their physical, mental, social and financial health. Overexertion in this role is perceived as an overload, which is aggravated by the lack of training and the uninterrupted nature of the role, promoting the emergence of musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries have a multifactorial cause, but in the provision of informal care, they are often associated with manual patient movement activities. This type of injury has a considerable impact on the lives of informal caregivers, causing high costs for society, with its prevention being a priority area of Rehabilitation Nursing work. In this sense, a Professional Internship was carried out, with the general objectives of developing specialized skills in the area of Rehabilitation Nursing and contributing to the community. To this end, an investigation was carried out, with a quantitative, longitudinal and quasi-experimental methodology of a single group, which aimed to promote health and prevent musculoskeletal injuries in informal caregivers of dependent people, at home. Several instruments were used to collect data, opting for a Questionnaire for the sociodemographic characterization of the sample and the Barthel Index for characterizing the level of dependence of the people being cared for, both applied only before the intervention with the caregivers. The remaining instruments used allowed us to verify that the intervention adopted, of a training nature, was effective in training informal caregivers to prevent musculoskeletal injuries, considering that the sample covered revealed: significant improvements in relation to all areas assessed by the Observation Grid and assessment of knowledge and adoption of injury preventive measures; substantial decrease in the number of complaints identified by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire; significant decrease in pain intensity, according to the numerical scale; and decreased perception of burden, measured by the Caregiver Burden Scale, all applied before and after intervention. The objectives listed are thus considered to have been generally achieved, reinforcing the relevance of the benefits arising from the specialized work of the Rehabilitation Nurse, when working in primary and secondary prevention, in addition to the primary tertiary prevention. The importance of continually investing in this specific area is highlighted, using new studies that allow deepening knowledge about the competing phenomena for this type of injuries, and that bring interventions of this nature to other populations, within the scope of the field of Nursing. Rehabilitation.

Association between motor neuron disease and HIV infection: A systematic review of case reports.

BACKGROUND: Motor neuron disease (MND) is a well-known group of neurodegenerative diseases, with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) being the most common form. Since 1985, a possible association between MND/ALS and HIV infection has been described. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of case reports and case series involving people living with HIV with MND/ALS through PubMed, Bireme, Embase, and Lilacs databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool for Case Reports. RESULTS: We analyzed 36 articles presenting 88 cases. The mean age was 41.6 years. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was used by 89.8% and riluzole by 16.9%. First signs and symptoms were similarly present on cervical/upper (25%) and lumbosacral/lower limbs (23.9%), mostly with fasciculations (69.8%) and hyperreflexia (58.8%). MND had a progressive course in 32.9% patients and a clinical improve in 54.6% following ART. The mean survival of the 32 patients who died was 12.3 months and the mean survival of the living patients was 62 months. Respiratory failure was the main cause of death (35.7%). CONCLUSIONS: MND/ALS may present differently in the people living with HIV as a rapidly progressive disease in younger people but with the potential to improve weakness and survival through antiretroviral therapy.

Impact of a New Preoperative Stratification Based on Cardiac Structural Compromise in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery.

Introduction and objectives: Aortic valve replacement surgery (SAVR) remains a recommended indication, though its pre-surgical stratification is an ongoing challenge. Despite the widespread use of scores like the STS and EuroSCORE II, they have a number of limitations, while often neglecting structural parameters like left ventricular hypertrophy or left atrium volume. This study aimed to evaluate whether a new adaptation of the Généreux classification in the preoperative risk stratification of severe aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with the primary outcome, and to compare it with the original classification versus the traditional scores in short- and long-term follow-up. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study involving patients with confirmed severe AS who underwent SAVR. The new stratification categorized patients into three stages. Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with mortality, with survival analysis performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 508 patients were included. Stage 3 patients had a lower median age (67 years). The median EuroSCORE II and STS scores were 2.75 and 2.62%, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). Over a median follow-up of 81 months, 56 deaths occurred (11%). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed significant differences in all-cause mortality among the three groups (HR 4.073, log-rank p ≤ 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified the three preoperative stages (HR 3.22, [95% CI 1.44-7.20], p = 0.004) and mean transaortic gradient (HR 0.96, [95% CI 0.92-0.99], p = 0.021) as independent variables of mortality. The original Généreux scale AUC was higher (AUC: 0.760, 95% CI: 0.692-0.829) compared to the modified Généreux scale (AUC: 0.758, 95% CI: 0.687-0.829). However, no statistical differences were found between the different scales. Conclusions: Preoperative three-stage classification and low transaortic gradient are factors associated with increased all-cause mortality in patients undergoing SAVR. The proposed staging system performed better in the mortality analysis than EuroSCORE II and STS and was similar to the original classification.

Exploring yeast glucans for vaccine enhancement: Sustainable strategies for overcoming adjuvant challenges in a SARS-CoV-2 model.

Vaccine adjuvants are important for enhancing vaccine efficacy, and although aluminium salts (Alum) are the most used, their limited ability to induce specific immune responses has spurred the search for new adjuvants. However, many adjuvants fail during product development due to manufacturability, supply, stability, or safety concerns. This work hypothesizes that protein-free yeast glucans can be used as vaccine adjuvants due to their known immunostimulatory activity and high abundancy. Thus, high molecular weight glucans with over 99% purity, comprising 64-70% ß-glucans and 29-35% α-glucans, were extracted from a wild-type yeast and an engineered yeast to produce a steviol glycoside. These glucans underwent carboxymethylation to enhance solubility. Both water-dispersible and particulate glucans were evaluated as adjuvants, either alone or in combination with Alum or squalene stable emulsion (SE), for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The study demonstrated that glucans triggered a robust immune response and enhanced the effects of Alum and SE when used in combination, both in vitro and in vivo. Water-dispersible glucans combined with Alum, and particulate glucans combined with SE, increased the production of specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and enhanced serum neutralization titers against SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. Furthermore, the results indicated that larger molecular weight glucans from engineered yeast exhibited stronger immunogenic activity in comparison to wild-type yeast glucans. In conclusion, appropriately formulated glucans have the potential to be scalable, low-cost vaccine adjuvants, potentially overcoming the limitations of current adjuvants.

Nurses' Social Representations of Men's Sexual Health Care Access: Preliminary Results.

Background: Men's access to sexual health care is influenced by the nurses' symbolic universes, translated into maps of signification and normative idealization that structure their practices. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze nurses' social representations of men's sexual health, considering the barriers and possibilities in accessing health care. Methods: Descriptive study with qualitative approach. Data were collected through an online focus group with 9 Portuguese nurses. Data were subjected to lexicographic analysis with the support of the interface IRaMuTeQ-R. Results: 269 text segments were analyzed, retaining 84.86% of the total in 4 classes: interactions between professionals and men, therapeutic itineraries, "talking" about sexual health, and men's access to sexual health care. Similarity analysis led to 3 central cores: problem, saying, and patient. Conclusions: The training of professionals in men's sexual health to demystify stereotypes about masculinity is fundamental. At the organizational level, it is necessary to analyze the possibilities of access and its visibility in electronic records and rethink the planning and provision of primary and differentiated care.

Introdução: O acesso dos homens aos cuidados de saúde sexual é influenciado pelos universos simbólicos dos enfermeiros, que se traduzem em mapas de significação e idealização normativa que estruturam as suas práticas. Objetivo: Analisar as representações sociais dos enfermeiros sobre saúde sexual dos homens considerando as barreiras e as possibilidades no acesso aos cuidados de saúde. Métodos: Estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa. Recolha de dados através de um grupo focal online com 9 enfermeiros portugueses. Os dados foram sujeitos à análise lexicográfica com o apoio da interface IRaMuTeQ-R. Resultados: Análise de 269 segmentos de texto, retendo 84,86% do total para 4 classes: interações entre os profissionais e os homens, itinerários terapêuticos, "falar" sobre saúde sexual e acesso dos homens aos cuidados de saúde sexual. A análise de similitude originou 3 núcleos centrais: problema, dizer e doente. Conclusões: A formação dos profissionais em saúde sexual dos homens para desmistificar estereótipos sobre a masculinidade, é fundamental. A nível organizacional, impõe-se a análise das possibilidades de acesso, a sua visibilidade nos registos eletrónicos, e reequacionar o planeamento e a prestação de cuidados primários e diferenciados.

Influence of Right Atrial Pressure on the Prognosis of Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis Undergoing Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) often complicates mitral stenosis (MS). The prognostic impact of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in MS patients remains unclear. Previous study has demonstrated the prognostic impact of right atrial pressure (RAP) in patients with primary PH. We aim to determine the prognostic impact of PVR and RAP in patients with rheumatic MS undergoing percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV). METHODS: A total of 58 patients with symptomatic severe rheumatic MS who underwent PMBV between 2016 and 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups: PVR ≤ 2WU (N = 26) and PVR > 2WU (N = 32). The composite endpoint included death, reintervention or persistent NYHA functional class III-IV during follow-up. RESULTS: The median age was 50 (42-60) years, with 82.8% being female. Median pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was 42 (35-50.5) mmHg. Patients with PVR ≤ 2WU had lower PASP on both echocardiogram and catheterization. The PMBV success rate was 75.9%. Multivariate analysis, adjusted for PVR, showed RAP as the only independent predictor of the composite endpoint (HR:1.507, 95% CI:1.015-2.237, p = 0.042). The optimal RAP cutoff was 9.5 mmHg (HR:3.481, 95% CI:1.041-11.641; p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: RAP was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with rheumatic MS undergoing PMBV, while PVR did not show prognostic significance. These findings suggest that the prognostic value of PVR may be lower than expected.

Tissue-resident memory T cells: Harnessing their properties against infection for cancer treatment.

We have rapidly gained insights into the presence and function of T lymphocytes in non-lymphoid tissues, the tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells. The central pillar of adaptive immunity has been expanded from classic central memory T cells giving rise to progeny upon reinfection and effector memory cells circulating through the blood and patrolling the tissues to include TRM cells that reside and migrate inside solid organs and tissues. Their development and maintenance have been studied in detail, providing exciting clues on how their unique properties used to fight infections may benefit therapies against solid tumors. We provide an overview of CD8 TRM cells and the properties that make them of interest for vaccination and cancer therapies.

Differentiating Left Ventricular Remodeling in Aortic Stenosis From Systemic Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy occurs in both aortic stenosis (AS) and systemic hypertension (HTN) in response to wall stress. However, differentiation of hypertrophy due to these 2 etiologies is lacking. The aim was to study the 3-dimensional geometric remodeling pattern in severe AS pre- and postsurgical aortic valve replacement and to compare with HTN and healthy controls. METHODS: Ninety-one subjects (36 severe AS, 19 HTN, and 36 healthy controls) underwent cine cardiac magnetic resonance. Cardiac magnetic resonance was repeated 8 months post-aortic valve replacement (n=18). Principal component analysis was performed on the 3-dimensional meshes reconstructed from 109 cardiac magnetic resonance scans of 91 subjects at end-diastole. Principal component analysis modes were compared across experimental groups together with conventional metrics of shape, strain, and scar. RESULTS: A unique AS signature was identified by wall thickness linked to a LV left-right axis shift and a decrease in short-axis eccentricity. HTN was uniquely linked to increased septal thickness. Combining these 3 features had good discriminative ability between AS and HTN (area under the curve, 0.792). The LV left-right axis shift was not reversible post-aortic valve replacement, did not associate with strain, age, or sex, and was predictive of postoperative LV mass regression (R2=0.339, P=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Unique remodeling signatures might differentiate the etiology of LV hypertrophy. Preliminary findings suggest that LV axis shift is characteristic in AS, is not reversible post-aortic valve replacement, predicts mass regression, and may be interpreted to be an adaptive mechanism.

Structure of a fully assembled γδ T cell antigen receptor.

T cells in jawed vertebrates comprise two lineages, αß T cells and γδ T cells, defined by the antigen receptors they express-that is, αß and γδ T cell receptors (TCRs), respectively. The two lineages have different immunological roles, requiring that γδ TCRs recognize more structurally diverse ligands1. Nevertheless, the receptors use shared CD3 subunits to initiate signalling. Whereas the structural organization of αß TCRs is understood2,3, the architecture of γδ TCRs is unknown. Here, we used cryogenic electron microscopy to determine the structure of a fully assembled, MR1-reactive, human Vγ8Vδ3 TCR-CD3δγε2ζ2 complex bound by anti-CD3ε antibody Fab fragments4,5. The arrangement of CD3 subunits in γδ and αß TCRs is conserved and, although the transmembrane α-helices of the TCR-γδ and -αß subunits differ markedly in sequence, packing of the eight transmembrane-helix bundles is similar. However, in contrast to the apparently rigid αß TCR2,3,6, the γδ TCR exhibits considerable conformational heterogeneity owing to the ligand-binding TCR-γδ subunits being tethered to the CD3 subunits by their transmembrane regions only. Reducing this conformational heterogeneity by transfer of the Vγ8Vδ3 TCR variable domains to an αß TCR enhanced receptor signalling, suggesting that γδ TCR organization reflects a compromise between efficient signalling and the ability to engage structurally diverse ligands. Our findings reveal the marked structural plasticity of the TCR on evolutionary timescales, and recast it as a highly versatile receptor capable of initiating signalling as either a rigid or flexible structure.

Emotion Detection from EEG Signals Using Machine Deep Learning Models.

Detecting emotions is a growing field aiming to comprehend and interpret human emotions from various data sources, including text, voice, and physiological signals. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a unique and promising approach among these sources. EEG is a non-invasive monitoring technique that records the brain's electrical activity through electrodes placed on the scalp's surface. It is used in clinical and research contexts to explore how the human brain responds to emotions and cognitive stimuli. Recently, its use has gained interest in real-time emotion detection, offering a direct approach independent of facial expressions or voice. This is particularly useful in resource-limited scenarios, such as brain-computer interfaces supporting mental health. The objective of this work is to evaluate the classification of emotions (positive, negative, and neutral) in EEG signals using machine learning and deep learning, focusing on Graph Convolutional Neural Networks (GCNN), based on the analysis of critical attributes of the EEG signal (Differential Entropy (DE), Power Spectral Density (PSD), Differential Asymmetry (DASM), Rational Asymmetry (RASM), Asymmetry (ASM), Differential Causality (DCAU)). The electroencephalography dataset used in the research was the public SEED dataset (SJTU Emotion EEG Dataset), obtained through auditory and visual stimuli in segments from Chinese emotional movies. The experiment employed to evaluate the model results was "subject-dependent". In this method, the Deep Neural Network (DNN) achieved an accuracy of 86.08%, surpassing SVM, albeit with significant processing time due to the optimization characteristics inherent to the algorithm. The GCNN algorithm achieved an average accuracy of 89.97% in the subject-dependent experiment. This work contributes to emotion detection in EEG, emphasizing the effectiveness of different models and underscoring the importance of selecting appropriate features and the ethical use of these technologies in practical applications. The GCNN emerges as the most promising methodology for future research.

Tackling Neuroinflammation in Cognitive Disorders with Single-Targeted and Multi-Targeted Histamine H3 Receptor Modulators.

Neuroinflammation is a process involved in a variety of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and is being increasingly recognized as a key mediator of cognitive impairments. Neuroinflammatory responses including glial activation, increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, and aberrant neuronal signaling, contribute to cognitive dysfunctions. Histamine is a key peripheral inflammatory mediator, but plays an important role in neuroinflammatory processes as well. The unique localization of histamine H3 receptor (H3R) in the CNS along with the modulation of the release of other neurotransmitters via its action on heteroreceptors on non-histaminergic neurons have led to the development of several H3R ligands for various brain diseases. H3R antagonists/ inverse agonists have revealed potential to treat diverse neuroinflammatory CNS disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, attention-deficit hyperactivity syndrome and schizophrenia. In this mini review, we provide a brief overview on the crucial involvement of the histaminergic transmission in the neuroinflammatory processes underlying these cognitive disorders, with a special focus on H3R involvement. The anti-neuroinflammatory potential of single-targeted and multi-targeted H3R antagonists/inverse agonists for the treatment of these conditions is discussed here.

Comprehensive Review: Machine and Deep Learning in Brain Stroke Diagnosis.

Brain stroke, or a cerebrovascular accident, is a devastating medical condition that disrupts the blood supply to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Each year, according to the World Health Organization, 15 million people worldwide experience a stroke. This results in approximately 5 million deaths and another 5 million individuals suffering permanent disabilities. The complex interplay of various risk factors highlights the urgent need for sophisticated analytical methods to more accurately predict stroke risks and manage their outcomes. Machine learning and deep learning technologies offer promising solutions by analyzing extensive datasets including patient demographics, health records, and lifestyle choices to uncover patterns and predictors not easily discernible by humans. These technologies enable advanced data processing, analysis, and fusion techniques for a comprehensive health assessment. We conducted a comprehensive review of 25 review papers published between 2020 and 2024 on machine learning and deep learning applications in brain stroke diagnosis, focusing on classification, segmentation, and object detection. Furthermore, all these reviews explore the performance evaluation and validation of advanced sensor systems in these areas, enhancing predictive health monitoring and personalized care recommendations. Moreover, we also provide a collection of the most relevant datasets used in brain stroke analysis. The selection of the papers was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Furthermore, this review critically examines each domain, identifies current challenges, and proposes future research directions, emphasizing the potential of AI methods in transforming health monitoring and patient care.

Antihistamines H1 as Potential Anthelmintic Agents against the Zoonotic Parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Infections caused by parasitic helminths pose significant health concerns for both humans and animals. The limited efficacy of existing drugs underscores the urgent need for novel anthelmintic agents. Given the reported potential of antihistamines against various parasites, including worms, this study conducted a screening of clinically available antihistamines against Angiostrongylus cantonensis-a nematode with widespread implications for vertebrate hosts, including humans. Twenty-one anti-H1 antihistamines were screened against first-stage larvae (L1) of A. cantonensis obtained from the feces of infected rats. Standard anthelmintic drugs ivermectin and albendazole were employed for comparative analysis. The findings revealed four active compounds (promethazine, cinnarizine, desloratadine, and rupatadine), with promethazine demonstrating the highest potency (EC50 = 31.6 µM). Additionally, morphological analysis showed that antihistamines induced significant changes in larvae. To understand the mechanism of action, antimuscarinic activities were reported based on average pK i values for human muscarinic receptor (mAChR) subtypes of the evaluated compounds. Furthermore, an analysis of the physicochemical and pharmacodynamic properties of antihistamines revealed that their anthelmintic activity does not correlate with their activity at H1 receptors. This study marks the first documentation of antihistamines' activity against A. cantonensis, offering a valuable contribution to the quest for novel agents effective against zoonotic helminths.

Sarcoidosis-Like Reaction After Chemotherapy Mimicking Metastasis in a Patient With Two Synchronous Tumors: A Case Report.

Sarcoidosis presents a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse clinical manifestations and potential to mimic malignancies. We report a clinical case involving a 46-year-old woman diagnosed with localized synchronous ovarian and endometrial carcinomas treated with surgery. Following adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the patient developed suspicious pulmonary micronodules and lymphadenopathy observed in imaging studies, raising concerns about cancer recurrence. Histopathological analysis revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation without evidence of malignancy, leading to a diagnosis of a sarcoidosis-like reaction secondary to chemotherapy. Remarkably, these lesions resolved spontaneously without specific intervention. This case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex oncological presentations and underscores the significance of histopathological examination in distinguishing between malignancy and chemotherapy-induced sarcoidosis-like reactions.

Independência funcional e cognição em utentes de uma estrutura residencial para pessoas idosas / Functional independence and cognition in users of a residential facility for the elderly

Uma preocupação relacionada com o aumento da esperança de vida, é que a prevalência de doenças crónicas se traduza no declínio da capacidade cognitiva e independência da pessoa idosa, manifestando-se através do aumento da procura de serviços de saúde especializados. Objetivos: Avaliar o nível de independência funcional, estado de equilíbrio e o estado mental de utentes residentes numa Estrutura Residencial para Pessoas Idosas; Identificar as variáveis sociodemográficas, que interferem no nível de independência funcional, equilíbrio e estado mental de utentes residentes numa Estrutura Residencial para Pessoas Idosas; Identificar que variáveis clínicas influenciam o nível de independência funcional, equilíbrio e estado mental de utentes residentes numa Estrutura Residencial para Pessoas Idosas. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, transversal correlacional, com uma amostra de 66 utentes residentes numa Estrutura Residencial para Pessoas Idosas de um Estabelecimento Integrado no Instituto de Segurança Social da Madeira, IP-RAM. O instrumento de recolha de dados incluiu um questionário de caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica ad hoc, o Índice de Barthel, o Teste de Avaliação da Mobilidade e Equilíbrio Estático e Dinâmico (POMA I) e o Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Resultados: O perfil sociodemográfico dos participantes indica que um pouco mais de metade são homens, sendo que mais de metade da amostra tem dificuldades na sua mobilidade (54,0%), entre as quais prevalecem o desequilíbrio na marcha, a dor de joelhos e a dificuldade em andar por dor nos membros inferiores; Pouco mais de metade dos idosos (54,5%) não revelava défice cognitivo. As variáveis sociodemográficas em estudo não interferiram no equilíbrio dinâmico e estático, bem como no total da POMA (p>0,05). Conclusão: Os Enfermeiros Especialistas em Enfermagem de Reabilitação, assumem um papel relevante na população em estudo, através de planos de cuidados especializados que maximizem a funcionalidade do idoso, capacitando-o para uma maior autonomia e independência no autocuidado, potenciando, a sua qualidade de vida.

A concern related to increased life expectancy is that the prevalence of chronic diseases translates into a decline in the cognitive capacity and independence of the elderly, resulting in increased demand for specialized health services. Objectives: To assess the level of functional independence, state of balance and mental state of users residing in a Residential Facility for the Elderly; To identify the sociodemographic variables that interfere with the level of functional independence, balance and mental state of users residing in a Residential Facility for the Elderly; To identify which clinical variables influence the level of functional independence, balance and mental state of users residing in a Residential Facility for the Elderly. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional correlational study was carried out with a sample of 66 users living in a Residential Structure for the Elderly of an Integrated Establishment of the Social Security Institute of Madeira, IP-RAM. The data collection instrument included an ad hoc sociodemographic and clinical characterization questionnaire, the Barthel Index, the Static and Dynamic Mobility and Balance Assessment Test (POMA I) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: The sociodemographic profile of the participants indicates that just over half are men, and more than half of the sample has mobility difficulties (54.0%), among which gait imbalance, knee pain and difficulty walking due to pain in the lower limbs prevail; just over half of the elderly (54.5%) had no cognitive impairment. The sociodemographic variables under study did not interfere with dynamic and static balance, nor with the total POMA (p>0.05). Conclusion: Specialized Rehabilitation Nurses play an important role in the population under study, through specialized care plans that maximize the functionality of the elderly, enabling them to have greater autonomy and independence in self-care, thus enhancing their quality of life.

Impact of TNFRSF1B (rs3397, rs1061624 and rs1061622) and IL6 (rs1800796, rs1800797 and rs1554606) Gene Polymorphisms on Inflammatory Response in Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease Undergoing Dialysis.

We aimed to study the impact of polymorphisms in the genes encoding interleukin-6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2), reported to be mortality risk predictors, in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing dialysis. TNFRSF1B (rs3397, rs1061624, and rs1061622) and IL6 (rs1800796, rs1800797, and rs1554606) polymorphisms were studied in patients with ESKD and controls; the genotype and allele frequencies and the associations with inflammatory and erythropoiesis markers were determined; deaths were recorded throughout the following two years. The genotype and allele frequencies for the TNFRSF1B rs3397 polymorphism were different in these patients compared to those in the controls and the global and European populations, and patients with the C allele were less common. Patients with the CC genotype for TNFRSF1B rs3397 presented higher hemoglobin and erythrocyte counts and lower TNF-α levels, suggesting a more favorable inflammatory response that seems to be associated with erythropoiesis improvement. Patients with the GG genotype for TNFRSF1B rs1061622 showed lower serum ferritin levels. None of the TNFRSF1B (rs3397, rs1061624, and rs1061622) or IL6 (rs1800796, rs1800797, and rs1554606) polymorphisms had a significant impact on the all-cause mortality rate of Portuguese patients with ESKD.

Ketamine versus electroconvulsive therapy for major depressive episode: An updated systematic review and non-inferiority meta-analysis.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the comparative effectiveness of ketamine versus electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the treatment of major depressive episodes (MDEs). PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ketamine and ECT for MDE. The primary outcome was response rate, for which we prespecified a non-inferiority margin of -0.1, based on the largest and most recent RCT. Response was defined as a reduction of at least 50 % in the depression scale score. Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria, comprising 655 patients. In the overall population, ketamine was not non-inferior to ECT in response rate (RD -0.10; 95 % CI -0.26 to 0.05; p = 0.198; I2 = 72 %). The ECT group had a higher reduction in depression scores, but without difference in remission and relapse rates. Regarding safety outcomes, ketamine had better posttreatment cognition scores and reduced muscle pain rate compared with ECT, albeit with an increased rate of dissociative symptoms. In a subanalysis with only inpatients, ketamine was inferior to ECT in response rate (RD -0.15; 95 % CI -0.27 to -0.03; p = 0.014; I2 = 25 %), remission, and change in depression scores. These findings support the use of ECT over ketamine for inpatients. Further RCTs are warranted to clarify the comparative effect of these treatments for outpatients.

3D Models as a Source for Neuroanatomy Education: A Stepwise White Matter Dissection Using 3D Images and Photogrammetry Scans.

White matter dissection (WMD) involves isolating bundles of myelinated axons in the brain and serves to gain insights into brain function and neural mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. While effective, cadaveric brain dissections pose certain challenges mainly due to availability of resources. Technological advancements, such as photogrammetry, have the potential to overcome these limitations by creating detailed three-dimensional (3D) models for immersive learning experiences in neuroanatomy. This study aimed to provide a detailed step-by-step WMD captured using two-dimensional (2D) images and 3D models (via photogrammetry) to serve as a comprehensive guide for studying white matter tracts of the brain. One formalin-fixed brain specimen was utilized to perform the WMD. The brain was divided in a sagittal plane and both cerebral hemispheres were stored in a freezer at -20 °C for 10 days, then thawed under running water at room temperature. Micro-instruments under an operating microscope were used to perform a systematic lateral-to-medial and medial-to-lateral dissection, while 2D images were captured and 3D models were created through photogrammetry during each stage of the dissection. Dissection was performed with comprehensive examination of the location, main landmarks, connections, and functions of the white matter tracts of the brain. Furthermore, high-quality 3D models of the dissections were created and housed on SketchFab®, allowing for accessible and free of charge viewing for educational and research purposes. Our comprehensive dissection and 3D models have the potential to increase understanding of the intricate white matter anatomy and could provide an accessible platform for the teaching of neuroanatomy.

Therapeutic potential of LINS01 histamine H3 receptor antagonists as antineoplastic agents for triple negative breast cancer.

The aims of this work were to evaluate the expression of histamine H3 receptor (H3R) in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) samples and to investigate the antitumoral efficacy and safety of the LINS01 series of H3R antagonists, through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. Antitumor activity of LINS01009, LINS01010, LINS01022, LINS01023 was assayed in vitro in 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells (0.01-100 µM), and in vivo in 4T1 tumors orthotopically established in BALB/c mice (1 or 20 mg/kg). Additionally, H3R expression was assessed in 50 human TNBC samples. We have described a higher H3R mRNA expression in basal-like/TNBC tumors vs. matched normal tissue using TCGA Pan-Cancer Atlas data, and a higher H3R expression in human tumor samples vs. peritumoral tissue evidenced by immunohistochemistry associated with poorer survival. Furthermore, while all the essayed compounds showed antitumoral properties, LINS01022 and LINS01023 exhibited the most potent antiproliferative effects by: i) inducing cell apoptosis and suppressing cell migration in 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells, and ii) inhibiting cell growth in paclitaxel-resistant 4T1 cells (potentiating the paclitaxel antiproliferative effect). Moreover, 20 mg/kg LINS01022 reduced tumor size in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, exhibiting a safe toxicological profile and potential for druggability estimated by ADME calculations. We conclude that the H3R is involved in the regulation of TNBC progression, offering promising therapeutic potential for the novel LINS01 series of H3R antagonists.