Mid-pregnancy circulating cytokine levels, placental efficiency and their relationship with preterm birth.

Objective: To assess a panel of cytokines and placental insufficiency with the risk of preterm delivery (PTD). Methods: Nested case-control study into the BRISA birth cohort. Eighty-two mother-infant-placenta pairs were selected at 20+0 to 25+6 weeks. Circulating biomarker levels were performed using Luminex flowmetric xMAP technology. Cytokines classified as Th1, Th2 or Th17 and other biomarkers were selected. The ratio between birth weight and placental weight (BW/PW) was used as a proxy for placental efficiency. Spearman correlation, univariate analyses and logistic regression models were calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve. Results: Mean gestational age was 250 days, 14,6% were small for gestational age, 4,8% large for gestational age and 13,4% stunted. Placental efficiency was higher for term newborns (p<0,001), and 18/22 (81%) preterm biomarker values were higher than the control group. Th1 cytokines were highly correlated, while the weakest correlation was observed in other biomarkers. Less education was associated with a higher risk of PTD (p = 0.046), while there was no appreciable difference in the risk of PTD for placental insufficiency. Biomarkers showed negligible adjusted OR of PTD (0.90 to 1.02). IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, TNFß, IL-4, IL-13, GCSF, MIP1A, VEGF, EGF, and FGF2 presented a higher sensitivity ranging from 75.56% to 91.11%. Conclusion: IL-8, IL-12p40, IL-4, IL-13, GCSF, MIP1B, and GMSF in asymptomatic pregnant women were associated with PTD. This finding suggests an activation of maternal inflammatory response.

Reliability and Validity of Self-Reported Questionnaires Assessing Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Finland.

Reliable and valid data on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are needed for implementing evidence-based interventions and policies. Monitoring of these behaviors is based on PA questionnaires (PAQs) and device-based measurements, but their comparability is challenging. The present study aimed to investigate the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of Finnish versions of the widely used PAQs (IPAQ-SF, EHIS-PAQ, GPAQ, Eurobarometer) and to compare their data with accelerometer data. This study is based on the Finnish data of the European Union Physical Activity and Sport Monitoring project (EUPASMOS). Participants (n = 62 adults, 62% women) answered the PAQs twice, one week apart, and wore an accelerometer for these seven consecutive days. Intraclass correlations, Spearman's rank correlations, t-tests, and Cohen's kappa with bootstrap confidence intervals were used to analyze the data. The PAQs had typically moderate-to-good test-retest reliability (ICC 0.22-0.78), GPAQ, EHIS-PAQ, and Eurobarometer showing the highest reliability. The PAQs correlated with each other when assessing sitting and vigorous PA (R = 0.70-0.97) and had a fair-to-substantial agreement when analyzing adherence to the PA recommendations (74-97%, Cohen's kappa 0.25-0.73). All the PAQs had a poor criterion validity against the accelerometry data. The Finnish versions of the PAQs are moderately reliable and valid for assessing PA, adherence to PA recommendations and sitting among adult participants. However, the poor criterion validity against accelerometer data indicates that PAQs assess different aspects of PA constructs compared to accelerometry.

Memory complaint in a middle-income country: a four-year longitudinal study in a cohort with low-education.

BACKGROUND: Memory complaints are frequent in older adults and are associated with higher risk of cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the functional outcome of individuals with memory complaints followed up at primary care centers. METHODS: Data were collected between 2016 e 2020 in primary health care centers in Brazil. Patients underwent the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery, and the Functional Activities Questionnaire. RESULTS: The initial sample (2016) comprised 91 individuals classified into those with subjective cognitive decline (SCD, n = 15), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 45), or dementia (n = 31). During follow-up, 8 individuals (8.8% of the initial sample) died and 26 (28.5% of the initial sample) were not found. Fifty-seven participants underwent clinical reassessment. Of 15 individuals with SCD, 7 were not found (46.7%), 4 (26.7%) progressed to MCI, and 4 (26.7%) remained stable. Of 45 individuals with MCI, 11 were not found (24.4%), 2 (4.4%) died, 6 (13.4%) progressed to dementia, 12 (26.7%) regressed to SCD, and 14 (31.1%) remained stable. Of 31 individuals with dementia, 8 were not found (25.8%), 6 (19.4%) died, 2 (6.5%) regressed to SCD, 7 (22.6%) regressed to MCI, and 8 remained stable (25.8%). Clinical improvement was due to the treatment of reversible causes, such as B12 hypovitaminosis and mood disorders. Older age, lower Mini-Mental State Examination, and higher scores of memory complaint, but not the use of benzodiazepines and of proton pump inhibitors, were predictors of functional status. CONCLUSION: Despite their limits (short sample size, missing data), these results support the idea that adequate screening, follow-up, and treatment of reversible causes of dementia in primary care are essential.

ANTECEDENTES: Queixas de memória são frequentes em idosos e estão associadas ao maior risco de declínio cognitivo. OBJETIVO: Investigar o desfecho funcional de indivíduos com queixas de memória acompanhados em centros atenção primária. MéTODOS: Os dados foram coletados entre 2016 e 2020 em centros de atenção primária à saúde no Brasil. Os pacientes foram submetidos à Bateria Cognitiva Breve e ao Questionário de Atividades Funcionais. RESULTADOS: A amostra inicial (2016) foi composta por 91 indivíduos, classificados como tendo declínio cognitivo subjetivo (DCS, n = 15), comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL, n = 45), ou demência (n = 31). Durante o seguimento, 8 indivíduos (8,8% da amostra inicial) faleceram e 26 (28,5% da amostra inicial) não foram encontrados. Cinquenta e sete participantes foram submetidos à reavaliação clínica. Dos 15 indivíduos com DCS, 7 não foram encontrados (46,7%), 4 (26,7%) declinaram para CCL e 4 (26,7%) permaneceram estáveis. Dos 45 indivíduos com CCL, 11 não foram encontrados (24,4%), 2 (4,4%) morreram, 6 (13,4%) declinaram para demência, 12 (26,7%) evoluíram para DCS e 14 (31,1%) permaneceram estáveis. Dos 31 indivíduos com demência, 8 não foram encontrados, (25,8%), 6 (19,4%) morreram, 2 (6,5%) evoluíram para DCS e 7 (22,6%) para CCL; e 8 permaneceram estáveis (25,8%). A melhora clínica deveu-se ao tratamento de causas reversíveis, como hipovitaminose B12 e transtornos de humor. A idade avançada, a baixa pontuação no Mini-Exame do Estado Mental e os escores de queixa de memória mais altos, mas não o uso de benzodiazepínicos e inibidores da bomba de prótons, foram preditores de declínio funcional. CONCLUSãO: Apesar de suas limitações (amostra pequena, dados ausentes), esses resultados corroboram que a triagem adequada, o acompanhamento e o tratamento de causas reversíveis de demência na atenção primária são essenciais.

Hemodiafiltration versus Hemodialysis in End-Stage Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Rationale & Objective: The use of hemodiafiltration (HDF) as a kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has sparked a debate regarding its advantages over conventional hemodialysis (HD). The present study aims to shed light on this controversy by comparing mortality rates and cause-specific deaths between ESKD patients receiving HDF and those undergoing HD. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central on July 1, 2023. Setting & Participants: Adult patients with ESKD on regular KRT. Exposure: Studies with participants undergoing HDF. Outcomes: Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, deaths related to infections, and kidney transplant. We also evaluated the endpoints for deaths related to malignancy, myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmias, and sudden death. Analytical Approach: We included RCTs evaluating HDF versus HD. Crossover trials and studies with overlapping populations were excluded. Two authors independently extracted the data following predefined search criteria and quality assessment. The risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane's RoB2 tool. Results: We included 5 RCTs with 4,143 patients, of which 2,078 (50.1%) underwent HDF, whereas 2,065 (49.8%) were receiving HD. Overall, HDF was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-0.91; P < 0.001; I2 = 7%) and a lower risk of CV-related deaths (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.92; P = 0.007; I2 = 0%). The incidence of infection-related deaths was also significantly different between therapies (RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.50-0.95; P = 0.02; I2 = 26%). Limitations: In individual studies, the HDF groups achieved varying levels of convection volume. Conclusions: Compared with those undergoing HD, patients receiving HDF experienced a reduction in all-cause mortality, CV mortality, and infection-related mortality. These results provide compelling evidence supporting the use of HDF as a beneficial intervention in ESKD patients undergoing KRT. Registration: Registered at PROSPERO: CRD42023438362.

Correction: Meh et al. Reliability and Validity of Slovenian Versions of IPAQ-SF, GPAQ, and EHIS-PAQ for Assessing Physical Activity and Sedentarism of Adults. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 430.

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Ex-vivo systems for neuromodulation: A comparison of ex-vivo and in-vivo large animal nerve electrophysiology.

BACKGROUND: Little research exists on extending ex-vivo systems to large animal nerves, and to the best of our knowledge, there has yet to be a study comparing these against in-vivo data. This paper details the first ex-vivo system for large animal peripheral nerves to be compared with in-vivo results. NEW METHOD: Detailed ex-vivo and in-vivo closed-loop neuromodulation experiments were conducted on pig ulnar nerves. Temperatures from 20 °C to 37 °C were evaluated for the ex-vivo system. The data were analysed in the time and velocity domains, and a regression analysis established how evoked compound action potential amplitude and modal conduction velocity (CV) varied with temperature and time after explantation. MAIN RESULTS: Pig ulnar nerves were sustained ex-vivo up to 5 h post-explantation. CV distributions of ex-vivo and in-vivo data were compared, showing closer correspondence at 37 °C. Regression analysis results also demonstrated that modal CV and time since explantation were negatively correlated, whereas modal CV and temperature were positively correlated. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Previous ex-vivo systems were primarily aimed at small animal nerves, and we are not aware of an ex-vivo system to be directly compared with in-vivo data. This new approach provides a route to understand how ex-vivo systems for large animal nerves can be developed and compared with in-vivo data. CONCLUSION: The proposed ex-vivo system results were compared with those seen in-vivo, providing new insights into large animal nerve activity post-explantation. Such a system is crucial for complementing in-vivo experiments, maximising collected experimental data, and accelerating neural interface development.

Osmotic demyelination as a complication of hyponatremia correction: a systematic review / Desmielinização osmótica como complicação da correção de hiponatremia: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Background: Rapid correction of hyponatremia, especially when severe and chronic, can result in osmotic demyelination. The latest guideline for diagnosis and treatment of hyponatremia (2014) recommends a correction limit of 10 mEq/L/day. Our aim was to summarize published cases of osmotic demyelination to assess the adequacy of this recommendation. Method: Systematic review of case reports of osmotic demyelination. We included cases confirmed by imaging or pathology exam, in people over 18 years of age, published between 1997 and 2019, in English or Portuguese. Results: We evaluated 96 cases of osmotic demyelination, 58.3% female, with a mean age of 48.2 ± 12.9 years. Median admission serum sodium was 105 mEq/L and > 90% of patients had severe hyponatremia (<120 mEq/L). Reports of gastrointestinal tract disorders (38.5%), alcoholism (31.3%) and use of diuretics (27%) were common. Correction of hyponatremia was performed mainly with isotonic (46.9%) or hypertonic (33.7%) saline solution. Correction of associated hypokalemia occurred in 18.8%. In 66.6% of cases there was correction of natremia above 10 mEq/L on the first day of hospitalization; the rate was not reported in 22.9% and in only 10.4% was it less than 10 mEq/L/day. Conclusion: The development of osmotic demyelination was predominant in women under 50 years of age, with severe hyponatremia and rapid correction. In 10.4% of cases, there was demyelination even with correction <10 mEq/L/day. These data reinforce the need for conservative targets for high-risk patients, such as 4-6 mEq/L/day, not exceeding the limit of 8 mEq/L/day.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A correção rápida da hiponatremia, principalmente quando grave e crônica, pode resultar em desmielinização osmótica. A última diretriz para diagnóstico e tratamento da hiponatremia (2014) recomenda um limite de correção de 10 mEq/L/dia. Nosso objetivo foi sumarizar os casos publicados de desmielinização osmótica para avaliar a adequação dessa recomendação. Método: Revisão sistemática de relatos de caso de desmielinização osmótica. Incluímos casos confirmados por imagem ou anatomia patológica, em maiores de 18 anos, publicados entre 1997 e 2019, nas línguas inglesa ou portuguesa. Resultados: Avaliamos 96 casos de desmielinização osmótica, sendo 58,3% do sexo feminino e com média de idade de 48,2 ± 12,9 anos. A mediana de sódio sérico admissional foi 105 mEq/L e > 90% dos pacientes apresentavam hiponatremia grave (<120 mEq/L). Foram comuns os relatos de distúrbios do trato gastrointestinal (38,5%), etilismo (31,3%) e uso de diuréticos (27%). A correção da hiponatremia foi feita principalmente com solução salina isotônica (46,9%) ou hipertônica (33,7%). Correção de hipocalemia associada ocorreu em 18,8%. Em 66,6% dos casos houve correção da natremia acima de 10 mEq/L no primeiro dia de internamento; a velocidade não foi relatada em 22,9% e em apenas 10,4% foi menor que 10 mEq/L/dia. Conclusão: O desenvolvimento da desmielinização osmótica foi predominante em mulheres, abaixo de 50 anos, com hiponatremia grave e correção rápida. Em 10,4% dos casos, houve desmielinização mesmo com correção <10 mEq/L/dia. Esses dados reforçam a necessidade de alvos conservadores para pacientes de alto risco, como 4-6 mEq/L/dia, não ultrapassando o limite de 8 mEq/L/dia.

Case fatality rate among COVID-19 patients treated with acute kidney replacement therapy / Letalidade entre pacientes com injúria renal aguda por COVID-19 tratados com suporte renal artificial

Abstract Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of severe COVID-19 and is associated with high case fatality rate (CFR). However, there is scarcity of data referring to the CFR of AKI patients that underwent kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in Brazil. The main objective of this study was to describe the CFR of critically ill COVID-19 patients treated with acute kidney replacement therapy (AKRT). Methods: Retrospective descriptive cohort study. We included all patients treated with AKRT at an intensive care unit in a single tertiary hospital over a 15-month period. We excluded patients under the age of 18 years, patients with chronic kidney disease on maintenance dialysis, and cases in which AKI preceded COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 100 out of 1479 (6.7%) hospitalized COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 74.5 years (IQR 64 - 82) and 59% were male. Hypertension (76%) and diabetes mellitus (56%) were common. At the first KRT prescription, 85% of the patients were on invasive mechanical ventilation and 71% were using vasoactive drugs. Continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was the preferred KRT modality (82%). CFR was 93% and 81 out of 93 deaths (87%) occurred within the first 10 days of KRT onset. Conclusion: AKRT in hospitalized COVID-19 patients resulted in a CFR of 93%. Patients treated with AKRT were typically older, critically ill, and most died within 10 days of diagnosis. Better strategies to address this issue are urgently needed.

Resumo Introdução: Injúria renal aguda (IRA) é uma complicação frequente da COVID-19 grave e está associada a alta taxa de letalidade (TL). Entretanto, há escassez de dados referentes à TL de pacientes com IRA submetidos a suporte renal artificial (SRA) no Brasil. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi descrever a TL de pacientes graves com IRA por COVID-19 tratados com SRA. Métodos: Estudo de coorte descritivo retrospectivo. Incluímos todos os pacientes tratados com SRA em unidade de terapia intensiva de um único hospital terciário por 15 meses. Excluímos pacientes menores de 18 anos, pacientes com doença renal crônica em diálise de manutenção e casos nos quais a IRA precedeu a infeção por COVID-19. Resultados: Incluímos neste estudo um total de 100 dos 1479 (6,7%) pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19. A mediana de idade foi 74,5 anos (IIQ 64 - 82) e 59% eram homens. Hipertensão (76%) e diabetes mellitus (56%) foram comuns. Na primeira prescrição de SRA, 85% dos pacientes estavam em ventilação mecânica invasiva e 71% em uso de drogas vasoativas. A hemodiafiltração contínua foi a modalidade de SRA preferida (82%). A TL foi de 93% e 81 dos 93 óbitos (87%) ocorreram nos primeiros 10 dias do início da SRA. Conclusão: O SRA em pacientes hospi­talizados com IRA por COVID-19 resultou em TL de 93%. Os pacientes tratados com SRA eram geralmente idosos, gravemente enfermos e a maioria foi a óbito em até 10 dias após o diagnóstico. Estratégias melhores para abordar esse problema são urgentemente necessárias.

Osmotic demyelination as a complication of hyponatremia correction: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Rapid correction of hyponatremia, especially when severe and chronic, can result in osmotic demyelination. The latest guideline for diagnosis and treatment of hyponatremia (2014) recommends a correction limit of 10 mEq/L/day. Our aim was to summarize published cases of osmotic demyelination to assess the adequacy of this recommendation. METHOD: Systematic review of case reports of osmotic demyelination. We included cases confirmed by imaging or pathology exam, in people over 18 years of age, published between 1997 and 2019, in English or Portuguese. RESULTS: We evaluated 96 cases of osmotic demyelination, 58.3% female, with a mean age of 48.2 ± 12.9 years. Median admission serum sodium was 105 mEq/L and > 90% of patients had severe hyponatremia (<120 mEq/L). Reports of gastrointestinal tract disorders (38.5%), alcoholism (31.3%) and use of diuretics (27%) were common. Correction of hyponatremia was performed mainly with isotonic (46.9%) or hypertonic (33.7%) saline solution. Correction of associated hypokalemia occurred in 18.8%. In 66.6% of cases there was correction of natremia above 10 mEq/L on the first day of hospitalization; the rate was not reported in 22.9% and in only 10.4% was it less than 10 mEq/L/day. CONCLUSION: The development of osmotic demyelination was predominant in women under 50 years of age, with severe hyponatremia and rapid correction. In 10.4% of cases, there was demyelination even with correction <10 mEq/L/day. These data reinforce the need for conservative targets for high-risk patients, such as 4-6 mEq/L/day, not exceeding the limit of 8 mEq/L/day.

Case fatality rate among COVID-19 patients treated with acute kidney replacement therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of severe COVID-19 and is associated with high case fatality rate (CFR). However, there is scarcity of data referring to the CFR of AKI patients that underwent kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in Brazil. The main objective of this study was to describe the CFR of critically ill COVID-19 patients treated with acute kidney replacement therapy (AKRT). METHODS: Retrospective descriptive cohort study. We included all patients treated with AKRT at an intensive care unit in a single tertiary hospital over a 15-month period. We excluded patients under the age of 18 years, patients with chronic kidney disease on maintenance dialysis, and cases in which AKI preceded COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: A total of 100 out of 1479 (6.7%) hospitalized COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 74.5 years (IQR 64 - 82) and 59% were male. Hypertension (76%) and diabetes mellitus (56%) were common. At the first KRT prescription, 85% of the patients were on invasive mechanical ventilation and 71% were using vasoactive drugs. Continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was the preferred KRT modality (82%). CFR was 93% and 81 out of 93 deaths (87%) occurred within the first 10 days of KRT onset. CONCLUSION: AKRT in hospitalized COVID-19 patients resulted in a CFR of 93%. Patients treated with AKRT were typically older, critically ill, and most died within 10 days of diagnosis. Better strategies to address this issue are urgently needed.

Clinical, Echocardiographic, and Longitudinal Characteristics Associated With Heart Failure With Improved Ejection Fraction.

Heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF) has better outcomes than HF with reduced EF (HFrEF). However, factors contributing to HFimpEF remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate clinical and longitudinal characteristics associated with subsequent HFimpEF. This was a single-center retrospective HFrEF cohort study. Data were collected from 2014 to 2022. Patients with HFrEF were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes, echocardiographic data, and natriuretic peptide levels. The main end points were HFimpEF (defined as EF >40% at ≥3 months with ≥10% increase) and mortality. Cox proportional hazards and mixed effects models were used for analyses. The study included 1,307 patients with HFrEF with a median follow-up of 16.3 months (interquartile range 8.0 to 30.6). The median age was 65 years; 68% were male whereas 57% were White. On follow-up, 38.7% (n = 506) developed HFimpEF, whereas 61.3% (n = 801) had persistent HFrEF. A multivariate Cox regression model identified gender, race, co-morbidities, echocardiographic, and natriuretic peptide as significant covariates of HFimpEF (p <0.05). The HFimpEF group had better survival compared with the persistent HFrEF group (p <0.001). Echocardiographic and laboratory trajectories differed between groups. In this HFrEF cohort, 38.7% transitioned to HFimpEF and approximately 50% met the definition within the first 12 months. In a HFimpEF model, gender, co-morbidities, echocardiographic parameters, and natriuretic peptide were associated with subsequent HFimpEF. The model has the potential to identify patients at risk of subsequent persistent or improved HFrEF, thus informing the design and implementation of targeted quality-of-care improvement interventions.

Group B Streptococcus colonization prevalence and susceptibility profile in pregnant women in the Brazilian Amazon / Prevalência e perfil de suscetibilidade da colonização por Streptococcus do grupo B em gestantes da Amazônia Brasileira

Abstract Objectives: to assess the prevalence and epidemiological factors associated with group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in pregnant women in Porto Velho City, Rondônia. Methods: GBS was identified and isolated by genotypic and microbiological methods from rectovaginal samples of pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. Epidemiological data were collected using questionnaires and their correlation with colonization was assessed. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile was determined by disk diffusion method. Results: a total of 22.5% (102/453) pregnant women were colonized with GBS. A higher level of colonization was observed at the vaginal tract (17.6%), compared to the rectal area. We did not find any sociodemographic or obstetric factors associated with an increased risk of GBS colonization. All strains were susceptible to antibiotics penicillin, ampicillin, cefazolin, and ceftriaxone. In contrast, the rates of resistance to tetracycline (74.1%), erythromycin (14.1%), and clindamycin (3.5%) were observed. Conclusion: the prevalence of GBS as well as the absence of predictors of colonization demonstrated the need for universal screening for GBS in all pregnant women in the region. In addition, we showed that the first-line antibiotics recommended for prophylaxis are still good options for the prevention of neonatal GBS disease in the region.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a prevalência e os fatores epidemiológicos associados à colonização por Streptococcus do grupo B (GBS) em gestantes na cidade de Porto Velho, Rondônia. Métodos: GBS foi identificado e isolado por métodos genotípicos e microbiológicos a partir de amostras retovaginais de grávidas com 35-37 semanas de gestação. Os dados epidemiológicos foram coletados através de questionários e sua correlação com a presença de colonização foi avaliada. O perfil de susceptibilidade antimicrobiana foi determinado pelo método de disco-difusão. Resultado: um total de 22.5% (102/453) gestantes foram colonizadas por GBS. Um nível mais alto de colonização foi observado no sítio vaginal (17.6%) em comparação ao sítio retal. Não encontramos nenhum fator sociodemográfico ou obstétrico associado a um risco aumentado de colonização por GBS. Todas as amostras foram suscetíveis aos antibióticos penicilina, ampicilina, cefazolina e ceftriaxona. Em contraste, as taxas de resistência à tetraciclina (74.1%), eritromicina (14.1%) e clindamicina (3.5%) foram observadas. Conclusões: a prevalência de GBS, bem como a ausência de preditores de colonização, demonstraram a necessidade de triagem universal para GBS em todas as gestantes da região. Além disso, mostramos que os antimicrobianos de primeira linha recomendados para profilaxia são boas opções para a prevenção da doença GBS neonatal na região.

Mid-pregnancy circulating cytokine levels, placental efficiency and their relationship with preterm birth

Abstract Objective To assess a panel of cytokines and placental insufficiency with the risk of preterm delivery (PTD). Methods Nested case-control study into the BRISA birth cohort. Eighty-two mother-infant-placenta pairs were selected at 20+0 to 25+6 weeks. Circulating biomarker levels were performed using Luminex flowmetric xMAP technology. Cytokines classified as Th1, Th2 or Th17 and other biomarkers were selected. The ratio between birth weight and placental weight (BW/PW) was used as a proxy for placental efficiency. Spearman correlation, univariate analyses and logistic regression models were calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve. Results Mean gestational age was 250 days, 14,6% were small for gestational age, 4,8% large for gestational age and 13,4% stunted. Placental efficiency was higher for term newborns (p<0,001), and 18/22 (81%) preterm biomarker values were higher than the control group. Th1 cytokines were highly correlated, while the weakest correlation was observed in other biomarkers. Less education was associated with a higher risk of PTD (p = 0.046), while there was no appreciable difference in the risk of PTD for placental insufficiency. Biomarkers showed negligible adjusted OR of PTD (0.90 to 1.02). IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNFβ, IL-4, IL-13, GCSF, MIP1A, VEGF, EGF, and FGF2 presented a higher sensitivity ranging from 75.56% to 91.11%. Conclusion IL-8, IL-12p40, IL-4, IL-13, GCSF, MIP1B, and GMSF in asymptomatic pregnant women were associated with PTD. This finding suggests an activation of maternal inflammatory response.

Memory complaint in a middle-income country: a four-year longitudinal study in a cohort with low-education / Queixa de memória na comunidade em um país de renda média: um estudo longitudinal de quatro anos em uma coorte de baixa escolaridade

Abstract Background Memory complaints are frequent in older adults and are associated with higher risk of cognitive decline. Objective To investigate the functional outcome of individuals with memory complaints followed up at primary care centers. Methods Data were collected between 2016 e 2020 in primary health care centers in Brazil. Patients underwent the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery, and the Functional Activities Questionnaire. Results The initial sample (2016) comprised 91 individuals classified into those with subjective cognitive decline (SCD, n = 15), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 45), or dementia (n = 31). During follow-up, 8 individuals (8.8% of the initial sample) died and 26 (28.5% of the initial sample) were not found. Fifty-seven participants underwent clinical reassessment. Of 15 individuals with SCD, 7 were not found (46.7%), 4 (26.7%) progressed to MCI, and 4 (26.7%) remained stable. Of 45 individuals with MCI, 11 were not found (24.4%), 2 (4.4%) died, 6 (13.4%) progressed to dementia, 12 (26.7%) regressed to SCD, and 14 (31.1%) remained stable. Of 31 individuals with dementia, 8 were not found (25.8%), 6 (19.4%) died, 2 (6.5%) regressed to SCD, 7 (22.6%) regressed to MCI, and 8 remained stable (25.8%). Clinical improvement was due to the treatment of reversible causes, such as B12 hypovitaminosis and mood disorders. Older age, lower Mini-Mental State Examination, and higher scores of memory complaint, but not the use of benzodiazepines and of proton pump inhibitors, were predictors of functional status. Conclusion Despite their limits (short sample size, missing data), these results support the idea that adequate screening, follow-up, and treatment of reversible causes of dementia in primary care are essential.

Resumo Antecedentes Queixas de memória são frequentes em idosos e estão associadas ao maior risco de declínio cognitivo. Objetivo Investigar o desfecho funcional de indivíduos com queixas de memória acompanhados em centros atenção primária. Métodos Os dados foram coletados entre 2016 e 2020 em centros de atenção primária à saúde no Brasil. Os pacientes foram submetidos à Bateria Cognitiva Breve e ao Questionário de Atividades Funcionais. Resultados A amostra inicial (2016) foi composta por 91 indivíduos, classificados como tendo declínio cognitivo subjetivo (DCS, n = 15), comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL, n = 45), ou demência (n = 31). Durante o seguimento, 8 indivíduos (8,8% da amostra inicial) faleceram e 26 (28,5% da amostra inicial) não foram encontrados. Cinquenta e sete participantes foram submetidos à reavaliação clínica. Dos 15 indivíduos com DCS, 7 não foram encontrados (46,7%), 4 (26,7%) declinaram para CCL e 4 (26,7%) permaneceram estáveis. Dos 45 indivíduos com CCL, 11 não foram encontrados (24,4%), 2 (4,4%) morreram, 6 (13,4%) declinaram para demência, 12 (26,7%) evoluíram para DCS e 14 (31,1%) permaneceram estáveis. Dos 31 indivíduos com demência, 8 não foram encontrados, (25,8%), 6 (19,4%) morreram, 2 (6,5%) evoluíram para DCS e 7 (22,6%) para CCL; e 8 permaneceram estáveis (25,8%). A melhora clínica deveu-se ao tratamento de causas reversíveis, como hipovitaminose B12 e transtornos de humor. A idade avançada, a baixa pontuação no Mini-Exame do Estado Mental e os escores de queixa de memória mais altos, mas não o uso de benzodiazepínicos e inibidores da bomba de prótons, foram preditores de declínio funcional. Conclusão Apesar de suas limitações (amostra pequena, dados ausentes), esses resultados corroboram que a triagem adequada, o acompanhamento e o tratamento de causas reversíveis de demência na atenção primária são essenciais.

Denoising and decoding spontaneous vagus nerve recordings with machine learning.

Neural interfaces that electrically stimulate the peripheral nervous system have been shown to successfully improve symptom management for several conditions, such as epilepsy and depression. A crucial part for closing the loop and improving the efficacy of implantable neuromodulation devices is the efficient extraction of meaningful information from nerve recordings, which can have a low Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) and non-stationary noise. In recent years, machine learning (ML) models have shown outstanding performance in regression and classification problems, but it is often unclear how to translate and assess these for novel tasks in biomedical engineering. This paper aims to adapt existing ML algorithms to carry out unsupervised denoising of neural recordings instead. This is achieved by applying bandpass filtering and two novel ML algorithms to in-vivo spontaneous, low-SNR vagus nerve recordings. The performance of each approach is compared using the task of extracting respiratory afferent activity and validated using cross-correlation, MSE, and accuracy in terms of extracting the true respiratory rate. A variational autoencoder (VAE) model in particular produces results that show better correlation with respiratory activity compared to bandpass filtering, highlighting that these models have the potential to preserve relevant features in complex neural recordings.

Normocephalic Children Exposed to Maternal Zika Virus Infection Do Not Have a Higher Risk of Neurodevelopmental Abnormalities around 24 Months of Age than Unexposed Children: A Controlled Study.

Although very few controlled studies are available, in utero Zika virus (ZIKV)-exposed children are considered at risk for neurodevelopmental abnormalities. We aimed to identify whether there is an excess risk of abnormalities in non-microcephalic children born to mothers with confirmed ZIKV infection compared with ZIKV-unexposed children from the same population. In a cross-sectional study nested in two larger cohorts, we compared 324 ZIKV-exposed children with 984 unexposed controls. Outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Screening Test III applied around 24 months of age. Relative risks for classifying children as emergent or at-risk for neurodevelopmental delay in at least one of five domains were calculated, adjusting for covariates. In four of the five domains, few children were classified as emergent (4-12%) or at-risk (0.3-2.16%) but for the expressive communication domain it was higher for emergent (19.1-42.9%). ZIKV-exposed children were half as frequently classified as emergent, including after adjusting for covariates [RR = 0.52 (CI 95% 0.40; 0.66)]. However, no difference was detected in the at-risk category [RR = 0.83 (CI 95% 0.48; 1.44)]. Normocephalic children exposed to the Zika virus during pregnancy do not have a higher risk of being classified as at risk for neurodevelopmental abnormalities at two years of age.

Clinical, Echocardiographic, and Longitudinal Characteristics Associated with Heart Failure with Improved Ejection Fraction.

Background: Heart failure (HF) with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF) has better outcomes than HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, factors contributing to HFimpEF remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate clinical and longitudinal characteristics associated with subsequent HFimpEF. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective HFrEF cohort study. Data were collected from 2014 to 2022. Patients with HFrEF were identified using ICD codes, echocardiographic data, and natriuretic peptide levels. The main endpoints were HFimpEF (defined as ejection fraction >40% at ≥3 months with ≥10% increase) and mortality. Cox proportional hazards and mixed effects models were used for analyses. Results: The study included 1307 HFrEF patients with a median follow-up of 16.3 months (IQR 8.0-30.6). The median age was 65 years; 68% were male while 57% were white. On follow-up, 39% (n=506) developed HFimpEF, while 61% (n=801) had persistent HFrEF. A multivariate Cox regression model identified sex, race comorbidities, echocardiographic, and natriuretic peptide as significant covariates of HFimpEF ( p <0.05). The HFimpEF group had better survival compared to the persistent HFrEF group ( p <0.001). Echocardiographic and laboratory trajectories differed between groups. Conclusion: In this HFrEF cohort, 39% transitioned to HFimpEF and approximately 50% met the definition within the first 12 months. In a HFimpEF model, sex, comorbidities, echocardiographic parameters, and natriuretic peptide were associated with subsequent HFimpEF. The model has the potential to identify patients at risk of subsequent persistent or improved HFrEF, thus informing the design and implementation of targeted quality-of-care improvement interventions.