Changes in cerebral autoregulation and vasoreactivity after surgical aortic valve replacement: a prospective study.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? How are dynamic cerebral autoregulation and brain vasoreactivity influenced by severe aortic stenosis and its surgical treatment? What are the main findings and their importance? Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is preserved in the long term in patients with severe aortic stenosis and does not change after surgical aortic valve replacement. However, carbon dioxide vasoreactivity is impaired in these patients. ABSTRACT: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) alters the natural course of severe aortic stenosis (AS). In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of the disease on dynamic cerebral autoregulation and vasoreactivity (VR) and to assess their changes after SAVR. We recruited 23 patients diagnosed with severe AS eligible for SAVR and 15 healthy matched controls. AS patients had lower mean VR to CO2 (P = 0.005) than controls, but dynamic cerebral autoregulation was preserved. Cerebral haemodynamics showed no significant change after SAVR. Patients with smaller baseline aortic valve areas presented with smaller low frequency phase changes after surgery (P = 0.016). Severe AS does not seem to impact dynamic cerebral autoregulation but does reduce VR to CO2 . SAVR does not alter cerebral autoregulation nor vasoreactivity.

Alternative Controlling Agent of Theobroma grandiflorum Pests: Nanoscale Surface and Fractal Analysis of Gelatin/PCL Loaded Particles Containing Lippia origanoides Essential Oil.

A new systematic structural study was performed using the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) reporting statistical parameters of polymeric particles based on gelatin and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) containing essential oil from Lippia origanoides. The developed biocides are efficient alternative controlling agents of Conotrachelus humeropictus and Moniliophtora perniciosa, the main pests of Theobroma grandiflorum. Our results showed that the particles morphology can be successfully controlled by advanced stereometric parameters, pointing to an appropriate concentration of encapsulated essential oil according to the particle surface characteristics. For this reason, the absolute concentration of 1000 µg·mL-1 (P1000 system) was encapsulated, resulting in the most suitable surface microtexture, allowing a faster and more efficient essential oil release. Loaded particles presented zeta potential around (-54.3 ± 2.3) mV at pH = 8, and particle size distribution ranging from 113 to 442 nm. The hydrodynamic diameter of 90% of the particle population was found to be up to (405 ± 31) nm in the P1000 system. The essential oil release was evaluated up to 80 h, with maximum release concentrations of 63% and 95% for P500 and P1000, respectively. The best fit for the release profiles was obtained using the Korsmeyer-Peppas mathematical model. Loaded particles resulted in 100% mortality of C. humeropictus up to 48 h. The antifungal tests against M. perniciosa resulted in a minimum inhibitory concentration of 250 µg·mL-1, and the P1000 system produced growth inhibition up to 7 days. The developed system has potential as alternative controlling agent, due to its physical stability, particle surface microtexture, as well as pronounced bioactivity of the encapsulated essential oil.

Pulsatile Controlled Release and Stability Evaluation of Polymeric Particles Containing Piper nigrum Essential Oil and Preservatives.

Considerable efforts have been spent on environmentally friendly particles for the encapsulation of essential oils. Polymeric particles were developed to encapsulate the essential oil from Piper nigrum based on gelatin and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) carriers. Gas Chromatography ((Flame Ionization Detection (GC/FID) and Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy were used for the full colloidal system characterization. The essential oil was mainly composed of ß-caryophyllene (~35%). The stability of the encapsulated systems was evaluated by Encapsulation Efficiency (EE%), electrical conductivity, turbidity, pH, and organoleptic properties (color and odor) after adding different preservatives. The mixture of phenoxyethanol/isotialzoni-3-one (PNE system) resulted in enhanced stability of approximately 120 and 210 days under constant handling and shelf-life tests, respectively. The developed polymeric system presented a similar controlled release in acidic, neutral, or basic pH, and the release curves suggested a pulsatile release mechanism due to a complexation of essential oil in the PCL matrix. Our results showed that the developed system has potential as an alternative stable product and as a controlling agent, due to the pronounced bioactivity of the encapsulated essential oil.

Three-Dimensional Nanoscale Morphological Surface Analysis of Polymeric Particles Containing Allium sativum Essential Oil.

Biodegradable particles were developed using poly-ε-caprolactone and gelatin carriers containing different concentrations of Allium sativum essential oil (EO) (360 µg/mL, 420 µg/mL, and 460 µg/mL). Atomic force microscopy was useful to evaluate the particles' surface based on morphological parameters. The particles' size varied from 150 nm to 300 nm. The diameter was related to the increase of the particles' height as a function of the EO concentration, influencing the roughness of the surface core values (from 20 to 30 nm) and surface irregularity. The spatial parameters Str (texture aspect ratio) and Std (texture direction) revealed low spatial frequency components. The hybrid parameters Sdq (root mean square gradient) and Sdr (interfacial area ratio) also increased as a function of the EO concentration, revealing fewer flat particles. On the other hand, the functional parameters (inverse areal material ratio and peak extreme height) suggested differences in surface irregularities. Higher concentrations of EO resulted in greater microtexture asperity on the particles' surface, as well as sharper peaks. The nanoscale morphological surface analysis allowed the determination of the most appropriate concentration of encapsulated EO, influencing statistical surface parameters.

Metabolic active tumour volume quantified on [18F]FDG PET/CT further stratifies TNM stage IV non-small cell lung cancer patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess whether the whole body metabolic active tumour volume (MTVWB), quantified on staging [18F]FDG PET/CT, could further stratify stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. METHODS: A group of 160 stage IV NSCLC patients, submitted to staging [18F]FDG PET/CT between July 2010 and May 2020, were retrospectively evaluated. MTVWB was quantified. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were carried out to assess correlation with overall survival (OS). C-statistic was used to test predictive power. Kaplan-Meier survival curves with Log-Rank tests were performed to compute statistical differences between strata from dichotomized variables and to calculate the estimated mean survival times (EMST). Survival rates at 1 and 5 years were calculated. RESULTS: MTVWB was a statistically significant predictor of OS on univariate (p < 0.0001) and multivariate analyses (p < 0.0001). The multivariate model with MTVWB (Cindex ± SE = 0.657 ± 0.024) worked significantly better as an OS predictor than the cTNM model (Cindex ± SE = 0.544 ± 0.028) (p = 0.003). An EMST of 29.207 ± 3.627(95% CI 22.099-36.316) months and an EMST of 10.904 ± 1.171(95% CI 8.609-13.199) months (Log-Rank p < 0.0001) were determined for patients with MTVWB < 104.3 and MTVWB ≥ 104.3, respectively. In subsamples of stage IVA (cut-off point = 114.5) and IVB patients (cut-off point = 191.1), statistically significant differences between EMST were also reported, with p-values of 0.0001 and 0.0002, respectively. In both substages and in the entire cohort, patients with MTVWB ≥ cut-off points had lower EMST and survival rates. CONCLUSION: Baseline MTVWB, measured on staging [18F]FDG PET/CT, further stratifies stage IV NSCLC patients. This parameter is an independent predictor of OS and provides valuable prognostic information over the 8th edition of cTNM staging.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A nationwide Portuguese clinical epidemiological study.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare disorder in which astrocyte damage and/or demyelination often cause severe neurological deficits. OBJECTIVE: To identify Portuguese patients with NMOSD and assess their epidemiological/clinical characteristics. METHODS: This was a nationwide multicenter study. Twenty-four Portuguese adult and 3 neuropediatric centers following NMOSD patients were included. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients met the 2015 Wingerchuk NMOSD criteria, 77 were AQP4-antibody positive (Abs+), 67 MOG-Abs+, and 36 seronegative. Point prevalence on December 31, 2018 was 1.71/100,000 for NMOSD, 0.71/100,000 for AQP4-Abs+, 0.65/100,000 for MOG-Abs+, and 0.35/100,000 for seronegative NMOSD. A total of 44 new NMOSD cases were identified during the two-year study period (11 AQP4-Abs+, 27 MOG-Abs+, and 6 seronegative). The annual incidence rate in that period was 0.21/100,000 person-years for NMOSD, 0.05/100,000 for AQP4-Abs+, 0.13/100,000 for MOG-Abs+, and 0.03/100,000 for seronegative NMOSD. AQP4-Abs+ predominated in females and was associated with autoimmune disorders. Frequently presented with myelitis. Area postrema syndrome was exclusive of this subtype, and associated with higher morbidity/mortality than other forms of NMOSD. MOG-Ab+ more often presented with optic neuritis, required less immunosuppression, and had better outcome. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological/clinical NMOSD profiles in the Portuguese population are similar to other European countries.

Defining the prodromal phase of multiple sclerosis based on healthcare access in a Portuguese population - ProdMS study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. Prodromal symptoms and higher healthcare use have been suggested in patients who later develop MS. OBJECTIVES: Assess the healthcare utilization pattern of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients in the five years prior to MS diagnosis. METHODS: Retrospective, multicentric study. Demographic and clinical data, drug prescriptions and diagnostic tests were collected from electronic health records five-years previous to MS diagnosis and compared with national data. RESULTS: Included 168 patients, 112 (66.7%) female, median age 34±11 years. The mean number of healthcare use per patient per year was 3.14±2,69, most of them in primary healthcare (47%). Most frequent symptoms were musculoskeletal (22%), gastrointestinal (17%), sensitive (14%) and sensory organs (14%). Median number of diagnostic tests per patient was 6 (IQR 7), and drug prescriptions per patient was 6 (IQR 9). Most frequently prescribed drugs were analgesic/anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and anxiolytics and there was a high request rate of MRIs. CONCLUSION: RRMS patients had a high frequency of healthcare utilization when compared to national data. This supports the current evidence showing a prodromal phase in MS.

Natural history of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in a long-lasting cohort from a tertiary MS centre in Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Several disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have emerged in the last two decades for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The increasing use of these therapies has enhanced the need to study its impact on long-term disease progression and on the natural history of MS. This study aimed to characterize a Portuguese MS patient cohort in what concerns the natural history of disease by exploring differences throughout 3 decades. METHODS: Longitudinal, retrospective, non-interventional study. Patients aged ≥ 18 years old, with confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), were included. Biodemographic and clinical characteristics (MS diagnosis, patient follow-up, relapses, treatment, and exams) were assessed and compared according to the first appointment date throughout 10-year spans (1987-1996; 1997-2006; 2007-2016). RESULTS: 548 patients were included in this analysis. Significant differences were observed between decades for evoked potential (EP) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exams conducted at diagnosis, the first with less expression on the last decade; the median number of relapses per year (higher in the subgroup 07-16); EDSS at baseline and at last appointment (both higher in the subgroup 87-96); and the percentage of patients achieving EDSS 3.0 and EDSS 6.0 (increased in the subgroup 87-96). Additionally, time from diagnosis to first treatment was significantly lower in patients from the most recent decade, and a greater percentage of such patients, compared to the other two subgroups, was, at last appointment, under a second line DMT. CONCLUSION: In general, our study reflects findings from longitudinal studies on MS progression already published in the literature. In recent years, the growing number of more effective DMTs, along with earlier disease detection, and improvements in access to healthcare appear to have had a positive impact on patients' access to treatment and, consequently, disease progression. Additional studies, with increased follow up time, are needed to further investigate the effect of treatment improvement in the natural history of MS.

Headache teleconsultation in the era of COVID-19: Patients' evaluation and future directions.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Literature regarding headache teleconsultation and patient satisfaction is scarce. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to the restructuring of traditional clinical activity by adopting telemedicine. Our objectives were to evaluate patients' satisfaction with headache teleconsultation by telephone during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and assess patients' preferred model of appointment (face-to-face, teleconsultation by telephone, or both). METHODS: Patients with a previous diagnosis of primary headache or neuropathies and facial pain disorders, and at least one telephone headache visit during the first wave of COVID-19, filled out an online questionnaire regarding sociodemographic parameters, satisfaction with teleconsultation, and preferred model of appointment. RESULTS: We included 83 patients (valid response rate of 64.3%); most had migraine (83.1%). Regarding teleconsultation, 81.9% considered this model adequate for follow-up, 88.0% were satisfied with the information provided about the disease/treatment, and 73.5% were satisfied with the medication modification. Ninety percent would agree with a new tele-evaluation if stable after the pandemic. The mixed model was the preferred medical consultation type for the postpandemic period (43.4%), followed by face-to-face visits (33.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients were satisfied with the headache teleconsultation during the COVID-19 era. However, an exclusive model of telemedicine does not seem suitable for monitoring all patients. A mixed approach could be integrated into clinical practice after the pandemic to optimize health care.

Long term mortality of patients with Parkinson's disease treated with deep brain stimulation in a reference center.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, with a higher risk of death than general population. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been used to treat PD for more than 2 decades, but few studies exist concerning mortality in this subset of patients. Our goal is to analyse mortality in PD patients treated with DBS in our centre. METHODS: retrospective evaluation of clinical files of patients with PD who underwent DBS surgery consecutively between October 2002 and May 2019. RESULTS: 346 patients were included in the analysis, 60 % male, with a mean age at disease onset of 48± 8 years (18-64), mean age at surgery of 60 ± 7 years (33-75), and mean disease duration until surgery of 14 ± 6 years (3-52). Mean follow-up after surgery was 7 ± 4 years (range 1-17). Overall mortality rate was 17.9 % and mean age at time of death was 71 ± 6 years. The main causes of death were pneumonia, dementia and acute myocardial infarction. In our series, male gender and disease duration until surgery were the only predictors of mortality in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Our study showed a long-term survival higher than previously described, and suggests that the treatment of patients with shorter disease evolution might have a survival benefit. The leading causes of death in PD patients treated with DBS seems unrelated to surgery, as the main causes of death are comparable to non-DBS patients.

A (in)visibilidade gênero no currículo e na prática de duas especialidades médicas / Gender (in)visibility in the curriculum and in the practice of two medical specialities

Resumo: Introdução: A medicina como área de conhecimento e prática tem invisibilizado a importância de gênero como categoria teórica na formação médica, bem como os impactos das diferenças e desigualdades de gênero expressas no contexto da prática clínica. Gênero é reconhecido como um aspecto crucial na educação médica, principalmente no sentido de promover a qualidade da assistência à saúde, considerando as diferenças de gênero nos sintomas, os fatores de risco da doença e o plano de assistência estabelecido no contexto da relação terapêutica. Objetivo: Com base nesse pressuposto, foi realizada pesquisa sobre a percepção da formação recebida sobre gênero no contexto da graduação e especialização médica de residentes em ginecologia e obstetrícia e medicina de família e comunidade de duas escolas públicas do município de São Paulo. Método: A pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa utilizou a técnica de entrevista em profundidade. Em 2016, 13 residentes de ambas as especialidades participaram da pesquisa, sendo sete de ginecologia e obstetrícia e seis de medicina de família e comunidade. O critério de inclusão era ser médico ou médica das residências em medicina de família e comunidade ou ginecologia e obstetrícia nas duas universidades públicas participantes do estudo. A fim de obter uma amostra não probabilística, utilizou-se a técnica de recrutamento em cadeia ou "bola de neve", na qual os(as) participantes do estudo indicam outros(as) participantes até que se atinja o ponto de saturação. Resultados: Apesar de diferenças identificadas entre os(as) participantes, segundo os programas de residência, em relação à abordagem de gênero na formação médica e às suas repercussões na prática clínica, com maior apropriação pelos residentes de medicina de família e comunidade, sobressaem lacunas importantes na formação e no âmbito da graduação e especialização. Conclusão: O conhecimento e o desenvolvimento de habilidades e técnicas baseadas em abordagem de gênero na formação médica são fundamentais para o exercício do cuidado integral que considera as conformações socioculturais dos(as) pacientes e suas implicações para o processo saúde-doença.

Abstract: Introduction: Medicine as an area of knowledge and practice has rendered invisible the importance of gender as an analytical category in medical education, as well as the impacts of gender differences and inequalities expressed in the context of clinical practice. Gender is recognized as a crucial aspect in medical education, mainly in the sense of promoting the quality of health care, considering gender differences in symptoms, risk factors for the disease and the care plan established in the context of the therapeutic relationship. Objective: Based on this assumption, qualitative design research was conducted on the perception of training received on gender in the context of undergraduate and medical specialization of residents in Gynecology and Obstetrics and Family and Community Medicine at two public schools in the city of São Paulo. Method: The research used the in-depth interview technique. In 2016, 13 residents of both specialities participated in the survey: seven from Gynecology and Obstetrics and six from Family and Community Medicine. The inclusion criterion was to be a doctor in a medical residency in Family and Community Medicine and Gynecology and Obstetrics at the two public universities participating in the study. The participants were accessed by the snowball recruitment technique, seeking a non-probabilistic sample, in which the study participants indicated other participants to the point of saturation. Results: Despite the differences identified among the participants, according to the residency programs, concerning the gender approach in medical training and its repercussions in clinical practice, with higher appropriation by residents of Family and Community Medicine, essential gaps in training stand out, within the scope of undergraduate training and specialization. Conclusion: Knowledge and the development of skills and techniques based on a gender approach in medical education are fundamental for the exercise of comprehensive care that considers the sociocultural conformations of patients and their implications for the health of the disease process.

Avaliação das propriedades psicométricas do Questionário de Autorregulação para o tratamento medicamentoso na doença crónica / Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire for chronic diseases / Evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Autorregulación para el tratamiento con medicamentos en enfermedades crónicas

Enquadramento: A promoção da gestão do regime terapêutico em pessoas com doença crónica, requer medidas fiáveis e válidas, para avaliação da motivação para o tratamento. Objetivo: Avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa do Questionário de Autorregulação (QAR) para o tratamento medicamentoso, numa amostra de pessoas com doença crónica. Metodologia: Estudo metodológico, com recurso à análise fatorial confirmatória (AFC). Participaram 189 pessoas com doença crónica. Resultados: A solução trifatorial do QAR não mostrou bom ajustamento ao modelo, pelo que é proposta uma solução de quatro fatores. A AFC mostrou um ajuste muito satisfatório nos índices de adequação do modelo. A validade convergente foi confirmada por associações entre a motivação autónoma, competência percebida e perceção de um ambiente terapêutico promotor da autonomia, e com a adesão aos medicamentos. A análise de confiabilidade mostrou valores de consistência interna que variam entre 0,56 e 0,90. Conclusão: O instrumento demonstra ser uma medida fiável e válida para a avaliação da autorregulação ao tratamento medicamentoso em pessoas com doença crónica.

Background: The promotion of the management of the therapeutic regimen in people with chronic disease implies reliable and valid measures to assess motivation for treatment. Objective: To assess the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ) of the medication treatment in a sample of people with chronic disease. Methodology: A methodological study was conducted using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The sample was comprised of 189 people with chronic disease. Results: A three-factor solution of the SRQ showed poor fit to the model, thus a four-factor solution was suggested. The convergent validity was confirmed by associations between autonomous motivation, perceived competence and perception of a therapeutic environment that promotes autonomy, and adherence to medication. The reliability analysis showed satisfactory internal consistency values ranging between 0.56 and 0.90. Conclusion: The instrument shows good reliability and validity to assess self-regulation of the treatment regimen in people with chronic disease.

Marco contextual: La promoción de la gestión del régimen terapéutico en personas con enfermedad crónica requiere de medidas fiables y válidas para evaluar la motivación hacia el tratamiento. Objetivo: Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión portuguesa del Cuestionario de Autorregulación (Questionário de Autorregulação - QAR) para el tratamiento con medicamentos en una muestra de personas con enfermedad crónica. Metodología: Estudio metodológico, en el que se recurrió al análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC). Participaron un total de 189 personas con enfermedad crónica. Resultados: La solución trifactorial de QAR no mostró un buen ajuste al modelo, por lo que se propone una solución de cuatro factores. El AFC mostró un ajuste muy satisfactorio en los índices de adecuación del modelo. La validez convergente se confirmó por asociaciones entre la motivación autónoma, la competencia percibida y la percepción de un ambiente terapéutico que promueve la autonomía, y con la adhesión a los medicamentos. El análisis de fiabilidad mostró valores de consistencia interna que oscilan entre 0,56 y 0,90. Conclusión: El instrumento demuestra que es una medida fiable y válida para la evaluación de la autorregulación al tratamiento con medicamentos en personas con enfermedad crónica.

Autogestão na pessoa com doença coronária: importância da intervenção de enfermagem / Self-management in patients with coronary heart disease: importance of nursing intervention

Introduction and objectives: Coronary heart disease is one of the main causes of death in Portugal, especially. It is a chronic illness with a complex therapeutic regimen, and since it is often asymptomatic non-adherence is quite frequent, especially in relation to the non-pharmacological component. The present study aims to: a) characterize patients with coronary disease in relation to cardiovascular risk factors, adherence to non-pharmacological treatment, perceived competence and perception of autonomous support by health professionals b) study if nursing intervention promotes self-management in patients with coronary heart disease. Methodology: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study and correlational study. The participants were 46 patients with coronary heart disease, from two hospitals in the northern region of Portugal, 45,7 % of which were followed by a nursing consultation. Instruments used were: the Perceived Competence Scale, the Health Care Climate Questionnaire, a questionnaire about non-pharmacological adherence. Results and discussion: Results showed that participants reported a moderate adherence to the non-pharmacological treatment, feel very competent to manage their treatment, and perceive the health climate as supportive of their autonomy. Patients supported by nurses reported higher adherence to non-pharmacological treatment strategies, higher perceived competence and perceived the health care climate as supportive of their autonomy when compared to those attended only by doctors. Conclusions: This study suggests that nursing interventions are important for the promotion of self-management in coronary heart patients, and that these interventions should be focused on perceived competence and the promotion of autonomous motivation

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Prognostic yield of imaging before and after recanalization treatments in ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: The scores to predict outcome in ischemic stroke were validated prior to the approval of modern revascularization treatments. We evaluated the accuracy of pre and post-treatment models in a recent recanalization therapy cohort and whether radiological and ultrasound findings could improve their accuracy. MATERIAL & METHODS: We included 375 anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis or thrombectomy during 2017 and 2018. We collected demographic, clinical, and imaging data. We built pre and post-treatment logistic regression models to predict independence (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) at 3 months. The models included the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), infarct volume (ABC/2 method), and the Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) ultrasonographic grade of recanalization. We compared areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Our preintervention model, combining neurological deficit severity, age, and admission glycemia, was not improved by the inclusion of ASPECTS (AUC 0.80 vs 0.79, P = .28). Early neurological recovery at 24-hour significantly increased prognostic performance (AUC = 0.85, P < .01), which did not change by adding final infarct volume or the persistence of arterial occlusion of the affected territory (AUC = 0.86 and 0.85, P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Models that combine simple variables such as neurological deficit severity, age, and admission glycemia were the most useful for predicting functional outcome in ischemic stroke patients submitted to revascularization treatments. Pre and post-treatment imaging findings did not enhance prognostic accuracy when compared to the patient's clinical improvement.

Moyamoya Syndrome after Radiation Therapy: a Clinical Report.

Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) is a rare, chronic and progressive vasculopathy with a characteristic angiographic pattern and well-recognized predisposing conditions, such as cranial therapeutic radiation. We report the case of a 36-year-old Caucasian female with a history of craniopharyngioma treated with whole-brain radiotherapy 20 years previously. She was admitted to the emergency department with disorientation and imperceptible speech lasting for 1 hour. Upon examination, she had slight motor aphasia, without sensory or motor deficits. However, the neurological deficits worsened on standing position. The computed tomography (CT) angiogram and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography revealed occlusion of the distal portion of the left internal carotid artery (ICA). Mechanical thrombectomy was attempted without success. Head CT was repeated, revealing left periventricular acute ischaemic stroke. The cerebral angiography showed total occlusion of the left ICA with an exuberant network of transdural collateral vessels, confirming MMS. The patient completed a functional rehabilitation program with progressive improvement of deficits and maintained a multidisciplinary follow-up. MMS is a serious late complication from cranial radiation therapy and a well-described risk factor for ischaemic stroke in younger patients. Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment are mandatory, as the consequences can be disastrous, such as cognitive and neurologic decline due to repeated strokes. LEARNING POINTS: Moyamoya syndrome should be considered in younger patients presenting with acute neurologic deficits, particularly those treated with cranial radiotherapy.The treatment of acute stroke in patients with moyamoya syndrome should include intravenous hydration and avoidance of hypotension.The benefit of antiplatelet agents is limited and equivocal for patients with moyamoya syndrome and oral anticoagulants are not recommended for long-term treatment.

Formação médica e assistência aos processos de abortamento: a perspectiva de residentes de duas universidades públicas em São Paulo, Brasil / Medical training and abortion care from the perspective of residents from two public universities in São Paulo, Brazil / Formación médica y asistencia a los procesos de aborto: la perspectiva de residentes de dos universidades públicas en São Paulo, Brasil

O aborto é um importante tema sob a perspectiva da saúde pública e permeia a prática de diversas especialidades. Enfocamos a assistência a processos de abortamento e sua relação com a formação recebida em Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (GO) e Medicina de Família e Comunidade (MFC) por residentes de duas faculdades públicas paulistas. A pesquisa seguiu a metodologia qualitativa, e a produção dos dados empíricos se norteou pela técnica de entrevista em profundidade (13 residentes). Os residentes em GO relatam pautar-se nas experiências práticas para condução dos casos de abortamento. Os residentes em MFC relatam discussões sobre o tema e suas conexões com questões de gênero. O conhecimento clínico, o desenvolvimento de habilidades e técnicas e a maior inserção da abordagem de gênero na formação se revelam fundamentais para o exercício do cuidado integral às mulheres em processo de abortamento.(AU)

Abortion is a major public health issue that cuts across various specialities. This study focused on abortion care and its relatioship with the training received in Gynecology and Obstetrics and Family and Community Medicine by residents of two public Colleges in Sao Paulo. A qualitative research design was adopted consisting of the administration of in-depth interviews with 13 residents. The obstetrics and gynaecology residents reported that they relied on practical experience to provide abortion care, while the family and community medicine residents recounted that they discussed the theme and its connection with gender isssues. Clinical knowledge, the devlopment of skills and techniques, and adopting a gender-sensitive approach in training were revealed to be vital components of comprehensive abortion care.(AU)

El aborto es un tema importante bajo la perspectiva de la salud pública y está presente en la práctica de diversas especialidades. Enfocamos la asistencia a procesos de aborto y su relación con la formación recibida en Ginecología y Obstetricia (GO) y Medicina de Familia y Comunidad (MFC), de residentes de dos facultades públicas de São Paulo. El estudio siguió la metodología cualitativa y la producción de los datos empíricos se rigió por la técnica de entrevista en profundidad (13 residentes). Los residentes de GO relatan que se rigen por las experiencias prácticas para la dirección de los casos de aborto. Los residentes de MFC relatan discusiones sobre el tema y sus vínculos con cuestiones de género. El conocimiento clínico, el desarrollo de habilidades y técnicas y la mayor inserción del abordaje de género en la formación se revelan como fundamentales para el ejercicio del cuidado integral a las mujeres en proceso de aborto.(AU)

Difficult case of a rare form of familial Alzheimer's disease with PSEN1 P117L mutation.

Less than 10% of Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases are familial. Presenilin-1 (PSEN1) mutations are the most frequent aetiology and may be associated to atypical neurological manifestations. We report the case of a 27-year-old right-handed man, ensuing with mild cognitive impairment, motor discoordination and axial myoclonus after a parachute accident. At age 32 he was referred to our neurology clinic, presenting cognitive impairment, cerebellar syndrome, axial myoclonus and hypomimia, without other signs of parkinsonism. Because of absence of family history, he was worked up along the line of spinal ataxic disorders. Later, he developed pseudobulbar affect, cognitive deterioration, right upper limb paresis and spastic paraparesis. Subsequent investigation identified a PSEN1 P117L mutation and the diagnosis of autosomal dominant AD was made. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenge imposed by atypical presentation of de novo PSEN1 mutation, leading to unnecessary investigation. Genetic study might be essential for defining the diagnosis.