Impact of PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 polymorphisms on the prognosis of patients with MASLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Longitudinal studies assessing the impact of genetic polymorphisms on outcomes in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 risk alleles on hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes in T2DM-MASLD individuals. METHODS: Patients' polymorphisms were analysed as follows: PNPLA3 CC, CG and GG; TM6SF2 CC and CT + TT; combined comparing no mutant allele, one allele G or T or ≥2 alleles G or T. Hierarchical models were built to assess associations between polymorphisms and outcomes, independently of confounding factors. Multivariate logistic regression was used for cirrhosis and its complications and extrahepatic cancer, and Cox regression for cardiovascular events (CVEs) and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: In total, 407 T2DM-MASLD patients (62.1 ± 10.5 years, 67.6% women) were followed for 11 (6-13) years. Having at least one G or T allele independently increased the risk of cirrhosis in the separate analysis of PNPLA3 and TM6SF2. Combined polymorphism analysis demonstrated an even higher risk of cirrhosis if two or more risk alleles were present (OR 18.48; 95% CI 6.15-55.58; p < .001). Regarding cirrhosis complications, the risk was higher in PNPLA3 GG and TM6SF2 CT + TT, also with an even higher risk when two or more risk alleles were present in the combined evaluation (OR 27.20; 95% CI 5.26-140.62; p < .001). There were no associations with CVEs or mortality outcomes. CONCLUSION: In T2DM, PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 polymorphisms, individually and additively, impact MASLD severity, with an increased risk of cirrhosis and its complications.

Parental History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and PNPLA3 Polymorphism Increase the Risk of Severe Stages of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the influence of parental history of type 2 diabetes (T2D) allied to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the offspring is not known. We aimed to investigate the impact of the parental history of T2D, PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 polymorphisms in liver steatosis and fibrosis. METHODS: This was a case-control study involving the offspring of T2D patients and controls without a parental history of T2D. Participants underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation, transient elastography (TE) by Fibroscan® (Echosens, Fr) and genotyping for PNPLA3 and TM6SF2. Multivariate logistic regression evaluated the influence of parental history of T2D on liver steatosis and fibrosis, controlled for age, gender, metabolic traits and SNPs. RESULTS: 161 T2D offspring and 78 controls, 10-46 years old, were included. The offspring of T2D had higher prevalences of obesity, T2D, arterial hypertension and sedentarism. Parental history of T2D was associated with fibrosis ≥ F2 (OR 8.89, CI 95% 1.09-72.01, p = 0.041) after adjustment for age, gender, metabolic traits and SNPs. PNPLA3 GG genotype was independently associated with steatosis ≥ S1 (OR 8.15, CI 95% 1.93-34.38, p = 0.004) and fibrosis ≥ F2 (OR 4.31, CI 95% 1.11-16.61, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The offspring of T2D patients present a worse metabolic profile and the parental history of T2D confers an increased likelihood of hepatic fibrosis, independent of metabolic factors. PNPLA3 homozygous GG, but not TM6SF2 genotypes, also impacts on this phenotype.

Prognostic impact of changes in aortic stiffness for cardiovascular and mortality outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes: the Rio de Janeiro cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic importance of changes in aortic stiffness for the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality has never been investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes. We aimed to evaluate it in a cohort of 417 patients. METHODS: Changes in aortic stiffness were assessed by 2 carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) measurements performed over a 4-year period. Multivariable Cox analysis examined the associations between changes in CF-PWV, evaluated as a continuous variable with splines and as categorical ones (quartiles and stable/reduction/increase subgroups), and the occurrence of total cardiovascular events (CVEs), major adverse CVEs (MACEs), and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 8.2 years after the 2nd CF-PWV measurement, there were 101 total CVEs (85 MACEs) and 135 all-cause deaths (64 cardiovascular). As a continuous variable, the lowest risk nadir was at -2.5%/year of CF-PWV change, with significantly higher risks of mortality associated with CF-PWV increases, but no excess risks at extremes of CF-PWV reduction. Otherwise, in categorical analyses, patients in the 1st quartile (greatest CF-PWV reductions) had excess risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratios [HRs]: 2.0-2.7), whereas patients in 3rd quartile had higher risks of all outcomes (HRs: 2.0-3.2), in relation to the lowest risk 2nd quartile subgroup. Patients in the 4th quartile had higher risks of all-cause mortality. Categorization as stable/reduction/increase subgroups was confirmatory, with higher risks at greater reductions (HRs: 1.7-3.3) and at greater increases in CF-PWV (HRs: 1.9-3.4), in relation to those with stable CF-PWV. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in aortic stiffness, mainly increases and possibly also extreme reductions, are predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Prontuário Eletrônico do Paciente na educação médica: percepções de docentes e preceptores / Electronic Health Record in medical education: perceptions of teachers and preceptors

A implantação do Prontuário Eletrônico do Paciente (PEP) em unidades hospitalares de ensino tem proporcionado a integração do uso de tecnologia de informação em saúde (TIS) na educação médica e na prática clínica. Objetivo: Este estudo analisou a percepção de professores e preceptores-médicos, de uma universidade pública, sobre a integração do uso do PEP nas atividades práticas curriculares. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com seis professores e quatro preceptores de um curso de Medicina. O estudo adotou como categorias de análise os domínios de competências e os resultados de aprendizagem com o uso do PEP, identificados e aprimorados por um estudo multicêntrico inglês: saúde digital, acesso e geração de dados, comunicação, trabalho multiprofissional e acompanhamento e monitoramento. Adotou-se ainda a categoria "questões pedagógicas" para estimular a reflexão dos sujeitos da pesquisa sobre suas práticas pedagógicas com o PEP. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se análise temática de conteúdo. Resultado: O estudo apontou que os professores e preceptores identificaram a necessidade de orientação formal para que os discentes utilizem TIS no seu desenvolvimento educacional e profissional, na preservação do sigilo e da confidencialidade das informações, e no atendimento ao paciente. Para os sujeitos da pesquisa, o uso de sistemas de suporte à decisão associados ao PEP contribui para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, além de possibilitar maior visibilidade das informações dos demais profissionais de saúde e o acompanhamento da história clínica dos pacientes pelos discentes. O PEP é uma ferramenta assistencial que tem potencial para promover o uso de metodologias ativas, pois contextualiza o ensino, permite autonomia e autoria aos discentes e os instiga na busca por conhecimento. Conclusão: A integração curricular de TIS tem sido apontada como um caminho para o desenvolvimento de competências e habilidades clínicas dos discentes, quando estiverem utilizando o PEP nas unidades de prática clínica.

The implementation of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in hospital teaching units has promoted the integration of Health Information Technology (HIT) into medical education and clinical practice. Objective: The study analyzed teachers and preceptors' perceptions about the integration of EHR in curricular practices at a public university. Method: A qualitative study, in which data was collected through semi-structured interviews with six medical professors and four preceptors. The study adopted as categories of analysis the domains of competences and learning results from the use of EHR, identified and improved in a British multicenter study (Digital Health, Data Access and Generation, Communication, Multiprofessional Work, Accompaniment and Monitoring). A new category entitled "Pedagogical Issues", was included to stimulate subjects' reflections on their pedagogical practices with the EHR. Thematic content analysis was used for data analysis. Results: Teachers and preceptors agree that students need formal guidance on how to use HIT in their educational and professional development, and to preserve the secrecy and confidentiality of information during patient care using the EHR. For them, the use of decision support systems associated with EHR contributes to the teaching-learning process, in addition to allowing greater visibility of information from other health professionals, and facilitates student access to patients' clinical data. EHR is a support tool that has the potential to promote the use of active methodologies, to contextualize teaching, to provide student autonomy and authorship, and to instigate them in the search for knowledge. Conclusion: HIT curricular integration has been pointed out as a way for students to develop clinical competences and skills, when using EHR in their clinical practice units.

Association between high titers of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody and epilepsy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) are at higher risk of epilepsy. T1D is a progressive immune-mediated disease and the etiology of epilepsy remains unknown in most. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) catalyzes GABA formation. GABA-secreting neurons and pancreatic beta cells are the major cells expressing GAD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Patients with T1D from a multiethnic population underwent GADA measurement to investigate possible association between T1D and epilepsy of unknown etiology. RESULTS: T1D patients were analyzed (n = 375). Overall frequency of epilepsy was 5.9% (n = 22). Frequency of epilepsy of unknown etiology was 3.2% (n = 12). Of these, 8 (2.1%) had idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) and 4 (1.1%) MRI-negative temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Patients with T1D and epilepsy of unknown etiology did not show differences in GADA frequency (83.3% vs 50%; p = 0.076); however, their titers were higher (106.9 ±â€¯136.5 IU/mL; median 7; IQR 1.65-256 vs 10.2 ±â€¯14.5 IU/ml; median 4.3; IQR 1.9-8.9; p = 0.019) compared to patients without epilepsy. Moreover, epilepsy of unknown etiology was associated with GADA titers ≥ 100 UI/mL [odds ratio (OR) 4.42, 95% CI 2.36-8.66]. CONCLUSION: Epilepsy frequency was elevated in patients with T1D and multiethnic background. Presence of epilepsy of unknown etiology was associated with high titers of GADA in this population with long-standing T1D, which has different ethnic and genetic background compared to previous studies. Further prospective studies are required to identify if GADA presence or its persistence are directly responsible for epilepsy in individuals with T1D.

HbA1c variability and long-term glycemic control are linked to diabetic retinopathy and glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 1 diabetes and multiethnic background.

AIM: To evaluate the associations between HbA1c variability and long-term glycemic control with microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients and multiethnic background. METHODS: T1D adults with ≥10 years of follow-up and ≥ 2 HbA1c measurements were included. Glycemic variability was evaluated by the standard deviation (HbA1c-SD), and coefficient of variation (HbA1c-CV), and glycemic control by mean HbA1c over 10 years. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), increased urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) and reduced glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were diagnosed. Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) was diagnosed by cardiac reflex tests. Associations between glycemic parameters with complications were assessed by multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: 220 patients were included. Simultaneously adjusted for each other, mean HbA1c was independently associated with DR (OR: 2.82; 95%CI: 1.45-5.50), increased UAER (OR: 1.97; 95%CI: 1.14-3.09) and CAN (OR: 4.42; 95%CI: 1.45-13.51); whereas HbA1c-CV was independently associated with DR (OR: 8.93; 95%CI: 1.86-42.87) and reduced eGFR (OR: 7.02; 95%CI: 1.47-35.55). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term glycemic control was associated with DR, increased UAER and CAN, while glycemic variability was additionally associated with DR and impaired renal function; suggesting that both good and stable glycemic status might be important to prevent microvascular complications in T1D patients and multiethnic background.

Usefulness of the vibration perception thresholds measurement as a diagnostic method for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: Results from the Rio de Janeiro type 2 diabetes cohort study.

AIMS: To investigate the associated factors with the vibration threshold perception (VPT) in patients with type 2 diabetes and to assess whether it is useful for detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). METHODS: VPTs were measured with Vibration Sensory Analyzer (VSA-3000) in 426 diabetic patients. The diagnosis of DPN was based on Neuropathy Symptom Score and Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS). ROC curve analysis and multiple linear and logistic regressions were performed to investigate the associations between VPT and DPN. RESULTS: Values of VPT were progressively higher according to NDS stages. Age, height, diabetes duration, and mean cumulative HbA1c exposure (partial correlation coefficients: 0.34; 0.27; 0.10; and 0.13; respectively) were the variables independently associated with VPT. Area under ROC curve of VPT for detection of DPN was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.66-0.75) and >8.9 µm was its best cut-off value. VPT, age, female sex, height, diabetes duration and mean HbA1c levels were the independent correlates of the presence of DPN. An increased VPT triplicate the likelihood of having DPN (OR: 3.24; 95% CI: 2.05-5.11). CONCLUSIONS: VPT, measured by an automatic device, shares common correlates with DPN and is strongly associated with its presence. VPT testing may be useful as a screening tool for DPN assessment.

Forearm Resistance-Vessel Dilatation Function During Reactive Hyperemia in Patients With Resistant Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Forearm blood flow (FBF) measured during reactive hyperemia by venous-occlusion plethysmography assesses resistance-vessel dilatation function but has never been investigated in resistant hypertension. The aim was to evaluate the independent correlates of forearm resistance-vessel function parameters in resistant hypertensives. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 274 resistant hypertensives performed 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, 2D-echocardiography, aortic pulse wave velocity, and venous-occlusion plethysmography with baseline and hyperemic FBF and vascular resistance measurements. A subsample of 103 patients also performed ultrasonographic brachial artery endothelial function examination. Independent correlates of baseline and hyperemic vascular parameters were assessed by multiple linear regressions. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) baseline FBF was 3.1 (2.4-4.0) ml/min/100ml of tissue, and during hyperemia mean FBF rose to 7.0 (5.2-9.4) ml/min/100ml of tissue. Baseline FBF and resistance were independently associated with left ventricular mass index (partial correlations -0.14 and 0.13, respectively), whereas hyperemic parameters were independently associated with body mass index (BMI) (inversely for FBF, partial correlation: -0.18 to -0.21) and with the nocturnal BP fall (directly for FBF, partial correlation: 0.12-0.15), after adjustments for age, sex, mean arterial pressure, and baseline vascular parameters. In a separate analysis, a larger brachial artery diameter was associated with higher hyperemic FBF, but there were no associations between resistance-vessel and conduit-vessel dilatation function parameters. CONCLUSION: In patients with resistant hypertension, left ventricular mass was the only correlate of baseline FBF and resistance, whereas higher BMI and lower nocturnal BP fall were independently associated with lower FBF and higher resistance during reactive hyperemia.

Prognostic Value of C-Reactive Protein in Resistant Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of systemic low-grade inflammation and a cardiovascular risk predictor in several clinical conditions. However, its prognostic value has never been examined in patients with resistant hypertension. METHODS: In a prospective study, 476 patients with resistant hypertension had CRP levels measured at baseline, together with other clinical laboratory variables, including ambulatory blood pressures (BPs). Primary end points were a composite of major fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality. Multiple Cox regression assessed the associations between CRP levels and end points. RESULTS: Median CRP was 3.8mg/l (interquartile range: 2.0-7.2mg/l). After a median follow-up of 9 years, 103 major cardiovascular events occurred, and 120 patients died, 62 from cardiovascular causes. Patients with CRP levels above the median value had a doubled excess risk of major cardiovascular events (95% confidence interval: 1.29-3.06; P = 0.002) and an 86% higher risk of cardiovascular death (95% confidence interval: 1.07-3.25; P = 0.029), after adjustments for potential confounders including traditional cardiovascular risk factors and ambulatory BP and dipping pattern. A high CRP equally predicted coronary (hazard ratio: 2.04; 95% confidence interval: 1.10-3.76; P = 0.023) and cerebrovascular events (hazard ratio: 2.72; 95% confidence interval: 1.30-5.67; P = 0.007). In interaction and sensitivity analyses, CRP levels were stronger predictors of worse cardiovascular outcomes in younger and obese patients, and in those with uncontrolled ambulatory BPs and with the nondipping pattern. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with resistant hypertension, elevated serum CRP levels is predictive of worse cardiovascular prognosis above and beyond other cardiovascular risk factors, including ambulatory BP levels and dipping patterns.

Caracterização do bullying em estudantes que gaguejam / Characterization of bullying in students with stuttering

OBJETIVO: Descrever o bullying em pacientes/estudantes com gagueira, suas variáveis sociodemográficas, relações familiares, caracterização e sentimentos da violência na escola e características por local, praticantes e alvo. MÉTODO: Foram analisados 23 participantes, com idades de 10 a 17 anos, de ambos os sexos, com diagnóstico de gagueira acompanhados pelo Ambulatório especializado da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Foram excluídos pacientes com alterações de comportamento ou transtornos de compreensão e cognição, ou sem frequência regular aos atendimentos. RESULTADOS: Cerca de 40% dos pacientes afirmaram serem bem tratados por colegas; 34,8% relataram se sentirem rejeitados; 29,16% sofrem na escola. Mais de 80% têm bom relacionamento com os pais e mais de 70% residem com eles. 34,8% foram reprovados. 13% dos estudantes presenciaram agressão no lar, e 8,7% presenciaram colegas com estilete na escola e 4,3% com arma de fogo. 40% sofreram ameaça de violência física fora da sala; quase 80% se vingaram dos agressores. 78,3% estão descrentes com resolução da violência. Pouco mais de 1/4 se revelou vítima de bullying; 1/5 refere não ter qualquer amigo especial e 13% sentem-se bem com 2 ou 3, enquanto 4,3% não têm amigos. 13% sofreram agressão verbal na escola e 4,3% física, enquanto quase 9% ambas. Quase 80% negam provocar, entretanto 1/4 provocam. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados voltam-se ao desenvolvimento de estratégias defensivas aos ataques, motivando a autoestima e sentimento de igualdade aos demais.

PURPOSE: To describe bullying in stuttering patients/students, their socio-demographic variables, family relationships, characterization and feelings of violence at school and characteristics by local, practitioners and target. METHODS: 23 participants, aged 10-17, male and female, with stuttering diagnosis, followed by specialized clinic at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro were analyzed. Patients with behavior alterations or understanding and cognition disorders or without regular attendance were excluded. RESULTS: Around 40% of the patients informed that they are well treated by the colleagues; 34.8% reported feel rejected and 29.16% suffer at school. More than 80% have good relationship with parents and more than 70% live with them. 34.8% failed. 13% witnessed aggression at home, 8.7% saw colleagues with stylet at school and 4.3% firearm. 40% suffered threat of physical violence outside the classroom, nearly 80% avenged the aggressors. 78.3% are skeptical of violence resolution. Just over a quarter proved bullied. A fifth reported having no special friend and 13% feel well with 2 or 3, while 4.3% don't have friends. 13% suffered verbal aggression in school and 4.3% physical, almost 9% both. Almost 80% deny having teased others, while a fourth tease. CONCLUSIONS: The results turn to the development of defensive strategies to attacks, encouraging self-esteem and sense of equality to others.

Construction and validation of a surgical skills assessment tool for general surgery residency program / Construção e validação de um instrumento de avaliação de habilidades técnicas para programas de residência em cirurgia geral

Objective: To develop and validate an instrument for measuring the acquisition of technical skills in conducting operations of increasing difficulty for use in General Surgery Residency (GSR) programs. Methods: we built a surgical skills assessment tool containing 11 operations in increasing levels of difficulty. For instrument validation we used the face validaity method. Through an electronic survey tool (Survey MonKey(r)) we sent a questionnaire to Full and Emeritus members of the Brazilian College of Surgeons - CBC - all bearers of the CBC Specialist Title. Results: Of the 307 questionnaires sent we received 100 responses. For the analysis of the data collected we used the Cronbach's alpha test. We observed that, in general, the overall alpha presented with values near or greater than 0.70, meaning good consistency to assess their points of interest. Conclusion: The evaluation instrument built was validated and can be used as a method of assessment of technical skill acquisition in the General Surgery Residency programs in Brazil.

Objetivo: construir e validar um instrumento para aferir a aquisição de habilidades técnicas na realização de operações de graus crescentes de dificuldade para ser utilizado na Residência Médica em Cirurgia Geral (RMCG). Métodos: foi construído um instrumento de avaliação de habilidades cirúrgicas contendo 11 operações em níveis crescentes de dificuldade. Para a validação do instrumento foi usado o método de validação de face. Por meio de uma ferramenta de pesquisa eletrônica (Survey MonKey(r)) um questionário foi enviado para membros Titulares e Eméritos do CBC de todos os estados brasileiros, portadores de Título de Especialista pelo CBC. Resultados: Dos 307 questionários enviados foram recebidas 100 respostas. Para a análise dos dados coletados foi utilizado o teste alfa de Cronbach. Observou-se, de uma forma geral, que os alfas globais se apresentaram com valores próximos ou superiores a 0,70, expressando uma boa consistência interna das perguntas para avaliar os respectivos aspectos de interesse. Conclusão: O instrumento de avaliação construído foi validado e pode ser usado como um método de avaliação da aquisição de habilidade técnica na Residência Médica em Cirurgia Geral no Brasil.

Construction and validation of a surgical skills assessment tool for general surgery residency program.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate an instrument for measuring the acquisition of technical skills in conducting operations of increasing difficulty for use in General Surgery Residency (GSR) programs. METHODS: we built a surgical skills assessment tool containing 11 operations in increasing levels of difficulty. For instrument validation we used the face validity method. Through an electronic survey tool (Survey MonKey®) we sent a questionnaire to Full and Emeritus members of the Brazilian College of Surgeons--CBC--all bearers of the CBC Specialist Title. RESULTS: Of the 307 questionnaires sent we received 100 responses. For the analysis of the data collected we used the Cronbach's alpha test. We observed that, in general, the overall alpha presented with values near or greater than 0.70, meaning good consistency to assess their points of interest. CONCLUSION: The evaluation instrument built was validated and can be used as a method of assessment of technical skill acquisition in the General Surgery Residency programs in Brazil.

Different phenotypes of the NAT2 gene influences hydralazine antihypertensive response in patients with resistant hypertension.

AIM: Hydralazine, a vasodilator used in resistant hypertension (RH) treatment is metabolized by an acetylation reaction mediated by N-acetyltransferase 2, the activity of which depends on NAT2 polymorphisms. Our aim was to evaluate whether different acetylation phenotypes influenced the antihypertensive effect of hydralazine in patients with RH. PATIENTS & METHODS: DNA samples from 169 RH patients using hydralazine were genotyped by sequencing the NAT2 coding region, and acetylation phenotypes were defined. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients (38.5%) were intermediate, 60 (35.5%) slow and 21 (12.4%) fast acetylators. Twenty-three (13.6%) patients were indeterminate. Upon association analysis, only slow acetylators had significant blood pressure reductions after hydralazine use, with mean 24-h systolic and diastolic blood pressure reductions of 9.2 and 5.5 mmHg. Four patients presented hydralazine adverse effects resulting in drug withdrawal, three of them were slow acetylators. CONCLUSION: The slow acetylation phenotype, determined by polymorphisms within NAT2, influenced both the antihypertensive and adverse effects of hydralazine in RH.

Serum biomarkers in type 2 diabetic patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis.

AIM: Advanced stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are highly prevalent in type 2 diabetes (T2DM), however, no diabetes-related or biochemical variable seems to be predictive of severity of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of several serum biomarkers with the more severe histopathological stages of NAFLD in T2DM. METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, 84 T2DM patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD had adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, interleukin (IL)-6, -8 and -10, and C-reactive protein measured. NAFLD severity was evaluated by two hepatopathologists according to the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) Clinical Research Network scoring system. Independent associations of cytokines with NASH and advanced fibrosis were evaluated by multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients (78.6%) had NASH, and 52 patients (61.9%) had advanced fibrosis considering the highest score between the two pathologists. Patients with NASH or with advanced fibrosis had equal cytokine levels to those without NASH or with absent/light fibrosis, except for a lower serum adiponectin (8.59 vs 12.77 µg/mL; P = 0.015) in patients with NASH and a lower TGF-ß1 (170 vs 180 pg/mL; P = 0.026) in patients with advanced fibrosis. In multivariate analysis, lower adiponectin was independently associated with NASH (odds ratio = 7.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.5-39.9, P = 0.014, for the subgroup with adiponectin below the median value), whereas both lower adiponectin and lower TGF-ß1 levels were associated with advanced fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Low adiponectin and low TGF-ß1 are associated with severest NAFLD stages in T2DM and may be a valuable tool to support liver biopsy indication in this setting.

Prognostic factors in resistant hypertension: implications for cardiovascular risk stratification and therapeutic management.

Resistant hypertension (RH) is defined as uncontrolled office blood pressure (BP) in spite of the use of at least three antihypertensive medications. Although its condition has a high prevalence, it is still understudied, and its prognosis is not well established. Some prospective studies evaluated the prognostic value of ambulatory BP monitoring, ECG and renal parameters. They pointed out that ambulatory BPs are important predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, whereas office BP has no prognostic value. The diagnosis of true RH and the nondipping pattern are also valuable predictors of cardiovascular outcomes. Moreover, several ECG (prolonged ventricular repolarization, serial changes in the strain pattern and left ventricular hypertrophy) and renal parameters (albuminuria and reduced glomerular filtration rate) are also powerful cardiovascular risk markers in RH. These markers and others yet unexplored, such as arterial stiffness and serum biomarkers, may improve cardiovascular risk stratification in these very high-risk patients.

Validity and reproducibility of the sargent jump test in the assessment of explosive strength in soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to check the validity and the intra- and inter-evaluators reproducibility of the Sargent Jump Test, as an instrument of explosive strength measurement of soccer players of the sub-15 class. Forty-five soccer players were randomly selected from different clubs competing in the local soccer championship. All subjects performed one test on the same jump platform model Jumptest(®) (Hidrofit Ltda, Brazil) and two independent Sargent Jump Tests assessed by the same evaluator. Two days later, another Sargent Jump Test was performed simultaneously assessed by 2 evaluators. In all tests, three jumps were performed and the highest one was registered. In order to check the validity, the first Sargent Jump Test results were compared to those from the jump platform, considered the gold standard. To evaluate intra- and inter-evaluator reproducibility, results from the first, second and third Sargent Jump Tests were analyzed. The validity and reproducibility were evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and by the Bland and Altman test (statistical pack SPSS 11.0), with a significance level set at p<0.05. The values found for validity (r=0.99, p=0.001), for intra-evaluator reproducibility (r=0.99, p=0.001) and for inter-evaluator reproducibility (r=1.0, p=0.001), permitted us to conclude that the Sargent Jump Test is a valid and reproducible instrument for measuring the explosive strength in homogeneous groups, such as those used in the present study.