Aortic pulse wave analysis and functional capacity of heart transplantation candidates: a pilot study.

We compared cardiovascular parameters obtained with the Mobil-O-Graph and functional capacity assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) before and after Heart Transplantation (HT) and also compared the cardiovascular parameters and the functional capacity of candidates for HT with a control group. Peripheral and central vascular pressures increased after surgery. Similar results were observed in cardiac output and pulse wave velocity. The significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) postoperatively was not followed by an increase in the functional capacity. 24 candidates for HT and 24 controls were also compared. Functional capacity was significantly lower in the HT candidates compared to controls. Stroke volume, systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure measured peripherally and centrally were lower in the HT candidates when compared to controls. Despite the significant increase in peripheral and central blood pressures after surgery, the patients were normotensive. The 143.85% increase in LVEF in the postoperative period was not able to positively affect functional capacity. Furthermore, the lower values of LVEF, systolic volume, central and peripheral arterial pressures in the candidates for HT are consistent with the characteristics signs of advanced heart failure, negatively impacting functional capacity, as observed by the lower DASI score.

Impact of social isolation during COVID-19 on anthropometric data, quality of life, baseline physical activity and aortic pulse wave parameters in children and adolescents in two independent samples.

BACKGROUND: The social restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on the routine of children and adolescents, with important consequences such as sleep, eating, and psychological/psychiatric disorders. Even though there are no studies on the subject, it is possible that these changes in habit and routine have also affected arterial stiffness (AS) in this population, which is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to assess possible changes in AS, anthropometry, and quality of life (QoL) resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents. METHODS: A controlled observational cross-sectional study was performed with 193 children and adolescents aged 9 to 19 years, allocated into two groups: before the pandemic (BPG) and one year after the pandemic (APG), matched by age and sex. Cardiovascular parameters were measured non-invasively by brachial artery oscillometry with a portable device. The main AS indices evaluated were the augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) derived from the aortic pulse wave. QoL was assessed using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0). RESULTS: Regarding QoL, the APG showed a worsening in emotional (p = 0.002) and school-related (p = 0.010) aspects. There was no statistically significant difference for most anthropometric parameters, except for the hip circumference, which was higher in the APG group (p < 0.001). The main predictor of AS in the paediatric population, AIx@75, was shown to be increased in the APG group (p < 0.001). Other cardiovascular parameters were also different, such as peripheral (p = 0.002) and central (p = 0.003) diastolic blood pressure, stroke volume (p = 0.010), and total vascular resistance (p = 0.002), which were shown to be decreased in the APG group, while the heart rate was increased (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that routine changes resulting from the period of social isolation increased cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents, evident by the increase in AIx@75, which is considered to be an important marker of cardiovascular risk in the paediatric population.

Aortic pulse wave comparison between controls and triathletes in baseline conditions and in response to acute maximum exercise.

To determine the effects of intense training on aortic pulse wave variables and hemodynamic parameters at baseline and at recovery from maximal exercise testing (MaxET) in triathletes compared with sedentary individuals. In this prospective and experimental study, 21 triathletes and 21 sedentary individuals were recruited and evaluated prior and two minutes after the MaxET using the Mobil-O-Graph®, which estimates the aortic pulse wave from the brachial artery pressure. The augmentation index (AIx@75) was lower in triathletes after the MaxET compared to control group (16.34 ± 5.95 vs. 23.5 ± 8.53%, p = 0.001), while the pulse wave velocity (PWV) was similar between groups. The heart rate was significantly lower at baseline and after MaxET in triathletes group (55.70 ± 8.95 bpm 91.49 ± 11.39 bpm) compared with control group (62.11 ± 6.70 bpm; 102.08 ± 10.85 bpm). The stroke volume was significantly higher at baseline (96.08 ± 13.96 ml; 86.17 ± 11.24 ml) and after MaxET in triathletes group (69.15 ± 6.51 ml, 58.38 ± 6.99 ml) compared with control group. Triathetes show lower value of AIx@75 after MaxET in comparison with the control group. AIx@75, in addition to being an indirect measure of arterial stiffness, is also a measure of left ventricular afterload. Thus, the lower AIx@75 in triathletes may be due to their lower left ventricular afterload, lower myocardial oxygen demand, and greater coronary perfusion than sedentary individuals. The hemodynamic changes observed in triathletes at rest and during an acute exercise bout are distinctive characteristics of aerobic physical training.

Primary care in supplementary health: assessment of costs in the care of older adult patients with heart diseases.

OBJECTIVES: to identify whether implementing a supplementary Primary Health Care (PHC) system makes it possible to reduce care costs for older adults with heart diseases. METHODS: a retrospective cohort of 223 patients with heart disease aged ≥ 60 years. Data were obtained from medical records and cost databases, assessed for a period of one year before and after PHC implementation. The results were expressed as mean absolute frequencies for number of hospitalizations and as average annual expenses expressed in dollars (US$) in relation to cost data. RESULTS: there was a reduction in hospitalization expenses after implementing supplementary PHC (p=0.01) and a decrease in the frequency of hospitalizations for the entire sample (p=0.006). There was a reduction in the frequency of consultations at the Emergency Room among frail older adults (p=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: there was a reduction in hospitalization costs and frequency of visits to the Emergency Room after supplementary PHC.

Eating behaviour, quality of life and cardiovascular risk in obese and overweight children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a major cardiovascular risk factor because it predisposes individuals to comorbidities that are implicated in an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Its origin may be related to poor eating habits, such as the intake of foods of low nutritional value or inadequate eating behaviours related to emotional factors. This work aims to evaluate the relationship between the total body mass of children and adolescents and its association with eating habits, quality of life (QoL), and possible changes in early markers of cardiovascular risk. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study that evaluated anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters, QoL, and eating behaviour in 181 children and adolescents aged between 5 and 13 years. Participants were stratified according to BMI/age into three groups (Adequate Weight, Overweight, and Obesity). Anthropometry included weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, waist-hip ratio, and waist-height ratio. QoL was assessed using the Peds-QL 4.0 questionnaire, and eating behaviour was assessed using the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). Cardiovascular parameters were assessed using the Mobil-O-Graph® device, which measures the pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx@75) to estimate arterial stiffness (AS), which is considered an early marker of cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: In addition to the increase in anthropometric measurements (p < 0.001), the Obesity group exhibited behaviour related to food intake (p < 0.05). When analysing QoL, a worsening in the social domain was also observed in the Obesity group (p < 0.05). However, PWV and AIx@75 did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Eating behaviour is related to the development of childhood obesity. However, early markers of cardiovascular risk related to AS did not change as a function of total body mass in the children evaluated.

Factors associated with arterial stiffness assessed by pulse pressure amplification in healthy children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests that reducing pulse pressure amplification (PPA) plays an important role in pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular disease. This is a cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study in which we evaluated the associated factors with a greater chance of reducing PPA in 136 healthy children and adolescents aged 8 to 19 years old stratified by gender and age group. METHODS: Arterial stiffness and vascular and hemodynamic parameters were non-invasively measured using Mobil-O-Graph® (IEM, Stolberg, Germany), a cuff-based oscillometric device. PPA was expressed as the peripheral-to-central pulse pressure ratio (PPp / PPc). Participants with PPA < 1.49 were considered as part of the arterial stiffness group. RESULTS: In a univariate model, the increase in total vascular resistance, the reflection coefficient and the augmentation pressure were more likely to have arterial stiffness in all groups. The factors most likely to have arterial stiffness (as assessed by the reduction of the PPA) in the multivariate model were increasing age, the reflection coefficient and cardiac index in the total sample, male group and child and adolescent groups. In addition to age in the female group, cardiac output, stroke volume, and AIx@75 were the factors most likely to present arterial stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: The results show for the first time in children and adolescents that the factors most likely to reduce PPA are related to the reflection wave, which determines aortic pressures and, therefore, left ventricular afterload.

Evaluation of oral mucositis, candidiasis, and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer treated with a hypofractionated or conventional radiotherapy protocol: a longitudinal, prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, recently, Radiotherapy (RT) protocols requiring fewer sessions (hypofractionated) have been used to shorten RT treatment and minimize patient exposure to medical centers, and decrease the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: This longitudinal, prospective, observational study aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) and the incidence of oral mucositis and candidiasis in 66 patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who undergo a hypofractionated RT protocol (GHipo), total of 55 Gy for 4 weeks, or a conventional RT protocol (GConv), total of 66 - 70 Gy for 6 - 7 weeks. PURPOSE: To assess the incidence and severity of oral mucositis, the incidence of candidiasis, and QoL were evaluated using the World Health Organization scale, clinical evaluation, and the QLC-30 and H&N-35 questionnaires, respectively, at the beginning and the end of RT. RESULTS: The incidence of candidiasis did not show differences between the two groups. However, at the end of RT, mucositis had a higher incidence (p < 0.01) and severity (p < 0.05) in GHipo. QoL was not markedly different between the two groups. Although mucositis worsened in patients treated with hypofractionated RT, QoL did not worsen for patients on this regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Our results open perspectives for the potential use of RT protocols for HNC with fewer sessions in conditions that require faster, cheaper, and more practical treatments.

Primary care in supplementary health: assessment of costs in the care of older adult patients with heart diseases / Atención primaria en salud complementaria: evaluación de costos en el cuidado de ancianos con enfermedades del corazón / Atenção primária na saúde suplementar: avaliação de custos no cuidado de pacientes idosos com cardiopatias

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify whether implementing a supplementary Primary Health Care (PHC) system makes it possible to reduce care costs for older adults with heart diseases. Methods: a retrospective cohort of 223 patients with heart disease aged ≥ 60 years. Data were obtained from medical records and cost databases, assessed for a period of one year before and after PHC implementation. The results were expressed as mean absolute frequencies for number of hospitalizations and as average annual expenses expressed in dollars (US$) in relation to cost data. Results: there was a reduction in hospitalization expenses after implementing supplementary PHC (p=0.01) and a decrease in the frequency of hospitalizations for the entire sample (p=0.006). There was a reduction in the frequency of consultations at the Emergency Room among frail older adults (p=0.011). Conclusions: there was a reduction in hospitalization costs and frequency of visits to the Emergency Room after supplementary PHC.

RESUMEN Objetivos: identificar si la implementación de un sistema complementario de Atención Primaria de Salud (APS) permite reducir los costos de atención a los ancianos con enfermedades del corazón. Métodos: cohorte retrospectiva de 223 pacientes con cardiopatía de edad ≥ 60 años. Los datos fueron obtenidos de prontuarios y bases de datos de costos, evaluados por un período de un año antes y después de la implementación de la APS. Los resultados se expresaron como frecuencias absolutas medias por número de hospitalizaciones y como gasto anual medio expresado en dólares (US$) en relación con los datos de costes. Resultados: hubo reducción de los gastos de hospitalización después de la implementación de la APS complementaria (p=0,01) y disminución de la frecuencia de hospitalizaciones para toda la muestra (p=0,006). Hubo reducción en la frecuencia de consultas en Emergencia entre los ancianos frágiles (p=0,011). Conclusiones: hubo una reducción en los costos de hospitalización y frecuencia de visitas a la Sala de Emergencia después de la APS complementaria.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar se a implementação de um sistema de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) suplementar possibilita a redução dos custos assistenciais de idosos com cardiopatias. Métodos: coorte retrospectiva de 223 pacientes cardiopatas com idade ≥ 60 anos. Os dados foram obtidos em registros médicos e banco de dados de custos, avaliados por período de um ano antes e após a implementação da APS. Os resultados foram expressos como media das frequências absolutas para número de internações e como gasto médio anual expressos em dólares (US$) em relação aos dados de custos. Resultados: houve redução nas despesas de internação após a implementação da APS suplementar (p=0,01) e diminuição da frequência de internação para toda a amostra (p=0,006). Houve redução na frequência de consultas no Pronto Atendimento entre os idosos frágeis (p=0,011). Conclusões: houve redução nos custos de internação e frequência de consulta no Pronto Atendimento após a APS suplementar.

ESTRESSE, QUALIDADE DE VIDA E PRESSÃO ARTERIAL DE ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS / STRESS, QUALITY OF LIFE AND BLOOD PRESSURE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS / ESTRÉS, CALIDAD DE VIDA Y PRESIÓN ARTERIAL DE ESTUDIANTES UNIVERSITARIOS

A saúde mental de estudantes universitários tem sido foco de investigações, pois apontam para alta prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão. Este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a ocorrência do aumento na prevalência e severidade do estresse, suas consequências somáticas representadas pela elevação dos valores de pressão arterial e sua associação com qualidade de vida em estudantes universitários. Trezentos e dois estudantes foram divididos em áreas acadêmicas e avaliados por meio do Inventário de Estresse de Lipp, Inventário de qualidade de vida WHOQOL-bref, aferição de pressão arterial: no início e no final do semestre letivo. Os resultados apontam para um aumento na prevalência de estresse, aumento dos níveis pressóricos ao final do semestre letivo e piora da qualidade de vida nos momentos estudados. Os resultados indicam uma necessidade de ações para minimizar às condições relacionadas ao surgimento do estresse

The mental health of university students has been the focus of investigations, as they point to a high prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression. This work aims to evaluate the occurrence of an increase in the prevalence and severity of stress, its somatic consequences represented by the increase in blood pressure values and its association with quality of life in university students. Three hundred and two students were divided into academic areas and evaluated through Lipp's Stress Inventory, WHOQOL-bref quality of life inventory, blood pressure measurement: at the beginning and at the end of the academic semester. The results point to an increase in the prevalence of stress, an increase in blood pressure levels at the end of the school semester and a worsening of the quality of life in the studied moments. The results indicate a need for actions to minimize conditions related to the emergence of stress.

La salud mental de los estudiantes universitarios ha sido el foco de investigaciones, ya que apuntan a una alta prevalencia de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo evaluar la ocurrencia de un aumento en la prevalencia y severidad del estrés, sus consecuencias somáticas representadas por el aumento de los valores de presión arterial y su asociación con la calidad de vida en estudiantes universitarios. Trescientos dos estudiantes fueron divididos en áreas académicas y evaluados a través del Inventario de Estrés de Lipp, inventario de calidad de vida WHOQOL-bref, medición de la presión arterial: al inicio y al final del semestre académico. Los resultados apuntan a un aumento de la prevalencia de estrés, un aumento de los niveles de presión arterial al final del semestre escolar y un empeoramiento de la calidad de vida en los momentos estudiados. Los resultados indican la necesidad de acciones para minimizar las condiciones relacionadas con la aparición del estrés.

Sexual function and metabolic/hormonal changes in women using long-term hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Female sexual dysfunction is a common condition that negatively impacts the emotional health and quality of life of the affected individuals. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their effectiveness and convenience. LARCs can be hormonal (etonogestrel releasing implant-ENG and Levonorgestrel intrauterine system-LNG) or non-hormonal (copper intrauterine device-CuIUD and copper-silver intrauterine device-SIUD). There are very few studies that assess the influence on LARCS on sexual function are lacking. This study aimed to assess changes in sexual function as well as metabolic and hormonal parameters in women after implantation with LARCs. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we assessed 80 women who visited the Military Police Hospital in Brazil for LARCs placement. The study participants were divided into 4 groups according to the type of LARC received: ENG n = 17; LNG n = 22, CuIUD n = 18 and SIUD n = 23. The four groups were evaluated twice (prior to LARC placement and approximately 3 months later) for sexual function, using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Quotient (QS-F) questionnaires. Metabolic and hormonal parameters were also assessed using blood tests. RESULTS: ENG worsened sexual function according to FSFI and QS-F, across all domains. A decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) between stages was observed for all groups. We observed an improvement in sexual function for non-hormonal LARCs, specially SIUD. However this improvement was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The use of non-hormonal LARCS improved sexual function. Etonogestrel implants, had a negative influence on sexual function, probably by blocking ovarian function, and thus reducing the production of androgens and estrogens.

Cardiovascular Risk in Psoriasis Patients: Clinical, Functional and Morphological Parameters / Risco Cardiovascular em Pacientes Psoriásicos: Avaliação de Parâmetros Clínicos, Funcionais e Morfológicos

Abstract Background: Psoriasis correlates with metabolic disorders, early atheromatosis and increased cardiovascular risk. Objectives: To assess markers of cardiovascular disease in psoriatic patients. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study involving 11 psoriatic participants and 33 controls. Anthropometric, biochemical, hemodynamic and imaging parameters were evaluated. Arterial stiffness was assessed by oscillometric measurement of the brachial artery. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and left ventricular diastolic function were assessed by Doppler echography and echocardiography. Between-group comparisons of numerical variables were performed by the Student's t-test or Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test for independent samples. Significance level was set at 5%. Results: Psoriatic patients showed increased pulse wave velocity (PWV) (9.1 ± 1.8 vs 8.0 ± 2 m/s, p = 0.033), IMT of the left common carotid artery (p = 0.018) and a higher percentage of patients above the 75th percentile according to the ELSA table when compared with controls (54.5 vs 18.2%, p = 0.045). Psoriatic patients also showed an increase in peripheral/central systolic blood pressure (137.1 ± 13.2 vs 122.3 ± 11.6 mmHg, p = 0.004)/(127 ± 13 vs 112.5 ± 10.4 mmHg, p = 0.005), peripheral/central diastolic blood pressure (89.9 ± 8.9 vs 82.2 ± 8, p = 0.022)/(91 ± 9.3 vs 82.2 ± 8.3, p = 0.014), total cholesterol (252 ± 43.5 vs 198 ± 39.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (167 ± 24 vs 118 ± 40.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (7.6 ± 35.4 vs 1 ± 1.2 mg/L p < 0.001) compared with controls. Conclusion: Psoriasis patients show increased PWV, IMT, peripheral and central blood pressures, and serum cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels, denoting a higher cardiovascular risk.

Resumo Fundamento: A psoríase correlaciona-se a distúrbios metabólicos, ateromatose precoce e aumento do risco cardiovascular. Objetivos: Avaliar marcadores de doença cardiovascular na população psoriásica. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal, envolvendo 11 participantes psoriásicos e 33 controles. Foram avaliados parâmetros antropométricos, laboratoriais, hemodinâmicos e de imagem. A rigidez arterial foi avaliada por oscilometria da artéria braquial. A espessura médio-intimal (EMI) e a função diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo foram avaliadas por meio da ecografia e ecocardiografia Doppler. As comparações de variáveis numéricas entre grupos foram realizadas por teste t-Student e Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney para amostras independentes, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Os pacientes psoriásicos apresentaram aumento de VOP (9,1 ± 1,8 e 8 ± 2 m/s, p = 0,033), EMI da artéria carótida comum esquerda (p = 0,018) e maior proporção de percentil > 75 pela tabela ELSA (54,5 e 18,2%, p = 0,045) e) quando comparados aos controles. Pacientes psoriásicos também mostraram aumento nos seguintes parâmetros em relação ao grupo controle, respectivamente: pressão arterial sistólica periférica/central (137,1 ± 13,2 e 122,3 ± 11,6 mmHg, p = 0,004)/(127 ± 13 e 112,5 ± 10,4 mmHg, p = 0,005), pressão arterial diastólica periférica/central (89,9 ± 8,9 e 82,2 ± 8 mmHg, p = 0,022) / (91 ± 9,3 e 82,2 ± 8,3 mmHg, p = 0,014), colesterol total (252 ± 43,5 e 198 ± 39,8 mg/dL, p < 0,001), colesterol LDL (167 ± 24 e 118 ± 40,8 mg/dL, p < 0,001) e proteína C reativa (7,6 ± 35,4 e 1 ± 1,2 mg/L, p<0,001). Conclusão: Pacientes psoriásicos apresentam elevações de VOP e EMI, além de maiores pressões arteriais periféricas e centrais, níveis séricos de colesterol e de proteína C reativa, denotando maior risco cardiovascular.

Cardiovascular Risk in Psoriasis Patients: Clinical, Functional and Morphological Parameters.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis correlates with metabolic disorders, early atheromatosis and increased cardiovascular risk. OBJECTIVES: To assess markers of cardiovascular disease in psoriatic patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational study involving 11 psoriatic participants and 33 controls. Anthropometric, biochemical, hemodynamic and imaging parameters were evaluated. Arterial stiffness was assessed by oscillometric measurement of the brachial artery. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and left ventricular diastolic function were assessed by Doppler echography and echocardiography. Between-group comparisons of numerical variables were performed by the Student's t-test or Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test for independent samples. Significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: Psoriatic patients showed increased pulse wave velocity (PWV) (9.1 ± 1.8 vs 8.0 ± 2 m/s, p = 0.033), IMT of the left common carotid artery (p = 0.018) and a higher percentage of patients above the 75th percentile according to the ELSA table when compared with controls (54.5 vs 18.2%, p = 0.045). Psoriatic patients also showed an increase in peripheral/central systolic blood pressure (137.1 ± 13.2 vs 122.3 ± 11.6 mmHg, p = 0.004)/(127 ± 13 vs 112.5 ± 10.4 mmHg, p = 0.005), peripheral/central diastolic blood pressure (89.9 ± 8.9 vs 82.2 ± 8, p = 0.022)/(91 ± 9.3 vs 82.2 ± 8.3, p = 0.014), total cholesterol (252 ± 43.5 vs 198 ± 39.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (167 ± 24 vs 118 ± 40.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (7.6 ± 35.4 vs 1 ± 1.2 mg/L p < 0.001) compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Psoriasis patients show increased PWV, IMT, peripheral and central blood pressures, and serum cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels, denoting a higher cardiovascular risk.

Arterial Stiffness Use for Early Monitoring of Cardiovascular Adverse Events due to Anthracycline Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients. A Pilot Study / Uso da Rigidez Arterial para Monitoramento Precoce de Eventos Adversos Cardiovasculares por Antracíclicos em Pacientes com Câncer de Mama. Um Estudo Piloto

Abstract Background: Chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, although efficient for treating breast cancer, is associated with cardiovascular complications. Recent studies seek to identify methods that can early detect cardiological and vascular changes as a strategy to decrease the incidence of cardiovascular comorbidities. Objective: To evaluate the role of arterial stiffness measurement in the monitoring of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients. Methods: Prospective longitudinal study in 24 breast cancer patients undergoing treatment with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Patients underwent an indirect evaluation of arterial stiffness through non-invasive measurement of hemodynamic parameters such as pulse wave velocity with the Mobil-O-Graph® 24H PWA device at three different times of the chemotherapy treatment (pre-chemotherapy, after the first and the fourth cycle). The left ventricular ejection fraction was also evaluated by Doppler echocardiography (pre-chemotherapy and after the fourth chemotherapy cycle). Data were considered significant when p ≤ 0.05. Results: Patients had a mean age of 52.33 ± 8.85 years and body mass index of 31 ± 5.87 kg/m2. There was no significant difference between the hemodynamic parameters evaluated by the oscillometric method or in the left ventricular ejection fraction in the different evaluated periods. Conclusion: Evaluations of arterial stiffness by oscillometry and measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction by Doppler echocardiography showed equivalence in the values found, suggesting that the evaluation method of arterial stiffness studied could be used as a marker for cardiovascular adverse events associated with doxorrubicin-based chemotherapy drugs.

Resumo Fundamento: O tratamento quimioterápico com doxorrubicina e ciclofosfamida, apesar de eficiente no combate ao câncer de mama, está associado a complicações cardiovasculares. Trabalhos recentes identificam métodos que possam detectar alterações cardiológicas e vasculares precocemente, visando a uma estratégia para diminuição na incidência de comorbidades cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Avaliar o papel da medida da rigidez arterial no acompanhamento da ocorrência de eventos adversos cardiovasculares induzidos por doxorrubicina e ciclofosfamida em pacientes com câncer de mama. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal prospectivo realizado com 24 pacientes com câncer de mama em tratamento com doxorrubicina e ciclofosfamida. As pacientes foram submetidas à avaliação indireta da rigidez arterial, por mensuração não invasiva de parâmetros hemodinâmicos, como a velocidade de onda de pulso, pelo equipamento Mobil-O-Graph® 24H PWA em três diferentes momentos do tratamento quimioterápico (pré-quimioterapia, após o primeiro e após o quarto ciclos). Foi avaliada também a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo pelo ecoDopplercardiograma (pré-quimioterapia e após o quarto ciclo quimioterápico). Os valores de p ≤ 0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados: As pacientes apresentaram média de idade de 52,33 ± 8,85 anos e índice de massa corporal de 31 ± 5,87 kg/m2. Não houve diferença significativa entre os parâmetros hemodinâmicos avaliados pelo método oscilométrico ou na fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, nos diferentes períodos avaliados. Conclusão: As avaliações de rigidez arterial por oscilometria e medida da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo por ecoDopplercardiograma mostraram equivalência nos valores encontrados, sugerindo que o método de avaliação da rigidez arterial estudado possa ser utilizado como mais um marcador para eventos adversos cardiovasculares associados aos medicamentos quimioterápicos baseados em doxorrubicina.

Arterial Stiffness Use for Early Monitoring of Cardiovascular Adverse Events due to Anthracycline Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients. A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, although efficient for treating breast cancer, is associated with cardiovascular complications. Recent studies seek to identify methods that can early detect cardiological and vascular changes as a strategy to decrease the incidence of cardiovascular comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of arterial stiffness measurement in the monitoring of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study in 24 breast cancer patients undergoing treatment with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Patients underwent an indirect evaluation of arterial stiffness through non-invasive measurement of hemodynamic parameters such as pulse wave velocity with the Mobil-O-Graph® 24H PWA device at three different times of the chemotherapy treatment (pre-chemotherapy, after the first and the fourth cycle). The left ventricular ejection fraction was also evaluated by Doppler echocardiography (pre-chemotherapy and after the fourth chemotherapy cycle). Data were considered significant when p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 52.33 ± 8.85 years and body mass index of 31 ± 5.87 kg/m2. There was no significant difference between the hemodynamic parameters evaluated by the oscillometric method or in the left ventricular ejection fraction in the different evaluated periods. CONCLUSION: Evaluations of arterial stiffness by oscillometry and measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction by Doppler echocardiography showed equivalence in the values found, suggesting that the evaluation method of arterial stiffness studied could be used as a marker for cardiovascular adverse events associated with doxorrubicin-based chemotherapy drugs.

Assessment of hemodynamic and vascular parameters in Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and mild cognitive abnormalities: a pilot study / Avaliação de parâmetros hemodinâmicos e vasculares na doença de Alzheimer, demência vascular e alterações cognitivas leves: um estudo piloto

Abstract Objectives: this pilot study correlated cardiovascular parameters such as atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness in patients with aged-related dementia and sought to identify hemodynamic differences that can help in differential diagnosis. Method: a longitudinal prospective study was performed of 46 patients aged 60 to 80 years in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The patients were classified into three groups: those with Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The groups were classified by clinical examination and CT or magnetic resonance imaging tests of the encephalon. The arterial stiffness and other hemodynamic parameters of the patients were measured using the Mobil-O-Graph device and carotid artery ultrasound scanning. Data analysis was performed by descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression and analysis of variance. Results: 18 patients (39.1%) had MCI, 18 (39.1%) AD and 10 (21.8%) VD. Image exams revealed greater obstructive microangiopathy in the AD group than the MCI group (p<0.05), which in turn exhibited greater normality in such tests than the AD group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences among the groups for the hemodynamic variables. The carotid artery ultrasound examinations identified a greater degree of normality in the MCI group than the AD group (p<0.05). Conclusion: the results do not support the idea of using noninvasive hemodynamic evaluation methods as additional exams in the differential diagnosis of these pathologies. AU

Resumo Objetivo: Este estudo piloto comparativo correlaciona parâmetros cardiovasculares como aterosclerose e rigidez arterial em pacientes com demências relacionadas à idade e busca diferenças hemodinâmicas que possam auxiliar no diagnóstico diferencial. Método: Estudo longitudinal prospectivo em 46 pacientes com idade entre 60 e 80 anos divididos em três grupos: Portadores de Doença de Alzheimer (DA), Demência Vascular (DV) ou Alterações Cognitivas Leves (ACL), no município de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A classificação dos grupos deu-se por investigação clínica e exames de tomografia computadorizada ou ressonância magnética nuclear do encéfalo. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação indireta da rigidez arterial por mensuração não invasiva de parâmetros hemodinâmicos como a velocidade de onda de pulso, pressão arterial sistólica, pressão arterial diastólica e pressão de pulso pelo equipamento Mobil-O-Graph e também submetidos à avaliação ecográfica da artéria carótida por duplex Scan. A análise dos dados foi realizada por estatísticas descritivas, regressão logística multinomial e análise de variância. Resultado: Foram classificados 18 pacientes (39,1%) como portadores de ACL, 18 (39,1%) de DA e 10 (21,8%) de DV. Exames de imagem apontaram microangiopatia obstrutiva maior em DA (p<0,05) quando comparado ao controle ACL, que por sua vez mostrou maior padrão de normalidade nos exames de imagem quando comparado a DA (p<0,05). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos para as variáveis hemodinâmicas. Exames ecográficos mostraram maior padrão de normalidade em ACL comparado a DA (p<0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados não inferem que métodos de avaliação hemodinâmica não invasiva possam ser utilizados como auxiliares no diagnóstico diferencial entre essas patologias. AU

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase-derived hydrogen peroxide effect in grafts used in human coronary bypass surgery.

Recently, H2O2 has been identified as the endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), which mediates flow-induced dilation in human coronary arteries. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is expressed in the cardiovascular system and, besides NO, generates H2O2 The role of nNOS-derived H2O2 in human vessels is so far unknown. The present study was aimed at investigating the relevance of nNOS/H2O2 signaling in the human internal mammary artery (IMA) and saphenous vein (SV), the major conduits used in coronary artery bypass grafting. In the IMA, but not in the SV, ACh (acetylcholine)-induced vasodilatation was decreased by selective nNOS inhibition with TRIM or Inhibitor 1, and by catalase, which specifically decomposes H2O2 Superoxide dismutase (SOD), which generates H2O2 from superoxide, decreased the vasodilator effect of ACh on SV. In the IMA, SOD diminished phenylephrine-induced contraction in endothelium-containing, but not in endothelium-denuded vessels. Importantly, while exogenous H2O2 produced vasodilatation in IMA, it constricted SV. ACh increased H2O2 production in both sets of vessels. In the IMA, the increase in H2O2 was inhibited by catalase and nNOS blockade. In SV, H2O2 production was abolished by catalase and reduced by nNOS inhibition. Immunofluorescence experiments showed the presence of nNOS in the vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells of both the IMA and SV. Together, our results clearly show that H2O2 induced endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation in the IMA, whereas, in the SV, H2O2 was a vasoconstrictor. Thus, H2O2 produced in the coronary circulation may contribute to the susceptibility to accelerated atherosclerosis and progressive failure of the SV used as autogenous graft in coronary bypass surgery.

Cardiovascular-Active Venom Toxins: An Overview.

Animal venoms are a mixture of bioactive compounds produced as weapons and used primarily to immobilize and kill preys. As a result of the high potency and specificity for various physiological targets, many toxins from animal venoms have emerged as possible drugs for the medication of diverse disorders, including cardiovascular diseases. Captopril, which inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), was the first successful venom-based drug and a notable example of rational drug design. Since captopril was developed, many studies have discovered novel bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs) with actions on the cardiovascular system. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) have also been found in animal venoms and used as template to design new drugs with applications in cardiovascular diseases. Among the anti-arrhythmic peptides, GsMTx-4 was discovered to be a toxin that selectively inhibits the stretch-activated cation channels (SACs), which are involved in atrial fibrillation. The present review describes the main components isolated from animal venoms that act on the cardiovascular system and presents a brief summary of venomous animals and their venom apparatuses.

Confecção imediata de elementos provisórios em resina composta, inseridos ao aparelho ortodôntico fixo / Immediate provisional teeth performed in composite resin, directed to fixed appliances

A confecção de elementos dentários provisórios para adaptação em espaços edêntulos na região anterior das arcadas, durante o tratamento ortodôntico, é um procedimento bastante rotineiro. Esse artigo tem por objetivo demonstrar uma técnica simples para a confecção de elementos dentários provisórios utilizando-se resina composta restauradora fotopolimerizável. Tal técnica permite a obtenção de elementos provisórios com ótimas características estéticas, boa aderência ao braquete ortodôntico e baixo custo, entre outras vantagens.