First-degree atrioventricular block in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients: an easy and worthy prognostic marker?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiac disease. Recently, a connection has been observed between the presence of first-degree atrioventricular block (FDAVB) and cardiovascular outcomes, although the pathophysiology of this association remains poorly understood. Considering the period 2000-2023, we retrospectively included HCM patients at sinus rhythm at the first appointment and sought possible interactions of FDAVB (defined as PR interval >200 ms) with different clinical and imaging variables and with the occurrence of cardiovascular events, including atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 97 patients were included, of whom 57 (58.8%) were men, with a mean age of 51±19 years, and 14 (14.4%) had FDAVB. During a median of 4.29 (P25 1.92, P75 7.67) years of follow-up, 35 cardiovascular events occurred, including 13 de novo diagnoses of AF, 8 hospitalizations due to heart failure, 8 new-onset strokes, 4 myocardial infarctions, and 2 implantations of cardio defibrillators in secondary prevention; no HCM-related death occurred. We did not find any association between outcomes and the presence of FDAVB. The role of FDAVB as a prognostic marker in HCM patients requires further investigation. We found that FDAVB patients were older, more frequently reported dyspnea, had a larger QRS duration, a higher E/e' ratio, and lower maximal left ventricle wall thickness by magnetic resonance (p<0.05). After multivariable analysis, FDAVB was independently associated with a higher echocardiographic E/e' ratio (p=0.039) (odds ratio=1.588). This is the first paper to document an independent association between FGAVB and a higher E/e' ratio in HCM patients.

Assessing medication use patterns by clinical outcomes severity among inpatients with COVID-19: A retrospective drug utilization study.

PURPOSE: This study assessed medication patterns for inpatients at a central hospital in Portugal and explored their relationships with clinical outcomes in COVID-19 cases. METHODS: A retrospective study analyzed inpatient medication data, coded using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system, from electronic patient records. It investigated the association between medications and clinical severity outcomes such as ICU admissions, respiratory/circulatory support needs, and hospital discharge status, including mortality (identified by ICD-10-CM/PCS codes). Multivariate analyses incorporating demographic data and comorbidities were used to adjust for potential confounders and understand the impact of medication patterns on disease progression and outcomes. RESULTS: The analysis of 2688 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (55.3% male, average age 62.8 years) revealed a significant correlation between medication types and intensity and disease severity. Cases requiring ICU admission or ECMO support often involved blood and blood-forming organ drugs. Increased use of nervous system and genitourinary hormones was observed in nonsurvivors. Corticosteroids, like dexamethasone, were common in critically ill patients, while tocilizumab was used in ECMO cases. Medications for the alimentary tract, metabolism, and cardiovascular system, although widely prescribed, were linked to more severe cases. Invasive mechanical ventilation correlated with higher usage of systemic anti-infectives and musculoskeletal medications. Trends in co-prescribing blood-forming drugs with those for acid-related disorders, analgesics, and antibacterials were associated with intensive interventions and worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights complex medication regimens in managing severe COVID-19, underscoring specific drug patterns associated with critical health outcomes. Further research is needed to explore these patterns.

Barriers to disengagement from an athletic career: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis with retired elite-level female footballers / Barreras que conducen a la desvinculación en la trayetória deportiva: un análisis fenomenológico interpretativo con futbolistas de élite retiradas / Obstáculos ao desinvestimento na carreira atlética: Uma análise fenomenológica interpretativa com ex-jogadoras de futebol de elite

En el contexto de la práctica deportiva, tan pronto como se pasa el período ideal para alcanzar ciertasmetas y la inversión en una meta ya no es alcanzable, la desinversión en una determinada meta bloqueada y la reinversión en metas alternativas contribuirán a un desarrollo adaptativo, como argumentan las teorías de autorregulación. El objetivo del presente estudio fue explorar las barreras experimentadas por cuatro ex jugadoras de fútbol de élite durante su período de adaptación a largo plazo. Eneste sentido, el presente estudio se desarrolló de acuerdo con los principios del análisis fenomenológico interpretativo. Los resultados sugieren que los ex deportistas tuvieron dificultades para desprenderse de sus objetivos profesionales durante la transición a la retirada del deporte, habiendo enumerado cuatro razones: i) elmiedo a ser olvidados; ii) el intentode crear un vínculo para una futura implicación como futuras entrenadoras; iii) la creencia de que como practicantes disfrutan de un rol muy gratificante; iv) la presión social para seguir practicando a un nivel deportivo de élite. Estos resultados muestran que con el acercamiento de la edad de retiro, las atletas pueden beneficiarse de intervenciones psicológicas que ayuden a esta transición de carrera.(AU)

Once the optimal age for achieving certain goals has passed and the investmentin a goal is no longer possible, self-regulation theories claim that disengagement from the goal and re-engagement in alternative goals will contribute to adaptive development. The present study explored the barriers experienced by four retired female elite-level footballers when adapting to retirement in the long term. To achieve this, the study was designed according to the principles of InterpretativePhenomenological Analysis. Our findings suggest that the ex-athletes found it difficult to disengage from their career goals during their transitions out of elite sport and listed four main reasons for this: i) the fear of being forgotten; ii) the attempt to create a link for future involvement as future coaches; iii) the belief that as practitioners they enjoy a very rewarding role in terms of achievement; iv) the social pressure to continue practicing at an elite sporting level. These findings suggest athletes approaching retirement might benefit from support interventions to help prevent distress and to promote well-being during their transitions out of elite sport. Therefore, clubs and federations should encourage and foster the development of adequate career transition programs, to achieve a fairer environment and a better quality of life for the players.(AU)

No contexto da prática desportiva, assim que o período ideal para que os praticantes alcancem determinadas metas é ultrapassado e o investimento em um objetivo já não é passível de ser alcançado, o desinvestimento em determinado objetivo bloqueado e o reinvestimento em objetivos alternativos poderá contribuir para um desenvolvimento adaptativo, conforme sustentam as teorias da autorregulação. O presente estudo teve como propósito explorar as principais barreiras experienciadas por quatro ex-atletas de futebol de elite durante o seu período de adaptação a longo prazo. Para tal recorreu-se aos princípios da análise fenomenológica interpretativa. Os resultados sugerem que as ex-atletas apresentaram dificuldades em desinvestir dos objetivos de carreira durante a transição para a reforma da prática desportiva, tendo para tal elencado quatrorazões principais: i) o medo de serem esquecidas; ii) a tentativa de criarem uma ligação para um futuro envolvimento enquanto futuras treinadoras; iii) a crença de que enquanto praticantes usufruem de umpapel deveras gratificante em termos de realização;iv) a pressão social para continuarem a praticar ao nível do desporto de elite. Os resultados encontrados sugerem que, com a aproximação da idade da reforma, as atletas podem beneficiar de intervenções psicológicas que facilitem a transição de carreira e previnam elevados níveis de stresse, promovendo-se o bem-estar durante a respetiva transição. Deste modo, afigura-se recomendável que tanto clubes como federações encorajem e fomentem o desenvolvimento deprogramas adequados de transição de carreira, em nome de um mais justo enquadramento e de uma melhor qualidade de vida dos praticantes desportivos.(AU)

A randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of psychoeducation on the quality of life of parents with children with congenital heart defects-Quantitative component.

PURPOSE: To develop, implement and assess the results of psychoeducation to improve the QoL of parents with CHD newborns. METHODS: Participants were parents of inpatient newborns with the diagnosis of non-syndromic CHD. We conducted a parallel RCT with an allocation ratio of 1:1 (intervention vs. control), considering the newborns, using mixed methods research. The intervention group received psychoeducation (Parental Psychoeducation in CHD [PPeCHD]) and the usual routines, and the control group received just the regular practices. The allocation concealment was assured. PI was involved in enrolling participants, developing and implementing the intervention, data collection and data analysis. We followed the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. RESULTS: Parents of eight newborns were allocated to the intervention group (n = 15 parents) and eight to the control group (n = 13 parents). It was performed as an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. In M2 (4 weeks), the intervention group presented better QoL levels in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains of World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-Bref). In M3 (16 weeks), scores in physical and psychological domains maintained a statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The PPeCHD, the psychoeducational intervention we developed, positively impacted parental QoL. These results support the initial hypothesis. This study is a fundamental milestone in this research field, adding new essential information to the literature.

European anesthesiologists' experiences with gender-based mistreatment in the workplace: a secondary multilevel regression analysis.

BACKGROUND: Workplace gender-based mistreatment (GBM) refers to negative or harmful behaviors directed towards employees. In healthcare settings, this can lead to job dissatisfaction and underperformance and potentially compromise patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine workplace GBM among European anesthesiologists and produce the first European Gender-based Mistreatment Rank in Anesthesiology. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis from a worldwide cross-sectional survey database consisting of a 46-item questionnaire exploring, among other outcomes, gender bias attributable to workplace attitudes. The survey completion rate was 80.8%. All respondents were selected from European countries. Associations between mistreatment and the remaining variables were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A generalized linear mixed model was then used to quantify the impact of mistreatment in each European country. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: This study included 5,795 respondents from 43 European countries. The independent predictors of GBM were as follows: female gender, younger age, perceiving gender as a disadvantage for leadership, and perceiving gender as a disadvantage for research. The full model was statistically significant, indicating an ability to distinguish between those who experienced GBM and those who did not (P < 0.001). Thus, 26 European countries were ranked based on the prevalence of mistreatment, with Italy showing the best performance (lowest prevalence). CONCLUSIONS: The aim of our study was to provide preliminary insight into GBM in anesthesiology in Europe, function as a key benchmark for gender equity, and chart the evolution of disparities over time.

Thiopurines have no impact on outcomes of Crohn's disease patients beyond 12 months of maintenance treatment with infliximab.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of new treatments the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) raised questions regarding the role of older agents, namely thiopurines. AIMS: To clarify the benefits of combination treatment with thiopurines on Crohn's disease (CD) patients in the maintenance phase of infliximab. METHODS: In this analysis of the 2-year prospective multicentric DIRECT study, patients were assessed in terms of clinical activity, faecal calprotectin (FC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and infliximab pharmacokinetics. A composite outcome based on clinical- and drug-related items was used to define treatment failure. RESULTS: The study included 172 patients; of these, 35.5 % were treated with combination treatment. Overall, 18 % of patients achieved the composite outcome, without statistically significant differences between patients on monotherapy and on combination treatment (21.6% vs 11.5 %, p = 0.098). Median CRP, FC, and infliximab pharmacokinetic parameters were similar in both groups. However, in the sub-analysis by infliximab treatment duration, in patients treated for less than 12 months, the composite outcome was reached in fewer patients in the combination group than in the monotherapy group (7.1% vs 47.1 %, p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: In CD patients in maintenance treatment with infliximab, combination treatment does not seem to have benefits over infliximab monotherapy beyond 12 months of treatment duration.

Seroprevalence of viral transfusion transmissible infections (HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, Syphilis) and coinfection among healthy volunteer blood donors during 5-years in Luanda, Angola.

BACKGROUND: The transmission of diseases by blood products continues to be a worldwide health problem, especially in Africa. Seroprevalence rates of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Syphilis, and Coinfection in Angola are poorly documented. This study aims to identify the seroprevalence of markers with positive results for Hepatitis B, C, HIV, Syphilis, and Coinfection in blood donors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using a database of positive serological markers for these infections and coinfection in 2734 blood donors traced from 2011 to 2016 in Luanda, Angola. The Chi-Square test (χ2) or Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate serological positivity and donors' characteristics. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: 2734 blood donors aged 18 to 64 (median age 32 ± 9) were screened from 2011 to 2016. 73.9 % of the donors were positive for one Transfusion-Transmitted Infection (TTI), and 5.9 % showed evidence of multiple infections. The overall seroprevalence rate was 50.2 % (1373) for HBV, 20 % (436) for Syphilis, 7 % (191) for HIV, 5.1 % (140) for HCV, and 5.8 % for coinfected donors. 2467 (90 %) were men, and 267 (10 %) were women. We identified 118 (5.8 %) coinfected donors. Of those, 40 (33.9 %) simultaneously presented Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg)/Syphilis, 24 (20.3 %) HBsAg/HIV, 22 (18.6 %) HBsAg/HCV, 20 (16.9 %) HIV/Syphilis, 8 (6.8 %) HCV/Syphilis, and 4 (3.4 %) HIV/HCV. CONCLUSION: A high transfusion-transmissible infection prevalence was found compared to some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, intensifying the screening for these transfusion-transmitted infections in blood donors is critical to ensure blood safety.

Essential Trace Elements Status in Portuguese Pregnant Women and Their Association with Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: A Prospective Study from the IoMum Cohort.

Cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements (ETEs) and important cofactors for intermediary metabolism or redox balance. These ETEs are crucial during pregnancy, their role on specific pregnancy outcomes is largely unknown. This prospective study (#NCT04010708) aimed to assess urinary levels of these ETEs in pregnancy and to evaluate their association with pregnancy outcomes. First trimester pregnant women of Porto and Lisbon provided a random spot urine sample, and sociodemographic and lifestyle data. Clinical data were obtained from clinical records. Urinary ETEs were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A total of 635 mother:child pairs were included. Having urinary Zn levels above the 50th percentile (P50) was an independent risk factor for pre-eclampsia (PE) (aOR [95% CI]: 5.350 [1.044-27.423], p = 0.044). Urinary Zn levels above the P50 decreased the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) birth head circumference (aOR [95% CI]: 0.315 [0.113-0.883], p = 0.028), but it increased the risk SGA length (aOR [95% CI]: 2.531 [1.057-6.062], p = 0.037). This study may provide valuable information for public health policies related to prenatal nutrition, while informing future efforts to de-fine urinary reference intervals for ETEs in pregnant women.

Subsyndromal Delirium in Critically Ill Patients-Cognitive and Functional Long-Term Outcomes.

Subsyndromal delirium (SSD) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is associated with an increased morbidity with unknown post-discharge functional and cognitive outcomes. We performed a prospective multicenter study to analyze the mental status of patients during their first 72 h after ICU admission and its trajectory, with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months after hospital discharge. Amongst the 106 included patients, SSD occurred in 24.5% (n = 26) and was associated with the duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.003) and the length of the ICU stay (p = 0.002). After the initial 72 h, most of the SSD patients (30.8%) improved and no longer had SSD; 19.2% continued to experience SSD and one patient (3.8%) progressed to delirium. The post-hospital discharge survival rate for the SSD patients was 100% at 3 months and 87.5% at 6 months. At admission, 96.2% of the SSD patients were fully independent in daily living activities, 66.7% at 3-month follow-up, and 100% at 6-month follow-up. Most SSD patients demonstrated a cognitive decline from admission to 3-month follow-up and improved at 6 months (IQCODE-SF: admission 3.13, p < 0.001; 3 months 3.41, p = 0.019; 6 months 3.19, p = 0.194). We concluded that early SSD is associated with worse outcomes, mainly a transitory cognitive decline after hospital discharge at 3 months, with an improvement at 6 months. This highlights the need to prevent and identify this condition during ICU stays.

Neurocritical care management supported by multimodal brain monitoring after acute brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between different intensive care units and levels of brain monitoring with outcomes in acute brain injury. METHODS: Patients with traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage admitted to intensive care units were included. Neurocritical care unit management was compared to general intensive care unit management. Patients managed with multimodal brain monitoring and optimal cerebral perfusion pressure were compared with general management patients. A good outcome was defined as a Glasgow outcome scale score of 4 or 5. RESULTS: Among 389 patients, 237 were admitted to the neurocritical care unit, and 152 were admitted to the general intensive care unit. Neurocritical care unit management patients had a lower risk of poor outcome (OR = 0.228). A subgroup of 69 patients with multimodal brain monitoring (G1) was compared with the remaining patients (G2). In the G1 and G2 groups, 59% versus 23% of patients, respectively, had a good outcome at intensive care unit discharge; 64% versus 31% had a good outcome at 28 days; 76% versus 50% had a good outcome at 3 months (p < 0.001); and 77% versus 58% had a good outcome at 6 months (p = 0.005). When outcomes were adjusted by SAPS II severity score, using good outcome as the dependent variable, the results were as follows: for G1 compared to G2, the OR was 4.607 at intensive care unit discharge (p < 0.001), 4.22 at 28 days (p = 0.001), 3.250 at 3 months (p = 0.001) and 2.529 at 6 months (p = 0.006). Patients with optimal cerebral perfusion pressure management (n = 127) had a better outcome at all points of evaluation. Mortality for those patients was significantly lower at 28 days (p = 0.001), 3 months (p < 0.001) and 6 months (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Multimodal brain monitoring with autoregulation and neurocritical care unit management were associated with better outcomes and should be considered after severe acute brain injury.

Risk factors associated with post-intensive care syndrome in family members (PICS-F): A prospective observational study.

Background: The family members of intensive care unit (ICU) patients play a crucial role in modern ICUs. These individuals are predisposed to the development of post-intensive care syndrome in family members (PICS-F), a syndrome experienced by family members of ICU patients in response to critical illness and characterised by new or worsening psychological symptoms. This study sought to evaluate the levels of anxiety and depression exhibited by the family members of patients hospitalised in the ICU. It also aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the experience of PICS-F, which should assist with its prevention in the future. Methods: The study sample comprised 164 ICU patients and their family members. Sociodemographic data were gathered at the time of ICU admission and 3 months after discharge, and the family members were screened for emotional distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Comparison tests were used to test for an association between family/patient characteristics and a positive HADS score. In addition, a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify the independent factors associated with a positive HADS score. Results: Emotional distress was identified in 24% of the family members 3 months after their relatives had been discharged from the ICU. A number of personal traits were found to be associated with emotional distress in the family members, namely unemployment (p = .008), smoking/drinking habits (p = .036) and personal history of psychopathology (p = .045). In the multiple logistic regression analyses, only unemployment was found to be an independent factor associated with both anxiety and depression in the family members (OR = 2.74, CI 95%: 1.09-6.93). No association was found between the patients' characteristics and emotional distress in the family members. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate an association between emotional distress in the family members of ICU patients and their personal traits, thereby building on the prior literature by suggesting that patient characteristics are less pertinent to the experience of PICS-F. Unemployment may represent a meaningful risk factor for emotional distress in family members (a potential marker of PICS-F), given its relationship with family members' positive HADS scores post-ICU discharge. These findings should influence preventative strategies concerning PICS-F by illustrating the need to assess family characteristics and demographics early in a patient's ICU stay and, consequently, allowing for the early identification of at-risk individuals and the prompt implementation of adequate support services.

How many biomarker measurements are needed to predict prognosis in Crohn's disease patients under infliximab?-A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Timely stratification of Crohn's disease (CD) is essential for patients' management. The use of noninvasive accurate biomarkers is key to monitor treatment and to pursue mucosal healing, the ultimate treatment endpoint in CD. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the performance of readily available biomarkers and develop risk matrices to predict CD progression. METHODS: Data from 289 CD patients receiving infliximab (IFX) maintenance therapy for 2 years was collected; those patients were included in DIRECT, a prospective multicenter observational study. Disease progression was evaluated using two composite outcomes incorporating clinical and drug-related factors, the first including IFX dose and/or frequency adjustments. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and to develop risk matrices. RESULTS: The isolated presence of anemia at least once during follow-up was a significant predictor of disease progression (OR 2.436 and 3.396 [p ≤ 0.001] for composite outcomes 1 and 2, respectively) regardless of confounding factors. Isolated highly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP; >10.0 mg/L) and fecal calprotectin (FC; >500.0 µg/g) in at least one visit were also significant predictors, while milder elevations (3.1-10.0 mg/L and 250.1-500.0 µg/g) were only relevant when detected in at least two visits (consecutive or not). The combination of biomarkers in risk matrices had good ability to predict progression; patients simultaneously presenting anemia, highly elevated CRP and FC at least once had 42%-63% probability of achieving the composite outcomes. CONCLUSION: The combined evaluation of hemoglobin, CRP, and FC in at least one time point and their incorporation into risk matrices seems to be the optimal strategy for CD management, as data from additional visits did not meaningfully influence the predictions and may delay decision-making.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) in fecal samples: validation of the extraction methodology and stability in short-term storage conditions.

OBJECTIVES: This study assesses the clinical relevance of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) membrane exopeptidase as a biomarker of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A spike-and-recovery approach of DPP4 in fecal samples was used to compare two different methods for protein extraction, followed by a stability assessment. METHODS: Fecal samples of healthy volunteers spiked with known concentrations of recombinant DPP4 were processed using a standard manual extraction protocol and the CALEX® protocol. The two methods were compared by quantification of fecal DPP4 by ELISA, followed by Bland-Altman analysis. For the stability assays DPP4 was extracted from fecal samples and stored under different conditions of temperature and time after collection. RESULTS: In general, the levels of spiked DPP4 in stool samples were lower with the manual protocol than in those obtained with the CALEX® method; this trend was corroborated by Bland-Altman analysis. Nonetheless, variability was within the acceptable limits for both protocols. In the stability assessment, no statistically significant differences were found between the results obtained under the different storage conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Both manual and CALEX® protocols provided equal extraction ability of DPP4 from stool samples. In addition, DPP4 provided flexibility in terms of sample storage enabling the accurate assessment of samples delivered up to a week before analysis.

Creatinine Clearance in Acute Brain Injury: A Comparison of Methods.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the measurement of glomerular filtration rate is very complex and costly, so its daily evaluation is performed using endogenous markers, of which creatinine is the most frequently used. It allows the estimation of glomerular filtration rate by means of its clearance or by formulas based on its serum and urine concentration. Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is frequent among critically ill patients and is defined as creatinine clearance (CrCl) > 130 ml/min/1.73 m2. The aim of this study was to compare measured CrCl (MCC) and estimated CrCl obtained with the Cockcroft-Gault formula (CG), the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation (MDRD), and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula (CKD-EPI) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury and nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. The second aim was to assess the incidence of ARC in this population of neurocritical patients. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, single center study from a cohort of 74 patients admitted to the neurocritical intensive care unit due to traumatic brain injury or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Serum creatinine (at 7 a.m.) and a 6-h urine collection were analyzed, and CrCl was measured and estimated by using CG, MDRD, and CKD-EPI. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was evaluated for each pair, and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess clinical significance. RESULTS: Among 74 patients, the median age was 53 (interquartile range [IQR] 36-65), and the median Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission was 6. The median MCC at admission was 176 (IQR 135-214). The medians of CG, MDRD and CKD-EPI were, respectively, 129 ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR 95-176), 158 (IQR 115-202), and 116 (97-132). An ICC was applied to evaluate the correlation between MCC and estimated methods and showed a weak correlation between MCC and estimated CrCl obtained with the three different methods. The strongest ICC statistical correlation was found between MCC and MDRD, and the weakest correlation was found between MCC and CKD-EPI. Bland-Altman plots showed that differences between each pair were not clinically acceptable. ARC was present in 78% of measurements, using MCC. A weak correlation was observed between MCC and calculated CrCl. CG, MDRD, and CKD-EPI overestimated MCC when MCC ≤ 130 ml/min/1.73 m2 and underestimated it when MCC > 130 ml/min/1.73 m2. CONCLUSIONS: In this population, there was a weak statistical correlation between measured and estimated methods. In patients with ARC, formulas underestimated MCC. MCC should probably be the preferred methodology for renal function assessment in the clinical setting to better adjust drug dosage and guarantee drug effectiveness.

Psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Life Scale in Brazilian Para athletes / Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida en Para atletas Brasileños / Propriedades psicométricas da Escala de Satisfação com a Vida em Para atletas Brasileiros

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (ESV) para atletas brasileños, así como su estructura factorial, confiabilidad e invariancia. 309 paratletas, reclutados por conveniencia, de ambos sexos, fueron evaluados online mediante un cuestionario sociodemográfico y la versión ESV de Gouveia et al. (2009). Se utilizó el análisis factorial confirmatorio para evaluar la estructura unidimensional de la escala utilizando el método de extracción Robust Diagonally Weighted Least Squares(RDWLS). El modelo unidimensional ESV mostró un buen ajuste a los datos (χ2 = 1.906 / df = 5; p = 0.86; CFI = 1.000; SRMR = 0.019; RMSEA = 0.000 [IC 90%: 0.000 –0.042] y adecuada consistencia interna McDonald's Omega (0,88) y buena confiabilidad compuesta (0,88). Además, se confirmó la invariancia factorial entre género, discapacidad, deporte y nivel de competencia. La versión brasileña del ESV en atletas paralímpicos mostró propiedades psicométricas satisfactorias y puede usarse para medir satisfacción con la vida en el contexto paralímpico. (AU)

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) is an instrument that assesses subjective well-being in relation to life that was originally proposed in the English language. To analyze the psychometric properties do the SWLS for use with Para athletes. A convenience sample of 309 Brazilian Paralympic athletes (age: 33.08 ± 9.85 years) of both sexes was chosen. We conducted an online survey, and participants completed an anamnesis and SWLS questionnaires using the Qualtrics® software. To analyze confirmatory, the comparison fit index (CFI), the Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) and the standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) were used. Reliability was estimated by the ordinal alpha and omega coefficients. A multigroup analysis estimates a factor invariance. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported a single factor structure for the SWLS, with an acceptable fit. Cronbach’s α (0.88) and McDonald’s Omega (0.88) were indicative of internal consistency. Factorial invariance across gender, impairment, sports, and competition level was confirmed. The Brazilian version of the SWLS for Para athletes showed satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used to measure life satisfaction in the Paralympic context. (AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliaras propriedades psicométricas da Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) em paratletas brasileiros, bem como sua estrutura fatorial, confiabilidade e invariância. 309 paratletas recrutados por conveniência, de ambos os sexos, foram avaliados, de forma online, por meio de um questionário sociodemográfico e da versão SWLS de Gouveia et al. (2009). Foi utilizada a análise fatorial confirmatória para avaliar a estrutura unidimensional da escala usando o método de extração Robust Diagonally Weighted Least Squares (RDWLS). O modelo unidimensional SWLS apresentou um bom ajuste dos dados (χ2 = 1.906 / df = 5; p = 0.86; CFI = 1.000; SRMR = 0.019; RMSEA = 0.000 [90% IC : 0.000 –0.042] e consistência interna adequada Ômega do McDonald's (0,88) e boa confiabilidade composta (0,88). Além disso, a invariância fatorial entre gênero, deficiência, esportes e nível de competição foi confirmada. A versão brasileira da SWLS em atletas paralímpicos apresentou propriedades psicométricas satisfatórias e pode ser utilizada para mensurar a satisfação com a vida no contexto paralímpico. (AU)

Eating Habits During Pregnancy of Women Giving Birth Very Prematurely: An Exploratory Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Preterm birth is increasing worldwide, representing a major cause of death and long-term loss of human potential among survivors. Some morbidities during pregnancy are well-known risk factors for preterm labor, but it is not yet known whether deviations from adequate dietary patterns are associated with preterm delivery. Diet may be an important modulator of chronic inflammation, and pro-inflammatory diets during pregnancy were reported to be associated with preterm birth. The aim of this study was to assess the food consumption during pregnancy of Portuguese women giving birth very prematurely and the association between the food consumption and the major maternal morbidities during pregnancy related with preterm delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center cross-sectional observational study including consecutive Portuguese women giving birth before 33 weeks of gestation was conducted. Recall of eating habits during pregnancy was obtained within the first week after delivery, using a semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire validated for Portuguese pregnant women. RESULTS: Sixty women with a median age of 36.0 years were included. Of these, 35% were obese or overweight at the beginning of pregnancy, 41.7% and 25.0% gained excessive or insufficient weight during pregnancy, respectively. Pregnancy-induced hypertension was present in 21.7% of cases, gestational diabetes in 18.3%, chronic hypertension in 6.7%, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in 5.0%. Pregnancy-induced hypertension was significantly associated with increased daily consumption of pastry products (31.2 vs 10.0 g, p = 0.022), fast food (39.6 vs 29.7 g, p = 0.028), bread (90.0 vs 50.0 g, p = 0.005), pasta, rice and potatoes (225.7 vs 154.3 g, p = 0.012). In a multivariate analysis, only bread consumption maintained a significant, albeit weak, association (OR = 1.021; 1.003 - 1.038, p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Pregnancy-induced hypertension was associated with increased consumption of pastry products, fast food, bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes, although only bread consumption had a weak but statistically significant association with pregnancy-induced hypertension in a multivariate analysis.

Has the therapeutical ceiling been reached in Crohn's disease randomized controlled trials? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The availability of biological agents for inflammatory bowel disease has increased over the past years. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to explore time trends in clinical response and clinical remission rates in Crohn's disease (CD) patients treated with biologics while discussing the need for new strategies. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane, and ISI Web of Science databases were searched for randomized placebo-controlled trials with biological agents in moderate-to-severe CD patients. Sub-group and meta-regression analyses compared treatment and placebo by calculating the pooled odds ratios of clinical remission and clinical response, across time categories and publication year. We also estimated the proportion of patients achieving clinical remission and clinical response by comparing both groups according to the publication year. RESULTS: Twenty-five trials were included in the systematic review, which enrolled 8879 patients between 1997 and 2022. The clinical remission and clinical response odds, in induction and maintenance, have been constant over time, as no statistically significant differences were found between time categories (interaction p-values: clinical remission [induction, p = 0.19; maintenance, p = 0.24]; clinical response [induction, p = 0.43; maintenance, p = 0.59]). In meta-regression analyses, publication year did not influence these outcomes (clinical remission [induction, OR 1.01{95% CI 0.97-1.05}, p = 0.72; clinical response [induction, OR 1.01{95% CI 0.97-1.04]; p = 0.63; maintenance, OR 1.03{95% CI 0.98-1.07}; p = 0.21]), with the exception of clinical remission in maintenance studies, which presented a decreased effect (odds ratio 0.97{95% CI 0.94-1.00}, p = 0.03]). CONCLUSIONS: Our review highlights that the odds of clinical outcomes in CD patients receiving biological treatment relative to placebo have been stable in the last decades.