Search

Abstract Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is a common finding in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold-standard technique to evaluate LV remodeling. Our aim was to assess the prevalence and describe the patterns of LV adaptation in AS patients before and after surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Prospective study of 130 consecutive patients (71y [IQR 68–77y], 48% men) with severe AS, referred for surgical AVR. Patterns of LV remodeling were assessed by CMR. Besides normal LV ventricular structure, four other patterns were considered: concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy, eccentric hypertrophy, and adverse remodeling. At baseline CMR study: mean LV indexed mass: 81.8 ± 26.7 g/m2; mean end-diastolic LV indexed volume: 85.7 ± 23.1 mL/m2 and median geometric remodeling ratio: 0.96 g/mL [IQR 0.82–1.08 g/mL]. LV hypertrophy occurred in 49% of subjects (concentric 44%; eccentric 5%). Both normal LV structure and concentric remodeling had a prevalence of 25% among the cohort; one patient had an adverse remodeling pattern. Asymmetric LV wall thickening was present in 55% of the patients, with predominant septal involvement. AVR was performed in 119 patients. At 3–6 months after AVR, LV remodeling changed to: normal ventricular geometry in 60%, concentric remodeling in 27%, concentric hypertrophy in 10%, eccentric hypertrophy in 3% and adverse remodeling (one patient). Indexes of AS severity, LV systolic and diastolic function and NT-proBNP were significantly different among the distinct patterns of remodeling. Several distinct patterns of LV remodelling beyond concentric hypertrophy occur in patients with classical severe AS. Asymmetric hypertrophy is a common finding and LV response after AVR is diverse.

Introduction and objectives: Current epidemiological data on heart failure (HF) in Portugal derives from studies conducted two decades ago. The main aim of this study is to determine HF prevalence in the Portuguese population. Using current standards, this manuscript aims to describe the methodology and research protocol applied. Methods: The Portuguese Heart Failure Prevalence Observational Study (PORTHOS) is a large, three-stage, population-based, nationwide, cross-sectional study. Community-dwelling citizens aged 50 years and older will be randomly selected via stratified multistage sampling. Eligible participants will be invited to attend a screening visit at a mobile clinic for HF symptom assessment, anthropomorphic assessment, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing, one-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and a sociodemographic and health-related quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D). All subjects with NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL or with a prior history of HF will undergo a diagnostic confirmatory assessment at the mobile clinic composed of a 12-lead ECG, comprehensive echocardiography, HF questionnaire (KCCQ) and blood sampling. To validate the screening procedure, a control group will undergo the same diagnostic assessment. Echocardiography results will be centrally validated, and HF diagnosis will be established according to the European Society of Cardiology HF guidelines. A random subsample of patients with an equivocal HF with preserved ejection fraction diagnosis based on the application of the Heart Failure Association preserved ejection fraction diagnostic algorithm will be invited to undergo an exercise echocardiography. Conclusions: Through the application of current standards, appropriate methodologies, and a strong research protocol, the PORTHOS study will determine the prevalence of HF in mainland Portugal and enable a comprehensive characterization of HF patients, leading to a better understanding of their clinical profile and health-related quality of life. Resumo: Introdução e objetivos: Os dados epidemiológicos atuais sobre insuficiência cardíaca (IC) em Portugal provêm de estudos realizados há mais de duas décadas. O objetivo principal deste estudo é determinar a prevalência da síndrome de IC na população portuguesa com 50 ou mais anos, sendo, especificamente, objetivo deste artigo descrever as abordagens metodológicas e o protocolo de investigação aplicados. Métodos: O Estudo de Prevalência de Insuficiência Cardíaca em Portugal (PORTHOS) é um estudo observacional transversal de grande dimensão, de base populacional, nacional, constituído por três fases. Serão selecionados aleatoriamente por amostragem estratificada multietapas cidadãos com 50 ou mais anos residentes na comunidade em Portugal. Os participantes elegíveis serão convidados a participar numa visita de triagem, que decorrerá numa clínica móvel, durante a qual serão submetidos a avaliação de sintomas de IC, avaliação antropomórfica, um teste de N-terminal pró-peptídeo natriurético tipo B (NT-proBNP), eletrocardiograma de 1 derivação, questionários sociodemográficos e questionário de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (EQ-5D). Todos os participantes com NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL ou história prévia de IC serão submetidos a uma avaliação diagnóstica confirmatória composta por eletrocardiograma de 12 derivações, ecocardiografia completa, questionário de IC (KCCQ) e colheita de sangue. Para validar o procedimento de triagem, um grupo controlo passará pela mesma avaliação diagnóstica. Os resultados dos ecocardiogramas realizados serão validados centralmente e o diagnóstico de IC será confirmado de acordo com as recomendações de IC da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia. Uma subamostra aleatória de participantes com diagnóstico questionável de IC com fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEp), após a aplicação do algoritmo de diagnóstico de fração de ejeção preservada da Heart Failure Association (HFA-PEFF) será convidada a realizar ecocardiografia de esforço. Conclusão: Através da aplicação das recomendações atuais e abordagens metodológicas adequadas, o estudo PORTHOS irá determinar a prevalência da IC em Portugal Continental e permitir uma caracterização abrangente dos doentes com IC, para melhor compreensão do seu perfil clínico e qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde.

Abstract Aims Increased collagen content of the myocardium modifies tissue reflectivity and integrated backscatter (IBS) indexes are suggested as markers of myocardial fibrosis (MF). We sought to assess the correlation between calibrated (c) IBS and bidimensional (2D) strain derived IBS with left ventricular (LV) MF in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Methods and results We made a prospective observational cohort study including 157 patients with severe AS referred for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR), with complete preoperative transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) obtained from the anterior basal septum at the time of surgery. Two groups of 30 patients were specifically evaluated, with and without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at CMR. IBS was obtained at QRS peak from both parasternal long axis (PLAX) and apical-three-chamber (AP3C) views and measured in decibels (dB). Whole-cardiac cycle IBS at basal anterior septum was obtained from 2D longitudinal strain. Correlation analysis of reflectivity indexes was performed with global and segmental (anterior basal septum) values of native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV), and EMB collagen volume fraction (CVF) (Masson´s Trichrome). IBS values were compared in both group of patients (LGE + vs. LGE –). 60 patients (74 [36–74] years, 45% male) with high gradient (mean gradient: 63 ± 20mmHg), normal flow (45 ± 10mL/m2) AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (60 ± 9%) were included. Basal septum cIBS was − 17.45 (–31.2–10.95) and − 9.17 ± 9.45dB from PLAX and A3C views, respectively. No significant correlations were found between IBS and both non-invasive CMR tissue characterization and CVF: median MF of 9.7(2.1–79.9)%. Acoustic indexes were not significantly different according to the presence of pre-operative LGE. Conclusion In this group of patients with classical severe AS, IBS reflectivity indexes are of no added value to discriminate the presence of MF. Graphical Abstract

Acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common worldwide disease admitted to emergency departments (ED), usually presenting as pulmonary embolism or lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Due to the lack of typical clinical and biomarker diagnostic features of unprovoked VTE, early identification is challenging and has direct consequences on correct treatment delay. Longitudinal, prospective, observational study. Patients admitted to ED with a suspicion of unprovoked acute VTE between October 2020 and January 2021 were included. Clinical and laboratorial variables were compared between VTE positive and negative diagnoses. Red cell distribution width (RDW) cut point was determinate through a receiver operating characteristic analysis. RDW accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Fifty-eight patients were analyzed. And 82.8% of suspected patients with VTE were diagnosed with an acute thrombotic event confirmed by imaging examination. In patients with VTE, RDW at admission in ED was higher than with other diagnosis, respectively, 14.3% (13.2-15.1) and 13.5% (13.0-13.8). Platelet count was the only additional characteristic that revealed difference between the 2 groups (264×10 9 /L for VTE and 209×10 9 /L for non-VTE). Logistic regression models showed good discriminatory values for RDW≥14%, with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.685 (95% confidence interval, 0.535-0.834). These findings were more pronounced in isolated DVT, with a sensitivity of 76.9%, specificity 100%, and accuracy 85.7%. Our study demonstrated a significant association between an early high RDW and the diagnosis of acute unprovoked DVT. RDW ≥ 14% has an independent predictor of unprovoked VTE in adult patients.

Introduction and Objectives: To characterize patients with atherosclerosis, a disease with a high socioeconomic impact, in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Health Region. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out through the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Regional Health Administration primary health care database, extracting data on the clinical and demographic characteristics and resource use of adult primary health care users with atherosclerosis during 2016. Different criteria were used to define atherosclerosis (presence of clinical manifestations, atherothrombotic risk factors and/or consumption of drugs related to atherosclerosis). Comparisons between different subpopulations were performed using parametric tests. Results: A total of 318 692 users were identified, most of whom (n=224 845 users; 71%) had no recorded clinical manifestations. The subpopulation with clinical manifestations were older (72.0±11.5 vs. 71.3±11.0 years), with a higher proportion of men (58.0% vs. 45.9%), recorded hypertension (78.3% vs. 73.5%) and dyslipidemia (55.8% vs. 53.5%), and a lower proportion of recorded obesity (18.2% vs. 20.8%), compared to those without clinical manifestations (p

Resumo: Introdução e objetivos: A Internet é fundamental na divulgação de informação médica. Contudo, a ausência de controlo de qualidade potencia a “desinformação” da população. Pretendemos caraterizar a relevância e qualidade da informação sobre enfarte agudo do miocárdio em língua portuguesa no site YouTube (www.youtube.com). Métodos: Analisaram‐se 1.000 vídeos correspondentes aos primeiros 100 resultados da pesquisa no YouTube dos termos: “ataque + cardíaco”, “ataque + coração”, “enfarte ‐ cerebral”, “infarto ‐ cerebral”, “enfarte + miocárdio”, “enfarte + agudo + miocárdio”, “infarto + miocárdio”, “infarto + agudo + miocárdio”, “trombose + coração” e “trombose + coronária”. Excluíram‐se vídeos irrelevantes (n = 316), duplicados (n = 345), sem áudio (n = 24) e de língua não portuguesa (n = 106). Os vídeos elegíveis foram analisados quanto a origem, tema, público‐alvo e imprecisões científicas. A qualidade foi avaliada com os scores Health on the Net Code (HONCode, de 0‐8) e DISCERN (0‐5) – quanto maior, melhor a qualidade. Resultados: Incluíram‐se 242 vídeos, a maioria de formadores independentes (n = 95, 39%) e destinados à população‐geral (n = 202, 83,5%). Um terço (n = 79) apresentou imprecisões; vídeos de sociedades científicas e instituições de saúde/governamentais não apresentaram quaisquer imprecisões. A qualidade média foi baixa/moderada; apenas um vídeo apresentou boa qualidade, sem imprecisões. Instituições de saúde/governamentais foram a fonte com melhor qualidade (HONCode 4±1, DISCERN 2±1). Conclusões: A informação sobre enfarte agudo do miocárdio em língua portuguesa é irrelevante em um terço dos casos e um terço dos vídeos relevantes é impreciso. A qualidade média da informação é reduzida, sendo importante definir estratégias de controlo de qualidade da informação médica online. Abstract: Introduction and objectives: The Internet is a fundamental aspect of health information. However, the absence of quality control encourages misinformation. We aim to assess the relevance and quality of acute myocardial infarction videos shared on YouTube (www.youtube.com) in Portuguese. Methods: We analyzed 1,000 videos corresponding to the first 100 search results on YouTube using the following terms (in Portuguese): “cardiac + arrest”; “heart + attack”; “heart + thrombosis”; “coronary + thrombosis”; “infarction – brain”, “myocardial + infarction” and “acute + myocardial + infarction”. Irrelevant (n=316), duplicated (n=345), without audio (n=24) or non‐Portuguese (n=106) videos were excluded. Included videos were assessed according to source, topic, target audience and scientific inaccuracies. Quality of information was assessed using The Health on the Net Code (HONCode from 0 to 8) and DISCERN (from 0 to 5) scores – the higher the score, the better the quality. Results: 242 videos were included. The majority were from independent instructors (n=95, 39.0%) and were addressed to the general population (n=202, 83.5%). One third of the videos (n=79) contained inaccuracies while scientific society and governmental/health institution videos had no inaccuracies. The mean video quality was poor or moderate; only one video was good quality without any inaccuracies. Governmental/health institutions were the source with the best quality videos (HONCode 4±1, DISCERN 2±1). Conclusions: One third of the videos had irrelevant information and one third of the relevant ones contained inaccuracies. The average video quality was poor; therefore it is important to define strategies to improve the quality of online health information.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in the adult population worldwide, represents a significant burden in terms of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity and has repercussions on health economics. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is key to stroke prevention in AF and, in recent years, results from landmark clinical trials of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) have triggered a paradigm shift in thrombocardiology. Despite these advances, there is still a significant residual vascular risk associated with silent AF, bleeding, premature sudden death and heart failure.The authors review AF epidemiologic data, the importance of new tools for early AF detection, the current role of catheter ablation for rhythm control in AF, the state-of-the-art in periprocedural OAC, the optimal management of major bleeding, the causes of residual premature death and future strategies for improvements in AF prognosis. Resumo: A arritmia mais comum na população adulta em todo o mundo, a fibrilhação auricular (FA), contribui decisivamente para a elevada mortalidade e morbilidade cardiovascular, com repercussões na economia da saúde. A anticoagulação oral (ACO) é a chave para a prevenção do acidente vascular cerebral na FA. Nos últimos anos, os resultados dos grandes ensaios clínicos com os ACO não antagonista da vitamina K mudaram o paradigma na trombocardiologia. Apesar deste avanço, o risco vascular residual associado à FA silenciosa, hemorragia, morte súbita prematura e insuficiência cardíaca continua a ser significativo.Os autores fazem uma revisão dos dados epidemiológicos da FA, a importância das novas ferramentas para a deteção precoce da FA, o papel atual da ablação por cateter no controlo do ritmo na FA, o estado da arte na ACO periprocedimento, a gestão ideal de hemorragias graves, as causas de morte prematura residual e estratégias futuras para a melhoria do prognóstico da FA.

Resumo: Introdução e objetivos: As doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte em Portugal, sendo a aterosclerose o processo fisiopatológico subjacente mais comum. O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar o impacto económico da aterosclerose em Portugal através da estimação dos custos associados. Métodos: A estimativa dos custos foi realizada na ótica da prevalência e na perspetiva da sociedade. A prevalência das principais manifestações focais da aterosclerose foi estimada com recurso a três fontes epidemiológicas nacionais. O custo anual da aterosclerose incluiu custos diretos (consumos de recursos) e indiretos (impacto na produtividade da população). Estes custos foram estimados para o ano de 2016 com base nos dados da Base de Dados de Morbilidade Hospitalar, do Sistema de Informação da Administração Regional de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo que integra informação da prática clínica real em ambiente de cuidados de saúde primários e do Inquérito Nacional de Saúde de 2014 e na opinião de peritos. Resultados: O custo da aterosclerose em 2016 totalizou cerca de 1,9 mil milhões de euros (58% e 42% correspondendo a custos diretos e indiretos, respetivamente). A maior parte dos custos diretos esteve associada aos cuidados de saúde primários (55%), seguindo‐se o ambulatório hospitalar (27%) e, por último, os episódios de internamento (18%). Os custos indiretos foram principalmente determinados pela não participação no mercado de trabalho (91%). Conclusões: A aterosclerose apresenta um importante impacto económico, correspondendo a uma despesa equivalente a 1% do Produto Interno Bruto nacional e a 11% da despesa corrente em saúde, em 2016. Abstract: Introduction and objectives: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Portugal and atherosclerosis is the most common underlying pathophysiological process. The aim of this study was to quantify the economic impact of atherosclerosis in Portugal by estimating disease‐related costs. Methods: Costs were estimated based on a prevalence approach and following a societal perspective. Three national epidemiological sources were used to estimate the prevalence of the main clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. The annual costs of atherosclerosis included both direct costs (resource consumption) and indirect costs (impact on population productivity). These costs were estimated for 2016, based on data from the Hospital Morbidity Database, the health care database (SIARS) of the Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley including real‐world data from primary care, the 2014 National Health Interview Survey, and expert opinion. Results: The total cost of atherosclerosis in 2016 reached 1.9 billion euros (58% and 42% of which was direct and indirect costs, respectively). Most of the direct costs were associated with primary care (55%), followed by hospital outpatient care (27%) and hospitalizations (18%). Indirect costs were mainly driven by early exit from the labor force (91%). Conclusions: Atherosclerosis has a major economic impact, being responsible for health expenditure equivalent to 1% of Portuguese gross domestic product and 11% of current health expenditure in 2016.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a real-time visual feedback device on CCs rate and depth delivered by healthcare professionals.Methods: In a simulated scenario a sensor was placed on a manikin’s chest and connected to a defibrillator which provided real-time visual feedback on the rate and depth of CCs. Thirty-two healthcare professionals performed sequentially 5 cycles of 30 CCs without (FeedOFF) and with (FeedON) feedback. CCs with a depth between 50 and 60mm and a rate between 100 and 120cpm were considered optimal.Results: Visual feedback resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of CCs with optimal depth (median 8.7 [interquartile range 0.7–55.5]% FeedOFF vs 63.3 [17.6–88.1]% FeedON, p=0.002) and optimal rate (median 51.3 [1.3–81.3]% FeedOFF vs 68.3 [45.3–86.1]% FeedON, p=0.018). Overall, CCs were too shallow and too fast in the FeedOFF cycle. There was also a significant increase in optimal CCs (optimal depth and rate) with the use of the feedback device (from median 0.7 [0–26.9]% FeedOFF to 31.9 [3.6-59.9]% FeedON, p=0.001). Participants’ factors such as age, sex, body mass index, job or time since last CPR training did not have a significant impact on CPR quality.Conclusion: In the absence of visual feedback, there is a tendency towards lower depth and higher rate of CCs. The use of feedback technology significantly improves the quality of CCs.

Resumo: Nos últimos anos, temos assistido a um aumento do número de doentes com necessidade de cuidados cardíacos agudos, com patologia cardiovascular progressivamente mais complexa, muitas vezes complicada por comorbilidades não cardiovasculares agudas ou crónicas, com impacto na abordagem e prognóstico destes doentes. As unidades coronárias têm evoluído para unidades de cuidados intensivos cardíacos, caracterizadas por cuidados de saúde altamente especializados ao doente cardíaco crítico. Tendo em conta que os recursos humanos e técnicos nesta área são limitados, considerámos ser urgente uma reflexão profunda sobre o modelo de organização dos cuidados ao doente cardíaco agudo, incluindo a definição do nível de cuidados, a constituição e formação da equipa e a criação de redes de referenciação.Paralelamente, é fundamental um investimento claro dos serviços nesta área central da cardiologia, de forma a alavancar o desenvolvimento contínuo e sustentado de outras áreas cardiológicas essenciais, nomeadamente a eletrofisiologia e a cardiologia de intervenção, assegurando cuidados de excelência e de elevada diferenciação a todos os doentes cardíacos críticos. Abstract: In recent years, the number of patients requiring acute cardiac care has increased, with progressively more complex cardiovascular conditions, often complicated by acute or chronic non‐cardiovascular comorbidities, which affects the management and prognosis of these patients. Coronary care units have evolved into cardiac intensive care units, which provide highly specialized health care for the critical heart patient. In view of the limited human and technical resources in this area, we consider that there is an urgent need for an in‐depth analysis of the organizational model for acute cardiac care, including the definition of the level of care, the composition and training of the team, and the creation of referral networks. It is also crucial to establish protocols and to adopt safe clinical practices to improve levels of quality and safety in the treatment of patients. Considering that acute cardiac care involves conditions with very different severity and prognosis, it is essential to define the level of care to be provided for each type of acute cardiovascular condition in terms of the team, available techniques and infrastructure. This will lead to improvements in the quality of care and patient prognosis, and will also enable more efficient allocation of resources.

Introduction: Coronary artery disease is becoming the leading cause of death in women in Western society. However, the available data shows that women are still underdiagnosed and undertreated with guideline-recommended secondary prevention therapy, leading to a significantly higher rate of in-hospital complications and in-hospital mortality. Objective: The main objective of this work is to assess the approach to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Portugal, including form of presentation, in-hospital treatment and in-hospital complications, according to gender and in three different periods. Methods: We performed an observational study with retrospective analysis of all patients included between 2002 and 2019 in the Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ProACS), a voluntary, observational, prospective, continuous registry of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology and the National Center for Data Collection in Cardiology. Results: A total of 49 113 patients (34 936 men and 14 177 women) were included. Obesity, hypertension, diabetes (p

Even with improvements in lifestyle interventions, better control of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, and improvements in CV outcomes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Portugal and Europe. Atherogenic dyslipidemias, particularly hypercholesterolemia, have a crucial causal role in the development of atherosclerotic CVD. The clinical approach to a patient with dyslipidemia requires an accurate diagnosis, based on harmonized and standardized lipid and lipoprotein laboratory assessments. Results and reports of these tests, together with assessment of total CV risk and the respective therapeutic targets, will help ensure that clinical guidelines and good clinical practices are followed, increasing the reliability of screening for lipid disorders, producing more accurate diagnoses and CV risk stratification, and improving CV prevention. To this end, this consensus aims to provide clinicians with practical guidance for the harmonization and standardization of laboratory lipid tests, focusing on the most recent dyslipidemia management guidelines. Resumo: Apesar da melhor intervenção nos estilos de vida, do melhor controlo dos fatores de risco cardiovascular (CV) e da melhoria dos resultados CV, a doença cardiovascular (DCV) continua a ser a principal causa de morbilidade e mortalidade em Portugal e na Europa. A dislipidemia aterogénica, nomeadamente a hipercolesterolemia, tem um papel causal no desenvolvimento de DCV aterosclerótica. A abordagem clínica de um doente com dislipidemia preceitua um diagnóstico atento, sustentado em procedimentos laboratoriais harmonizados e padronizados. Os resultados e relatórios dos testes de lipídios se ajuntarem o risco CV total e os respetivos alvos terapêuticos garantem que as diretrizes clínicas e as boas práticas clínicas estão a ser seguidas e respeitadas, o que aumenta a segurança no rastreio e no diagnóstico das alterações lipídicas e da estratificação de risco e melhora a prevenção CV. Nesse sentido, este consenso tem como objetivo fornecer aos clínicos orientações práticas para a harmonização e padronização dos testes laboratoriais lipídicos, com foco nas diretrizes mais recentes da abordagem das dislipidemias. Keywords: Dyslipidemia, Cardiovascular risk, Laboratory procedures, Laboratory reports, Harmonization, Standardization, Palavras-chave: Dislipidemia, Risco cardiovascular, Procedimentos laboratoriais, Relatórios laboratoriais, Harmonização, Padronização

Introduction and Objectives: The role of endothelial dysfunction (ED) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is poorly understood. Peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) allows non-invasive evaluation of ED, but has never been used for this purpose early after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (P-PCI). Our purpose was to analyze the relation between ED assessed by PAT and both the presence of microvascular obstruction (MVO) and infarct extension in STEMI patients. Methods: ED was assessed by the reactive hyperemia index (RHI), measured by PAT and defined as RHI

The circular economy model offers great opportunities to companies, as it not only allows them to capture additional value from their products and materials, but also reduce the fluctuations of price-related risks and material supply. These risks are present in all kind of businesses not based on the circular economy. The circular economy also enables economic growth without the need for more resources. This is because each unit has a higher value as a result of recycling and reuse of products and materials after use. Following this circular economics framework, the Polytechnic University of Madrid (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, UPM) has adopted strategies aimed at improving the circularity of products. In particular, this article provides the result of obtaining recycled PLA filament from waste originating from university 3D FFF (fused filament fabrication) printers and waste generated by “Coronamakers” in the production of visors and parts for PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) during the lockdown period of COVID-19 in Spain. This filament is used in the production of 3D printed parts that university students use in their classes, so the circular loop is closed. The obtained score of Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) of this material has been calculated, indicating its high level of circularity.

We report a case of sarcoidosis with an unusual presentation, initially manifesting as bilateral pulmonary embolism and then as a cardiac form of the disease with an ominous clinical event consisting of sustained ventricular tachycardia. The diagnosis was established by clinical and magnetic resonance criteria despite normal conventional echocardiographic study. Detailed functional assessment provided by tracking techniques (speckle tracking echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking) enabled the detection of regional deformation abnormalities, indicating prominent circumferential strain and epicardial layer alterations, partly matching the structural changes depicted by distribution of delayed enhancement.We find this case notable for various issues it raises concerning diagnosis and management of cardiac sarcoidosis. These are mainly related to recent developments in imaging modalities that enable non-invasive identification of structural and functional abnormalities in this condition early, before overt deterioration in left ventricular ejection fraction. Information from different imaging modalities and tools provide information that could potentially assist preclinical diagnosis, with possible prognostic implications. Resumo: Apresenta-se o caso de um doente de 44 anos com o diagnóstico prévio de sarcoidose pulmonar, admitido consecutivamente no serviço de urgência por embolia pulmonar e taquicardia ventricular sintomática. Embora o estudo ecocardiográfico mostrasse normal fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda, o diagnóstico de sarcoidose cardíaca foi estabelecido por elementos de ordem clínica, em conjugação com os achados de ressonância magnética cardíaca. Quando se efetuou estudo funcional detalhado do ventrículo esquerdo por speckle (ecocardiografia) e tissue tracking (ressonância magnética), detetaram-se alterações regionais da deformação miocárdica, parcialmente coincidentes com a distribuição do realce tardio por ressonância. Para além da apresentação pouco habitual sob a forma de evento embólico, este caso de sarcoidose com subsequente documentação de envolvimento cardíaco, permitiu a aplicação de modalidades de imagem cardiovascular avançadas, colocou em evidência a afeção estrutural e funcional miocárdica, na presença de normal fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda. Keywords: Cardiac sarcoidosis, Pulmonary embolism, Speckle tracking, Tissue tracking, Palavras-chave: Sarcoidose cardíaca, Embolia pulmonary, Speckle tracking, Tissue tracking

An implanted pacemaker is generally considered a contraindication for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The increasing number of indications for MRI and the rising prevalence of implanted cardiac pacemakers have prompted the recent development of MRI-conditional pacemaker systems.We present the case of a 68-year-old woman with left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, aortic valve stenosis and a family history of cardiac amyloidosis, who developed complete heart block. In view of the foreseeable need for cardiac MRI, an MRI-conditional dual chamber pacemaker was implanted. The MRI scan confirmed moderate left ventricular hypertrophy and aortic valve stenosis, and showed no delayed enhancement suggestive of amyloid heart disease. This case illustrates the feasibility of cardiac MRI in this setting and the usefulness of the recently introduced MRI-conditional pacemaker systems. Resumo: A presença de um pacemaker é habitualmente considerada uma contra-indicação para a realização de ressonância magnética (RM). O número crescente de indicações para RM e de doentes portadores de pacemaker motivaram o desenvolvimento de pacemakers RM-condicionais.Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 68 anos com hipertrofia ventricular esquerda, hipertensão arterial, estenose valvular aórtica e história familiar de amiloidose cardíaca, que desenvolveu bloqueio auriculo-ventricular completo. Devido à necessidade previsível de realizar uma RM cardíaca, foi-lhe implantado um pacemaker RM-condicional. A RM cardíaca confirmou a hipertrofia ventricular esquerda moderada e estenose valvular aórtica, não tendo evidenciado realce tardio sugestivo de amiloidose cardíaca. Este caso ilustra a exequibilidade da RM cardíaca neste contexto e a utilidade dos pacemakers RM-condicionais actualmente ao nosso dispor. Keywords: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, Pacemaker, MRI-conditional pacemaker, Palavras-chave: Ressonância magnética cardíaca, Pacemaker, Pacemaker RM-condicional

Resumo: O pseudoaneurisma do ventrículo esquerdo é uma complicação rara do enfarte agudo do miocárdio, associada a elevada mortalidade. No entanto, pode manifestar‐se de modo inespecífico, dificultando e atrasando o seu diagnóstico.Os autores apresentam o caso de um doente de 65 anos, hipertenso, sem outros antecedentes relevantes conhecidos, em que toracalgia, tosse e derrame pleural esquerdo, inicialmente atribuídas a um processo pneumológico, foram as manifestações de um pseudoaneurisma do ventrículo esquerdo, após enfarte agudo do miocárdio silencioso. O diagnóstico foi suspeitado por ecocardiografia, confirmado por ressonância magnética cardíaca e o doente foi submetido a cirurgia de reparação do pseudoaneurisma com sucesso.Este caso ilustra uma forma de apresentação atípica de um pseudoaneurisma do ventrículo esquerdo, em que as manifestações resultaram da extensão pericárdico‐pleural do processo inflamatório associada à rotura miocárdica contida. O caso demonstra a necessidade de suspeitar o diagnóstico e o valor dos vários exames de imagem para a confirmação do mesmo, de modo a possibilitar a terapêutica cirúrgica adequada e assim modificar o curso da doença. Abstract: Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of acute myocardial infarction, associated with high mortality. However, it can present in a non‐specific manner, complicating and delaying the diagnosis.The authors present the case of a 65‐year‐old patient, hypertensive, with no other known relevant medical history, who presented with chest pain, cough and left pleural effusion, initially attributed to a pulmonary process. However, these were in fact the result of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm following silent acute myocardial infarction. The diagnosis was suspected on echocardiography and confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and the patient underwent successful surgical pseudoaneurysm repair.This case illustrates an atypical presentation of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm, in which the manifestations resulted from pericardial and pleural extension of the inflammatory process associated with contained myocardial rupture. The case demonstrates the need for a high index of suspicion, and the value of imaging techniques to confirm it, in order to proceed with appropriate surgical treatment, and thus modify the course of the disease. Palavras‐chave: Pseudoaneurisma do ventrículo esquerdo, Ecocardiografia, Ressonância magnética cardíaca, Keywords: Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm, Echocardiography, Cardiac magnetic resonance

Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la aceptación por parte del paciente de la hospitalización a domicilio directamente desde el servicio de urgencias. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo observacional de pacientes que, una vez visitados en urgencias, reunían criterios de ingreso en sala convencional, podían responder a una entrevista y disponían de un posible cuidador. Se tomó como variable dependiente la predisposición a aceptar o no un ingreso en hospitalización a domicilio. De cada paciente, como variables independientes se recogieron aspectos demográficos, factores de su estado de salud-comorbilidad y de su enfermedad actual, y percepciones psicosociales relacionadas con la hospitalización a domicilio. La relación entre variables se estableció por análisis de regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: Se realizaron 129 entrevistas. La predisposición a aceptar un ingreso en hospitalización a domicilio fue del 71%. Sólo las percepciones psicosociales del paciente, con independencia de sus aspectos demográficos e incluso de su estado de salud actual y comorbilidad, se relacionaron con la predisposición a aceptar un ingreso en hospitalización a domicilio, en concreto las adecuadas condiciones físicas del domicilio (odds ratio [OR]: 4,31; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1,18-15,78), la ausencia de miedo por tener que manejar el oxígeno (OR: 5,99; IC95%: 2,05-17,52), la ausencia de miedo a una mala evolución clínica (OR: 6,07; IC95%: 1,94-18,96) y la percepción de una mayor libertad de horarios (OR: 12,61; IC95%: 3,31-48,01). Conclusiones: La hospitalización a domicilio tendría una buena aceptación si se ofreciera directamente en el Servicio de Urgencias como alternativa a la hospitalización convencional. Esta aceptación se asocia a percepciones psicosociales, que deberían tenerse en cuenta al ofrecer esta modalidad asistencial.Aim: To identify the factors associated with patients' acceptance of emergency department discharge directly to hospital-at-home care. Patients and methods: We performed a prospective observational cohort study of patients seen at the emergency department who met the following inclusion criteria: need for hospital admission, ability to be interviewed, and availability of an informal caregiver. The dependent variable was defined as the predisposition to accept or refuse hospital-at-home care. For each patient, the following independent variables were recorded: demographic characteristics, health-related factors, comorbidities, current illness and psychosocial perceptions related to hospital-at-home care. The associations among the variables were tested by means of logistic regression analysis. Results: We included 129 patients. Seventy-one percent would have accepted hospital-at-home care. Acceptance of hospital-at-home care was associated with psychosocial perceptions only, independently of demographic characteristics, current illness severity and comorbidities. These psychosocial perceptions included adequate conditions at home (OR: 4.31; 95% CI: 1.18-15.78), not being afraid of oxygen manipulation (OR: 5.99; 95% CI: 2.05-17.52), lack of fear of a poor outcome (OR: 6.07; 95% CI: 1.94-18.96) and the possibility of enjoying a more flexible schedule (OR: 12.61; 95% CI: 3.31-48.01). Conclusions: Hospital-at-home care would be well accepted by patients if offered in the emergency department as an alternative to conventional hospitalization. Acceptance depends on patients' psychosocial perceptions, which should be assessed before this mode of care is proposed.

This article talks about how in the literature history, many authors had shown a profound interest in describing the phenomenon of football soccer, one of the most popular sports on earth. We can see this aspect in pre-Hispanic texts like: Popol Vuh, also in some modern intellectuals like Eduardo Galeano (Uruguayan), in his book: El footboy a sol y sombra. The document also mentioned other literary texts which prominent figures, narrative atmospheres, sail in the aesthetic description of the football

Resumo: Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 21 anos, que foi submetido a apendicectomia sob anestesia geral e que imediatamente após a extubação desencadeou quadro de edema pulmonar agudo. A propósito, faremos uma breve revisão da literatura, enfatizando os mecanismos fisiopatológicos subjacentes e os aspectos mais importantes do diagnóstico e tratamento. Abstract: We report the case of a 21-year-old man who underwent appendectomy under general anesthesia and developed acute pulmonary edema immediately after extubation. We then review the literature, focusing on the pathophysiology and the most important aspects of diagnosis and treatment of post-extubation pulmonary edema. Palavras-chave: Edema pulmonar, Extubação, Pulmão, Keywords: Pulmonary edema, Extubation, Lung

CD5 is a lymphoid-specific transmembrane glycoprotein constitutively expressed on thymocytes and mature T and B1a lymphocytes. Current data support the view that CD5 is a negative regulator of antigen-specific receptor-mediated signaling in these cells, and that this would likely be achieved through interaction with CD5 ligand/s (CD5L) of still undefined nature expressed on immune or accessory cells. To determine the functional consequence of loss of CD5/CD5L interaction in vivo, a new transgenic mouse line was generated (shCD5EμTg), expressing a circulating soluble form of human CD5 (shCD5) as a decoy to impair membrane-bound CD5 function. These shCD5EμTg mice showed an enhanced response to autologous antigens, as deduced from the presentation of more severe forms of experimentally inducible autoimmune disease (collagen-induced arthritis, CIA; and experimental autoimmune encephalitis, EAE), as well as an increased anti-tumoral response in non-orthotopic cancer models (B16 melanoma). This enhancement of the immune response was in agreement with the finding of significantly reduced proportions of spleen and lymph node Treg cells (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+), and of peritoneal IL-10-producing and CD5+ B cells, as well as an increased proportion of spleen NKT cells in shCD5EμTg mice. Similar changes in lymphocyte subpopulations were observed in wild-type mice following repeated administration of exogenous recombinant shCD5 protein. These data reveal the relevant role played by CD5/CD5L interactions on the homeostasis of some functionally relevant lymphocyte subpopulations and the modulation of immune responses to autologous antigens.

Accelerated atherosclerosis represents a major problem in both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and endothelial damage is a key feature of atherogenesis. We aimed to assess early endothelial changes in SLE and RA female patients (127 SLE and 107 RA) without previous CV events. Biomarkers of endothelial cell activation (intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), thrombomodulin (TM), and tissue factor (TF)) were measured and endothelial function was assessed using peripheral artery tonometry. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI), an indicator of microvascular reactivity, and augmentation index (AIx), a measure of arterial stiffness, were obtained. In addition, traditional CV risk factors, disease activity and medication were determined. Women with SLE displayed higher sICAM-1 and TM and lower TF levels than women with RA (p = 0.001, p

Plant regeneration by somatic embryogenesis from cell suspensions is considered the most efficient method for mass production of plants. The objective of this work was to achieve the genetic transformation of Coffea arabica cv. Caturra rojo by electroporation of embryogenic cell suspensions. The effect of different electroporation conditions (capacitance and field strength) on the cell suspensions without the application of plasmid DNA, by analysis of cell vitality at 24, 48 and 72 hours after electroporation was evaluated. The effect of electroporation buffer on cell vitality and transient expression of the gene for beta-glucuronidase was also determined. Besides, the transient expression of GUS gene in em bryogenic cell suspensions electroporated with plasmid PDB-GUS-INT was studied. In the electroporated cell suspensions, under different electroporation conditions, electric shocks significantly affect cell vitality compared to the control group. In the Electroporated cell suspensions with buffer of Dekeyser et al. (1990) and applying a discharge time of 500 msec was obtained the highest percentage of vitality, with a value of 32.14, compared to other treatments. While in the electroporated cell aggregates with a capacitance of 100 and 1200 uF there was a higher transient GUS gene activity (59.37 and 61.01%) compared to electroporated treatment with a capacitance of 490 uF, where values obtained were 50.0%. Keywords: somatic embryogenesis, coffee tree

El artí­culo nos habla de cómo a lo largo de la historia de la literatura, distintos autores han mostrado profundo interés por describir el fenómeno del fútbol, uno de los deportes más populares del planeta. Este aspecto lo podemos notar en textos prehispánicos como: Popol Vuh, hasta intelectuales modernos como Eduardo Galeano (uruguayo), en su libro: El futbol a sol y sombra. El documento hace mención de otras obras literarias cuyos personajes, o atmósferas narrativas, navegan en la descripción estética del balompié

It was studied the effect of the kanamicin and sulfadiacin like selection markers in the first phase of the genetic transformation of coffee (Coffea arabica). Embryogenic cell suspensions of coffee of the variety caturra rojo were used. In the differentiation phase of the somatic embryos,the selection in liquids medium was carried out using a density of 0.5 grams of fresh mass for liter (gMF.l-1) and semisolid culture medium, groups of cell aggregates with a fresh mass of 50 mg were placed in Petri dishes.Torpedo somatic embryos were used in the germination phase The agents selective were kanamicin (25, 50 and 100 mg.l-1) and sulfadiacin (10, 20 and 30 mg.l-1). It was evaluated the fresh mass and number of somatic embryos for the differentiation phase and for the germination phase, the number of somatic embryos germinated. In the differentiation process was observed that the treatments with kanamicin in liquid and semisolid culture medium, was presented multiplication of the cell aggregate and the formation of somatic embryos. I did not seize with the use of the sulfadiacin where starting from the concentration minimum of 10 mg.l-1 an inhibitory effect is presented on the embryogenic cell suspension. The survival of the somatic embryos cultivated with kanamicin was 45.7% with a germination among 28.5-34.1% with regard to control treatment who had 71% of survival and 37.1% of germination. In the case of the sulfadiacin, although there was survival in the doses of 10 and 20 mg.l-1 with values between 11.4 and 5.7% respectively, the germination of the somatic embryos was not achieved. There was with 30mg.l-1 of sulfadiacin a total inhibition of the germination. Key words: cell suspension, germination, selective agent, somatic embryos

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar quais os preditores de fibrilação atrial de novo em doentes de uma unidade de cuidados intensivos não cardíaca. Métodos: Foram analisados 418 doentes internados entre janeiro e setembro de 2016 em uma unidade de cuidados intensivos não cardíaca. Registaram-se as características clínicas, as intervenções efetuadas e os marcadores bioquímicos durante a internação. Avaliaram-se ainda a mortalidade hospitalar e o tempo de internação hospitalar e na unidade de cuidados intensivos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 310 doentes, com média de idades de 61,0 ± 18,3 anos, 49,4% do sexo masculino, 23,5% com fibrilação atrial de novo. O modelo multivariável identificou acidente vascular cerebral prévio (OR de 10,09; p = 0,016) e valores aumentados de proBNP (OR de 1,28 por cada aumento em 1.000pg/mL; p = 0,004) como preditores independentes de fibrilação atrial de novo. A análise por curva Característica de Operação do Receptor do proBNP para predição de fibrilação atrial de novo revelou área sob a curva de 0,816 (p < 0,001), com sensibilidade de 65,2% e especificidade de 82% para proBNP > 5.666pg/mL. Não se verificaram diferenças na mortalidade (p = 0,370), porém a duração da internação hospitalar (p = 0,002) e na unidade de cuidados intensivos (p = 0,031) foi superior nos doentes com fibrilação atrial de novo. Conclusões: História de acidente vascular cerebral prévio e proBNP elevado em internação constituíram preditores independentes de fibrilação atrial de novo na unidade de cuidados intensivos polivalente. O proBNP pode constituir ferramenta útil, de fácil e rápido acesso na estratificação do risco de fibrilação atrial.

Quantum mechanics is a non-intuitive subject. For example, the concept of orbital seems too difficult to be mastered by students who are starting to study it. Various investigations have been done on student's difficulties in understanding basic quantum mechanics. Nevertheless, there are few attempts at probing how student's understanding is influenced by appropriate visualization techniques, which are known to help conceptual understanding. ''Virtual Water'' is a 3-D virtual environment we have designed and built to support the learning of Physics and Chemistry at final high school and first-year university levels. It focuses on the microscopic structure of water and explores, among others, atomic and molecular orbitals. Having asked a group of first-year students of Sciences and Engineering courses at the University of Coimbra, Portugal, to describe how they conceive electrons in atoms we found some common misconceptions. We have tried, with partial success, to overcome them by making students explore our virtual environment. The most relevant characteristics of the virtual environment which contributed to student's conceptual understanding were 3-D perception and navigation.