Browsing by Author "Brito, M"
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- Como Morrem os Doentes numa Enfermaria de Medicina InternaPublication . Pulido, I; Baptista, I; Brito, M; Matias, TOs doentes com doença crónica avançada são uma presença diária nas enfermarias de Medicina Interna, não existindo um protocolo de intervenção universal e uniforme. Este estudo pretende ser uma primeira abordagem para avaliar a forma como tratamos e cuidamos destes doentes, quer de etiologia neoplásica, quer de outras doenças crónicas, igualmente consumptivas, como demência, insuficiência cardíaca, VIH/SIDA, doença pulmonar crónica obstrutiva (DPCO). Foram recolhidas informações retrospectivas dos processos clínicos acerca das atitudes e tratamentos prestados a 285 doentes falecidos em 16 meses num hospital de agudos em Lisboa. A caracterização epidemiológica da população foi a esperada, com predomínio de população idosa, dependente, com prevalência de doenças cardíacas e acidentes vasculares cerebrais (AVC), como diagnósticos principais, seguidas de demência e doenças respiratórias. Do total de falecimentos, 73% foram esperados, mas destes apenas 44% dos doentes estavam integrados em cuidados paliativos. A dor foi avaliada principalmente em doentes de foro neoplásico, sendo a analgesia administrada em 77% dos casos. A decisão de receberem cuidados paliativos foi discutida com a família em 26% dos doentes, mas não foi em nenhum caso discutido com o próprio doente. Consideramos que é necessário formação e informação para uma abordagem mais sistematizada do doente com doença crónica avançada e das suas necessidades. A definição explícita das expectativas de vida e uma abordagem sistemática da pesquisa de dor em todos estes, é necessária para garantir melhor qualidade dos cuidados prestados em fim de vida.
- Conservative Management of Asymptomatic Adnexal Masses Classified as Benign by the IOTA ADNEX Model: a Prospective Multicenter Portuguese StudyPublication . Brito, M; Borges, A; Rodrigues, S; Ambrósio, P; Condeço, R; Lacerda, A; Bernardo, MJ; Pinto, P; Djokovic, DThis prospective multicentric study aiming to determine the incidence of complications (malignant transformation, torsion or rupture) during conservative management of adnexal masses was performed in two Portuguese tertiary referral hospitals. It included ≥18-year-old, non-pregnant patients with asymptomatic adnexal masses (associated IOTA ADNEX risk of malignancy < 10%) sonographically diagnosed between January 2016 and December 2020. Conservative patient management consisted of serial clinical and ultrasound assessment up to 60 months of follow-up, spontaneous resolution of the formation or surgical excision (median follow-up: 17.8; range 9-48 months). From the 573 masses monitored (328 premenopausal and 245 postmenopausal adnexal masses), no complications were observed in 99.5%. The annual lesion growth rates and increases in morphological complexity were similar in the premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Spontaneous resolution, evidenced in 16.4% of the patients, was more common in the premenopausal group (p < 0.05). Surgical intervention was performed in 18.4% of the cases; one borderline and one invasive FIGO IA stage cancer were diagnosed. There was an isolated case of ovary torsion (0.17%). These data support conservative management as a safe option for sonographically benign, stable and asymptomatic adnexal masses before and after menopause and highlight the need for expedite treatment of symptomatic or increased-morphological-complexity lesions.
- Current Trends and Perceptions of the Portuguese Gynecology Experts on Hormonal Intrauterine Contraception: The DIOGIN StudyPublication . Brito, M; Costa, AR; Pacheco, A; Rebelo, C; Castro, MG; Martins, I; Palma, FOverview and Aims: Intrauterine systems (IUS) are one of the most effective forms of long acting reversible birth control, with low failure rates and high continuity and satisfaction rates. Still, they account for a small proportion of contraception use, which may be due to several myths and misperceptions. With this study, we aimed to assess Portuguese experts’ perceptions on potential benefits and fears that may limit women’s contraception choice and to identify current trends in clinical practice. Methods and Population: We performed an observational, descriptive and analytical study in which gynecologists/obstetricians were invited to answer an anonymous questionnaire by call or email made of multiple-choice questions on IUS use. Results: A total of 482 Portuguese Gynecologists answered the survey, of which 97.1% revealed that the insertion of IUS is a common procedure in their current clinical practice. More than 95% considered the insertion of IUS an easy procedure and a safe contraceptive method. Cost-efficacy and the fact that this method doesn’t rely on womens action to be effective were the top benefits for IUS users, perceived by the physicians. On the other hand, concern about having a foreign object inside the body and fear of insertion pain were perceived by the physicians as the top barriers to IUS use. Female gynecologists perceived a higher degree of pain associated with IUS insertion (p=0.021). Overall, gynecology experts’ opinions were conservative regarding IUS recommendations to women. Conclusions: The results of this study provide a general insight towards Portuguese gynecologists’ perceptions, opinions and attitudes on the use of IUS. Most of the experts consider IUS a safe contraception method but, on the other hand, there is still concern about its use in particular female conditions which may in part contribute to the low rate of IUS use in Portuguese women.
- Drug Resistance and Epigenetic Modulatory Potential of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Against Staphylococcus AureusPublication . Zeferino, AS; Mira, AR; Delgadinho, M; Brito, M; Ponte, T; Ribeiro, EAntimicrobial resistance of human pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is described by the World Health Organization as a health global challenge and efforts must be made for the discovery of new effective and safe compounds. This work aims to evaluate epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) epigenetic and modulatory drug potential against S. aureus in vitro and in vivo. S. aureus strains were isolated from commensal flora of healthy volunteers. Antibiotic susceptibility and synergistic assay were assessed through disk diffusion accordingly to EUCAST guidelines with and without co-exposure to EGCG at final concentrations of 250 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, and 25 µg/ml. Transcriptional expression of orfx, spdC, and WalKR was performed through qRT-PCR. A 90-day interventional study was performed with daily consumption of 225 mg of EGCG. Obtained data revealed a high prevalence of S. aureus colonization in healthcare workers and clearly demonstrated the antimicrobial and synergistic potential of EGCG as well as divergent resistant phenotypes associated with altered transcriptional expression of epigenetic and drug response modulators genes. Here, we demonstrate the potential of EGCG for antimicrobial treatment and/or therapeutic adjuvant against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and report divergent patterns of epigenetic modulators expression associated with phenotypic resistance profiles.
- Epigenetic and Drug Response Modulation of Epigalocaten-In-3-Gallate in Staphylococcus aureus with Divergent Resistance PhenotypesPublication . Mira, AR; Zeferino, AS; Inácio, R; Delgadinho, M; Brito, M; Calado, CRC.; Ribeiro, EHealthcare-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections represent extremely high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. We aimed to assess the antimicrobial potential and synergistic effect between Epigalocatenin-3-gallate (EGCG) and different antibiotics in S. aureus strains with divergent resistance phenotypes. EGCG exposure effects in epigenetic and drug resistance key modulators were also evaluated. S. aureus strains (n = 32) were isolated from infected patients in a Lisbon hospital. The identification of the S. aureus resistance phenotype was performed through automatized methods. The antibiotic synergistic assay was performed through disk diffusion according to EUCAST guidelines with co-exposure to EGCG (250, 100, 50 and 25 µg/mL). The bacteria's molecular profile was assessed through FTIR spectroscopy. The transcriptional expression of OrfX, SpdC and WalKR was performed by using qRT-PCR. FTIR-spectroscopy analysis enabled the clear discrimination of MRSA/MSSA strains and the EGCG exposure effect in the bacteria's molecular profiles. Divergent resistant phenotypes were associated with divergent transcriptional expression of the epigenetic modulator OrfX, particularly in MRSA strains, as well as the key drug response modulators SpdC and WalKR. These results clearly demonstrate that EGCG exposure alters the expression patterns of key epigenetic and drug response genes with associated divergent-resistant profiles, which supports its potential for antimicrobial treatment and/or therapeutic adjuvant against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.
- Glucose Homeostasis in Obese Women Is Not Associated to Unacylated Ghrelin Plasma LevelsPublication . Veiga, L; Brito, M; Silva, C; Silva-Nunes, JIntroduction: Unacylated ghrelin (UAG) is the major form of circulating ghrelin. Initially considered as a nonfunctional peptide, soon after, UAG has been associated to an insulin sensitizing action and to a negative action on energy balance. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the serum levels of UAG and glucose metabolism parameters in obese women, independently from eventual influence of anthropometrics. Methods: One hundred lean and 254 obese Caucasian women were studied. Each woman was characterized for anthropometrics, fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and UAG. In addition, obese women were subjected to a classic oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) to assess glucose and insulin at 120 minutes. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Obese women were classified in 3 glycemic status subgroups (normoglycemia, prediabetes, and diabetes) according to HbA1c and to fasting and oGTT glucose values. Results: In comparison with the lean group, significantly lower levels of UAG were observed in obese women. However, no significant difference was observed through obesity classes I to III. UAG levels were not significantly different among glycemic status subgroups and did not show any association with glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, or HbA1c. Conclusions: Although anthropometry can influence the level of the unacylated form of ghrelin, UAG plasma levels do not associate to glucose homeostasis parameters.
- Identification of Genetic Variants in 65 Obesity Related Genes in a Cohort of Portuguese Obese IndividualsPublication . Ginete, C; Serrasqueiro, B; Silva-Nunes, J; Veiga, L; Brito, MObesity is a major public health problem, which has a strong genetic component that interplays with environmental factors. Several genes are known to be implicated in the regulation of body weight. The identification of alleles that can be associated with obesity is a key element to control this pandemic. On the basis of a Portuguese population, 65 obesity-related genes are sequenced using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in 72 individuals with obesity, in order to identify variants associated with monogenic obesity and potential risk factors. A total of 429 variants are identified, 129 of which had already been associated with the phenotype. Comparing our results with the European and Global frequencies, from 1000 Genomes project, 23 potential risk variants are identified. Six new variants are discovered in heterozygous carriers: four missense (genes ALMS1-NM_015120.4:c.5552C>T; SORCS1-NM_001013031.2:c.1072A>G and NM_001013031.2: c.2491A>C; TMEM67-NM_153704.5:c.158A>G) and two synonymous (genes BBS1-NM_024649.4:c.1437C>T; TMEM67-NM_153704.5:c.2583T>C). Functional studies should be performed to validate these new findings and evaluate their penetrance and pathogenicity. Regardless of no cases of monogenic obesity being identified, this kind of investigational study is important when we are still trying to understand the aetiology and pathophysiology of obesity. This will allow the identification of rare variants associated with obesity and the study of their prevalence in specific populational groups.
- Intervenção do Enfermeiro Junto do Adolescente/Família HospitalizadoPublication . Branco, AM; Brito, M; Fonseca, S; Ribeiro, SCom a adolescência chega a altura em que se esqueceu a infância e o "quando eu for grande..." é remetido para um plano longínquo... Ser do contra é um dos pressupostso da adolescência! Num período de vida tão atribulado, caracterizado por uma multiplicidade de aventuras individuais, como reagirá o adolescente/familia numa situação de hospitalização? Qual a percepção que ambos têm deste fenómeno? Quais os sentimentos que dái advém? E qual a conduta mais adequada, por parte dos enfermeiros para minimizar os efeitos adversos da hospitalização no adolescente? Estas e muitas outras questões se levantam quando se reflecte sobre as incertezas típicas da adolescência, as quais tomam novas dimensões numa situação de doença e hospitalização. Esta reflexão surgiu de uma necessidade sentida em diferentes contextos de trabalho, decorrente do contacto com o adolescente/familia em meio hospitalar. Para tal, estabelecemos como objectivo reflectir sobre o papel do enfermeiro junto do adolescente e familia hospitalizado. Como forma de enriquecer este artigo, realizámos conversas informais a adolescentes internados, com o intuito de obtermos a percepção destes sobre o conceito de saúde/doença e os sentimentos que vivem durante a hospitalização na Unidade de Adolescentes do Hospital Dona Estefânia.
- Osteoarticular Infections in Infants Under 3 Months of AgePublication . Branco, J; Duarte, M; Norte, S; Arcangelo, J; Alves, P; Brito, M; Tavares, D; Gouveia, CBackground: Acute osteoarticular infections (OAI) in infants under 3 months of age (≤3M) are rare and remain a diagnostic challenge. Orthopedic complications and functional sequelae have been less well described in this age group. Our aims were to evaluate trends in aetiology, management, and outcomes of OAI ≤ 3M, and to compare these younger children who have OAI with older children. Methods: A longitudinal observational study was conducted of OAI cases admitted to tertiary care pediatric hospital from 2008 to 2018. OAI ≤ 3M was compared with children above 3 months. Clinical, microbiological, imaging, and outcome data were analyzed. Results: We identified 24 (9.1%) of the 263 OAI in children under 3 months. Analyzing OAI ≤ 3M there was a twofold increase since 2014; 54% were males with a median age of 28 days (IQR: 13.5-60.0), 10 (41.7%) were premature and nine (37.5%) had healthcare-associated infections. Microbiological causes were identified in 87.5%, mostly Staphylococcus aureus (57.1%) and Group B Streptococcus (23.8%), and 25% were multidrug-resistant (5 methicillin-resistant S. aureus and 1 Enterobacter cloacae). Bacteremia (100% vs 36.8%, P = 0.037), multidrug resistant bacteria (75% vs 16, P = 0.04), and healthcare-associated infections (100% vs 26.3%, P = 0.014) were associated with sequelae. Comparing OAI ≤ 3M with older children, OAI ≤ 3M were treated with longer antibiotic courses, had more complications and sequelae (17.4% vs 3.2%, P = 0.002). Conclusions: S. aureus is still the most common cause of OAI ≤ 3M, and 25% of causative bacteria were multidrug-resistant bacteria. Complications and sequelae were more frequent in OAI ≤ 3M when compared with older children.
- Osteoarticular Infections in Paediatric Sickle Cell Disease: in the Era of Multidrugresistant BacteriaPublication . Gouveia, C; Duarte, M; Norte, S; Alves, P; Kjöllerström, P; Brito, M; Tavares, D