Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2019-04"
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- A Comparative Study of Onychomycosis and Traumatic Toenail Onychodystrophy Dermoscopic PatternsPublication . Ramos Pinheiro, R; Dias Domingues, T; Sousa, V; Galhardas, C; Apetato, M; Lencastre, ABackground: Onychomycosis (OM) and traumatic onychodystrophy (OD) are common causes of toenail changes. A clinical diagnosis is often impossible without mycology. Dermoscopy is helpful in this setting but yet underexplored. Prospective comparative studies between OM and OD onychoscopic findings have not been previously performed. Objectives: We sought to determine distinguishing dermoscopic presentations of OM and traumatic OD. Methods: We performed a prospective, observational study including patients presenting with ≥1 toenail onychodystrophy. All underwent onychoscopy, clinical and mycological examination. Based on these results, patients received a final diagnosis of OM or OD. Dermoscopic presentations of OM and OD patients were classified in patterns and compared. Results: In all, 110 cases of OM and 82 of traumatic OD were compared. Statistical analyses revealed that the distal pulverized and the irregular spiked macular dermoscopic patterns were predictors of an OM diagnosis. The regular macular, the non-classifiable, the total and partial homogeneous background dermoscopic patterns correlated with traumatic OD diagnosis. Conclusions: We demonstrated that OM and traumatic OD have distinctive onychoscopic presentations. Dermoscopy may be an important ancillary tool to guide their differential.
- First Results in Liver Procedures Using the New Nexaris Angio-CTPublication . Coimbra, E
- The European Certificate in Nephrology: Towards Harmonization and Excellence in TrainingPublication . Cannata-Andía, J; Weinstein, T; Slotki, I; Ferreira, A; Zoccali, C; Lappin, DNephrology is a young medical specialty that has evolved and expanded during the last 4 decades of the past century, becoming recognized as one of the most innovative and challenging medical specialties. The training of nephrology takes place mainly in public hospitals, and there are important variations in the duration and assessment of training among the European countries. The Union of European Medical Specialties (UEMS) Renal Section and the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association have been working jointly since 2010 to harmonize European nephrology training and more recently to establish the European Certificate in Nephrology (ECN). The first two editions of the ECN were held in early 2017 and 2018. In total, 122 candidates from 26 countries have sat for the exam, with a success rate of 59% (72/122). To date, Switzerland has adopted the exam as their national training assessment and we expect that other countries will join Switzerland in the near future. Fostering the development and importance of the ECN requires that member states work to increase the academic and professional profile of the ECN within their countries. The ECN should be considered a 'quality mark' and a sign of high achievement in nephrology training in Europe. If holding the ECN becomes advantageous for employment or improving scientific careers, the number of candidates will increase and the sustainability of the ECN will be guaranteed. A recent, positive development is the pre-agreement between the UEMS Renal Section, UK Renal Association and Royal Colleges of the UK to adopt a unique pan-European exam beginning in 2020. However, any decision to commence the pan-European exam will depend, in part, on strong candidate enrolment for the ECN 2019 edition. Thus support of the national societies is crucial for the sustainability and growth of a European exam, because of their capacities to influence strategic policies in hospitals, universities and medical associations, with a longer-term aim to increase the professional recognition of the European exam.
- Raynaud's Phenomenon and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: the Possible Role of MicrocirculationPublication . Bernardino, V; Rodrigues, AC; Panarra, A
- Leadless Pacemaker Implantation Via Azygos Vein in a Patient with Absence of the Hepatic Segment of the Inferior Vena CavaPublication . Oliveira, MM; Mesquita, D; Silva Cunha, P; Delgado, A; Cruz Ferreira, R
- A Narrative Review on Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor α Therapies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease During Pregnancy: Immunoglobulin Placental Translocation and its ImpactPublication . Roseira, J; Ramos, JINTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease activity is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy is often required to treat flares and to maintain disease remission. However, there are concerns regarding treatment with these agents during pregnancy, as they actively cross the placental barrier. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studies regarding anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy during pregnancy were identified from PubMed from 1958 to January 2018. The reference lists of the selected studies were reviewed to identify complementary publications. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents are efficient treatments for moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease and may ensure remission during pregnancy. Although these drugs cross the placenta, they are considered safe for both the mother and the fetus. Furthermore, up-to-date guidelines support therapy continuation during pregnancy aiming for disease control. The same guidelines also consider stopping treatment during the third trimester to limit maternal-fetal drug transfer. However, data shows that this strategy does not completely prevent fetus exposure. In addition, stopping treatment incurs in risk of disease flare and threatens subsequent therapy response. Fetus drug exposure has not showed an association with adverse childhood development. However, as infant drug levels could be detected up to seven months after birth, postponement of live virus vaccination is recommended. CONCLUSION: There should be no disagreement among the medical community as to the need to maintain therapy aiming for disease remission during gestation in inflammatory bowel disease. Anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents are safe for both the mother and the fetus.
- Promising Immuno-Oncology Treatments Beyond the 2018 Nobel PrizePublication . Castelo-Branco, L; Pires Silva, I; Canhão, H; Awada, A