A pro-BMP function exerted by Rhodnius prolixus short gastrulation reveals great diversity in the role of BMP modulators during embryonic patterning

Dorsal-ventral (DV) patterning is regulated by the bone morphogenetic pathway (BMP) in Bilateria. In insect DV patterning, the Toll pathway also plays a role, in addition to BMPs. Variations in the relative importance of each pathway for DV patterning have been reported using single species of coleopteran, hymenopteran, hemipteran and orthopteran insects. To investigate if the molecular control of DV patterning is conserved inside an insect order, the emergent model hemiptera species Rhodnius prolixus was studied. We found that R. prolixus BMP pathway controls the entire DV axis, with a broader effect respective to Toll, as shown for the hemiptera Oncopeltus fasciatus. Different from O. fasciatus, the unique R. prolixus short gastrulation (sog) and the twisted gastrulation (tsg) orthologues do not antagonize, but rather favour embryonic BMP signalling. Our results reinforce the hypothesis that hemiptera rely preferentially on BMPs for DV patterning but that, surprisingly, in R. prolixus Sog and Tsg proteins exert only a positive role to establish a dorsal-to-ventral BMP gradient. Since sog has been reported to be lost from orthopteran and hymenopteran genomes, our results indicate that Sog's role to modify BMP activity varies greatly in different insect species.

A randomized controlled trial examining the effects of treatment with propylene glycol and injectable cyanocobalamin on naturally occurring disease, milk production, and reproductive outcomes of dairy cows diagnosed with concurrent hyperketonemia and hypoglycemia

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of treatment with propylene glycol (PG) and cyanocobalamin (B12) on health, milk production, and reproductive outcomes of cows diagnosed with hyperketonemia (HK), hypoglycemia (HG), or concurrent HKHG. Glucose and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentrations were assessed in whole blood using a handheld device in lactating dairy cows (n = 2,418) between 3 and 9 d postpartum. Cows categorized as HK (n = 232, BHBA ≥1.2 mmol/L), HG (n = 161, glucose ≤2.2 mmol/L), and concurrent HKHG (n = 204, BHBA ≥1.2 mmol/L, and glucose ≤2.2 mmol/L) were randomized to receive treatment or to remain untreated (control). Treatment consisted of a single dose of B12 (10 mg, intramuscularly) and 300 mL of PG orally for 5 d, starting on the day of cow-side testing. Milk production, health, and reproductive outcomes were analyzed according to groups. Statistical analysis was carried out using SAS version 9.4 (SAS/STAT, SAS Institute Inc.). Treatment in HG cows decreased clinical ketosis, increased milk production in the fifth week of lactation for multiparous cows, and tended to increase 305-d mature-equivalent milk yield (305ME) for primiparous cows compared with untreated cows with the same metabolic profile. For cows with HKHG, treatment increased 305ME in multiparous cows and tended to increase 305ME in primiparous cows. No differences were found for treatment among any of the metabolic groups regarding reproductive outcomes, nor were any treatment effects found among HK cows. Glycemic status may help identify metabolically challenged early postpartum dairy cows, which may have differential response to PG and B12 treatment.

Characterization of metabolic profile, health, milk production, and reproductive outcomes of dairy cows diagnosed with concurrent hyperketonemia and hypoglycemia

The objective of this prospective cohort study was to characterize the metabolic profile, health, milk production, and reproductive outcomes of cows diagnosed with hyperketonemia (HK; β-hydroxybutyrate ≥1.2 mmol/L), hypoglycemia (HG; glucose ≤2.2 mmol/L), or concurrent HK and HG (HKHG). Glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations in whole blood were assessed using a handheld device (Precision Xtra, Abbott Laboratories) in lactating dairy cows (n = 2,418) between 3 and 9 d postpartum. Cows were categorized into 4 groups: no HK or HG (healthy; Norm = 1,821), HK only (HK = 232), HG only (HG = 161), and concurrent HK and HG (HKHG = 204). Subsequent milk production, along with health and reproductive outcomes, as recorded by farm personnel, were analyzed according to metabolic category. Serum collected on the day of cow-side diagnosis of hyperketonemia and hypoglycemia was evaluated for total calcium (tCa), magnesium (Mg), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides (TG), and urea using an automated chemistry analyzer (Randox Daytona; Randox Laboratories Ltd.). Statistical analysis was carried out using SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.). Hyperketonemia in multiparous cows was associated with greater incidence of metabolic abnormalities (hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and elevated NEFA and urea). Hyperketonemia in primiparous and multiparous cows led to increased adverse health events (culling rate, retained fetal membranes, puerperal metritis, clinical ketosis, left displaced abomasum) relative to Norm cows. Multiparous cows with HKHG had fewer metabolic disturbances (hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, elevated NEFA) than HK cows. Cows with HKHG had an increased incidence of clinical ketosis and left displaced abomasum relative to Norm cows. Cows with HG had similar metabolic profiles to Norm cows and had lower incidence of retained fetal membranes and puerperal metritis than cows with HK. Multiparous cows with HG produced more milk than Norm cows from wk 10 to 20, whereas multiparous cows with HK produced less milk than Norm cows. For primiparous cows, HK did not have a negative effect on milk production compared with Norm cows.

Epidemiology and impact of frailty in patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a medical syndrome characterised by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. Data regarding the relationship between frailty and atrial fibrillation (AF) are still inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to perform a comprehensive evaluation of frailty in a large European cohort of AF patients.

METHODS

A 40-item frailty index (FI) was built according to the accumulation of deficits model in the AF patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Association of baseline characteristics, clinical management, quality of life, healthcare resources use and risk of outcomes with frailty was examined.

RESULTS

Among 10,177 patients [mean age (standard deviation) 69.0 (11.4) years, 4,103 (40.3%) females], 6,066 (59.6%) were pre-frail and 2,172 (21.3%) were frail, whereas only 1,939 (19.1%) were considered robust. Baseline thromboembolic and bleeding risks were independently associated with increasing FI. Frail patients with AF were less likely to be treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.89), especially with non-vitamin K antagonist OACs and managed with a rhythm control strategy, compared with robust patients. Increasing frailty was associated with a higher risk for all outcomes examined, with a non-linear exponential relationship. The use of OAC was associated with a lower risk of outcomes, except in patients with very/extremely high frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of AF patients, there was a high burden of frailty, influencing clinical management and risk of adverse outcomes. The clinical benefit of OAC is maintained in patients with high frailty, but not in very high/extremely frail ones.

Clozapine and myopathic dysfunction: is creatinine kinase an important parameter to measure?

Introduction

There have been reports of myopathic dysfunction with creatinine kinase (CK) elevation associated with neuroleptics, particularly, in clozapine-treated patients. The patients in these reports did not have any other clinical symptoms or signs indicative of neuropleptic malignant syndrome. Myopathic dysfunction was supported by the presence of CK elevations and either proximal limb weakness or fatigue, characteristic electrophysiologic abnormalities, or both. It has also been reported that CK elevation is neither dose nor treatment-duration dependent. The underlying mechanism is still unknown although it has been postulated that it is associated with cytochrome P450 interactions and/or calmodulin antagonism.

Objectives

To report a case of elevation of CK during treatment with clozapine.

Methods

The authors report a case of elevation of CK during treatment with clozapine. A non-systematic review was conducted by searching the PubMed database, using the terms “clozapine”, “myotoxicity”.

Results

A 36-year-old man was admitted after abandoning treatment with clozapine. During the titration of the medication, he developed complaints of muscle fatigue in conjunction with an elevation of CK. CK levels normalized after intravenous hydration and with dose reduction. Furthermore, CK levels would increase with clozapine re-titration.

Conclusions

Clozapine has numerous side effects. Myopathic dysfunction with CK elevation is a possible side effect which could have serious consequences such as renal impairment. In such cases, appropriate treatment should be implemented. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this potential side effect.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Therapeutic potential of serotoninergic psychedelic substances in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Introduction

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder associated with suffering and disability. The serotoninergic system is implicated in the neurobiological processes of OCD and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are the first-line treatment. However, clinical improvement after starting SRIs can take long and patients may not fully recover. Meanwhile, recent data suggests that activation of 5-HT receptors may exert a therapeutic action in obsessional symptoms. Some psychedelics are strong 5-HT2 receptor agonists and there is a growing research interest as they can be a promising therapeutic approach to OCD.

Objectives

We aim to provide an overview on the current evidence on the therapeutic potential of serotoninergic psychoactive substances in the treatment of OCD.

Methods

Non-systematic review. Literature search in the PubMed database using the terms psychedelics and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Results

Although research is currently limited to a few small studies, the ones conducted so far showed clinically meaningful acute reduction of OCD symptoms after treatment with serotoninergic psychoactive drugs, as well as possible longer-lasting benefits, particularly with psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Furthermore, substance-assisted psychotherapy with psychedelics has been showing promising results, being suitable for OCD treatment. It is important to add that, to date, studies have indicated relatively good tolerability to these drugs.

Conclusions

These promising early findings highlight the role of psychedelics in OCD treatment and the need for further research into efficacy, therapeutic mechanisms and safety, in order to determine whether these drugs may be worthy options for OCD treatment in the future.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Comprehensive transcriptome profiling and functional analysis of the meagre (Argyrosomus regius) immune system

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) belongs to the family Sciaenidae and is a promising candidate for Mediterranean aquaculture diversification. As a relatively recent species in aquaculture, the physiological consequences of the immune system activation in meagre are understudied. Spleen, as a primary lymphoid organ has an essential role in meagre immune and inflammatory responses. In this study, we have evaluated the in vivo effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the spleen transcriptome of meagre by RNA-seq analysis at 4 and 24 h after injection.

Investigation of Tritrichomonas foetus in cryopreserved bovine semen by culture and polymerase chain reaction

ABSTRACT Bovine Trichomoniasis (BT) is an infectious disease caused by Tritrichomonas foetus that can be transmitted either sexually or by fomites. In males, the disease is asymptomatic and permanent. T. foetus has been detected in semen samples where it is able to remain viable even when frozen. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of T. foetus in 27 samples of commercial frozen bovine semen by culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Samples were thawed in water at 37°C. Part of the samples was inoculated in a test tube containing Diamond’s medium and incubated at 35°C. Growth was evaluated every 24 hours via direct examination under a microscope. The other part was placed in an Eppendorf tube and frozen for later molecular analysis. After 10 days of culture, all samples were negative for T. foetus. The Quick-DNA Miniprep Kit (Zymo Research) without proteinase K was used for DNA extraction. The primers used in PCR were TRF3 and TRF4. PCR results were negative for all samples. In conclusion, bovine semen samples were negative for T. foetus in both diagnostic methods, according to the adopted methodology.

Drug Hypersensitivity Quality of Life Questionnaire: validation procedures and first results of the Portuguese version

BACKGROUND

Hypersensitivity reactions to drugs are unpredictable and can be very complex and severe, even life threatening. Assess its impact on patient's health related quality of life (HRQoL) is crucial. The Drug Hypersensitivity Quality of Life Questionnaire (DrHy-Q) is the only validated disease-specific HRQoL questionnaire. We aimed to translate and cross-cultural validate the DrHy-Q to the Portuguese population. It was also our purpose to determine the impact of drug hypersensitivity on patients' HRQoL.

METHODS

The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the DrHy-Q to Portuguese was performed according to standards. Reliability of the DrHy-Q Portuguese version was assessed in terms of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Structural validity, divergent validity (with a generic health related QoLQ-PGWBI) and discriminant validity were also evaluated. Forty patients accepted to participate in the validation phase. The Portuguese version of the DrHy-Q was applied to 260 consecutively adult patients, studied in our Department for suspected drug hypersensitivity.

RESULTS

The Portuguese DrHy-Q showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's ɑ = 0.938), good test-retest reliability [ICC = 0.713 (95% CI 0.488-0.850] and one-dimensional structure. No significant correlation was found between the DrHy-Q and the PGWBI total scores (r = - 0.010, p = 0.957). Two hundred of patients completed the study: 78.5% female; mean age = 44 ± 15 years. Mean DrHy-Q score was 36.8 ± 12.6. Two clinical factors significantly predict DrHy-Q total score: clinical manifestations and number of suspected drugs. Patients with anaphylaxis (β = 11.005; 95% CI 5.523; 16.487), urticaria/angioedema (β = 7.770; 95% CI 2.600; 12.940) and other manifestations (β = 7.948; 95% CI 1.933; 13.962) are more likely to have higher DrHy-Q total score than patients with maculopapular exanthema. Patients with ≥ 2 suspected drugs are also more likely to have worse QoL (β = 7.927; 95% CI 3.687; 12.166).

CONCLUSION

The Portuguese version of DrHy-Q revealed adequate validity and reliability, indicating that it is appropriate to assess the impact of drug hypersensitivity on patients' HRQoL, providing data for a better comprehension and management of our patients. Moreover, our results highlight that the severity of the drug hypersensitivity reaction and the number of suspected drugs have impact on patient's DrHy-QoL.

Valproate induced encephalopathy: Paradigm of normal ammonia levels

Introduction

Valproic Acid (VPA) is one of the most commonly used mood stabilizer drugs. Although uncommon, serious adverse effects have been reported. One particularly relevant side effect is the induced encephalopathy, usually secondary to Hyperammonemia. However, some descriptions have shown an altered mental state with normal serum levels of ammonia.

Objectives

We aim to present a case of VPA induced-encephalopathy without hyperammonemia and emphasize its suspicion when patients taking VPA present altered mental states.

Methods

We present a clinical case of VPA induced-encephalopathy without Hyperammonemia and a qualitative review of this topic using the Pubmed database.

Results

A 66-year-old woman, with an history of Major Depressive Disorder, previously medicated with Venlafaxine 75mg/day and Mirtazapine 30mg/day, was admitted in our acute psychiatric inpatient unit due to a first manic episode. During the stay, her antidepressants were interrupted, and she was started on VPA, then optimized to 750mg/day. After that, she presented an altered mental state with confusion and prostration. Analytical results were normal including normal ammonia levels and no imagiological abnormalities. Despite these results, we decided to stop VPA empirically. The patient clinical status resolved the day after.

Conclusions

Studies have shown that only a few patients have developed encephalopathy with normal serum levels of ammonia. Although the pathogenesis behind this remains unknown, a few mechanisms have been proposed. Therefore, it is important to remind that even without abnormal analytical status, VPA is a possible cause of encephalopathy. We also emphasize the need for further studies on the mechanisms behind this phenomenon.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Terbinafine and antidepressants: Potential risk of medication induced mania

Introduction

Mood destabilization and induced manic episodes are well-known phenomenon under antidepressant medications. However, even with a cautious introduction of antidepressants, it’s important to be aware of possible pharmacological interactions. Terbinafine is a known inhibitor of CYP2D6, a major hepatic metabolizer of a full list of antidepressant medications, and so capable of raising their serum levels and potentiating their side effects.

Objectives

With this case report we aim to emphasize the importance of cautious usage of Terbinafine when combined with antidepressant medications.

Methods

We present a clinical case of an induced first manic episode after the introduction of Terbinafine in a patient under antidepressant medication and a qualitative review on the topic, using PubMed database.

Results

A 66-year-old woman, with an history of Major Depressive Disorder, previously medicated with Venlafaxine 75mg/day and Mirtazapine 30mg/day, was brought to the emergency department because of psychomotor agitation. She also had an history of seasonal fluctuating mood, although never fulfilling the criteria for Bipolar Disorder. At admission, her clinical status was compatible with a manic episode. This episode followed two months after the initiation of Terbinafine for onychomycosis.

Conclusions

There are few studies that have shown antidepressant toxicity mediated by an interaction with Terbinafine. As far as we know this is the first case of induced mania after the introduction of Terbinafine. Therefore, it is important to remind that Terbinafine is a potential interacting agent when combined with psychotropic medications.

The emotional impact of medical error on Portuguese medical residents - An exploratory study

Background

The consequences of the medical error on patients are unquestionable. However, the emotional impact on the health professional that made the error is usually devastating and usually neglected. The present study aimed to study the perception and experiences in a sample of medical residents regarding the emotional impact of the medical error in a clinician.

Methods

A cross-sectional and exploratory study analyzed a sample of 264 Portuguese residents. A survey with multiple-choice questions was created, taking into account the available scientific literature on this topic. The survey was then shared online within the mailing lists and social groups of Portuguese medical residents. The responses were collected between 14th-29th February 2020. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were carried out using R 3.6.1 and Rstudio 1.2.5033.

Results

48,1% of the residents mentioned that at a certain point in their careers, they made a medical error. 98,4% of them had indirect contact (e.g., discussions with colleagues) with scenarios where a medical error could or was made. The residents that made a medical error had mainly feelings of guilt (85,8%), anxiety (73,2%), and frustration (64.6%). 93,7% of the clinicians that made a medical error reported more caution and the implementation of preventive measures in their future practice. 16,5% of them thought about leaving the medical profession. The odds for a medical error are 2,44 higher (95% CI 1,49-4,02) in the later phase of medical residency.

Conclusions

Although international literature describes the impact of medical error on the clinician, there is no published research on this theme in Portugal. The results allowed us to explore the emotional impact of these events and underline the unmet need for psychological support for the health professional. This exploratory study may serve as support for other research studies on this matter with a more robust methodology and a bigger sample size.

Key messages

Medical error is frequent and has an emotional impact on medical residents. Need for further research in Portugal and the creation of programs for psychological support.

Knowledge at palm of hand: supported self-management and audiovisual content School of Patients DF

Background

The region of practice of the School of Patients DF is vulnerable at health literacy and income. Audiovisual information is strategic in primary care for its great power of reach and information retention.

Objectives

Since 2016 videos of health education have been produced, initially technical on the Planification for hypertension and diabetes. After the focus switched to popular health education, aiming at improving communication between health professionals and patients on chronic diseases and health promotion, including testimonials. The is potential for video exhibition in qualified waiting rooms and forwarding in social network.

Results

There are videos from diabetes, hypertension, obesity to dengue, pre-natal care and other APS themes, which follow printed orientation with pertinent links. There are graduate and post-graduate studies in course for optimizing audio-visual content for support and capacitation of the family caregivers, especially regarding the facilitated visual model of prescription (“Illustrated Prescription”). Data until 2020-January: YOUTUBE 3146 views, 118,6 hours of exhibition, 50 videos. FACEBOOK page with a reach of 369.248 views. INSTAGRAM 10.119 followers, 193 posts, 37.800 likes and 1003 commentaries.

Conclusions

Modifications in lifestyle and adherence to medication are fundamental for treatment, and videos are promising for health promotion and selfcare capacitation. There is potential for reducing the hierarchy barriers (testimonials). The shared construction of knowledge and its dissemination makes the patient active part in community diffusion of information.

Key messages

Health professionals have a vital role as educators, including for social online networks. Patients have a protagonist role in their treatment, as well as multipliers of knowledge at their community.

Illustrated Prescription – History of evolution at the School of Patients DF

Issue

There are challenges in PHC associated with low functional literacy in health. The Illustrated Prescription was developed aiming to reduce drug error and increase access to self-care, allowing better understanding and adherence to treatment; facilitate the safe use of medications; strengthen the support network.

Description of the Problem

In April 2016, systematization and preparation of pictorial prescriptions began in the service of origin, one of the researches with the highest participation of multiprofessional residents of pharmacy and medical interns. Optimization and complement of recipe was performed. Several models were systematized in the orientation of users in face-to-face care of prescription reviews. The proposed model has (1) written component, schedule of medicines and strategy organizing medicines according to time of administration and (2) strategy for organizing primary packaging of medicinal products using coloured elastic bands.

Results

The evolution of Illustrated Prescription components resulted in the progressive organization and understanding in the indication of schedules and drugs. There was development, improvement and validation of it as a self-care tool, especially for patients with CNDs. There was a social impact with media dissemination (6 TV stations and 2 radio stations) and national and international congresses; totaling 5 show-forums and 4 congress with participation of the service. Cash prizes were invested in the infrastructure of the FHS workplaces.

Lessons

The evolution of Illustrated Prescription allowed progressive gain of organization and clarity for patients with difficulty reading, which directed efforts to avoid drug errors, especially prescription.

Key messages

Illustrated Prescription allowed us to invest more time guiding the patient in accessible and understandable language. Illustrated Prescription is useful for empowering and training it in self-care, promoting, mainly, autonomy and citizenship.

Each reading is a seed – prescribing books and links at the School of Patients DF

Issue

The fragile reading habit is a common feature in Brazil, having wide negative impacts in Health and Education areas. Itapoã-DF presents important social vulnerabilities with challenges about the reading habit. Stimulating individual reading from early childhood to elderly, associated with positive reinforcement during doctor appointments, is a way to provide health education.

Description of the problem

In October of 2016, the “Prescreva um Livro” (prescribe a book) project began from childcare doctor appointments, by encouraging children with books and the borrowing of material, in addition to positive reinforcement in consultations. In 2019, book references for adults were incorporated into the chapters of the School of Patients DF - especially for prenatal care and chronic conditions such as hypertension. It highlights the potencial of primary care as point of encouragement for reading and community support, reading coordinator.

Results

The Reading stimulus brought, since 2016, a change in the relationship of young people with the service, making it a space of curiosity and fun instead of “fear of needles”. The importance of primary care in constructive stimuli to reading is reinforced even more considering the difficulties of education in Brazil.

Lessons

Initially focused on children and adolescents, the practice was incorporated into the health education strategy of the School of Patients, grouping prevalent comorbidities and printed guidelines delivered at each consultation. The participating children reported the stories they had read at subsequent visits. This feedback reinforces the influence that the primary care environment can have in several areas of the user's life, including reading

Key messages

Waiting rooms and home visits are opportunities to exchange information also of a literary nature. The stimulus to reading is vital for the full exercise of citizenship, and health services can be a reference for reading.

Case simulations for permanent education in Primary Care – School of Patients DF

Background

In scenarios of vulnerability that include triple charge of diseases, permanent education in Primary Care and university is fundamental to allow greater access, efficiency and safety for users and health teams.

Objectives

The School of Patients DF was created as a tool for popular and technical health education, including case simulations for practice. It consists of standard technical content (Chapters), categorized by conditions and diseases, shared by Google Drive and used primarily in selected primary care units of Brazil's capital city.

Results

Technical simulations are performed in pairs, 1 participant acts as “patient” with script in hand (topics of the training) while the other acts as “health professional” as if in a regular visit. Simulations are timed for 10 minutes for consultation and 5 for feedback, boosting learning. Contents are based on guidelines and protocols from the Ministry of Health, Secretary of Health and Brazilian Community and Family Medicine Society. Since 2016 there have been realized over 1400 simulations, including weekly classes for last term medical students at the capital city federal university.

Conclusions

Simulations optimize the time necessary for permanent education (15 minutes blocks), avoiding limiting access for triage and consults, allowing smaller groups to train with greater focus and independent of computers or projectors.

Key messages

Standardizing training and practice bring benefit to patient care and safety. Simulations with structured physical examination are important both for professional as well as students.

Primary care professional validation of visual model of prescription – Illustrated prescription

Issue

Chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes have great global impact on morbidity, mortality and costs. Incorrect use of medicines is especially worrisome for vulnerable populations with low health literacy, and visual models of prescription can bring benefit. The objective of this study was to validate the visual model of prescription Illustrated Prescription to obtain an adapted prescription with greater clarity, correction and cost-efficiency especially for risk users in a vulnerable peripheral region of the capital of Brazil served free of charge by the Unified Health System.

Description of the Problem

We conducted a content validation by primary health care nurses, pharmacists and physicians (PHC) by Delphi technique, applied in two phases from November to December 2018, through a questionnaire that evaluated clarity, relevance and feasibility of performing Illustrated Prescription, with field for comments. We used a 4-point Likert scale, Cronbach Alpha for reliability and Content Validation Index (CVI) with agreement above 0.8 indicating validation. Project approved by the Ethics Committee - FEPECS.

Results

Round-1: 29 out of 32 items were validated, with Cronbach's alpha .9812. Round-2: Included 4 new items, guidelines for indicating whole tablet, adjustment of the font size and color column size of elastic alloys, all items being validated and Cronbach's alpha of 0.9876.

Lessons

Validation ensures clarity and correction of the Illustrated Prescription, being extremely important for dissemination of the visual model for prescribing. It allows future evaluation of increased drug adherence and risk reduction related to incorrect use of medications especially for illiterate or visually impaired users.

Key messages

Illustrated Prescription is a validated tool that opens up the possibility of greater safety and efficient use of chronic medications, especially for vulnerable users with chronic diseases. Validation ensures clarity and correction of the Illustrated Prescription, being extremely important for dissemination of the visual model for prescribing.

Allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics in children: Risk factors for a positive diagnostic work-up

BACKGROUND

Allergy to beta-lactam (βL) antibiotics is highly reported in children, but rarely confirmed. Risk factors for a positive diagnostic work-up are scarce. The primary aim was to characterize the cases of children with confirmed βL allergy, investigating potential risk factors. Secondary aims were to assess the prevalence of allergy to βL in this population and to confirm the safety of less extensive diagnostic protocols for milder reactions.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical data from all children evaluated in our Department for suspected βL allergy, over a six-year period.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty children (53% females) with a mean age of 6.5±4.2 years were evaluated. Cutaneous manifestations were the most frequently reported (96.9%), mainly maculopapular exanthema (MPE). The reactions were non-immediate in 59.5% of the cases. Only 23 children (10.5%) were diagnosed with allergy to βL. The likelihood of βL allergy was significantly higher in children with a family history of drug allergy (p<0.001) and in those with a smaller time period between the reaction and the study (p=0.046). The probability of not confirming βL allergy is greater in children reporting less severe reactions (p<0.001) and MPE (p<0.001). We found the less extensive diagnostic protocol in milder reactions safe, since only 4.2% of the children presented a positive provocation test (similar reaction as the index reaction).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights family history of drug allergy as a risk factor for a positive diagnostic work-up. Larger series are required, particularly genetic studies to accurately determine future risk for βL allergy in children.

Lisbon Burn Centre experience with intentional burn injuries

Burn injury as a form of hetero or auto-aggression accounts for a significant amount of admissions to a Burn Care Unit, with epidemiologic and clinical specificities. To investigate the differences in risk factors, psychiatric comorbidities, injury severity and mortality among adult patients with accidental or intentional burns, we analyzed routinely collected data from a Central Hospital Burn Unit over a period of 6 years (January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2015). We identified 22 intentional burn patients (5%) among all the admissions to our Burn Unit. When compared to the accidental burns, the intentional burn patients are significantly younger (45.7±14.7 vs. 54.9±19.9), have a bigger percentage of body surface area burned (35% vs. 14%), have a higher incidence of inhalation burn (50% vs. 22.8%) and higher mortality (18.2% vs. 6.1%). Fifty-five percent of cases of intentional burns were self-inflicted. Self-inflicted burns have a worse prognosis than hetero-aggressions (inhospital mortality 25% vs. 10%). Psychiatric comorbidities were largely more prevalent in the intentional burn patients (59% vs. 6.6%), namely mood disorders. Compared to patients with accidental burns, intentional burn patients have worse clinical condition and prognosis. A multidisciplinary preventive approach, looking at the specificities of the violent nature of the lesions and identifying risk groups may reduce the incidence and severity of this type of burns.

Predicting incomplete basal cell carcinoma excisions - a large multidisciplinary retrospective analysis in a tertiary center

Introduction: Surgical treatment of basal cell carcinomas is often performed by physicians with different surgical backgrounds. Collecting data from different surgical departments would better reflect their real-life surgical management.Objectives: To identify the rate, recurrence risk, and predictive factors accordingly to their relative contribution for an incomplete basal cell carcinoma excision in a large multidisciplinary real-life settingMethods: Retrospective cohort study of 2305 surgically treated lesions in different departments of a tertiary center.Results: There was a rate of incomplete excisions (15%) and a recurrence rate (35.5% vs. 6.8% in incomplete vs. complete excisions (p < .001)). A third of incompletely excised basal cell carcinoma (BCC) will recur over time. Stratified by relevancy, high-risk histological subtypes (micronodular (OR 5.10 - p < .001) and morpheaform (OR 5.42 - p < .001), smaller specimen sizes ( <0.5 cm or 0.5-1 cm, OR 3.99 and 2.49, respectively, p < .001) high-risk locations (OR 3.06 on the nose, OR 2.77 on the eyelids, p < .001), and recurrent BCCs (OR 1.72, p < .001). are the best predictors of an incomplete excision.Conclusions: Acknowledging the rate, recurrence risk and predictive factors for incomplete excisions may be beneficial for optimal preoperative planning and to prevent unwarranted re-interventions, morbidity, and healthcare costs.

HIV screening of tuberculosis patients in Portugal: what are we missing?

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status is essential to effectively manage both tuberculosis (TB) and HIV infection. This is why the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine HIV testing in all TB patients.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the number of TB patients with unknown HIV status in Portugal and to identify the factors associated with unknown HIV status.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all TB notifications from 2008 to 2014 in Portugal was conducted. A multiple logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with unknown HIV status.

RESULTS

We examined the records of 18 445 patients with TB notification, 2402 of whom (13%) had unknown HIV status. Unknown HIV status was positively associated with age 65 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.208, 95%CI 1.037-1.408) and extra-pulmonary TB (aOR 1.381, 95%CI 1.252-1.523), but negatively associated with unemployment (aOR 0.755, 95%CI 0.637-0.895), alcohol dependence (aOR 0.809, 95%CI 0.682-0.959) and drug dependence (aOR 0.566, 95%CI 0.449-0.713).

CONCLUSION

Risk perception is the most important barrier to complete knowledge of HIV status in TB patients in Portugal. Given the importance of HIV screening in TB patients, every effort should be made to ensure that all TB patients undergo HIV screening.

Choroid thickness profile in patients with lupus nephritis

BACKGROUND

Choroidopathy is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This entity is associated with active phases of severe SLE and it is frequently accompanied by acute kidney failure, central nervous system involvement and coagulopathy.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the choroid thickness of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) without choroidopathy, and to compare this with that of age-matched SLE patients without LN and healthy control subjects.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional case control study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifteen women with LN in remission phase (study group), 15 women with SLE in remission without LN (SLE control group), and 15 healthy women (healthy control group), without ocular diseases or significant refractive error, were recruited. Full ophthalmological examination and a macular optical coherence tomography in enhanced depth imaging mode were performed. The choroid thickness was measured at nine macular points and six lines of mean choroidal thickness were determined. A comparative analysis between the three groups was performed using the one-way ANOVA test and the paired t-test. The choroid thickness of patients under corticotherapy was also compared to that of patients without corticotherapy. Additionally, the correlation between choroid thickness and disease duration was evaluated using the Pearson analysis.

RESULTS

The mean macular choroidal thickness was 295.73 ± 67.62 μm in the study group, 233.34 ± 41.01 µm in the SLE control group, and 240.98 ± 37.93 μm in the control group ( p = 0.00006 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Additionally, the choroid thickness was significantly thicker than in the SLE and healthy control groups at the foveal ( p = 0.004 and p < 0.000), nasal ( p < 0.000 and p = 0.001), superior ( p = 0.002 and p < 0.000) and inferior ( p < 0.000 and p = 0.001) mean lines. The choroidal thickness in this group was not associated with the duration of the disease. The subgroup of patients with LN under corticotherapy did not reveal a significantly different choroidal thickness.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests a relationship between LN and choroidal changes, which may represent an increased risk for choroidopathy in these patients. Choroid thickening was not related with the duration of the disease. This thickening may be correlated with histopathological changes similar to those occurring in kidney glomeruli.

Occipital blood-brain barrier permeability is an independent predictor of visual outcome in type 2 diabetes, irrespective of the retinal barrier: A longitudinal study

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in type 2 diabetic patients has been previously shown to be altered in certain brain regions such as the basal ganglia and the hippocampus. Because of the histological and functional similarities between the BBB) and the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), we aimed to investigate how the permeability of both barriers predicts visual outcome. We included 2 control groups (acute unilateral stroke patients, n = 9; type 2 diabetics without BRB leakage n = 10) and a case study group of type 2 diabetics with established BRB leakage (n = 17). We evaluated sex, age, disease duration, metabolic impairment, retinopathy grade and BBB permeability as predictors of visual acuity at baseline, 12  and 24 months in the type 2 diabetics without BRB leakage group and the case study group. We have also explored differences in BBB permeability in the occipital lobe and frontal lobe in the 3 different groups. K^trans (volume transfer coefficient) and V_p (fractional plasma volume) were estimated. The BBB permeability parameter V_p was higher in the case study group compared to the unaffected hemisphere of the stroke patient control group, suggesting vascular dynamics were changed in the occipital lobe of type 2 diabetics with established BRB leakage. These patients showed a significant correlation between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels and occipital and frontal K^trans . We report for the first time that occipital BBB permeability is an independent predictor of visual acuity at baseline, as well as at 12 and 24 months, in type 2 diabetics with established BRB leakage. Our results suggest that occipital BBB permeability might be an independent biomarker for visual impairment in patients with established BRB leakage.

Dietary fatty acids modulation of human colon cancer cells: mechanisms and future perspectives

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and its pathogenesis is proven to be related with dietary patterns, namely dietary fatty acid (FA) intake. We reviewed the evidences regarding the effect of different dietary FAs on human CRC cell lines proliferation and apoptosis. Altogether, the results obtained from in vitro studies show that monounsaturated FAs lack evidence regarding both proliferation and apoptosis, whereas there is a consensus about the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, involving different intracellular targets, of n-3 polyunsaturated FAs, while n-6 series show a similar effect or no effects. The response to these dietary components depends on the cell type as well as the amount and duration of exposure. These results highlight the importance of identifying molecular targets for dietary components aiming to interfere with one of the main risk factors related with CRC incidence and prevalence.

The effect of live feeds bathed with the red seaweed Asparagopsis armata on the survival, growth and physiology status of Sparus aurata larvae

Larval rearing is affected by a wide range of microorganisms that thrive in larviculture systems. Some seaweed species have metabolites capable of reducing the bacterial load. However, no studies have yet tested whether including seaweed metabolites on larval rearing systems has any effects on the larvae development. This work assessed the development of Sparus aurata larvae fed preys treated with an Asparagopsis armata product. Live prey, Brachionus spp. and Artemia sp., were immersed in a solution containing 0.5% of a commercial extract of A. armata (Ysaline 100, YSA) for 30 min, before being fed to seabream larvae (n = 4 each). In the control, the live feed was immersed in clear water. Larval parameters such as growth, survival, digestive capacity (structural-histology and functional-enzymatic activity), stress level (cortisol content), non-specific immune response (lysozyme activity), anti-bacterial activity (disc-diffusion assay) and microbiota quantification (fish larvae gut and rearing water) were monitored. Fish larvae digestive capacity, stress level and non-specific immune response were not affected by the use of YSA. The number of Vibrionaceae was significantly reduced both in water and larval gut when using YSA. Growth was enhanced for YSA treatment, but higher mortality was also observed, especially until 10 days after hatching (DAH). The mortality peak observed at 8 DAH for both treatments, but higher for YSA, indicates larval higher susceptibility at this development stage, suggesting that lower concentrations of YSA should be used until 10 DAH. The application of YSA after 10 DAH onwards promotes a safer rearing environment.

Hoarding disorders: Two different clinical presentations

Introduction

Hoarding disorders (HD) have increasingly become a public health hazard. It usually emerges during two broad life periods: in early age-of-onset is usually associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); in the elderly, it can be due to psychiatric and organic disorders, unrelated to OCD.

Objectives

Our objective is to increase medical awareness and to highlight that both young and elderly people may suffer from this condition.

Aims

The aim of this presentation is to address HD and its different presentations.

Methods

Presentation of two clinical cases of HD and pathology revision.

Results

A 30-year-old woman was hoarding litter, food and several items in a systematic way, become aggressive when her family tried to clean the house and was admitted several times in a psychiatric facility for cleanliness of her house. She had a history of depressive symptoms and severe OCD, with obsessive thoughts and several verification behaviors. A 78-year-old woman, with history of cerebral vascular disease, was self-neglected, living in a filthy home, with hoarding of litter and many worthless objects in a disorganized way, become aggressive after her relatives try to enter her house and refused to get help of any kind. Later on, she was admitted in a psychiatric facility and diagnosed with vascular dementia.

Conclusions

Timely diagnosis and proper management of these two variations of HD will allow more advanced studies in this matter and more effective pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments. These clinical cases reinforce the importance of practical guidelines for appropriate approach of these patients with complex and multidimensional needs.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

REUTILIZAÇÃO DA SOBRA DE ÁGUA PERMEADA E DE REJEITO DE UMA CENTRAL DE TRATAMENTO DE ÁGUA POR OSMOSE REVERSA DE UMA UNIDADE DE HEMODIÁLISE HOSPITALAR

Esse trabalho trata da possibilidade de reutilizar a água do rejeito e a sobra da água permeada proveniente de um sistemade Osmose Reversa, OR, da unidade de hemodiálise do Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto (HCRP-USP). O estudo foi feito por meio de levantamento estrutural com plantas físicas e ‘layout’do local, fazendo visitas a esse local para analisar a qualidade e verificar a quantidade de água utilizada no mesmo e, principalmente, do estudo das características bacteriológicas e físico-químicas da água a ser reaproveitada. O resultado obtido das análises da sobra de água permeada e do rejeito mostrou que é possível reutilizar a sobra de água permeada diretamente na caixa central do HCRP-USP, pois esse procedimento não altera a qualidade da água de abastecimento do hospital, sendo somente de 0,73 % dediluição. Com a instalação do sistema de reaproveitamento da sobra de água permeada o HCRP-USP passou a ter uma economia em volume de água de 575 m3/mês. O custo total de implantação do sistema não passou de 5.809,43 reais, ou seja, com pouquíssimo recurso financeiro o hospital obteve uma grande economia no insumo água.