ABSTRACT This paper examines the fitness industry as a by-product of neoliberal ideology, using “The New Way of the World: On Neoliberal Society” as a conceptual framework. Neoliberalism, as articulated by Dardot and Laval, extends beyond economic policy to shape governance and human behavior by embedding market-driven rationality into everyday life. The fitness industry, with its emphasis on individual responsibility for health and self-optimization, exemplifies core neoliberal tenets. It fosters the notion of the “entrepreneurial self,” wherein success or failure […]

ABSTRACT The present study examines the development of medical science during the COVID-19 pandemic in light of Ernst Mayr’s critique of Thomas Kuhn’s philosophy of scientific revolutions. Kuhn’s model, which emphasizes paradigm shifts and disruptive changes in scientific practice, contrasts with the evolutionary and cumulative nature of biological sciences, as argued by Mayr. Revisiting Mayr’s critique, we question the applicability of Kuhn’s model to the COVID-19 pandemic by using vaccine development as a case study. We argue that the rapid […]

ABSTRACT Background Non-invasive respiratory support strategies, such as high-flow nasal cannula therapy and non-invasive ventilation, were widely employed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, yet their comparative effectiveness remains uncertain. Objective To compare the effects of high-flow nasal cannula therapy, non-invasive ventilation, and conventional oxygen therapy on intubation rates and hospital mortality in adults with COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines, with searches performed in nine databases for […]

ABSTRACT Patients diagnosed with fibrosing interstitial lung disease are at risk of several complications, some of which may be life-threatening. Computed tomography imaging plays an important role in diagnosing these overlapping conditions. This article summarizes the computed tomography imaging features of the most common conditions associated with fibrosing interstitial lung diseases, categorized by involvement of the lung parenchyma or extra-pulmonary compartments. Some steps may help to recognize such complications, such as having knowledge of the underlying fibrotic lung disease, being […]

ABSTRACT Valvular heart disease is increasingly prevalent, and bedside confirmation or exclusion of severe disease is needed to enable a rapid and cost-effective diagnostic workup. The physical examination skills of clinicians are insufficient for accurate diagnosis, making complementary tests generally necessary. Despite being commonly requested, electrocardiography and chest radiography present low positive and negative likelihood ratios. Incipient studies involving artificial intelligence have shown promising opportunities to support the diagnosis. In addition, solid current evidence demonstrates that point-of-care ultrasound enhances bedside […]

ABSTRACT Background Iridoschisis is a rare, bilateral condition of unknown etiology, often associated with trauma or surgery, in which the iris stroma splits into layers. It is usually associated with glaucoma and cataract. Facectomy in these patients is challenging owing to the risk of aspirating the iris fibers and limited pupil dilation. Objective This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinical features, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes in patients with iridoschisis, to clarify optimal practices and identify […]

ABSTRACT Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The characterization of atherosclerotic lesions reveals that they represent a chronic and progressive inflammatory condition affecting the arterial wall. Despite extensive investigations, its complex pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has recently emerged as a transformative tool, enabling detailed analysis of the cellular composition within atherosclerotic plaques. This approach provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of plaque biology. This review provides a concise overview of current scRNA-seq methodologies […]

ABSTRACT Thalidomide exerts immunomodulatory properties that may be used to treat various conditions. Although its effectiveness in treating Crohn’s disease in pediatric patients has been reported, its safety for off-label use is not well established. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of thalidomide in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease, specifically Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. A narrative review of clinical trials and observational studies published between January 2001 and May 2023 that investigated thalidomide use in […]

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography angiography for the identification of choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. Methods: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations. A literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CAPES Periodicals, and LILACS scientific databases was conducted to identify relevant full-text articles published in English and Portuguese from January 2012 to January 2025. To comprehensively evaluate […]

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute kidney injury is a common and serious condition in critically ill patients. Current biomarkers, such as serum creatinine, are limited in early detection and prognostic assessment. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has emerged as a promising inflammatory biomarker, reflecting systemic inflammation and potentially serving as a tool for risk stratification in high-risk groups. Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting mortality in patients with acute kidney injury through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: […]