Highlights ■ The calcium score can be calculated using computed tomography angiography. ■ The aortic calcium score was associated with amputation and subsequent revascularization within 30 days. ■ The calcium score in below-the-knee arteries was higher in the patients who underwent subsequent revascularization and amputation at 12 months. ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association between lower limb artery calcium scores in preoperative computed tomography angiography and outcomes of patients with critical limb ischemia who underwent revascularization procedures in the aortoiliac […]

Highlights ■ Barriers to rehabilitation: high inactivity rates (88.4%) and significant barriers, such as fatigue and lack of awareness, hinder recovery. ■ Professional supervision: only 1% of patients were enrolled in formal cardiac rehabilitation; however, those who received professional supervision experienced lower readmission rates (14.6% versus 35.1%). ■ Systematic gaps: addressing systemic gaps, such as coverage and referral to rehabilitation programs, is critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing rehospitalization rates. ABSTRACT Objective: This study assessed the barriers to cardiac […]

Highlights ■ We validated the UHPLC/UV method for accurate busulfan quantification in plasma. ■ Inaccuracy and imprecision were below 15%, ensuring reliable therapeutic drug monitoring results. ■ This enables effective pharmacokinetic studies with rapid turnaround times in patient samples. ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to validate a sensitive, accurate, and precise bioanalytical ultrahigh- performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet (UHPLC/UV) method for the determination of busulfan in human plasma using 1,6-bis-(methanesulfonyloxy) hexane as an internal standard for therapeutic drug monitoring. […]

Highlights ■ Any alcohol consumption during pregnancy: prevalence of 11.5%. ■ Excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy: prevalence of 3.0%. ■ Risk factors: older age, low education, and Indigenous ethnicity. ■ Protective factors: being married and living in Northern Brazil. ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with alcohol consumption among pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined pregnant women living in Brazilian capitals using information collected by the Noncommunicable Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance System (Vigitel) between 2006 […]

Highlights ■ About one in every 10 social network male users in São Paulo frequently use virtual pornography. ■ Over half of the respondents believed that the ideal time to ejaculate would be of 15 minutes or more. ■ Frequent use of virtual pornography was not associated with ejaculation disorders. ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between frequent use of virtual pornography, perceptions of the ideal time to ejaculate, and changes in ejaculation. Methods: Adult men living in São Paulo […]

Highlights ■ Most patients had an inadequate intake of selenium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber. ■ Patients with mucosal had lower body weight, arm muscle circumference, and serum albumin and zinc intake. ■ Mucosal is associated with insufficient zinc intake, low body weight, and the depletion of serum albumin and transferrin. ■ Oropharyngeal lesions are associated with calorie malnutrition and serum protein depletion. ABSTRACT Objective: Patients with American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis often experience malnutrition, weight loss, and dehydration; however, their eating profile […]

Highlights ■ Diabetes education is the central pillar of treatment, and the AADE7 offers a 360-degree view of care. ■ Only 18.9% of participants had previously engaged in diabetes-related educational programs. ■ Recognizing signs of hypo and hyperglycemia and responding appropriately is crucial to avoiding complications. ■ Diabetes and sugar consumption remain taboo for many, including healthcare professionals. ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to implement a comprehensive and accessible diabetes education program for patients and their families based on the AADE7 […]

Highlights ■ The COVID-19 pandemic has increased adherence to hand hygiene in intensive care units. ■ Private hospitals recorded higher consumption of alcoholbased hand sanitizer. ■ Interventions are needed to help keep rates up. ABSTRACT Objective: Compare alcohol-based hand sanitizer use in intensive care units in a municipality in São Paulo state, before and during the coronavirus pandemic. Methods: Analytical retrospective study using indirect documentation, with data obtained from a notification spreadsheet for epidemiological indicators of healthcare-associated infection in the […]

Highlights ■ Remote team-based learning sessions were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their grades were not included in the final course grade calculation. ■ Remote team-based learning resulted in lower iRAT grades than in-person team-based learning, independent of the semester. ■ Remote team-based learning resulted in more students failing the test than in-person team-based learning. ■ Remote team-based learning resulted in lower student attendance than in-person team-based learning. ABSTRACT Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift from in-person to […]

Highlights ■ Convalescent plasma did not affect the outcomes. ■ Convalescent plasma improved some laboratory parameters but had no impact on clinical outcomes. ■ Dialysis and the World Health Organization severity score on day 0 influenced the outcomes. ABSTRACT Objective: This study compared the outcomes of two cohorts of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who received COVID-19 convalescent plasma transfusions between 2020 and 2021. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. We […]