Why is this phenomenon becoming widespread? With the increase in open access journals, the publishing industry is losing one of their best funding options: the subscription fees that medical libraries and researchers pay. Publishers have now become dependent on publishing fees. You may have heard the phrase “publish or perish.” Some global institutions pay their medical researchers based on how many papers they aim to publish every year. Some academic medical institutions also judge and decide the researchers’ tenure based […]

Highlights ■ Aussie Current decreases immediate pain intensity. ■ Both carrier frequencies of Aussie Current were efficient in decreasing pain. ■ There are no ideal parameters for using the Aussie Current to relieve pain in individuals with chronic lower back pain. ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the immediate analgesic effects of Aussie Current on chronic low back pain using different parameters. Methods: A total of 105 patients (aged 18-80 years, of both sexes, with chronic low back pain) were randomized into […]

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 ■ Liver transplantation improves health-related quality of life in patients with cirrhosis and high MELD scores. ■ Significant health-related quality of life improvements occur within three months of transplantation. ■ Multidisciplinary care programs enhance post-iver transplantation physical and mental recovery. ■ Sustained health-related quality of life gains highlight the long-term benefits of liver transplantation. ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effects of liver transplantation on the health-related quality of life of patients with cirrhosis on the waiting list for transplantation. […]

Highlights ■ Candidiasis can present as localized or systemic infections. Disseminated infections in newborns and adults can be life-threatening, with high mortality and morbidity rates (40–60%), and rank as the fourth most common type of nosocomial infection. ■ Oral candidiasis is a local condition affecting 10-15% of children in their first months of life. ■ Saliva and 3’-sialyllactose can disrupt the initial development of Candida albicans biofilm. ■ The effect of colostrum needs to be elucidated because it may hinder […]

Highlights ■ In patients who experienced extubation failure, the total ventilation time was twice as long as that of patients with successful extubation. ■ The incidence of extubation failure was 5.2%, which is relatively low compared to other studies. ■ The study revealed no significant association between the presence of pre-existing illnesses and extubation outcomes. ■ Results indicated that the primary cause of extubation failure was upper airway obstruction, accounting for 67% of cases requiring reintubation. ABSTRACT Objective: To compare […]

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 ■ Self-reported cardiac symptoms not associated with arrhythmias. ■ High prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. ■ Anxiety was correlated with self-reported cardiac symptoms. ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to examine the presence of psychological characteristics and their association with self-reported cardiac symptoms in individuals undergoing 24- hour Holter monitoring. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 304 individuals who consecutively underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring. Clinical, demographic, and electrocardiographic data were collected. Psycho-behavioral characteristics were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety […]

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 ■ Men with metastatic prostate cancer in the public system have access to fewer treatment lines. ■ Survival in the public system was 3 years shorter than that in the private setting (78 versus 115 months). ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the impact of assistance from public and private health systems on the overall survival of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Methods: A total of 213 patients with metastatic prostate cancer treated at the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, either in […]

Highlights ■ Family presence improves communication and patient comfort during pediatric emergency room care. ■ Overall, 90.2% of companions stayed during care, despite 71% being unaware of the legislation. ■ Of the professionals, 96% allowed companions, with 87% citing comfort for patients. ■ This study supports creating clear protocols for family inclusion during emergencies. ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the perceptions of family companions and the professional team regarding the presence of a family member during emergency and urgent care at […]

Highlights ■ Webcam-based eye tracking demonstrated feasibility for monitoring reading behavior in classrooms. ■ Webcam-based eye tracking captured fixation times, showing differing reading speeds across comic sections. ■ Webcam-based eye tracking showed accuracy comparable to infrared-based systems, despite lower precision. ■ Limitations resulting in data loss underscore the need for methodological improvements. ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of webcam-based eye tracking for monitoring comic books reading behavior in a real-world classroom setting. Methods: We tested the feasibility […]

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 ■ 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 ■ 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 ■ 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 ■ Gestational trophoblastic disease should be followed up at a referral center. ■ Adequate follow-up improves quality of life for affected women. ■ Multidisciplinary monitoring reduces anxiety and depression in women. ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the psychological repercussions of gestational trophoblastic disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 100 women (50 with gestational trophoblastic disease and 50 without) was conducted between September 2020 and October 2021. Socio-demographic characteristics, quality of life, depression, and anxiety were evaluated and follow-up was performed […]

Highlights ■ Public hospitals in Brazil performed 37,741 hallux valgus surgery procedures between January 2008 and October 2024. ■ The study population consisted of 79.7% females, with the most common age group being 40-69 years (67.7%). The mean length of stay was 1.7 days. ■ The mean cost per patient was US$ 141.53. ■ The overall mortality count was nine, corresponding to a death rate of 0.024%. ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to describe patient profiles and analyze costs, hospital […]

Highlights ■ The extract, transform, and load algorithm automates data extraction and updates in the PostgreSQL database. ■ The interactive dashboard enables detailed queries on establishments and professionals. ■ Results highlight medical doctor deficit in 22 cities and a shortage of community agents. ■ The tool can scale and assist managers in resource allocation for healthcare. ABSTRACT Objective: To develop a process (pipeline) for extracting, processing, and analyzing data from the National Registry of Health Establishments in the State of […]

Highlights ■ A 13-week Tai Chi/Qigong program significantly reducedanxiety and stress in Brazilian patients with diabetes and hypertension. ■ Tai Chi/Qigong offers an effective complementary therapy to improve health outcomes in primary care settings. ■ This study highlights the potential of Tai Chi/Qigong for enhancing mental and physical well-being in chronic disease management. ABSTRACT Objective: This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi/Qigong practice over 13 weeks on anxiety and perceived stress levels in middle-aged or older Brazilian hypertensive and […]