Risk factors for fractures in type 2 diabetic with chronic kidney disease stage: the saints and the sinners

Since the population in the developed world is aging, the burden offragility fractures is aconstantly increasing problem. Despite the fact that potent bone-specific pharmaceutical agents have become available, the problem of how to identify patients with high fracture risk yet remains an enigma. Some studies mention the role of a normal mineral metabolism is critical for skeletal development and preservation of bone integrity. The aim of this study isto investigate the association of mineralmetabolism with hip fractures in type 2 diabetic with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Angels and demons regarding cardiovascular disease in diabetic renal patients: the role of FGF-23 Andklotho on the pulse pressure

The last decade have shown thatFGF23 and Klotho may have relevant independent actions on the renal and cardiovascular systems. Theyinterfere with vascular functions and may playa role in vascularcalcification, atherosclerosis and arteriolosclerosis. On the other hand, pulse pressureis awell-known risk factorof cardiovascular morbidityand mortality in renal patients. The aim of this study isto investigate the relationship between FGF-23 and Klothowith pulse pressure in type 2 diabetic with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2-3

Time goals in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm – the experience of a tertiary centre

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines state that ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms should be treated shortly after the diagnosis and ideally within 90 minutes. The main aim of this study is to assess the referral pattern of our centre regarding the intervals between the diagnosis of ruptured AAA and the surgical repair, considering the geographical referral areas of our hospital. METHODS: We conducted an observational, retrospective cohort study from a single centre. The study population included all patients with the diagnosis of symptomatic or ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm referred to Centro Hospitalar e Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN) between 2012 and 2021. The moment of diagnosis was assumed to be the time of the CT angiography and the moment of treatment was assumed as the time of entering the operating room (OR). RESULTS: During the study period a total of 150 patients (90.7% men, mean age 78.3, SD 8.7) were treated. Of these, 86% presented as ruptured aneurysms while 14% presented as symptomatic aneurysms. The median time between the diagnosis and the initiation of surgical treatment was 150 (+/- 132) minutes. Only 22% of patients were treated within 90 minutes of diagnosis and this remained unchanged throughout the study period. No statistically significant difference was observed between the median time intervals registered for survivors and deceased patients at 24 hours (p = 0.907), 48 hours (p = 0.743) and 30 days (p = 0.605) post-surgery. CONCLUSION: In our study, only 22% of patients with ruptured or symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms are treated within the recommended time frame. Although there is no significant impact on mortality, the authors recognize unavailability of information regarding patients that died before arrival to our hospital as a relevant limitation

Gla-rich protein (GRP) as an early and novel marker of vascular calcification and kidney dysfunction in diabetic patients with CKD: a pilot cross-sectional study

Vascular calcification (VC) is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. New diagnostic/prognostic tools are required for early detection of VC allowing interventional strategies. Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a cardiovascular calcification inhibitor, whose clinical utility is here highlighted. The present study explores, for the first time, correlations between levels of GRP in serum with CKD developmental stage, mineral metabolism markers, VC and pulse pressure (PP), in a cohort of 80 diabetic patients with mild to moderate CKD (stages 2-4). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a positive association of GRP serum levels with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and α-Klotho, while a negative correlation with phosphate (P), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), vascular calcification score (VCS), PP, calcium (x) phosphate (CaxP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Serum GRP levels were found to progressively decrease from stage 2 to stage 4 CKD. Multivariate analysis identified low levels of eGFR and GRP, and high levels of FGF-23 associated with both the VCS and PP. These results indicate an association between GRP, renal dysfunction and CKD-mineral and bone disorder. The relationship between low levels of GRP and vascular calcifications suggests a future, potential utility for GRP as an early marker of vascular damage in CKD.Portuguese Society of Nephrology (SPN) ; Portuguese national funds from FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology through the transitional provision DL57/2016/CP1361/CT0006 UIDB/04326/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Klotho levels: association with insulin resistance and albumin-to-creatinine ratio in type 2 diabetic patients

The present study aimed at evaluating the relationship between Klotho levels and insulin resistance and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in type 2 diabetic patients with CKD. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study in our outpatient diabetic nephropathy clinic from 2014 to 2016, enrolling a total of 107 type 2 diabetic patients with stage 2-3 CKD, with a mean age of 59 years. Several clinical and laboratorial parameters were evaluated, including those related to mineral and carbohydrate metabolism. The mean eGFR at baseline was 53.2 mL/min, and the mean levels of ACR and Klotho were 181.9 A mu g/mg and 331.1 pg/m, respectively. In the simple linear regression model, Klotho levels were correlated with age, phosphorus, PTH, ACR, HOMA, IL-6, FGF-23, OxLDL, eGFR and vitamin D levels. Applying a multivariate linear regression model, only the ACR, HOMA-IR, FGF-23 and vitamin D independently influenced the Klotho levels. In the generalized linear model, only the Klotho groups were statistically significant as independent variable (p = 0.007). The results show that the group 1 ( 440) had higher odds in the higher ACR (ae181), ORa = 3.429, p = 0.014. There were no statistically significant differences between Klotho groups 2 and 3, and the HOMA-IR obtained showed that group 1 (2 when compared with group 3 (> 440), ORa = 21.59, p = 0.017. Our results showed that Klotho levels are influenced by FGF23, vitamin D and insulin resistance. This suggests that Klotho levels might be affected by renal function as well as having a relevant role on insulin metabolism and ACR homeostasis.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evaluation of APD and SiPM Matrices as Sensors for Monolithic PET Detector Block

Gamma detectors based on monolithic scintillator blocks coupled to APDs matrices have proved to be a good alternative to pixelated ones for PET scanners. They provide comparable spatial resolution, improve the sensitivity and make easier the mechanical design of the system. In this study we evaluate by means of Geant4-based simulations the possibility of replacing the APDs by SiPMs. Several commercial matrices of light sensors coupled to LYSO:Ce monolithic blocks have been simulated and compared. Regarding the spatial resolution and linearity of the detector, SiPMs with high photo detection efficiency could become an advantageous replacement for the APD

PROXIMAL EXTENSION OF JUXTA-RENAL AORTIC THROMBOSIS: AN UNDERESTIMATED COMPLICATION?

Aorto-iliac occlusive disease sometimes extends proximally with involvement of the renal arteries and visceral aorta, with loss of renal functional mass and intestinal ischemia. In this article we report the case of a patient presenting with progressive disabling intermittent claudication caused by chronic juxtarenal aortic thrombosis with proximal progression and involvement of the left renal artery, with a functional kidney preserved by the collateral circulation. This imagiologic finding led to a change in the usual surgical procedure, needing a supraceliac aortic clamp. Simultaneously, we choose to revascularize the left renal artery while perfunding the right renal artery with cold Ringer’s lactate solution during clamping period. No complications occurred during the surgery and post-operative period. Renal involvement in aortic juxtarenal thrombosis occurs in 3 to 15% of the cases but demands a more complex surgical approach with more proximal aortic clamping level as well as the use of intraoperative strategies to protect the visceral and renal territories

O perfil comum dos programas de atividade física das academias seniores

Objetivos: Analisar e comparar os programas de atividade física das academias sénior do distrito de Castelo Branco, traçar o perfil comum dos programas e apresentar uma proposta de programa. Metodologia: Realizámos entrevistas aos responsáveis e professores de atividade física das Academias Seniores sobre o funcionamento das aulas e seus programas. Recolhemos informações sobre como essas aulas são lecionadas, a sua duração, estrutura, tipo de atividades realizadas, exercícios praticados, as suas intensidades e a opinião dos entrevistados sobre a eficácia do programa e as expectativas para os idosos. No final das conclusões sugerimos uma proposta de programa de atividade física. Resultados: Verificámos que na freguesia de Castelo Branco os idosos praticam mais e que na freguesia da Covilhã os idosos praticam menos atividade física. Os programas de atividade física foram criados para ajudar os idosos a ter uma melhor qualidade de vida. Nenhuma instituição tem suporte escrito do programa de atividade física. Os professores acham que esse programa é eficaz. Os conteúdos são semelhantes em quase todos os programas. Conclusão: Através da análise realizada pode concluir-se que existe um perfil comum dos programas de atividade física e que a maior parte dos conteúdos estão de acordo com a bibliografia.Objective: To analyze and compare the physical activity programs ofseveralsenior academiesin the district of Castelo Branco,to trace the common profile of programs and to submit a program proposal. Methodology: We conducted interviewsto the leaders and teachers of physical activity ofthe Senior Academies about the classes run and their programs. We collect information about how this classes are taught, duration, structure, what kind of activities are carried out, what exercises are practiced, their intensities and the interviewees’ opinion and expectations on the effectiveness of the program and the elderly expectations. At the end of conclusions a program of physical activity was proposed. Results: We found in the Castelo Branco parish that seniors practice more physical activity and in the Covilhã parish thatfewer elderly perform physical activity. The physical activity programs were created to help seniors have a better quality of life. No institution has a written physical activity program support. Teachers find that this program is effective. The contents are similar in almost all programs. Conclusions: Through analysis it can be concluded that there is a common profile of activity programs and that most of the contents are in agreement with the literature.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

TREATMENT OF AORTIC DISSECTIONS USING A COMBINATION OF THE STABILISE AND CERAB TECHNIQUES — TECHNICAL NOTE

Introduction: Endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection has focused on the covering of the proximal entry tear. However, recently, concern has emerged regarding the distal aortic remodeling and new techniques such as the Stent-Assisted Balloon-Induced Intimal Disruption and Relamination (STABILISE) technique have gained more acceptance. We describe a technical note regarding the combination of the STABILISE technique in addition to the Covered Reconstruction of the Aortic Bifurcation (CERAB) technique to achieve complete aortic remodeling. Methods: The authors describe a stepwise approach regarding the endovascular repair of type B aortic dissections. A simple TEVAR is performed first. If the patient still shows signs of true lumen compression, a STABILISE technique is performed in order to achieve true lumen expansion and complete aortic remodeling. However, in some patients, false lumen perfusion and true lumen compression at the very distal aorta is maintained due to distal comunicating tears. In these patients, if there are still signs of infra-renal aortic or iliac compression/occlusion or distal thrombosis of the false lumen, a simultaneous CERAB is performed. Conclusion: By combining these techniques, we aim to cover both the proximal tear and the distal comunicating tears resulting in a complete flap apposition, false lumen obliteration, re-expansion of the true lumen and achieve optimal remodeling

A HYBRID SOLUTION TO MANAGE A THORACOABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM: THE “SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE” ASSOCIATED TO ENDOGRAFTING OF THE PROXIMAL AORTIC ANASTOMOSIS

Introduction: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) remain a therapeutic challenge for vascular surgeons. We report a Crawford extent type III TAAA managed with the “simplified technique”1 to approach TAAA associated to endograft implantation in the proximal aortic anastomosis to minimize the risk of blowout of the aortic stump. Case Report: A 43-year-old female patient was evacuated from Mozambique with a history of TAAA and admitted in our emergency department with recent chest and abdominal pain. She had history of HIV infection and pulmonary tuberculosis. The physical examination revealed a painful, pulsatile abdominal mass and the computed tomographic angiography (CTA) an 8cm type III TAAA without signs of rupture. The aneurysm morphology was not adequate for endovascular treatment and, due to the immediate unavailability of the usual adjuncts for Crawford technique (ECC and selective visceral perfusion), this symptomatic patient was submitted to a thoraco-phreno-laparotomy with left medial visceral rotation. A bifurcated Dacron 18x9mm graft was distally anastomosed in an end-to-side fashion to both external iliac arteries and proximally to a 22mm polyester four branched graft (Jotec®). This later graft was proximally anastomosed to the descending thoracic aorta (end-to-side) with no visceral or renal ischemia. The aorta distal to the anastomosis was then cross-clamped as well as the infra-renal segment, the aneurysm opened, and no patent intercostal arteries were visible. The lower limb perfusion was maintained by the lateral shunt. Both kidneys were cooled with lactated Ringer’s solution through Pruitt catheters and the visceral arteries were temporarily occluded with Fogarty catheters. The four anastomoses were sequentially performed to the right renal artery, superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk and left renal artery. After completing all the reconstructions, a Zenith Alpha® 32x155mm endograft was implanted from the descending thoracic aorta to the pre-branch segment of the lateral shunt. The operation was uneventful, and the patient remained hemodynamically stable. The postoperative period was complicated by pulmonary infection and the postoperative CTA revealed the occlusion of the left renal artery graft (without clinical or laboratory repercussion). The patient was discharged 50 days after the operation due to social reasons. Conclusion: The adjunct of an endograft to the “simplified technique” was previously described2 and allows to overcome the risk of aortic stump blowout which is one of the major limitations of this technique. This strategy was a successful alternative to manage a TAAA since organ-protection adjuncts to the Crawford technique were not available