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This study aims to describe the creation process of standard procedures to make possible multicentre studies related to emotional aspects of thalassaemic patients, their families and caregivers; and the pilot phase of the routine implementation. The objectives defined to perform this goal are: i) develop routines to assess and manage/treat emotional issues; ii) adjust the ABRASTA - Brazilian Association of Thalassaemia computer system to the input of collected data and its compilation; iii) conduct a pilot implementation of the routines; iv) discuss the whole process and propose next steps. Forty patients were assisted following the above mentioned routines of psychological evaluation, follow-up assistance and management of specific emotional issues. Conclusions are that the routines are adequate to enable multicenter research to compare findings and develop specific interventions to Thalassaemia patients, their families and caregivers; information gathered through them is an important means of supporting medical doctors and other members of the professional team, both in the therapeutic planning and in the communication process with patients and families; finally, considering the nature of the information, psychologists and psychiatrists are the most indicated professionals to perform the assessment and the interventions related to emotional issues, due to their professional background, training and specific skills that allow a free and candid communication with the patients and their families. 本研究旨在描述标准程序的创造过程，来进行关于地中海贫血患者、其家属和照顾者情感方面可能的多中心研究；以及例程实施的试点阶段。 为实现此目的而定下的目标有： 1）制定例程评估和管理/处理情感问题；2）调整巴西地中海贫血病协会（ABRASTA）计算机系统， 输入收集到的数据并对其进行编辑；3）对例程进行试点实施；4）讨论整个过程并提出下一步行动。 遵照上述特殊情感问题的心理评估、随访协助和管理的例程，曾协助过四十名患者。 结论为该例程足以确保多中心研究，以比较结果和为地中海贫血患者、其家属和照顾者制定具体的干预措施；通过他们收集的信息是支持治疗医生和专业团队的其他成员的重要途径，这些支持体现在治疗计划、以及和患者及其家属交流的过程中；最后，考虑到这些信息的性质，心理专家和精神病专家是最明显的专业人士来进行的有关情感问题的评估和干预，因为他们具备专业背景、专业训练和特殊技能，这些使得他们能够和患者及其家属进行自由和真正的交流。

Com o objetivo de verificar a distribuição, independente do efeito de cada componente, contou-se posturas, larvas sadias, predadas ou parasitadas de Oncideres impluviata em galhos de bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella Benth.). O levantamento foi realizado no período de 1984/85, em Almirante Tamandaré – Paraná. Para o estudo da distribuição das larvas e de inimigos naturais foi medida a distância da base do galho até o ponto onde se encontrava cada larva sadia ou parasitada, galeria vazia ou predador. Os resultados demonstraram que as larvas se concentram a partir dos 10,0 cm do ponto base do galho, estendendo-se até 40,0 cm, com uma concentração máxima entre 10,0 e 20,0 cm. Os predadores e parasitas apresentam uma concentração não coincidente, sendo que os parasitas concentram-se entre 20,0 e 30,0 cm e os predadores entre 10,0 e 20,0 cm a partir da base. Pelos resultados obtidos conclui-se que as larvas se estabelecem numa posição onde encontram as melhores condições de sobrevivência, ao passo que os parasitas e predadores estão na dependência das condições intrínsecas de cada espécie em função das condições ideais da fase de desenvolvimento dos hospedeiros ou presa.

Heteroperreyia hubrichi Malaise (Hymenoptera: Pergidae), a foliage feeding sawfly of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), was studied to assess its suitability as a classical biological control agent of this invasive weed in Hawaii. No-choice host-specificity tests were conducted in Hawaiian quarantine on 20 plant species in 10 families. Besides the target weed, adult females oviposited on four test species. Females accepted the Hawaiian native Rhus sandwicensis A. Gray (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) as an oviposition host equally as well as the target species. The other three species received significantly fewer eggs. Neonate larvae transferred onto test plants successfully developed to pupae on S. terebinthifolius (70% survival) and R. sandwicensis (1% survival). All other 18 test plant species failed to support larval development. A risk analysis was conducted to quantify the acceptability of non-target species as host plants for H. hubrichi on the basis of the insect's performance at various stages in its life cycle. Risk of damage to all plant species tested was insignificant except for R. sandwicensis. Risk to this native plant relative to S. terebinthifolius was estimated at 1%. Currently this level of risk is too high to request introduction of this insect into the Hawaiian environment. Detailed impact studies in the native range of S. terebinthifolius are needed to identify the potential benefit that this insect offers. Also, field studies in South America with potted R. sandwicensis would give a more reliable analysis of the risk this native Hawaiian plant would face from natural populations of H. hubrichi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetivou-se, com este estudo, o conhecimento do conjunto de inimigos naturais e a ação destes ao longo do desenvolvimento das larvas de Oncideres impluviata. No período de 1984/85, em Almirante Tamandaré – Paraná, coletou-se periodicamente galhos de bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella Benth.) cortados pelo serrador. As larvas coletadas a campo completaram o ciclo em laboratório em tubos de ensaio contendo serragem umedecida de bracatinga. Ao retirar-se as larvas dos galhos anotou-se o ponto em relação à base-ápice do galho, além da data de coleta e o instar em que se encontravam. Avaliou-se a eficiência dos inimigos naturais e o período de atividade destes. As observações efetuadas permitiram concluir que a eficiência dos inimigos naturais e o período de atividade destes. As observações efetuadas permitiram concluir que a ação predatória foi mais eficiente do que o parasitismo, sendo que esta tende a diminuir com o desenvolvimento larval, ao passo que a ação predatória aumenta concomitantemente no decorrer do desenvolvimento das larvas. O parasitóide mais freqüente foi Cenocoelius sp. (Hym.; Gracanidae) e entre os predadores destacam-se Cregya difformis (Col.; Coleridae) e Lithrips sp. (Thys.; Phloeothripidae), entre outros.

Biology of the leaf gall inducer Neotrioza tavaresi Crawford, 1925 (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) on strawberry guava tree (Psidium cattleianum). A field study was conducted in Curitiba region, State of Paraná, southern Brazil, to describe the life cycle of Neotrioza tavaresi Crawford, 1925, a leaf galling insect in strawberry guava trees (Psidium cattleianum). Three cycles were observed (1997, 1998, 1999) during regular field trips and the insects were observed in Piraquara municipality, where 15 samples with 50 infested leaves were sampled in the 1997-98 cycle. Galls were dissected for detailed studies. Neotrioza tavaresi has a univoltine cycle in which adult individuals were found inside the galls from August onwards. The sexually mature insects with sex ratio 1, emerged from the galls after their dehiscence caused by feeding of the adult insects on the gall walls. Adult emergence started in early October and ended by early December, with its peak in November. Copulation took place as soon as adults exit the gall and egg laying started the next day. Females had more than 100 ovarioles containing 218.7±44.7 (n=50) fully formed eggs. This indicated the short sexual adult life-span (aprox. 5-7 days) of the species, also characterized by a concentrated oviposition. Adult individuals fed and laid their eggs on younger shoots of the plant. The bottoms of the yellowish eggs were inserted into the leaf tissue, mainly on its adaxial edge (78.1%). The nymphs hatched and, as they fed on the adaxial side of expanding leaves, modified the cell growth pattern and the round-shape galls developed on the adaxial side with one insect inside. The gall wall showed distinct layers, with the inner one suppliyng the food to the insects, and the outer layer supplying gall protection. Nymphs went through five instars and the exuviae remained stuck on a ball of wax inside the gall. All parasitoids found were Hymenoptera belonging to Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae (1 sp), Pteromalidae (2 spp) and Encyrtidae (3 spp). The findings suggest that leaf gall inducer and parasitoids insects and plant life cycles are closely connected and both leaf sprouting and gall opening seem to be triggered by the same environmental and plant conditions. The high abundance of shoots may favor insect performance as adult individuals can easily find an ideal place for feeding, copulating and laying eggs.

Objetivou-se, com este estudo, o conhecimento do conjunto de inimigos naturais e a ação destes ao longo do desenvolvimento das larvas de Oncideres impluviata. No período de 1984/85, em Almirante Tamandaré, Paraná, coletou-se, periodicamente galhos de bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella Benth.) cortados pelo serrador. As larvas coletadas a campo completaram o ciclo em laboratório em tubos de ensaio contendo serragem umedicida de bracatinga. Ao retirar-se as larvas dos galhos anotou-se o ponto em relação à base-ápice do galho, além da data de coleta e o instar em que se encontravam. Avaliou-se a eficiência dos inimigos naturais e o período de atividade destes. As observações efetuadas permitiram concluir que a ação predatória foi mais eficiente do que o parasitismo, sendo que esta tende a diminuir com o desenvolvimento larval, ao passo que a ação predatória aumenta concomitantemente no decorrer do desenvolvimento das larvas. O parasitóide mais frequente foi Cenocoelius sp. (Hym.; Braconidae) e entre os predadores destacam-se Cregya difformis (Col.; Cleridae) e Liothrips sp. (Thys.; Phloeothripidae), entre outros.

Com o objetivo de verificar a distribuição, independente do efeito de cada componente, contou-se posturas, larvas sadias, predadas ou parasitadas de Oncideres impluviata em galhos de bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella Benth.). O levantamento foi realizado no período de 1984/85, em Almirante Tamandaré, Paraná. Para o estudo da distribuição das larvas e de imimigos naturais foi medida a distância da base do galho até o ponto onde se encontrava cada larva sadia ou parasitada, galeria vazia ou predador. Os resultados demostraram que as larvas se concentram a partir dos 10,0 cm do ponto base do galho, estendendo-se até 40,0 cm, com uma concentração máxima entre 10,0 e 20,0 cm. Os predadores e parasitas apresentam uma concentração não coincidente, sendo que os parasitas concentram-se entre 20, e 30,0 cm e os predadores entre 10,0 e 20,0 cm a partir da base. Pelos resultados obtidos conclui-se que as larvas se estabelecem numa posição onde encontram as melhores condições de sobrevivência, ao passo que os parasitas e predadores estão na depend~encia das condições intrinsecas de cada espécie em função das condições ideais da fase de desenvolvimento dos hospedeiros ou presas.

Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) can significantly impair quality of life, but often remains undiagnosed due to limited clinic time, lack of specialist expertise and lack of patient awareness. There are several validated questionnaires for diagnosing PN, but the time taken to administer them in busy primary care clinics limits their utilization. A new, simpler questionnaire was developed following an advisory board meeting in Southeast Asia and was further refined and translated to Portuguese and Spanish following a second advisory board meeting in Latin America. We consider current hurdles and propose a quick and reliable questionnaire that can be widely adopted to enable earlier diagnosis and improved management of PN in resource-limited settings in Latin America.

Objectives: To characterize variations in real-world treatment patterns in multiple myeloma (MM) in Portugal over a 5-year period., Methods: A retrospective cohort multicenter study using secondary data of national hospital drug consumption database from 11 Portuguese public hospitals between 2017 and 2022., Results: Number of MM-treated patients increased 53% over 5 years (from 825 to 1266 patients). Constant slight predominance of male patients (55%), 82% over 60 years old (median age, 70 years), and half of newly diagnosed patients were transplant-eligible. The highest growth rate was in second-line treatments, with a sixfold increase in patients in fourth-line or beyond. First-line treatment pattern remained stable both in transplant-eligible (bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (VCd_, bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone (VTd), and bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRd)) and noneligible patients (bortezomib, melphalan and prednisolone (VMP), VCd, and lenalidomide, dexamethasone (Rd)). Maintenance therapy increased from 5% to 16%, shifting from thalidomide to lenalidomide. Second and third lines were dominated by daratumumab-based regimens after 5 years. No standard of care in fourth-line treatment. Treatment duration increased in transplant-eligible due to maintenance therapy and in noneligible due to fourth-line treatments. Patients moved from first- to second-line more rapidly over time., Conclusions: There was an increase in MM patients reaching advanced treatment lines and significant changes in the treatment patterns, driven by access to more effective frontline treatments and longer duration of treatment., Competing Interests: Rui Bergantim received fees from Janssen, Amgen, BMS, Takeda, Sanofi, and Pfizer for consultancy and/or speaker services, and research funding from Amgen and BMS; Catarina Geraldes received fees from Celgene/BMS, Janssen, Amgen, Takeda, Sanofi, Pfizer, Gilead, and Abbvie for consultancy, speaker services, and/or advisory boards; Cristina João received fees from Janssen, Amgen, BMS, Takeda, Sanofi, Lilly, and Pfizer for consultancy and/or speaker services, and research funding from Janssen, Takeda, and Amgen; Paulo Lúcio received fees from Janssen, Amgen, BMS, Takeda, Sanofi, and MSD for consultancy and/or speaker services; Manuel Neves received fees for consultancy and/or speaker services from Amgen, Janssen, BMS, Sanofi, Pfizer, or Takeda; Susana Santos and Diogo Ramos are employees of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; Hugo Pedrosa and Miguel Ventura are employees of IQVIA Solutions contracted by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine for developing and implementing the project, including data collection and analysis., (© 2024 The Author(s). eJHaem published by British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: Epilepsy affects around 50 million people worldwide and is associated with lower quality of life scores, an increased risk of premature death, and significant socio-economic implications. The lack of updated evidence on current epidemiology and patient characterization creates considerable uncertainty regarding the epilepsy burden in Portugal. The study aims to characterize and quantify the epilepsy patients who have been hospitalized, with medical or surgical procedures involved, and to analyze their associated comorbidities and mortality rates., Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted using hospital production data of epilepsy patients. The study included all patients diagnosed with epilepsy-related International Classification of Diseases-9/10 codes between 2015 and 2018 in 57 Portuguese National Health Service (NHS) hospitals (n = 57 institutions). Patient characterization and quantification were done for all patients with an epilepsy diagnosis, with specific analyses focusing on those whose primary diagnosis was epilepsy. Baseline, demographic, and clinical characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics., Results: Between 2015 and 2018, a total of 80,494 hospital episodes (i.e., patient visit that generates hospitalization and procedures) were recorded, with 18 % to 19 % directly related to epilepsy. Among these epilepsy-related hospital episodes, 13.0 % led to short term hospitalizations (less than 24 h). Additionally, the average length of stay for all these epilepsy-related episodes was 8 days. A total of 49,481 patients were identified with epilepsy based on ICD-9/10 codes. The median age of patients was 64 years (min: 0; max: 104), with a distribution of 4.8 patients per 1,000 inhabitants. From the total of deaths (9,606) between 2015 and 2018, 14% were associated with patients whose primary diagnosis was epilepsy, with 545 of these being epilepsy-related deaths. Among patients with a primary diagnosis of epilepsy, the most common comorbidities were hypertension (24%) and psychiatric-related or similar comorbidities (15%), such as alcohol dependance, depressive and major depressive disorders, dementia and other convulsions., Conclusion: This study showed similar results to other European countries. However, due to methodological limitations, a prospective epidemiological study is needed to support this observation. Furthermore, the present study provides a comprehensive picture of hospitalized epilepsy patients in Portugal, their comorbidities, mortality, and hospital procedures., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The diabetic foot interacts with anatomical, vascular, and neurological factors that challenge clinical practice. This study aimed to compile the primary scientific evidence based on a review of the main guidelines, in addition to articles published on the Embase, Lilacs, and PubMed platforms. The European Society of Cardiology system was used to develop recommendation classes and levels of evidence. The themes were divided into six chapters (Chapter 1 - Prevention of foot ulcers in people with diabetes; Chapter 2 - Pressure relief from foot ulcers in people with diabetes; Chapter 3 -Classifications of diabetic foot ulcers; Chapter 4 - Foot and peripheral artery disease; Chapter 5 - Infection and the diabetic foot; Chapter 6 - Charcot's neuroarthropathy). This version of the Diabetic Foot Guidelines presents essential recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with diabetic foot, offering an objective guide for medical practice., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest declared concerning the publication of this article., (Copyright© 2024 The authors.)

Introduction: Patient registries are one of the main sources of real-world data (RWD), which enables different healthcare stakeholders to analyse and benchmark clinical practice and foster better care. Despite the growing need for RWD, the current use of patient registries in Portugal is not fully understood. This study aimed to identify and provide an overview of patient registries in Portugal., Methods: Registries identification included a systematic literature review (SLR) using PRISMA© methodology. An electronic search was conducted in Embase ® , MEDLINE©, and Cochrane Ovid ® software, considering a set of rules and relevant search terms. Patient registries and databases, hospital, primary healthcare, and population-based studies between January 1955 and March 2021 were considered while randomized controlled trials and transversal observational studies were excluded. A manual review for validation was performed to identify unique registries. To complement SLR, an additional hand search was conducted using the Google ® search engine. A literature and website search was conducted to provide an overview of the registries identified., Results: From the 108 unique registries, 76 (70%) were classified as national and 32 (30%) as international (with data collected from the Portuguese population). Most national registries were found to be owned by medical societies and health authorities (88%) and are predominantly implemented in hospitals (82%). National registries cover 18 different medical specialities, mostly Cardiology and Oncology., Discussion: This study identified and provided an overview of the registries collecting data from the Portuguese population. The study results aim to improve the information available to promote the increased utility of RWD at both national and international levels. In the future, an easy-access and centralized repository, aggregating all patient registries, should be created in Portugal to disseminate information. Additionally, an in-depth characterization of the 76 national registries must be performed to better understand and clarify their potential and usefulness., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (© 2023 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel on behalf of NOVA National School of Public Health.)

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases' (IBD) increasing incidence and prevalence place a heavy health and economic burden on society., Objectives: This study assesses the burden and cost of IBD in Portugal to support the definition of health policies, resource allocation, and patient care., Methods: The burden of disease was expressed using disability-adjusted life years (DALY). Costs were estimated considering the societal perspective, using a prevalence-based model and prices established by law. An expert panel composed of 5 expert Portuguese gastroenterologists and a patient-reported study were conducted to support the cost analysis and fill in information gaps., Results: In Portugal, with a prevalence of 24,069 IBD patients and an incidence of 15/100,000, the burden of disease was estimated at 6,067 DALYs: 507 resulting from premature deaths and 5,560 from disability. Total cost was estimated at EUR 146 million per year, with direct costs representing 59%. Average yearly cost per IBD patient is EUR 6,075, where 60% is related to Crohn's disease and 40% to ulcerative colitis (UC)., Conclusion: This study estimates the annual health burden and cost of IBD in Portugal, thus generating information with the intent to raise awareness of the need to advance health policies as well as better clinical and economic decisions in this pathology., Competing Interests: Fernando Magro, Francisco Portela, Paula Lago, Cristina Chagas, and Luis Correia received honoraria from Janssen for participation in expert panel. Bernardo Rodrigues is an employee of Janssen Portugal. Francisco Moreira, Fábio Pereira, and Hugo Pedrosa are employees of IQVIA Portugal and were contracted by Janssen Portugal for the development of this article., (Copyright © 2022 by Sociedade Portuguesa de Gastrenterologia. Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological cancer worldwide and has significant morbidity and mortality and is increasing in incidence. While MM management costs are considerable, specific economic data at the country level remain scarce., Objective: This study assesses the burden and cost of MM in Portugal from the perspective of the National Health Service (NHS) to support the definition of health policies, resource allocation and patient care., Methods: Developed by the Portuguese Multiple Myeloma Group, this study considers the most recent available data. Burden of disease was measured using disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). The cost of MM was estimated using a prevalence-based model that estimated direct costs for the NHS considering all costs associated with diagnosis, hospitalizations, surgeries, emergency visits, medical appointments, drugs and transportation. Costs were quantified based on the diagnosis-related group funding price, except for drug usage, which was calculated using the average hospital product stock price., Results: The burden of disease attributable to MM for 2018 was estimated at 8931 DALYs: 8570 resulting from premature deaths and 361 from disability. Average yearly direct costs per patients with MM amounted to €31,449 (year 2018 values). Total direct costs are estimated at €61 million per year., Conclusions: The mortality rate in MM means that most DALYs are due to years of life lost rather than years lost due to disability. This study generates comprehensive data on the burden and cost of MM in Portugal and provides updated insights into the costs associated with the management of MM.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who meet the glycemic and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors goals and the frequency of screening for diabetic complications in Brazil according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines., Research Design and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted between December 2008 and December 2010 in 28 public clinics in 20 Brazilian cities. Data were obtained from 1774 adult patients (56.8% females, 57.2% Caucasians) aged 30.3 ± 9.8 years with diabetes duration of 14.3 ± 8.8 years., Results: Systolic blood pressure was at goal in 40.3% and diastolic blood pressure was at goal in 26.6% of hypertensive patients. LDL cholesterol and HbA1c were at the goal in 45.2% and 13.2% of the patients, respectively. Overweight was presented in 25.6% and obesity in 6.9%. Among those with more than 5 years of disease, screening for retinopathy was performed in the preceding year in 70.1%. Nephropathy and feet complications were screened in 63.1% and 65.1%, respectively., Conclusions: The majority of patients did not meet metabolic control goals and a substantial proportion was not screened for diabetic complications. These issues may increase the risk of chronic complications and negatively impact public health., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Patients with MCI may present minor impairments in activities of daily living (ADL). The main objective of this work was to evaluate the ability of two versions of the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study/Activities of Daily Living scale adapted for MCI patients (ADCS/MCI/ADL18 and ADCS/MCI/ADL24) to distinguish patients with MCI from healthy control subjects. Participants were 60 years or older and community dwelling: 31 control subjects, 30 aMCI patients and 33 AD patients. A protocol of neuropsychological tests, global evaluation scales, functional scales, and depressive symptoms assessment was used. Activities of balancing the cheque book, using a telephone, going shopping, taking medication regularly, finding objects, talking about current events, watching television, initiating complex activities, keeping appointments or meetings, reading, getting around outside the home and driving a car were impaired in aMCI patients. The ADCS/MCI/ADL24 scale was better than the ADCS/MCI/ADL18 scale in distinguishing aMCI patients from healthy controls (sensitivity=0.87, specificity=0.87, ROC c=0.887, cut-off point=52/53). The detection of initial functional changes with appropriate scales may contribute to the early diagnosis of MCI and the development of targeted interventions to improve everyday function or prolong independence.

Unlabelled: According to Brazilian National Data Survey diabetes is the fifth cause for hospitalization and is one of the ten major causes of mortality in this country., Aims: to stratify the estimated cardiovascular risk (eCVR) in a population of type 2 diabetics (T2DM) according to the Framingham prediction equations as well as to determine the association between eCVR with metabolic and clinical control of the disease., Methods: From 2000 to 2001 a cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in 13 public out-patients diabetes/endocrinology clinics from 8 Brazilian cities. The 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) was estimated by the prediction equations described by Wilson et al (Circulation 1998). LDL equations were preferably used; when patients missed LDL data we used total cholesterol equations instead., Results: Data from 1382 patients (59.0% female) were analyzed. Median and inter-quartile range (IQ) of age and duration of diabetes were 57.4 (51-65) and 8.8 (3-13) years, respectively without differences according to the gender. Forty-two percent of these patients were overweight and 35.4% were obese (the prevalence of higher BMI and obesity in this T2DM group was significantly higher in women than in men; p < 0.001). The overall estimated eCVR in T2DM patients was 21.4 (13.5-31.3). The eCVR was high (> 20%) in 738 (53.4%), intermediate in 202 (14.6%) and low in 442 (32%) patients. Men [25.1(15.4-37.3)] showed a higher eCVR than women [18.8 (12.4-27.9) p < 0.001]. The most common risk factor was high LDL-cholesterol (80.8%), most frequently found in women than in men (p = 0.01). The median of risk factors present was three (2-4) without gender differences. Overall we observed that 60 (4.3%) of our patients had none, 154(11.1%) one, 310 (22.4%) two, 385 (27.9%) three, 300 (21.7%) four, 149 (10.5%) five and six, (2%) six risk factors. A higher eCVR was noted in overweight or obese patients (p = 0.01 for both groups). No association was found between eCVR with age or a specific type of diabetes treatment. A correlation was found between eCVR and duration of diabetes (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), creatinine (p < 0.001) and triglycerides levels (p < 0.001) but it was not found with HbA1c, fasting blood glucose and post-prandial glucose. A higher eCVR was observed in patients with retinopathy (p < 0.001) and a tendency in patients with microalbuminuria (p = 0.06)., Conclusion: our study showed that in this group of Brazilian T2DM the eCVR was correlated with the lipid profile and it was higher in patients with microvascular chronic complications. No correlation was found with glycemic control parameters. These data could explain the failure of intensive glycemic control programs aiming to reduce cardiovascular events observed in some studies.

Major clinical studies have shown that the targets for blood glucose, lipid profile and blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients are difficult to maintain in clinical practice. However, there are few data concerning South American populations. Using guidelines represented by the Brazilian Diabetes Society, we evaluated cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, glycemic control and the availability of screening for diabetes complications in 2233 (60% females) outpatients with type 2 diabetes aged 59.2 +/- 11.3 yr and with a known duration of diabetes of 9.2 +/- 7.2 yr, collected from 8 Brazilian cities. The outcome showed that less intensive clinical care available for diabetic patients in Brazil compared to western industrialized countries leads to widespread poor metabolic control and health status. Less than 30% of the patients reached the target for systolic (28.5%, < 130 mmHg) and diastolic (19.3%, < 80 mmHg) blood pressure, BMI (24.6%, < 25 kg/m2), LDL cholesterol (20.6%, < 2.6 mmol/l) and only 46% reached the goal for HbA1c (one % point above the upper limits of normality for the method used). Only 0.2% of patients reached all the targets. A lower number of women reached the targets for HbA1c, LDL and HDL cholesterol than men (p < 0.001). Women were less likely than men to have funduscopy examinations and urine albumin testing (p < 0.001). We conclude that the national goals for glycemic control, blood pressure and lipid levels are rarely achieved in clinical practice, and that the availability for diabetic complication screening is low. The quality of diabetes care, in particular for women, is poor and should be further reviewed in developing countries.

We report that measurements of the Raman intensity versus applied voltage are sensitive to filling of the density of states and enable us to measure the second band gap in specific semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Raman scattering preferentially selects sets of SWNTs whose excitonic transitions are resonant with the incident or scattered photon energies. Simultaneous measurement of the electronic gap and exciton resonance allows us to infer binding energies for the exciton of 0.49+/-0.05 and 0.62+/-0.05 eV for tubes of (10, 3) and (7, 5), respectively. Metallic SWNTs exhibit no excitonic feature.

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in type 2 diabetic (DM2) outpatients from different regions of Brazil., Patients and Methods: We studied 2,519 randomly selected patients, from 11 hospitals, 2 endocrine and one general public care clinics from 10 cities. Overweight was defined as body-mass index (BMI) > 25 and obesity as BMI > 30 kg/m2. Glycemic control (GC) was evaluated by GC index (GCI = patient's HbA1 or HbA1c/upper limit of normal for the method x 100)., Results: 39% of the population studied was male, the mean age was 58.8 +/- 11.6 y, the duration from clinical diagnosis of DM2 was 9.0 +/- 7.3y, and BMI was 28.3 +/- 5.2 kg/m2. No measurements of BMI were recorded from 265 patients (10.5%). Patients from the Northeast presented lower BMI as compared with those from the Midwest, Southeast and South areas, respectively (26.4 +/- 4.7 vs. 27.9 +/- 4.8 vs. 29.2 +/- 5.1 vs. 29.4 +/- 5.4 kg/m2; p < 0.001). A greater prevalence of obesity was observed in the Southeast and South areas as compared to the Northeast (p < 0.001), as well as in the female group, respectively (69% vs. 31%; p < 0.001). Normal weight patients presented lower GCI. Patients being treated with two or more oral drugs and an association of insulin plus oral drug presented greater BMI values than those being treated with diet, oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin p < 0.001. The BMI of patients treated by a specialist did not differ from those treated by a generalist., Conclusions: 75% of our sample was out of adequate BMI and 30% was obese. The percentage of patients with overweight and obesity was comparable to those found in similar European studies but still lower than those found in the USA. The prevalence of obesity in diabetic patients was three times higher than in the overall Brazilian population according to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).