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Background Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in acute stroke due to severe basilar artery stenosis or basilar artery occlusion remain a matter of debate. The higher risk of stroke recurrence in patients with vertebrobasilar stenosis compared to anterior circulation atherosclerotic disease creates high expectations concerning endovascular approaches. This study aims to review our experience with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in acute stroke caused by basilar artery steno-occlusive disease. Methods Our prospective database from June 2014 until December 2020 was screened and patients with acutely symptomatic severe (>80%) basilar artery stenosis or acute basilar artery occlusion who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting were analysed. Results Twenty-five patients included: 72% men (mean age 68.6 years), all with prior modified Rankin Scale Conclusions Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting showed to be a technically feasible and reasonably safe procedure in selected patients. However, good clinical outcomes may be difficult to achieve as only 43.5% of the patients remained independent at 3 months. Randomized studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in acute stroke caused by basilar artery steno-occlusive disease.

Objetivo: descrever os sentimentos vivenciados pela mulher acerca da sexualidade no período do climatério. Método: O percurso metodologia deu-se por abordagem qualitativa e método de história oral conforme pressupostos de Halbwachs. Resultados: Foram entrevistadas 6 mulheres com idade acima de 45 anos e que receberam nomes fictícios de flores como forma de manter o anonimato das mesmas. Resultados: Os relatos deram origem a 3 categorias e 4 subcategorias conforme a seguir: Mudanças fisiológicas, Mudanças na sexualidade, Desejo sexual, Desempenho sexual, Prazer sexual, Vivência da sexualidade e Necessidade da sexualidade. Conclusão: As dificuldades em lidar com os sintomas do climatério sinaliza a necessidade de criar políticas públicas de saúde, onde profissionais da saúde possam disponibilizar conhecimento em forma de vivencias, materiais e divulgação do que pode ser feito para acompanhar mulheres nesse período. Os profissionais da saúde precisam estar mais atentos para atuar junto às mulheres em crise e desenvolver ações que visem à apropriação do conhecimento e do bem-estar, bem como o desenvolvimento pessoal, para que possam usar mecanismos de enfrentamento eficazes a fim de superar as modificações e os conflitos causados pelo climatério. Descritores: Climatério; Sexualidade; Saúde Da Mulher.

Introduction Endovascular treatment (EVT) with mechanical thrombectomy and acute carotid stenting has become an integral part of the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion. Despite being included in the most recent stroke guidelines, only comprehensive centers can offer EVT and thus patients frequently need to be transferred from primary hospitals. We aimed to assess which pre-hospital model of care - direct admission to a comprehensive stroke center (mothership) or transfer to a comprehensive stroke center after the first admission to the nearest hospital (drip-and-ship) - had the most benefit in stroke patients in a Portuguese urban region. Methods We selected patients admitted to a comprehensive stroke center who underwent EVTs between January 2018 and December 2020, in Lisbon, Portugal. We used data from the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke (SITS) International registry on stroke severity, previous modified Rankin Scale (mRS), time from symptom onset to the first admission, time from symptom onset to the procedure, and mRS three months post stroke. We defined an unfavorable outcome as having an mRS >2 at three months post stroke. For patients with previous mRS >2, an unfavorable outcome was defined as any increase in mRS at three months post stroke. Results We analyzed the data of 1154 patients, of which 407 were admitted through a mothership approach and 747 through a drip-and-ship approach. Both groups were similar regarding sociodemographic characteristics, stroke risk factors, previous disability, and stroke severity. Median onset-to-door time was higher (126 vs 110 minutes, p-value=0.002) but onset-to-procedure time was lower (199 vs 339 minutes, p-value

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a qualidade de vida e a presença de sintomas depressivos nos profissionais da saúde que estão atuando diretamente com pacientes infectados pela COVID-19, em um hospital da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre. Realizou-se investigação com questionário sociodemográfico, o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI) para avaliação dos sintomas depressivos e a Escala de Qualidade de Vida “WHOQOL-bref”. A amostra foi composta por 51 profissionais que atuam no Centro de Tratamento Intensivo Adulto e na Unidade de Internação Adulto, com média de idade de 29,5 anos (± 6,9).

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that IV thrombolysis (IVT) treatment before endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is associated with better outcomes in patients with anterior circulation large artery occlusion (LAO) stroke, we examined a large real-world database, the Safe Implementation of Treatment in Stroke–International Stroke Thrombectomy Register (SITS-ISTR).MethodsWe identified centers recording ≥10 consecutive patients in the SITS-ISTR, with at least 70% available modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3 months during 2014 to 2019. We defined LAO as intracranial internal carotid artery, first and second segment of middle cerebral artery, and first segment of anterior cerebral artery. Main outcomes were functional independence (mRS score 0–2) and death at 3 months and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) per modified SITS–Monitoring Study. We performed propensity score–matched (PSM) and multivariable logistic regression analyses.ResultsOf 6,350 patients from 42 centers, 3,944 (62.1%) received IVT. IVT + EVT–treated patients had less frequent atrial fibrillation, ongoing anticoagulation, previous stroke, heart failure, and prestroke disability. PSM analysis showed that IVT + EVT–treated patients had a higher rate of functional independence than patients treated with EVT alone (46.4% vs 40.3%,p< 0.001) and a lower rate of death at 3 months (20.3% vs 23.3%,p= 0.035). SICH rates (3.5% vs 3.0%,p= 0.42) were similar in both groups. Multivariate adjustment yielded results consistent with PSM.ConclusionPretreatment with IVT was associated with favorable outcomes in EVT-treated LAO stroke in the SITS-ISTR. These findings, while indicative of international routine clinical practice, are limited by observational design, unmeasured confounding, and possible residual confounding by indication.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class II evidence that IVT before EVT increases the probability of functional independence at 3 months compared to EVT alone.

Background and Purpose: We designed SITS (Safe Implementation of Treatment in Stroke) Open to determine benefit and safety of thrombectomy in clinical practice for large artery occlusion stroke, using selected stent retrievers plus standard care versus standard care alone. Methods: SITS Open was a prospective, open, blinded evaluation, international, multicenter, controlled, nonrandomized registry study. Centers lacking access to thrombectomy contributed controls. Primary end point was categorical shift in modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months in the per protocol (PP) population. Principal secondary outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, functional independency (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) and death at 3 months. Patients independently evaluated by video-recorded modified Rankin Scale interviews blinded to treatment or center identity by central core laboratory were regarded as PP population. Propensity score matching with covariate adjusted analysis was performed. Results: During 2014 to 2017, 293 patients (257 thrombectomy, 36 control) from 26 centers in 10 countries fulfilled intention-to-treat and 200 (170 thrombectomy, 30 control) PP criteria; enrollment of controls was limited by rapid uptake of thrombectomy. In PP analysis, median age was 71 versus 71 years, and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 17 versus 17 in the thrombectomy and control arms, respectively. The propensity score matching analysis for PP showed a significant shift for modified Rankin Scale at 3 months favoring the thrombectomy group (odds ratio, 3.8 [95% CI, 1.61–8.95]; P =0.002). Regarding safety, there were 4 cases of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in the thrombectomy group (2.4%) and none in the control group. Conclusions: In clinical practice, thrombectomy for patients with large artery occlusion stroke is superior to standard of care in our study. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique Identifier: NCT02326428.

Background and Purpose Cerebral edema (CED) in ischemic stroke can worsen prognosis and about 70% of patients who develop severe CED die if treated conservatively. We aimed to describe incidence, risk factors and outcomes of CED in patients with extensive ischemia.Methods Oservational study based on Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke-International Stroke Treatment Registry (2003–2019). Severe hemispheric syndrome (SHS) at baseline and persistent SHS (pSHS) at 24 hours were defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS) >15. Outcomes were moderate/severe CED detected by neuroimaging, functional independence (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) and death at 90 days.Results Patients (n=8,560) presented with SHS and developed pSHS at 24 hours; 82.2% received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), 10.5% IVT+thrombectomy, and 7.3% thrombectomy alone. Median age was 77 and NIHSS 21. Of 7,949 patients with CED data, 3,780 (47.6%) had any CED and 2,297 (28.9%) moderate/severe CED. In the multivariable analysis, age 128.5 mg/dL (RR, 1.21), and decreased level of consciousness (RR, 1.14) were associated with moderate/severe CED (for all P

Background and Purpose— Posterior circulation stroke (PCS) accounts for 5% to 19% of patients with acute stroke receiving intravenous thrombolysis. We aimed to compare safety and outcomes following intravenous thrombolysis between patients with PCS and anterior circulation stroke (ACS) and incorporate the results in a meta-analysis. Methods— We included patients in the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke Thrombolysis Registry 2013 to 2017 with computed tomography/magnetic resonance angiographic occlusion data. Outcomes were parenchymal hematoma, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) per SITS-MOST (Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke Monitoring Study), ECASS II (Second European Co-operative Stroke Study) and NINDS (Neurological Disorders and Stroke definition), 3-month modified Rankin Scale score, and death. Adjustment for SICH risk factors (age, sex, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, blood pressure, glucose, and atrial fibrillation) and center was done using inverse probability treatment weighting, after which an average treatment effect (ATE) was calculated. Meta-analysis of 13 studies comparing outcomes in PCS versus ACS after intravenous thrombolysis was conducted. Results— Of 5146 patients, 753 had PCS (14.6%). Patients with PCS had lower median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: 7 (interquartile range, 4–13) versus 13 (7–18), P Conclusions— The risk of bleeding complications after intravenous thrombolysis in PCS was half that of ACS, with similar functional outcomes and higher risk of death, acknowledging limitations of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale for stroke severity or infarct size adjustment.

Acta médica portuguesa 35(2), 127-134 (2022). doi:10.20344/amp.15031, Published by Ordem dos Médicos, Lisboa

O presente trabalho buscou refletir como as mulheres quilombolas da comunidade Barra da Aroeira se organizam em defesa do seu território. A delimitação do recorte temporal usado neste estudo, esteve restrito ao período de 19 maio de 2004 (data de fundação da associação de moradores da Barra da Aroeira) a 3 de setembro de 2021 (data de entrega do documento de regularização fundiária para a associação de moradores da Barra da Aroeira). A problemática deste estudo teve como premissa saber: como essas mulheres da Barra da Aroeira se articulam a partir da identidade quilombola e da sua territorialidade, construindo práticas cotidianas de resistência? O aporte teórico definido para descrever esta pesquisa teve como categorias de análise os seguintes parâmetros conceituais: identidades; gênero; território. Ainda no que tange ao aporte teórico, os referidos aspectos foram balizadores do conteúdo que foi trabalhado nesta dissertação, considerando, sobretudo, a intersecção entre estes elementos e a comunidade Barra da Aroeira. A metodologia escolhida para esta pesquisa foi um estudo bibliográfico e documental e tendo ainda, como subsídios, diálogos com algumas mulheres que residem na comunidade quilombola Barra da Aroeira. Os resultados obtidos nessa investigação apontaram na direção de que as mulheres daquela comunidade têm um papel imprescindível na defesa do território da Barra da Aroeira, no entanto, suas lutas cotidianas também demonstram que é fundamental garantir e consolidar espaços de representatividade feminina dentro daquela comunidade, principalmente nos ambientes de decisões coletivas. The present work sought to reflect on how quilombola women from the Barra da Aroeira community organize themselves in defense of their territory. The delimitation of the time frame used in this study was restricted to the period from May 19, 2004 (foundation date of the Barra da Aroeira residents' association) to September 3, 2021 (delivery date of the land regularization document to the association of residents of Barra da Aroeira). The problem of this study was premised on knowing: how these women from Barra da Aroeira articulate themselves from the quilombola identity and their territoriality, building daily practices of resistance? The theoretical framework defined to describe this research had as categories of analysis the following conceptual parameters: identities; gender; territory. Still with regard to the theoretical contribution, the aforementioned aspects were the basis of the content that was worked on in this dissertation, considering, above all, the intersection between these elements and the Barra da Aroeira community. The methodology chosen for this research was a bibliographic and documentary study and also having, as subsidies, dialogues with some women who live in the quilombola community Barra da Aroeira. The results obtained in this investigation pointed in the direction that the women of that community have an essential role in the defense of the territory of Barra da Aroeira, however, their daily struggles also demonstrate that it is essential to guarantee and consolidate spaces of female representation within that community, especially in collective decision-making environments.

Introdução: Na abordagem personalizada do acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) é importante definir se existem diferenças de género relativamente às caraterísticas clínicas, tratamento de fase aguda e resultados. Material e Métodos: Estudo longitudinal retrospetivo que incluiu doentes com AVC isquémico admitidos na Unidade Cerebro Vascular, durante 30 meses, tratados com trombectomia com ou sem trombólise prévia, com o objetivo de avaliar diferenças de género. Resultados: De 594 doentes, 50% eram mulheres apresentando, à admissão, idade mediana maior (78 vs 73 anos), maior pontuação na escala modificada de Rankin (mRS) e na National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Não houve diferenças no tipo de tratamento, no tempo mediano entre o início dos sintomas e tomografia computadorizada (TC), entre o tempo TC-trombólise ou na eficácia da revascularização. A disabilidade expressa pelo valor de mRS e a mortalidade aos 3 meses foram sobreponíveis entre géneros. Mais mulheres sofriam de fibrilhação auricular (FA) (51% vs 35%), no entanto menos mulheres com FA conhecida recebiam terapêutica anticoagulante antes do evento, comparativamente aos homens (38% vs 52%). Discussão: Apesar das mulheres apresentarem idade mais elevada e maior grau de dependência, não existiram diferenças de género na eficácia do tratamento de fase aguda nem nos resultados a médio prazo. Conclusão: No género feminino, a idade não deve constituir uma limitação à realização de terapêutica de fase aguda do AVC., Medicina Interna, Vol. 27 N.º 3 (2020): Julho - Setembro

Patients' previous disability (PD) is a key factor when considering acute stroke therapy. PD's exact impact on functional prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke remains not entirely clarified. We aimed to analyze PD's influence on functional outcome three months after ischemic stroke.Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data concerning patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to Stroke Unit of a tertiary center who underwent acute phase therapy between 2017 and 2019. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to define PD (with previous mRS≥3). Patients with PD were selected for treatment based on similar baseline characteristics to patients without PD. Patients were classified into two groups according to previous mRS: mRS3 and mRS≥3. We defined bad outcome at three months after stroke as mRS≥3 for patients with previous mRS3, and as a higher score than baseline mRS for patients with previous mRS≥3.We identified 1169 eligible patients - 1016 patients with previous mRS3 and 153 patients with previous mRS≥3. Most baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between them. For patients ≤75 years old, PD was associated with worse outcome (odds ratio estimate [OR] 4.50, p 0.001). For patients75 years old, PD was protective against worse outcome (OR 0.42, p 0.001). In patients with previous mRS≥3 and75 years old, there was a higher proportion of women (p = 0.005).PD might not be a relevant factor when considering acute stroke therapy in selected patients75 years old, especially women. Further studies are needed to clarify these findings.

The growth and the popularity of online shopping have boosted the digital marketing and affiliate strategies. In order to detect the factors that drive consumers to join cashback programs, this paper proposes a conceptual model based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). To the original model were added the constructs: Ease of Use, Personal Capacity, Perceived Risk, and Behavioral Aspects. The proposed model was effective explaining 67.2% of its variance. The results contribute to theoretical and empirical understanding on the intention to use and actual use of cashback programs, providing considerations for business.

Background Computed tomography (CT) perfusion has been studied as a tool to predict delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and clinical outcome in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of the study was to determine whether quantitative CT perfusion performed within 72 hours after admission can predict the occurrence of DCI and clinical outcome as measured with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 3 months after ictus. Methods Cerebral perfusion was assessed in a prospective cohort of patients with acute SAH. CT perfusion parameters at Results A total of 66 patients underwent CT perfusion at 3 for each one second increase in TTP at admission (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.17; p = 0.061). Conclusions We identified an association of early TTP changes with DCI and poor clinical outcome. However, there were no associations with cerebral blood flow or mean transit time and DCI/clinical outcome. CT perfusion still remains to be validated as a tool in predicting outcome in SAH.

Background: Extremes of both high and low systolic blood pressure (SBP) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in large artery occlusion stroke are known predictors of unfavorable outcome. However, the effect of SBP change (ΔSBP) during the first 24 hour on MT outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between ΔSBP at different time intervals and thrombectomy outcomes. Methods: We analyzed thrombectomy treated patients registered in the SITS International Stroke Thrombectomy Registry from 2014-01-01 to 2019-09-03. The primary outcome was 3-month unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 3-6). We defined ΔSBP as mean SBP of given time intervals after MT (0-2h, 2-4h, 4-12h, 12-24h) minus admission SBP. Multivariable mixed logistic regression models were used to adjust for known confounders and center as random effect. Subgroups analyses were included to contrast specific subpopulations. Restricted cubic splines were used to model the associations. Results: The study population consisted of 5835 patients (mean age 70 years, 51% male, median NIHSS 16). Mean ΔSBP was -12.3, -15.7, -17.2, and -16.9 for the time intervals 0-2h, 2-4h, 4-12h, 12-24h, respectively. Higher ΔSBP was associated with unfavorable outcome at all time intervals. Restricted cubic spline models suggested that increasing ΔSBP was associated with unfavorable outcomes, with higher values showing an even higher risk of unfavorable outcomes. (Figure 1). Successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥2b) retained an association between ΔSBP and outcomes, while unsuccessful reperfusion (mTICI Conclusion: Up to our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relation between ΔSBP at different time intervals and the outcome of MT. BP increase after thrombectomy in large artery occlusion stroke is associated with poor functional outcome. The association between ΔSBP and poor outcome differed by reperfusion status.

Introduction: Combined intravenous therapy (IVT) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, the use of IVT before MT is recently being questioned. Objectives: To compare patients treated with IVT before MT with those treated with MT alone, in a real-world scenario. Methods: Retrospective analysis of AIS patients with LVO of the anterior circulation who underwent MT, with or without previous IVT, between 2016 and 2018. Results: A total of 524 patients were included (347 submitted to IVT+MT; 177 to MT alone). No differences between groups were found except for a higher time from stroke onset to CT and to groin puncture in the MT group (297.5 min vs 115.0 min and 394.0 min vs 250.0 min respectively, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that age