São Paulo medical journal = Revista paulista de medicina
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The high number of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis makes it necessary to conduct studies aimed at improving their quality of life. ⋯ It can be suggested that changes to cerebral compliance in individuals with ESRD occur frequently and that a good-quality hemodialysis session (Kt/V > 1.2) may be effective for normalizing the patient's cerebral compliance.
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Falls among older people have a negative impact on health and therefore constitute a public health problem. Cognitive decline can also accompany the aging process, and both conditions lead to significant increases in morbidity and mortality in this population. ⋯ Cognitive impairment, especially in the domains of memory and executive functioning, can influence occurrences of recurrent falls.
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There are no studies on long-term bilateral calf stretching in relation to balance and plantar pressure. ⋯ Continuous static stretching of plantar flexors for 120 seconds improved stance balance and reduced plantar pressures (maximum and mean) in the rearfoot and midfoot. It also increased the surface in the midfoot and forefoot.
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Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a contraindication for heart transplantation (HT). It has been correlated with increased early and late mortality, mainly associated with right ventricular failure. Ventricular assistance devices (VADs) can promote reduction of intracardiac pressures and consequent reduction of PAH over the medium and long terms, thus enabling future candidature for HT. The diminution of early pulmonary pressure within this scenario remains unclear. ⋯ VAD implantation can reduce PAH levels. Early reduction occurred in all patients. Thus, use of VAD is an important bridge tool for enabling candidature for HT among patients with constantly severe PAH.
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Effective triage and early detection are very important for controlling and treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, the relationships between hypoalbuminemia and other acute-phase reactants in such cases need to be evaluated. ⋯ Hypoalbuminemia may constitute a biomarker indicating the severity of pneumonia due to COVID-19.