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The teaching of physiology plays a crucial role in the education of health care professionals. However, traditional approaches to physiology classes in undergraduate health courses in Brazil often result in passive student participation. Research has shown that active methodologies are more effective in the learning process. In this study, we introduce the game "Who Am I?-Cellular Signal Transduction Edition" as an educational tool. This game follows a popular format with well-known rules and aims to enhance understanding of basic concepts related to hormones, cell signaling, and the functioning of the endocrine system. Our findings demonstrate that the game improves student knowledge and fosters enthusiasm and active engagement among participants. Additionally, student feedback has indicated a high level of appreciation for the game. By incorporating active learning strategies and a gamified approach, "Who Am I?-Cellular Signal Transduction Edition" provides a practical and enjoyable way of teaching physiology. This innovative educational tool has the potential to revolutionize physiology instruction. Demonstrating significant improvement in students' understanding, the game underscores its efficacy in enhancing knowledge acquisition and comprehension of cellular signaling and endocrine physiology topics.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We developed "Who Am I?-Cellular Signal Transduction Edition" to assist students in comprehending concepts of cellular signal transduction. This simple and cost-effective tool is perfect for educational settings with limited resources, and it encourages active learning for both small and large groups. Pre- and posttests have shown that it effectively enhances knowledge of hormonal actions and cellular signaling. Positive feedback from students emphasizes its value in reinforcing understanding and improving classroom engagement, making it a promising educational tool.

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Baveno VII consensus suggests that screening endoscopy can be spared in patients with compensated cirrhosis when spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is ≤40 kPa as they have a low probability of high-risk varices (HRV). Conversely, screening endoscopy is required in all patients with porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD). This study aimed to evaluate the performance of SSM-VCTE to rule out HRV in patients with PSVD and signs of portal hypertension. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We retrospectively included patients with PSVD, ≥1 sign of portal hypertension, without a history of variceal bleeding, who underwent an SSM-VCTE within 2 years before or after an upper endoscopy in 21 VALDIG centers, divided into a derivation and a validation cohort. One hundred fifty-four patients were included in the derivation cohort; 43% had HRV. By multivariable logistic regression analysis, SSM-VCTE >40 kPa and serum bilirubin ≥1 mg/dL were associated with HRV. SSM-VCTE ≤40 kPa combined with bilirubin <1 mg/dL had a sensitivity of 96% to rule out HRV and could spare 38% of screening endoscopies, with 4% of HRV missed, and a 95% negative predictive value. In the validation cohort, including 155 patients, SSM combined with bilirubin could spare 21% of screening endoscopies, with 4% of HRV missed and a 94% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: This study gathering a total of 309 patients with PSVD showed that SSM-VCTE ≤40 kPa combined with bilirubin <1 mg/dL identifies patients with PSVD and portal hypertension with a probability of HRV <5%, in whom screening endoscopy can be spared.

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Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs) have been historically regarded as rare, but their incidence has raised more than 6-fold over the last 3 decades, mostly owing to improvement in the detection of small asymptomatic tumours with imaging. Early detection and proper classification and staging are essential for the prognosis and management of panNENs. Histological evaluation is mandatory in all patients for the diagnosis of panNEN. Regarding localization and staging, multiphasic contrast-enhanced computer tomography is considered the imaging study of choice. Nevertheless, several other diagnostic modalities might present complementary information that can help in diagnosis and staging optimization: magnetic resonance imaging, somatostatin receptor imaging using positron emission tomography in combination with computed tomography (PET/CT), PET/CT with fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), and endoscopic ultrasound. Approximately 10% of panNENs are due to an inherited syndrome, which includes multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, von Hippel-Lindau disease, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1), tuberous sclerosis complex, and Mahvash disease. In this review, the Portuguese Pancreatic Club summarizes the classification, diagnosis, and staging of panNENs, with a focus on imaging studies. It also summarizes the characteristics and particularities of panNENs associated with inherited syndromes.

As neoplasias neuroendócrinas pancreáticas (panNENs) são historicamente consideradas raras, embora a sua incidência tenha aumentado mais de 6 vezes nas últimas três décadas, principalmente devido à otimização do diagnóstico de tumores pequenos e assintomáticos em exames de imagem. A deteção precoce, a classificação e o estadiamento adequados são essenciais para o prognóstico e abordagem dos panNENs. A avaliação histológica é obrigatória em todos os doentes para o diagnóstico de panNENs. Para a localização e estadiamento, ​​a TC multifásica com contraste é considerada o estudo de imagem de eleição. Contudo, várias outras modalidades diagnósticas podem apresentar informações complementares que podem auxiliar no diagnóstico e na otimização do estadiamento: ressonância magnética, PET/CT dos receptores da somatostatina, PET/CT [18F]FDG e ecoendoscopia. Aproximadamente 10% dos panNENs estão relacionados com síndromes hereditários, que incluem neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 1 (MEN1), doença de von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), neurofibromatose tipo 1 (NF1), complexo de esclerose tuberosa (TSC) e doença de Mahvash. Neste artigo, o Clube Português de Pâncreas aborda a classificação, diagnóstico e estadiamento de panNENs, ​​com foco nos estudos de imagem, bem como resume as características e particularidades dos panNENs associados aos síndromes hereditários.

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BACKGROUND: The Baveno VII guidelines were proposed to identify which patients could safely avoid screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for gastroesophageal varices. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of gastric neoplasia in compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) patients who underwent EGD for screening of gastroesophageal varices (GOEV) compared to a healthy population. METHODS: Retrospective study that enrolled all cACLD patients who underwent EGD for GOEV screening (January 2008-June 2018) in a tertiary reference center. cACLD patients were compared with asymptomatic healthy individuals who underwent EGD in a private hospital setting (April 2017-March 2018). RESULTS: We evaluated 1845 patients (481 cACLD patients, 1364 healthy individuals). A significantly higher frequency of gastric neoplasia was observed in patients with cACLD compared to healthy individuals (4.0% vs. 1.0 %; p < 0.001). Rare histopathological subtypes (WHO Classification) accounted for 28.7 % of gastric carcinoma cases in the cACLD cohort. Seven cases of gastric neoplasia (36.8 % of gastric neoplasia cases in the cACLD patients) were diagnosed in patients who, according to the Baveno VII criteria, would have not been submitted to EGD. CONCLUSION: We found an increased frequency of gastric neoplasia in patients with cACLD in comparison with healthy individuals. In countries with intermediate-high risk for GC, continuing to perform EGD could be beneficial.

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BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) encompass a range of conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves. Visual diagrams are widely used to identify symptoms and to generate musculoskeletal discomfort metrics. However, there is no consensus on the number of discomfort dimensions that can originate from self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms by individuals. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the fit of WMSD symptom models from workers in two samples of different sizes. METHODS: A combination of Full-Information Item Factor Analysis (FIFA) and Item Response Theory (IRT) was utilized to analyze and test the models. The study was conducted in two samples of workers (n1 = 6944 and n2 = 420) who had their symptoms identified with the aid of a human body diagram. An analysis was conducted considering each sample's unidimensional and three multidimensional models. RESULTS: The unidimensional model (general musculoskeletal discomfort), bi-dimensional model (discomfort in upper and lower body), and tridimensional model (discomfort in the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk) showed good values of factor loading and communalities, along with satisfactory item discrimination ability. Regardless of sample size, parameter estimation for IRT and FIFA proceeded without issues, presenting suitable fit parameters. CONCLUSION: Three models were valid and reliable for more extensive and smaller samples. However, the tridimensional model was best for generating discomfort scores in body regions. Companies and safety professionals can use these findings to devise strategies to mitigate musculoskeletal pains based on perceived symptom locations.

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BACKGROUND: Impairment of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal function is an early marker of systolic dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Aortic annular plane systolic excursion (AAPSE) is a measure of LV longitudinal function in people that has not been evaluated in cats. HYPOTHESIS: Aortic annular plane systolic excursion is lower in cats with HCM compared to control cats, and cats in stage C have the lowest AAPSE. ANIMALS: One hundred seventy-five cats: 60 normal, 61 HCM stage B and 54 HCM stage C cats. MATERIALS: Multicenter retrospective case-control study. Electronic medical records from 4 referral hospitals were reviewed for cats diagnosed with HCM and normal cats. HCM was defined as LV wall thickness ≥6 mm and normal cats ≤5 mm. M-mode bisecting the aorta in right parasternal short-axis view was used to measure AAPSE. RESULTS: Aortic annular plane systolic excursion was lower in HCM cats compared to normal cats (3.9 ± 0.9 mm versus 4.6 ± 0.9 mm, P < .001) and was lowest in HCM stage C (2.4 ± 0.6 mm, P < .001). An AAPSE <2.9 mm gave a sensitivity of 83% (95% CI 71%-91%) and specificity of 92% (95% CI 82%-97%) to differentiate HCM stage C from stage B. AAPSE correlated with mitral annular plane systolic excursion (r = .6 [.4-.7], P < .001), and atrial fractional shortening (r = .6 [.5-.7], P < .001), but showed no correlation with LV fractional shortening. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Aortic annular plane systolic excursion is an easily acquired echocardiographic variable and might be a new measurement of LV systolic performance in cats with HCM.

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Endoscopic stenting is an area of endoscopy that has witnessed noteworthy advancements over the last decade, resulting in evolving clinical practices among gastroenterologists around the world. Indications for endoscopic stenting have progressively expanded, becoming a frequent part of the management algorithm for various benign and malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, from esophagus to rectum. In addition to expanded indications, continuous technological enhancements and development of novel endoscopic stents have resulted in an increased success of these approaches and, in some cases, allowed new applications. This review aimed to summarize best practices in esophageal, gastroduodenal, and colonic stenting.

A colocação de próteses endoscópicas é uma técnica que tem testemunhado avanços notáveis na última década, resultando na evolução da prática clínica diária dos gastroenterologistas em todo o mundo. As indicações para a colocação de próteses endoscópicas têm expandido progressivamente, tornando-se uma opção cada vez mais frequente no algoritmo de abordagem das mais variadas condições benignas e malignas do trato gastrointestinal (desde o esófago ao reto). Além da expansão nas indicações, o aprimoramento tecnológico contínuo e o desenvolvimento de novas próteses endoscópicos resultaram num maior sucesso dessas abordagens e, em alguns casos, permitiram novas aplicações. Esta revisão tem como objetivo resumir as melhores práticas em colocação de próteses endoscópicas esofágicas, gastroduodenais e colorretais.

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Musculoskeletal symptoms are a major occupational health problem in workers, and these can affect all professional occupations. Previous studies have proposed metrics capable of evaluating the musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by workers. However, no study has developed a metric that considers professional groups. Thus, this study aimed to develop a scale for musculoskeletal discomfort in the lower limbs to compare self-reported symptoms among education, health, and industry professionals. The sample included 159 teachers, 167 health professionals, and 401 industrial operators who relayed their symptoms using a diagram of the hips, thighs, knees, lower legs, and feet. Factor and multigroup item response theory analyses were used to construct a musculoskeletal discomfort scale consisting of seven levels and to assess and compare the identified symptoms. The results showed that the progressive evolution of discomfort differed for each profession, demonstrating that each context and work environment affects workers differently, which may explain the different patterns of symptom responses among professional groups.

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Adipose tissue is an organ with metabolic and endocrine activity. White, brown and ectopic adipose tissues have different structure, location, and function. Adipose tissue regulates energy homeostasis, providing energy in nutrient-deficient conditions and storing it in high-supply conditions. To attend to the high demand for energy storage during obesity, the adipose tissue undergoes morphological, functional and molecular changes. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been evidenced as a molecular hallmark of metabolic disorders. In this sense, the ER stress inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a bile acid conjugated to taurine with chemical chaperone activity, has emerged as a therapeutic strategy to minimize adipose tissue dysfunction and metabolic alterations associated with obesity. In this review, we highlight the effects of TUDCA and receptors TGR5 and FXR on adipose tissue in the setting of obesity. TUDCA has been demonstrated to limit metabolic disturbs associated to obesity by inhibiting ER stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in adipocytes. The beneficial effect of TUDCA on perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) function and adiponectin release may be related to cardiovascular protection in obesity, although more studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms. Therefore, TUDCA has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for obesity and comorbidities.

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Introduction: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the first-line treatment for patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For patients without an adequate response, current finding suggests that treatment with molecular target agents, approved for advanced stage, might present benefits. However, this requires a preserved liver function. This study aims to evaluate possible predictors of early deterioration of hepatic reserve, prior to TACE refractoriness, in a cohort of patients treated with TACE. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 99 patients with Child-Pugh class A and intermediate-stage HCC who underwent TACE as the first-line treatment. All patients were submitted to a biochemical and medical evaluation prior to initial TACE and every month afterward. Response to initial TACE was evaluated at 1 month. The time to Child-Pugh class deterioration before TACE refractoriness was assessed. Results: Ninety-nine patients were included. Objective response rate (ORR) to initial TACE was assessed as present in 59 (63.4%) and as absent in 34 (36.6%) patients. Liver decompensated before TACE refractoriness in 51 (51.5%) patients, and the median time to liver decompensation was 14 (IQR 8-20) months after first TACE. In multivariate analysis, beyond up-to-7 criteria (HR 2.4, p = 0.031), albumin <35 mg/dL (HR 3.5, p < 0.001) and absence of ORR (HR 2.4, p = 0.020) were associated with decreased overall survival free of liver decompensation. Moreover, beyond up-to-7 criteria, albumin <35 mg/dL and absence of ORR associated negatively with 6-month survival free of liver decompensation. Our model created using those variables was able to predict liver decompensation at 6 months with an AUROC of 0.701 (p = 0.02). Conclusions: The absence of ORR after initial TACE, beyond up-to-7 criteria and albumin <35 mg/dL, was a predictive factor for early liver decompensation before TACE refractoriness in our population. Such patients might benefit from treatment escalation to systemic therapy, in monotherapy or in combination with TACE.

Introdução: A quimioembolização transarterial (TACE) é o tratamento de primeira linha para doentes com carcinoma hepatocelular (HCC) em estadio intermédio. Em doentes sem resposta adequada, a evidência atual sugere que o tratamento com agentes de alvo molecular, aprovado para estágio avançado, pode apresentar benefícios. Porém, isso requer função hepática preservada. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar possíveis preditores de deterioração precoce da reserva hepática, antes da refratariedade ao TACE, em uma coorte de doentes tratados com TACE. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de noventa e nove doentes com Child-Pugh classe A e HCC em estadio intermédio que foram submetidos a TACE como tratamento de primeira linha. Todos os doentes foram submetidos a uma avaliação bioquímica e médica antes do TACE inicial e a cada mês após. A resposta ao TACE inicial foi avaliada em 1 mês. O tempo para a deterioração da classe Child-Pugh antes da refratariedade a TACE foi avaliado. Resultados: Noventa e nove doentes foram incluídos. A resposta radiológica objetiva (ORR) ao TACE inicial foi avaliada como presente em 59 (63.4%) e ausente em 34 (36.6%) doentes. Descompensação hepática ocorreu, antes da refratariedade a TACE, em 51 (51.5%) doentes e o tempo médio para a descompensação hepática foi de 14 (IQR 8­20) meses, após o primeiro TACE. Na análise multivariada, além dos critérios up-to-7 (HR 2,4, p = 0.031), albumina <35 mg/dL (HR 3,5, p < 0.001) e ausência de ORR (HR 2,4, p = 0.020) foram associados a diminuição da sobrevida livre de descompensação hepática. Além disso, a sobrevida de 6 meses livre de descompensação hepática apresentou associação, além dos critérios up-to-7 , albumina <35 mg/dL e ausência de ORR. Foi criado um modelo com essas variáveis, capaz de prever a descompensação hepática com AUROC de 0,701 (p = 0.02). Conclusões: A ausência de ORR após TACE inicial, além dos critérios up-to-7 e albumina <35 mg/dL foram fatores preditivos para descompensação hepática antes da refratariedade a TACE na nossa população. Esses doentes podem beneficiar do escalonamento do tratamento para a terapia sistêmica, em monoterapia ou em combinação com TACE.

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A 43-years-old woman with previous cholecystectomy presented as an outpatient with abnormal liver tests. A diagnosis of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) was made and a 68Ga-DOTA-somatostatin analogue positron emission tomography revealed no apparent metastatic disease.

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A 60-years-old male was referred to us due to frequent discharge of blood and mucus during the last 2 months. The patient had a history of bladder cancer and was under therapy with intra-vesical Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) for the last 4 months. Colonoscopy revealed loss of vascular pattern, erythematous appearance, granularity, and friability in the mucosa of the distal rectum.

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INTRODUCTION: In patients with portal hypertension (PH), the differential diagnosis between porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) and cirrhosis is challenging. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the SSM/LSM index in the diagnosis of PSVD. METHODS: Prospective study of patients with PH and PSVD or cirrhosis. Transient liver and spleen elastography were performed and the ratio between spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was calculated. The relation of SSM/LSM with the diagnosis of PSVD was evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-four patients with PSVD and 44 patients with cirrhosis were evaluated. Median age was 57.5 (IQR 49.0-64.5) years, 66.3% were males. In patients with PSVD, median SSM was 59.4 (33.5-77.7) kPa, median LSM was 6.2 (5.2-10.2) kPa and median SSM/LSM was 5.62 (3.15-9.68). In patients with cirrhosis, median SSM was 47.3 (24.3-60.3) kPa, median LSM was 27.8 (17.7-53.9) kPa and median SSM/LSM was 1.55 (1.06-3.24). The SSM/LSM AUROC was 0.940 (p<0.001). Using 2 as a cut-off, we obtained good sensitivity (86.5%), specificity (92.7%), and accuracy (89.7%) for the diagnosis of PSVD. CONCLUSION: The SSM/LSM index is useful in the differential diagnosis between liver cirrhosis and PSVD. Using the cut-off of 2 we achieved a good sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing PSVD.

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Indications for endoscopic placement of endoluminal and transluminal stents have greatly expanded over time. Endoscopic stent placement is now a well-established approach for the treatment of benign and malignant biliary and pancreatic diseases (ie, obstructive jaundice, intra-abdominal fluid collections, chronic pancreatitis etc.). Ongoing refinement of technical approaches and development of novel stents is increasing the applicability and success of pancreatico-biliary stenting. In this review, we discuss the important developments in the field of pancreatico-biliary stenting, with a specific focus on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound-associated developments.

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