ABSTRACT Background: New-onset chronic pain has been acknowledged as part of the post-COVID-19 condition. However, available fine-grained data about its clinical phenotype, trajectories and main associated characteristics remain scarce. We described the distinct temporal evolutions of post-COVID-19 pain and their epidemiological and phenotypical features. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study enrolled post-COVID-19 condition patients (i.e. who had persisting COVID-19-related symptoms over 30 days since their first positive laboratory test), whose COVID-19 diagnosis had been supported by RT-PCR of oral/nasopharyngeal swab or serology. They underwent in-person evaluations with a structured interview, pain and quality-of-life-related questionnaires and thorough physical examination. Chronic pain (CP) and probable neuropathic pain (NP) were defined according to IASP criteria. Results: The present study included 226 individuals, 177 (78.3 %) of whom presented over 3 months since their first COVID-19 symptom. New-onset pain occurred in 170 (75.2 %) participants and was chronic in 116 (68.2 %). A chronic course was associated with COVID-19-related hospitalization, new-onset fatigue, lower cognitive performance, motor and thermal sensory deficits, mood and sleep impairments and overall lower quality-of-life levels. Probable NP occurred in only 7.6 % new-onset pain patients, and was associated with pain chronification, new-onset fatigue, motor and thermal sensory deficits, mechanical allodynia and lower rates of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Previous CP was reported by 86 (38.1 %) individuals and had aggravated after the infection in 66 (76.7 %) of them, which was associated with orthostatic hypotension. Conclusions: Post-COVID pain phenomena follow different paths, which are associated with specific clinical and epidemiological features, and possibly distinct underlying mechanisms, prognostic and therapeutic implications. Significance: COVID-19-related pain usually follows a chronic course and is non-neuropathic. Its possible courses and phenotypes are associated with distinct clinical and epidemiological features. This suggests differing underlying mechnisms, which may have significant prognostic and therapeutic implications.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: El dolor crónico de nueva aparición se considera que forma parte de la condición o afección post-COVID-19. Sin embargo, los datos detallados existentes sobre el fenotipo clínico, las trayectorias y las principales características asociadas siguen siendo escasos. Describimos las distintas evoluciones temporales del dolor post-COVID-19 y sus rasgos epidemiológicos y fenotípicos. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo y transversal de pacientes con afección post-COVID-19 (es decir, con síntomas persistentes relacionados con la COVID-19 durante 30 días desde la primera prueba positiva de laboratorio) cuyo diagnóstico de COVID-19 estuviera basado en la RT-PCR de un frotis oral/nasofaríngeo o una serología. Se sometieron a evaluaciones presenciales mediante una entrevista estructurada, cuestionarios de dolor y calidad de vida y una exploración física exhaustiva. El dolor crónico (DC) y el dolor neuropático (DN) probablemente se definieron conforme a los criterios IASP. Resultados: El presente estudio incluyó 226 individuos, 177 (78,3 %) de los cuales se presentaron pasados más de 3 meses desde el primer síntoma de COVID-19. Tenían dolor de nueva aparición 170 (75,2 %) de los participantes y dolor crónico 116 (68,2 %). El curso crónico se asociaba a hospitalización por COVID-19, fatiga de nueva aparición, menor rendimiento cognitivo, déficits motores y sensitivos térmicos, alteraciones del ánimo y el sueño, y niveles generalmente inferiores de calidad de vida. El DN probable afectaba a solo el 7,6 % de los pacientes con dolor de nueva aparición y se asociaba a cronificación del dolor, fatiga de nueva aparición, déficits motores y de sensación térmica, alodinia mecánica y tasas menores de vacunación frente al SARS-CoV-2. Referían DC previo 86 (38,1 %) individuos, y este había empeorado tras la infección en 66 (76,7 %) de ellos, lo que se asociaba a hipotensión ortostática. Conclusiones: Los fenómenos dolorosos post-COVID siguen diferentes trayectorias que se asocian a rasgos clínicos y epidemiológicos específicos, y posiblemente a distintos mecanismos de base y diferentes implicaciones pronósticas y terapéuticas. Significado: El dolor relacionado con la COVID-19 sigue normalmente un curso crónico y no es neuropático. Los posibles cursos y fenotipos se asocian a rasgos clínicos y epidemiológicos distintos. Esto sugiere que los mecanismos de base difieren, lo que podría tener implicaciones pronósticas y terapéuticas importantes.

Abstract: This work aims to analyze the influence of low temperature on the toughness of a high-strength steel HARDOX 450® joints welded by the Metal Core Arc Welding (MCAW) process. Impact toughness tests (Charpy V-notch test) were performed on the 10 mm base metal (BM), weld metal (WM), and heat-affected-zone (HAZ) at temperatures of -100 °C, -80 °C, -60 °C, -20 °C, 0 °C, and 25 °C to obtain the ductile-brittle transition curve for each of these regions. Additionally, the tensile test and metallographic characterization were performed in order to complement the evaluation of the welded joint. The results of the impact tests showed higher toughness values of the base metal compared to the other two regions of the weld joint analyzed (WM and HAZ). The low toughness present in the HAZ is related to its microstructure composed of Widmanstätten ferrite and coarse grain. However, temperatures of -100 °C and -80 °C show the absorbed energy values in the three regions remarkably close to each other (between 11 J and 20 J).

Resumo: O presente trabalho visa analisar a influência da temperatura baixa na tenacidade ao impacto de juntas de aço de alta resistência HARDOX 450® soldadas através do processo Metal Core Arc Welding (MCAW). Para tanto foram realizados ensaios de tenacidade ao impacto (ensaio de Charpy com entalhe em V) no metal base de 10 mm (MB), no metal de solda (MS) e na zona termicamente afetada (ZTA) nas temperaturas de -100 °C, -80 °C, -60 °C, -20 °C, 0 °C e 25 °C com o objetivo de levantar a curva de transição dúctil-frágil para cada uma dessas regiões. Adicionalmente, foi realizado ensaio de tração e caracterização metalográfica a fim de complementar a avaliação da junta soldada. Os resultados dos ensaios de impacto mostraram maiores valores de tenacidade do metal base em relação às outras duas regiões da junta solda analisada (MS e ZTA). A baixa tenacidade apresentada na ZTA está relacionada à sua microestrutura composta por ferrita de Widmanstätten e grão grosseiro. Contudo, as temperaturas de -100 °C e -80 °C apresentam os valores de energia absorvida nas três regiões bem próximos entre si (de 11 J a 20 J).

Abstract Background The SAGE score was developed to detect individuals at risk for increased pulse wave velocity (PWV). So far, studies have been focused on hypertensive patients. Objective To assess the ability of the score to detect non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients at risk for increased PWV. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional study of analysis of central blood pressure data and calculation of the SAGE score of non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients. Each score point was analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, using the cut-off point for positive diagnosis a PVW ≥ 10m/s, ≥9.08 m/s (75thpercentile) and ≥7.30 m/s (50thpercentile). A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The sample was composed of 100 normotensive and pre-hypertensive individuals, with mean age of 52.64 ± 14.94 years and median PWV of 7.30 m/s (6.03 – 9.08). The SAGE score was correlated with age (r=0.938, p<0.001), glycemia (r=0.366, p<0.001) and glomerular filtration rate (r=-0.658, p<0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.968 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 10 m/s, 0.977 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 9.08 m/s and 0.967 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 7.30 m/s. The score 7 showed a specificity of 95.40% and sensitivity of 100% for PWV≥10 m/s. The cut-off point would be of five for a PWV≥9.08 m/s (sensitivity =96.00%, specificity = 94.70%), and two for a PWV ≥ 7.30 m/s. Conclusion The SAGE score could identify individuals at higher risk of arterial stiffness, using different PWV cutoff points. However, the development of a specific score for normotensive and pre-hypertensive subjects is needed.

Resumo Fundamento O SAGE foi desenvolvido para identificar hipertensos com chance de velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) aumentada. Até o momento, as publicações do escore foram em hipertensos. Objetivo Verificar a capacidade do SAGE de identificar os normotensos ou pré-hipertensos com chance de aumento da VOP. Métodos Transversal retrospectivo, incluiu exames de normotensos e pré-hipertensos que realizaram a medida central da pressão arterial e apresentavam os parâmetros para o cálculo do escore. Para cada pontuação do escore, foi analisada a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo utilizando como ponto de corte para o diagnóstico positivo VOP ≥ 10m/s, ≥9,08 m/s (percentil 75) e ≥7,30 m/s (percentil 50). Um valor de p<0,05 foi adotado como estatisticamente significante. Resultados A amostra foi de 100 participantes normotensos ou pré-hipertensos, com média (DP) de 52,64 (14,94) anos e VOP mediana de 7,30 m/s (6,03 – 9,08). O SAGE apresentou correlação com idade (r=0,938, p<0,001), glicemia (r=0,366, p<0,001) e taxa de filtração de glomerular (r=-0,658, p<0,001). A área sob a curva ROC foi de 0,968 (p<0,001) para VOP≥10 m/s, 0,977 (p<0,001) para VOP≥9,08 m/s e 0,967 (p<0,001) para VOP≥7,30 m/s. O escore 7 apresentou especificidade de 95,40% e sensibilidade de 100% para VOP≥10 m/s. O ponto de corte seria cinco para VOP≥9,08 m/s (s=96,00%, e= 94,70%), e dois para VOP≥7,30 m/s. Conclusão O SAGE foi capaz de identificar indivíduos com maior chance de apresentar rigidez arterial, utilizando diferentes pontos de corte de VOP. Entretanto, o desenvolvimento de um escore específico para normontensos e pré-hipertensos faz-se necessário.

Abstract Introduction: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects more than 202 million people worldwide, 1.3% of which with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI). PAD is associated with an elevated mortality and morbidity. However, the evolution from claudication or from asymptomatic PAD to CLTI is not completely understood and cardiovascular risk factors are unable to fully explain it. The aim of this opportunistic review is to understand the role of inflammation in the evolution to CLTI and to analyse if inflammation can increase the mortality risk. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed database was performed with the keywords and medical subject heading (MesH): “inflammation”, “cytokine”, “prognosis”, “death”, “mortality”, “CLTI” and “CLI”. Of 146 papers, 8 articles and 1622 patients were included Results: We verified that inflammation is important for the initiation and progression of PAD. There are several candidate inflammatory triggers, including the cardiovascular risk factors (age, nicotine abuse, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia). However, these traditional risk factors, fail to explain the variable nature of disease progression between individuals and the pro-inflammatory polymorphisms could be a key element. Several studies also proved that patients with CLTI have a marked elevated level of cytokines. The increase inflammatory burden in patients with PAD, particularly with CLTI could explain the increased inflammation and may help to explain why the prevalence of clinically manifested coronary artery disease in PAD is much higher than the prevalence of PAD in coronary artery disease patients. Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory therapy and revascularization can avoid the systemic consequences of inflammation in patient with CLTI and should be timely implemented.

Abstract The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic and its immediate public health impact has caused severe disruption of regular medical care provision. The morbimortality of other diseases continues to affect people regardless of the viral infection. Indeed, it would be reasonable to assume that they have been aggravated by the period of most restrictive public health measures that were adopted against the virus. Recovery and maintenance of healthcare provision is required despite the ongoing threat. Therefore, it is critical to resume services in a structured and safe way, otherwise greater harm could come to our patients and to ourselves. The present article proposes to be a broad guide to the recovery and maintenance of elective outpatient, surgical and lower endoscopic services, aiding the colorectal surgeon in identifying risks, assessing their multiple dimensions, and implementing risk management strategies in a pragmatic and efficacious way.

Resumo A pandemia de SARS-Cov-2 e suas imediatas consequências para a saúde coletiva causaram enormes restrições ao atendimento médico-hospitalar normal. A despeito disso, os riscos de morbimortalidade relacionados a outras doenças e agravos à saúde são incessantes. E é razoável de presumi-los como aumentados pela falta de atendimento regular no período restrições mais severas decorrentes das medidas sanitárias contra a epidemia. A retomada do atendimento é necessária, ainda que o vírus permaneça uma ameaça. Portanto, é crítico que esta seja feita de forma estruturada e segura, sob pena de causar mal adicional aos nossos pacientes e a nós mesmos. O presente artigo se propõe a servir como guia para a retomada e manutenção dos atendimentos eletivos ambulatorial, cirúrgico e endoscópico baixo, auxiliando o coloproctologista a identificar os riscos, avaliar a suas dimensões e implementar medidas de controle de forma pragmática e eficaz.

Resumo O envelhecimento biológico é reflexo da interação entre genética, idade cronológica e fatores externos; é a base para novos conceitos em envelhecimento vascular, cuja progressão é determinada pela diferença entre idade biológica e cronológica. Do ponto de vista estrutural, os efeitos do envelhecimento vascular são mais evidentes na camada média das grandes artérias elásticas e resultam em aumento da rigidez arterial, da dilatação do lúmen e da espessura da parede. Esses efeitos são descritos no continuum de envelhecimento cardiovascular (proposto por Dzau em 2010) em que as etapas progressivas de lesões da microvasculatura de coração, rins e cérebro, têm início a partir do processo de envelhecimento. O aumento da rigidez arterial pode ser verificado de forma não invasiva por vários métodos. Os eventos cardiovasculares têm sido tradicionalmente previstos utilizando escores que combinam fatores de risco convencionais para aterosclerose. No continuum cardiovascular clássico (Dzau, 2006), é desafiador avaliar o peso exato da contribuição de cada fator de risco; entretanto, por refletir o dano precoce e cumulativo desses fatores de riscos cardiovascular, a rigidez arterial reflete o verdadeiro dano à parede arterial. Este artigo fornece uma visão geral dos mecanismos da fisiopatogenia, alterações estruturais das artérias e consequências hemodinâmicas do envelhecimento arterial; métodos não invasivos para a avaliação da rigidez arterial e da medida central da pressão arterial; o continuum de envelhecimento cardiovascular, e aplicação do conceito de rigidez arterial na estratificação de risco cardiovascular.

Abstract Biological aging occurs as a result of the interaction between genetics, chronological age and external factors. It is the basis for new concepts of vascular aging, whose progression is determined by the difference between biological and chronological age. From the structural point of view, the effects of vascular aging are more evident in the tunica media of large elastic arteries, marked by increased arterial stiffness, lumen dilation and wall thickness. These effects are described in the continuum of cardiovascular aging (proposed by Dzau in 2010), in which the progressive steps of microvasculature lesions of the heart, kidney and brain are initiated from the aging process. The increase of arterial stiffness can be detected by several non-invasive methods. Cardiovascular events have been traditionally described using scores that combine conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis. In the classic cardiovascular continuum (Dzau, 2006), to determine the exact contribution of each risk factor is challenging; however, since arterial stiffness reflects both early and cumulative damage of these cardiovascular risk factors, it is an indicator of the actual damage to the arterial wall. This article provides a general overview of pathophysiological mechanisms, arterial structural changes, and hemodynamic consequences of arterial stiffness; non-invasive methods for the assessment of arterial stiffness and of central blood pressure; the cardiovascular aging continuum, and the application of arterial stiffness in cardiovascular risk stratification.

The objective of this work was to control the purity level of canephora coffees (Conilon coffee) from the state of Espírito Santo (Brazil), as a function of the addition of grounds produced by the coffees themselves using a portable microspectrometer in the infrared region. (microNIR), associated with chemometric tools. The PCA model grouped the coffees according to the level of adulterant in the samples and showed that the presence of moisture and polysaccharides is important for the discrimination between pure and adulterated samples. PLS-DA and SIMCA classification models were built with commercial samples and resulted in the discrimination of authentic and non-authentic samples with accuracy values above 90% and 82% for PLS-DA and SIMCA, respectively. The quantification results presented by the PLS model were satisfactory for all models, reaching the best results at 75 °C with RMSEP values of 6.13 wt%, R2p = 0.9917; and LOD in the range of 5.6-8.9 wt%; LOQ = 17-26.8 wt%, according to IUPAC; relative standard deviation for repeatability of 1.0 and 1.7 wt%; and intermediate precision of 3.4 and 1.1 wt% for low (<10 wt%) and high (≈ 90 wt%) levels of adulterants, respectively. Therefore, this work represents the first exploratory study to analyze adulterations with coffee grounds by portable NIR, demonstrating the potential of the equipment against this type of adulteration.

Abstract We report the case of a 62-year-old female who suffered from a persistent postoperative paralytic ileus following an urgent open cholecystectomy. On the fifth postoperative day we performed a bilateral Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) type 1 which resulted in a progressive resolution of the condition. This case report highlights that QLB is not only limited to somatic pain control, but it can also be used to alleviate visceral pain, namely in the context of paralytic ileus management in the postoperative period.

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar en la literatura qué intervenciones de educación para la salud en primeros auxilios se utilizan en el ámbito escolar. Método: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, a modo de revisión integradora de la literatura, con una búsqueda realizada en las plataformas LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE y PubMed, seleccionando artículos publicados entre 2009 y 2019, en portugués, inglés y español, disponibles para acceso gratuito y completo, que caracterizó originales estudios de intervención en escuelas con el tema de primeros auxilios. Resultado: Se encontraron 1937 artículos que, tras analizar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, dieron como resultado 15 artículos en la muestra final. Los artículos se dividieron en dos categorías de discusión: acciones de educación en primeros auxilios para docentes y empleados y acciones de educación en primeros auxilios para estudiantes. Conclusión: Colaboradores, docentes y estudiantes no están preparados para brindar primeros auxilios en las escuelas, y que la enseñanza de primeros auxilios, utilizando diferentes metodologías, mejora significativamente los conocimientos y habilidades de las personas en este contexto. Estos estudios justifican la necesidad de promover la educación sanitaria en las escuelas sobre primeros auxilios.

Resumo Objectivo: Identificar na literatura quais as intervenções de educação para a saúde em primeiros socorros são utilizadas no contexto escolar. Métodos: Este é um estudo descritivo, como revisão integrada da literatura, com uma pesquisa realizada nas plataformas LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE e PubMed, seleccionando artigos publicados entre 2009 e 2019, em português, inglês e espanhol, disponíveis para acesso livre e completo, que caracterizaram estudos de intervenção original em escolas com o tema dos primeiros socorros. Resultado: Encontrámos 1937 artigos que, após análise dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, resultaram em 15 artigos na amostra final. Os artigos foram divididos em duas categorias de discussão: acções de educação de primeiros socorros para professores e empregados e acções de educação de primeiros socorros para estudantes. Conclusão: Empregados, professores e estudantes não estão preparados para prestar primeiros socorros nas escolas, e que o ensino de primeiros socorros, utilizando diferentes metodologias, melhora significativamente os conhecimentos e competências das pessoas neste contexto. Estes estudos justificam a necessidade de promover a educação para a saúde nas escolas em primeiros socorros.

Abstract Objective: To identify in the literature which health education interventions in first aid are used in the school setting. Method: This is a descriptive study, as an integrated review of the literature, with a search performed in the LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE and PubMed platforms, selecting articles published between 2009 and 2019, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, available for free and complete access, which characterized original intervention studies in schools with the theme of first aid. Result: We found 1937 articles which, after analyzing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulted in 15 articles in the final sample. The articles were divided into two discussion categories: first aid education actions for teachers and employees and first aid education actions for students. Conclusion: Collaborators, teachers and students are not prepared to provide first aid in schools, and that teaching first aid, using different methodologies, significantly improves people's knowledge and skills in this context. These studies justify the need to promote health education in schools about first aid.

RESUMO O presente estudo analisa os conceitos de bem-estar, Autoestima e Felicidade e procura perceber a sua relação, verificando se existem diferenças entre alunos que frequentam o ensino superior público e privado em Portugal. O estudo contou com um total de 541 participantes (325 alunos que frequentavam o ensino superior público e 216 o privado). Verificou-se que a maioria era do género feminino (70,8%), com uma média de idade de 23,9 anos e residia ainda com os pais (56,7%). Os resultados apontaram para a existência de uma associação positiva significativa, moderada a elevada, entre os conceitos de bem-estar, Autoestima e Felicidade. Verificou-se ainda que os alunos que frequentavam o ensino superior público apresentavam valores mais elevados em todos os conceitos analisados, quando comparados com os colegas do ensino superior privado. Espera-se que a presente investigação possa contribuir para futuros estudos na área, uma vez que se inscreve num domínio científico atual e estimulante porque a população universitária ainda é pouco estudada neste âmbito.

ABSTRACT The present study analyses the concepts of Welfare, Self-Esteem and Happiness and seeks to perceive their relationship, verifying if there are differences between students attending public and private higher education in Portugal. The study had a total of 541 participants, 325 students who attended public higher education and 216 private. It was verified that the majority were female (70.8%), with a mean age of 23.9 years and still lived with the parents (56.7%). The results pointed to the existence of a significant positive association, moderate to high, between the concepts of Welfare, Self-Esteem and Happiness. It was also verified that the students who attended the public higher education presented higher values in all the concepts analysed, when compared with the students of the private higher education. It is hoped that the present research can contribute to future studies in the area, since it is part of a current scientific field and stimulating because the university population is still little studied in this area.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: The rapid advance of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has led to the incessant search for therapeutic and prophylactic measures to fight the pandemic. Because it is a viral infection, the safest long-term prophylactic form, in addition to social distance and hygiene, is the vaccine. OBJECTIVE: Thus, this study aimed at conducting a review of the efficacy and landscape of Covid-19 vaccines. METHODS: The following electronic databases were used MEDLINE via PubMed, SCIELO, LILACS, NEJM, and Clinical Trials. Our study includes the 7 vaccines (phase 3) that reported an efficacy rate for Covid-19, including characteristics inherent to each one of them. RESULTS: Preliminary studies have shown that, although an efficacy ≥70% is necessary to eliminate the infection, a prophylactic vaccine with efficacy <70% will still have an important impact and can contribute to the elimination of the virus, provided that appropriate measures of social distancing remain. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of the vaccines obtained in this study varied between 50.38 and 95%, data that may represent a reduction in serious cases, hospitalizations, sequels, and deaths caused by Covid-19, respecting the panorama presented in this article.

Neste artigo analisamos as sombras de buracos negros girantes de Kerr e a sua ligação com a primeira imagem de um buraco negro obtida pela colaboração internacional Telescópio Horizonte de Eventos. Obtemos analiticamente a sombra do buraco negro girante de Kerr a partir da forma das órbitas esféricas de fótons. Também utilizamos o método numérico denominado de tracejamento inverso de raios para gerar imagens que ilustram a percepção visual de um observador na presença de um buraco negro girante com e sem um disco de acreção.

In this article we analyze the shadows of spinning Kerr black holes and their connection with the first image of a black hole obtained by the international collaboration Event Horizon Telescope. We obtain analytically the shadow of a rotating black hole from the spherical photon orbits. We also use the method known as backwards ray-tracing to illustrate the visual perception of an observer in the presence of a spinning black hole with and without an accretion disk.

Resumo Fundamento A relação entre velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) e biomarcadores de mudanças estruturais do ventrículo esquerdo e artérias carótidas ainda é pouco elucidada. Objetivo Investigar a relação entre VOP e esses biomarcadores. Métodos Estudo transversal, retrospectivo e analítico. Revisamos prontuários médicos de pacientes com diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, e pré-hipertensão ou hipertensão, que realizaram medida de pressão arterial central (PAC) utilizando o Mobil-O-Graph®, e doppler de carótida ou ecocardiografia três meses antes ou após a medida da PAC. Análise estatística realizada por correlação de Pearson ou de Spearman, análise de regressão múltipla e de regressão bivariada, e teste t (independente) ou de Mann-Whitney. Um p<0,05 indicou significância estatística. Resultados Prontuários de 355 pacientes foram avaliados, 56,1 ±14,8 anos, 51% homens. A VOP correlacionou-se com espessuras da íntima média (EIM) das carótidas (r=0,310) do septo do ventrículo esquerdo (r=0,191) e da parede posterior do ventrículo esquerdo (r=0.215), e com diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (r=0,181). A EIM associou-se com VOP ajustada por idade e pressão sistólica periférica (p=0,0004); uma EIM maior que 1mm aumentou em 3,94 vezes a chance de se apresentar VOP acima de 10m/s. A VOP foi significativamente maior em indivíduos com hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo (p=0,0001), EIM > 1 mm (p=0,006), placa de carótida (p=0,0001), estenose ≥ 50% (p=0,003), e lesões de órgãos-alvo (p=0,0001). Conclusões A VOP correlacionou-se com a EIM e com parâmetros ecocardiográficos, e se associou independentemente com EIM. Essa associação foi mais forte em pacientes com hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo, EIM aumentada, placa de carótida, estenose ≥ 50%, e lesões de órgãos-alvo. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1125-1132)

Abstract Background The relationship between pulse wave velocity (PWV) and biomarkers of structural changes of the left ventricle and carotid arteries remains poorly understood. Objective To investigate the relationship between PWV and these biomarkers. Methods This was an analytical, retrospective, cross-sectional study. Medical records of patients with diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and pre-hypertension or hypertension, who underwent central blood pressure (CBP) measurement using Mobil-O-Graph®, and carotid doppler or echocardiography three months before and after the CBPM were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson or Spearman correlation, linear bivariate and multiple regression analysis, and the t test (independent) or Mann-Whitney test. A p <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results Medical records of 355 patients were analyzed, mean age 56.1 (±14.8) years, 51% male. PWV was correlated with intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotids (r=0.310) and left ventricular septal thickness (r=0.191), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (r=0.215), and left atrial diameter (r=0.181). IMT was associated with PWV adjusted by age and peripheral systolic pressure (p=0.0004); IMT greater than 1 mm increased the chance of having PWV above 10 m/s by 3.94 times. PWV was significantly higher in individuals with left ventricular hypertrophy (p=0.0001), IMT > 1 mm (p=0.006), carotid plaque (p=0.0001), stenosis ≥ 50% (p=0.003), and target-organ damage (p=0.0001). Conclusion PWV was correlated with IMT and echocardiographic parameters, and independently associated with IMT. This association was stronger in individuals with left ventricular hypertrophy, increased IMT, carotid plaque, stenosis ≥ 50%, and target organ damage. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1125-1132)