The biochemical methodology was proven to be adequate, and manual morphometry was shown to have limitations that may interfere with the statistical significance of correlations for the estimate of fibrosis intensity in the human myocardium.

SummaryBackground: The characterization of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in human pericardial fluid is relevant, considering its role in the angiotensin II release and thus, the role of the pericardium in cardiovascular homeostasis.

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Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Heart failure (HF) is characterized by functional limitation and consequent loss of quality of life. These parameters can be measured through self-evaluated instruments, namely Duke activity status index (DASI) and Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ). In parallel, HF is also characterized by objective parameters measured by complementary diagnostic tests, namely NT-proBNP and left ventricular ejection fraction by echocardiogram. Patients with higher NT-proBNP value and worse ejection fraction may present with more symptoms and consequently functional impairment and worse quality of life. Aim To analyze if self-reported parameters present significant correlation with objective measured parameters and to understand if there are differences between gender in out-patients followed in advanced heart failure assessment. Methods During the year of 2022, a cohort of out-patients was analyzed. Data was collected regarding DASI, MLHFQ and disease stratification based on NT-proBNP and left ventricular ejection fraction by echocardiogram. Pearson's correlation was made between these parameters, trying to understand whether they were related to them and whether this relationship is in line with the patient's clinical presentation. An independent sample T-test was performed in order to understand any differences regarding the gender. Results A sample of 122 patients were evaluated; 97 (80%) were male, with a mean age of 63 years. New York Heart association functional class was between II and III and all patients had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, with an average of 35% (min: 10% and max: 48%). NT-proBNP scores are quite high, presenting an average score of 1349.7±1482.5. Average score of MLHFQ was 13±15, meaning that patients present a good quality of life and DASI average score was 33.9±16.1, meaning a very acceptable functional capacity level. The DASI score correlates negatively with MLHFQ (r = -0.566, p = 0.003) and with NT-proBNP value (r = -0.783, p = 0.000); MLHFQ score is positively correlated with NT-proBNP value (r = 0.018, p = 0.000). A high DASI score corresponds to good functional capacity and, as such, better quality of life and lower physiological impact of the disease. Surprisingly, despite the lower MLHFQ and high DASI, patients present a quite increase level of NT-proBNP. There were no gender differences in relation to the DASI score (p = 0.077) and MLHFQ (p = 0.422). Conclusion The self-evaluated parameters correlate with the physiological parameters objectively measured. The perception of patients regarding their quality of life and functional capacity may not allow to infer about their physiological parameters, since a high NT-proBNP a low left ventricular ejection fraction normally indicates a worse functional level, which is not observed in this cohort of patients. Gender seems to have no impact on the level of quality of life or self-reported functional capacity.

Este é um relato de experiência considerando o período de 2014 a 2019, realizado em uma cidade do interior mineiro e em uma universidade particular, com o objetivo de descrever atividades de extensão visando ampliar a captação de universitários doadores de sangue e de medula óssea. Os dados foram coletados a partir das cartas de agradecimento enviadas por uma fundação responsável pela captação de sangue e hemoderivados em Minas Gerais. Houve um aumento de 29,9% nas doações de sangue e 100% nos cadastros para doação de medula óssea após as ações de conscientização realizadas a partir do programa de extensão “Amizade Compatível – uma doação para a vida”, comparadas às ações isoladas em anos anteriores ao programa. Observou-se que a conscientização foi um diferencial para a adesão da comunidade acadêmica às doações de sangue e hemoderivados.