The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and their elimination by antioxidants leads to oxidative stress. Depending on their concentration, ROS can trigger apoptosis or stimulate cell proliferation. We hypothesized that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction may participate not only in apoptosis detected in some myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients, but also in increasing proliferation in other patients. We investigated the involvement of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in MDS pathogenesis, as well as assessed their diagnostic and prognostic values. Intracellular peroxides, superoxide, superoxide/peroxides ratio, reduced glutathione (GSH), and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ(mit)) levels were analyzed in bone marrow cells from 27 MDS patients and 12 controls, by flow cytometry. We observed that all bone marrow cell types from MDS patients had increased intracellular peroxide levels and decreased GSH content, compared with control cells. Moreover, oxidative stress levels were MDS subtype- and risk group-dependent. Low-risk patients had the highest ROS levels, which can be related with their high apoptosis; and intermediate-2-risk patients had high Δψ(mit) that may be associated with their proliferative potential. GSH levels were negatively correlated with transfusion dependency, and peroxide levels were positively correlated with serum ferritin level. GSH content proved to be an accurate parameter to discriminate patients from controls. Finally, patients with high ROS or low GSH levels, as well as high superoxide/peroxides ratio had lower overall survival. Our results suggest that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are involved in MDS development, and that oxidative stress parameters may constitute novel diagnosis and/or prognosis biomarkers for MDS.

Oxygen therapy is a common and important treatment in Internal Medicine wards, however, several studies report that it isn't provided accordingly with the best of care. The goal of this work is to evaluate oxygen therapy procedures in Portuguese Internal Medicine wards, comparing them to the standards established by the British Thoracic Society (BTS) in its consensus statement "BTS guideline for emergency oxygen use in adult patients". Between September 3rd and 23rd 2010, each one of the 24 enrolled hospitals audited the oxygen therapy procedures for one randomly chosen day. All Internal Medicine inpatients under oxygen therapy or with oxygen prescription were included. Data was collected regarding oxygen prescription, administration and monitoring. Of the 1549 inpatients, 773 met inclusion criteria. There was an oxygen prescription in 93,4%. Most prescriptions were by a fixed dose (82,4%), but only 11,6% of those stated all the required parameters. Absence of oxygen therapy duration and monitoring were the most frequent errors. Oxygen was administered to only 77,0% of the patients with fixed dose prescriptions. FiO(2) or flow rate and the delivery device were the same as prescribed in 70,9 and 89,2% of the patients, respectively. Out of the 127 patients with oxygen therapy prescriptions by target SatO(2) range, 82,7% were on the prescribed SatO(2) objective range. Several errors were found in oxygen therapy procedures, particularly regarding fixed dose prescriptions, jeopardizing the patients. Although recommended by BTS, oxygen therapy prescriptions by target SatO(2) range are still a minority.

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<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Several countries prioritize patient safety in their health policies. In Portugal, following the implementation of the National Plan for Patient Safety (NPPS) 2015–2020, the research team of the National School of Public Health (NSPH) carried out extensive work to continue improving aspects of the previous Plan. This work was focused on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of NPPS 2015–2020 and aspects related to its applicability and main challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the NPPS 2021–2026. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Methodological dynamic process was based on the most relevant international and national guidelines and the feedback from key patient safety stakeholders. We developed a cross-sectional mixed-methods study from January to August 2021. We used documentation and periodical reports from National Health Service (NHS) healthcare institutions as secondary sources of information. For primary data collection, we used an online survey (applied to elements in the different quality and safety structures of hospitals and primary care units), interviews, and focus groups to collect information from patient safety experts. <b><i>Results and Discussion:</i></b> Strengthening safety culture, patient safety training, communication, leadership involvement, patient and family engagement, and monitorization process is considered essential. We also identified local limitations such as the lack of resources and protected time for the healthcare professionals and lack of leadership involvement on patient safety strategies for dedicating to patient safety actions. Most of the patient safety stakeholders agreed that the safety and health of clinical teams and new modalities of healthcare (such as telemedicine, home hospitalization, home care) should be a priority for patient safety strategies. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In our study, we used a robust methodology with a participatory process involving different stakeholders. An alignment between local, regional, and national levels in terms of measuring indicators, the definition of priorities, and actions and activities to improve patient safety is recommended. Reinforced partnerships and alignment between the institution’s mission, and safety priorities will be crucial to enhance patient safety. Additionally, this work highlights the added value for health systems achieved through strong partnerships between public administration and academic institutions to improve healthcare quality and patient safety.