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Fitton Davies K, Clarke S, Martins R, Rudd JR, Duncan M. The effect of a home-based, gamified stability skills intervention on 4-5-year-old children's physical and cognitive outcomes: A pilot study. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2024; 73:102636. [PMID: 38588787 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stability skills (e.g., static/dynamic balance) are a precursor for other movement skill development (e.g., jumping, catching). However, young children consistently demonstrate low stability and movement skill ability. There is therefore a need to develop effective strategies to improve stability skills in early childhood. AIM To pilot the effect of a home-based gamified stability skills intervention on 4-5-year-old children's physical skills, self-perceptions and cognitions. METHODS One-hundred-and-eleven 4-5-year-old children participated from three schools. Two schools were allocated into the intervention group (n = 66 children, 33 boys) and one to the control group (n = 45 children, 25 boys). Stability, fundamental movement skills, perceived motor competence, and cognition were assessed at baseline and at post-intervention. The intervention group was given a booklet detailing the 12-week gamified stability skill intervention. The control group participated in their usual weekly activities. RESULTS A series of ANCOVAs controlling for baseline values demonstrated significantly higher stability skills (F(1,93) = 24.79, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.212), fundamental movement skills (F(1,94) = 15.5, p = < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.139), perceived motor competence (F(1,96) = 5.48, p = 0.021, partial η2 = 0.054) and cognition (F(1,96) = 15.5, p = < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.139) at post-test for the intervention versus control groups. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that a home-based, gamified, stability skills intervention enhances stability skills, fundamental movement skills, perceived motor competence and cognition in children aged 4-5-years old.
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Dos Ramos Almeida CJL, Veras FP, Paiva IM, Schneider AH, da Costa Silva J, Gomes GF, Costa VF, Silva BMS, Caetite DB, Silva CMS, Salina ACG, Martins R, Bonilha CS, Cunha LD, Jamur MC, da Silva LLP, Arruda E, Zamboni DS, Louzada-Junior P, de Oliveira RDR, Alves-Filho JC, Cunha TM, de Queiroz Cunha F. Neutrophil Virucidal Activity Against SARS-CoV-2 Is Mediated by Neutrophil Extracellular Traps. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:1352-1365. [PMID: 38015657 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation in the lungs and other vital organs in COVID-19 is characterized by the presence of neutrophils and a high concentration of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which seems to mediate host tissue damage. However, it is not known whether NETs could have virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS We investigated whether NETs could prevent SARS-CoV-2 replication in neutrophils and epithelial cells and what the consequence of NETs degradation would be in K18-humanized ACE2 transgenic mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS Here, by immunofluorescence microscopy, we observed that viral particles colocalize with NETs in neutrophils isolated from patients with COVID-19 or healthy individuals and infected in vitro. The inhibition of NETs production increased virus replication in neutrophils. In parallel, we observed that NETs inhibited virus abilities to infect and replicate in epithelial cells after 24 hours of infection. Degradation of NETs with DNase I prevented their virucidal effect in vitro. Using K18-humanized ACE2 transgenic mice, we observed a higher viral load in animals treated with DNase I. However, the virucidal effect of NETs was not dependent on neutrophil elastase or myeloperoxidase activity. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence of the role of NETosis as a mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 viral capture and inhibition.
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Mestriner F, Francisco DF, Campos LCB, Couto AES, Fraga-Silva TFC, Flora Dugaich V, D Avila-Mesquita C, Zukowski Kovacs H, Vasconcelos JL, Milani ER, Santos Guedes de Sá K, Martins R, Jordani MC, Corsi CAC, Barbosa JM, Vasconcelos T, Gonçalves Menegueti M, Neto J, da Costa RM, Evora PRB, Arruda E, Tostes R, Polonis K, Bonato VLD, Auxiliadora-Martins M, Ribeiro MS, Becari C. Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein is upregulated in severe COVID-19 patients and decreases neutrophil NETs in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cytokine 2024; 176:156503. [PMID: 38301358 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Orosomucoid, or alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), is a major acute-phase protein expressed in response to systemic injury and inflammation. AGP has been described as an inhibitor of neutrophil migration on sepsis, particularly its immunomodulation effects. AGP's biological functions in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not understood. We sought to investigate the role of AGP in severe COVID-19 infection patients and neutrophils infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Epidemiological data, AGP levels, and other laboratory parameters were measured in blood samples from 56 subjects hospitalized in the ICU with SARS-CoV-2 infection. To evaluate the role of AGP in NETosis in neutrophils, blood samples from health patients were collected, and neutrophils were separated and infected with SARS-CoV-2. Those neutrophils were treated with AGP or vehicle, and NETosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. AGP was upregulated in severe COVID-19 patients (p<0.05). AGP level was positively correlated with IL-6 and C-reactive protein (respectively, p=0.005, p=0.002) and negatively correlated with lactate (p=0.004). AGP treatment downregulated early and late NETosis (respectively, 35.7% and 43.5%) in neutrophils infected with SARS-CoV-2 and up-regulated IL-6 supernatant culture expression (p<0.0001). Our data showed increased AGP in COVID-19 infection and contributed to NETosis regulation and increased IL-6 production, possibly related to the Cytokine storm in COVID-19.
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Liu PY, Xia D, McGonigle K, Carroll AB, Chiango J, Scavello H, Martins R, Mehta S, Krespan E, Lunde E, LeVine D, Fellman CL, Goggs R, Beiting DP, Garden OA. Immune-mediated hematological disease in dogs is associated with alterations of the fecal microbiota: a pilot study. Anim Microbiome 2023; 5:46. [PMID: 37770990 PMCID: PMC10540429 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-023-00268-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dog is the most popular companion animal and is a valuable large animal model for several human diseases. Canine immune-mediated hematological diseases, including immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), share many features in common with autoimmune hematological diseases of humans. The gut microbiome has been linked to systemic illness, but few studies have evaluated its association with immune-mediated hematological disease. To address this knowledge gap, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to profile the fecal microbiota of dogs with spontaneous IMHA and ITP at presentation and following successful treatment. In total, 21 affected and 13 healthy control dogs were included in the study. RESULTS IMHA/ITP is associated with remodeling of fecal microbiota, marked by decreased relative abundance of the spirochete Treponema spp., increased relative abundance of the pathobionts Clostridium septicum and Escherichia coli, and increased overall microbial diversity. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Treponema spp. were associated with decreased risk of IMHA/ITP (odds ratio [OR] 0.24-0.34), while Ruminococcaceae UCG-009 and Christensenellaceae R-7 group were associated with increased risk of disease (OR = 6.84 [95% CI 2-32.74] and 8.36 [95% CI 1.85-71.88] respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates an association of immune-mediated hematological diseases in dogs with fecal dysbiosis, and points to specific bacterial genera as biomarkers of disease. Microbes identified as positive or negative risk factors for IMHA/ITP represent an area for future research as potential targets for new diagnostic assays and/or therapeutic applications.
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Ribeiro G, Ferreira G, Menda UD, Alexandre M, Brites MJ, Barreiros MA, Jana S, Águas H, Martins R, Fernandes PA, Salomé P, Mendes MJ. Sub-Bandgap Sensitization of Perovskite Semiconductors via Colloidal Quantum Dots Incorporation. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2447. [PMID: 37686955 PMCID: PMC10489900 DOI: 10.3390/nano13172447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
By taking advantage of the outstanding intrinsic optoelectronic properties of perovskite-based photovoltaic materials, together with the strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption and electronic confinement in PbS quantum dots (QDs), sub-bandgap photocurrent generation is possible, opening the way for solar cell efficiencies surpassing the classical limits. The present study shows an effective methodology for the inclusion of high densities of colloidal PbS QDs in a MAPbI3 (methylammonium lead iodide) perovskite matrix as a means to enhance the spectral window of photon absorption of the perovskite host film and allow photocurrent production below its bandgap. The QDs were introduced in the perovskite matrix in different sizes and concentrations to study the formation of quantum-confined levels within the host bandgap and the potential formation of a delocalized intermediate mini-band (IB). Pronounced sub-bandgap (in NIR) absorption was optically confirmed with the introduction of QDs in the perovskite. The consequent photocurrent generation was demonstrated via photoconductivity measurements, which indicated IB establishment in the films. Despite verifying the reduced crystallinity of the MAPbI3 matrix with a higher concentration and size of the embedded QDs, the nanostructured films showed pronounced enhancement (above 10-fold) in NIR absorption and consequent photocurrent generation at photon energies below the perovskite bandgap.
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Barreto EA, Cruz AS, Veras FP, Martins R, Bernardelli RS, Paiva IM, Lima TM, Singh Y, Guimarães RC, Damasceno S, Pereira N, Alves JM, Gonçalves TT, Forato J, Muraro SP, Souza GF, Batah SS, Proenca-Modena JL, Mori MA, Cunha FQ, Louzada-Junior P, Cunha TM, Nakaya HI, Fabro A, de Oliveira RDR, Arruda E, Réa R, Réa Neto Á, Fernandes da Silva MM, Leiria LO. COVID-19-related hyperglycemia is associated with infection of hepatocytes and stimulation of gluconeogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2217119120. [PMID: 37186819 PMCID: PMC10214153 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2217119120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Occurrence of hyperglycemia upon infection is associated with worse clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients. However, it is still unknown whether SARS-CoV-2 directly triggers hyperglycemia. Herein, we interrogated whether and how SARS-CoV-2 causes hyperglycemia by infecting hepatocytes and increasing glucose production. We performed a retrospective cohort study including patients that were admitted at a hospital with suspicion of COVID-19. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from the chart records and daily blood glucose values were analyzed to test the hypothesis on whether COVID-19 was independently associated with hyperglycemia. Blood glucose was collected from a subgroup of nondiabetic patients to assess pancreatic hormones. Postmortem liver biopsies were collected to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and its transporters in hepatocytes. In human hepatocytes, we studied the mechanistic bases of SARS-CoV-2 entrance and its gluconeogenic effect. SARS-CoV-2 infection was independently associated with hyperglycemia, regardless of diabetic history and beta cell function. We detected replicating viruses in human hepatocytes from postmortem liver biopsies and in primary hepatocytes. We found that SARS-CoV-2 variants infected human hepatocytes in vitro with different susceptibility. SARS-CoV-2 infection in hepatocytes yields the release of new infectious viral particles, though not causing cell damage. We showed that infected hepatocytes increase glucose production and this is associated with induction of PEPCK activity. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 entry in hepatocytes occurs partially through ACE2- and GRP78-dependent mechanisms. SARS-CoV-2 infects and replicates in hepatocytes and exerts a PEPCK-dependent gluconeogenic effect in these cells that potentially is a key cause of hyperglycemia in infected patients.
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Silva BM, Gomes GF, Veras FP, Cambier S, Silva GV, Quadros AU, Caetité DB, Nascimento DC, Silva CM, Costa Silva JC, Damasceno S, Schneider AH, Beretta F, Batah SS, Castro IM, Paiva IM, Rodrigues T, Salina A, Martins R, Cebinelli GCM, Bibo NL, Jorge DMDM, Nakaya HI, Zamboni DS, Leiria LO, Fabro AT, Alves-Filho JC, Arruda E, Louzada-Junior P, Oliveira RD, Cunha LD, Van Mol P, Vanderbeke L, Feys S, Wauters E, Brandolini L, Aramini A, Cunha FQ, Köhl J, Allegretti M, Lambrechts D, Wauters J, Proost P, Cunha TM. C5aR1 signaling triggers lung immunopathology in COVID-19 through neutrophil extracellular traps. J Clin Invest 2023:163105. [PMID: 37104043 DOI: 10.1172/jci163105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with severe COVID-19 develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that may progress to cytokine storm syndrome, organ dysfunction, and death. Considering that complement component 5a (C5a), through its cellular receptor C5aR1, has potent proinflammatory actions, and plays immunopathological roles in inflammatory diseases, we investigated whether C5a/C5aR1 pathway could be involved in COVID-19 pathophysiology. C5a/C5aR1 signaling increased locally in the lung, especially in neutrophils of critically ill COVID-19 patients compared to patients with influenza infection, as well as in the lung tissue of K18-hACE2 Tg mice (Tg mice) infected with SARS-CoV-2. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of C5aR1 signaling ameliorated lung immunopathology in Tg-infected mice. Mechanistically, we found that C5aR1 signaling drives neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)s-dependent immunopathology. These data confirm the immunopathological role of C5a/C5aR1 signaling in COVID-19 and indicate that antagonists of C5aR1 could be useful for COVID-19 treatment.
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Benali K, Barre V, Hermida A, Milhem A, Philibert S, Boveda S, Bars C, Anselme F, Maille B, André C, Behaghel A, Moubarak G, Clémenty N, Da Costa A, Arnaud M, Venier S, Sebag F, Jesel L, Macle L, Martins R. Atrial fibrillation recurrences despite durable pulmonary vein isolation: Characteristics, management and outcomes, the PARTY-PVI study. ARCHIVES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES SUPPLEMENTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvdsp.2022.10.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Benali K, Hamel-Bougault M, Bessière F, Extramiana F, Guenancia C, Ninni S, Defaye P, Maille B, Baudinaud P, Champ-Rigot L, Sellal JM, Jesel L, Anselme F, Delmas C, Galand V, Flécher E, Martins R. Heart transplantation as a rescue strategy for patients with refractory electrical storm. ARCHIVES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES SUPPLEMENTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvdsp.2022.10.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Rigal L, Bellec J, Hervouin A, Lederlin M, De Crevoisier R, Benali K, Martins R, Simon A. Motion discrepancies between cardiac target and ICD lead, and their impact on target volume for cardiac radioablation. ARCHIVES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES SUPPLEMENTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvdsp.2022.10.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Chaumont C, Martins R, Viart G, Pavin D, Noirot-Cosson B, Huchette D, Godin B, Savouré A, Eltchaninoff H, Anselme F. RVOT Premature ventricular contractions induce significant anatomical displacement during 3D mapping: A cause of mid-term ablation failure? ARCHIVES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES SUPPLEMENTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvdsp.2022.10.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Rigal L, Simon A, Benali K, Hamel-Bougault M, Barre V, Bellec J, Lederlin M, De Crevoisier R, Martins R. A novel data integration workflow for target delineation in cardiac radioablation. ARCHIVES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES SUPPLEMENTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvdsp.2022.10.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Gourraud J, Le Diffon T, Mansourati J, Clementy N, Thollet A, Rajalu A, Cotard V, Kyndt F, Martins R, Sacher F, Probst V. Characteristics and prognosis of the catecholamine induced QT prolongation syndrome. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
We have recently demonstrated association of unexplained sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) with inheritance of catecholamine induced QT prolongation (CIQTP).
Objective
We here aim to describe incidence, characteristics and prognosis of this new syndrome in young patients with unexplained SCA or their relatives.
Methods
We reviewed the medical screening of all consecutive patients or their first-degree relatives explore from 2015 after the occurrence of a SCA before age 45. Structural heart disease or inherited arrhythmia diseases were excluded. A mental stress test was performed, as previously described, for each family members. All families with a positive mental stress were included in the study. Genetic screening was performed in at least one positive patient per family using targeted sequencing on a panel of 109 genes associated with inherited arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies.
Results
Among 456 patients screened (24 after SCA, 432 for familial screening) of 153 families, we identified 10 families (6.5%) with a catecholamine induced QT prolongation. No mutation was identified in these families. One hundred and ten patients were screened in CIQTP families. Thirty-four patients (30.9%) presented a CIQTP (mean age 42±20 yo, 64.7% of women). Five (14.7%) patients presented with previous symptoms (including 4 syncope and 1 SCA).
Two patients (5.9%) were implanted with an ICD and eleven (32.3%) were treated with beta blocker therapy mainly because of QT prolongation >500 ms after mental stress test or previous symptoms.
After a 3.6±1.8 years of follow up, no sudden cardiac death nor syncope occurred on beta blocker therapy except for one patient implanted with an ICD after a SCA. Under beta blocker treatment the patient was asymptomatic for 5 years. After a suddenly stop of the beta blocker treatment, the patient underwent VF. For 3 years now the patient is asymptomatic under beta blocker treatment.
Conclusions
In our experience, CIQTP families represent 6.5% of cases of unexplained SCD and suggest systematic screening with a mental stress test for family screening after the occurrence of a SCA. Beta blocker therapy is very efficient to reduce the risk of SCA.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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de Melo TP, Delgado A, Martins R, Lassila L, Garoushi S, Caldeira J, Azul AM, Vallittu P. Can Specular Gloss Measurements Predict the Effectiveness of Finishing/Polishing Protocols in Dental Polymers? A Systematic Review and Linear Mixed-effects Prediction Model. Oper Dent 2022; 47:E131-E151. [PMID: 35776960 DOI: 10.2341/21-027-lit] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current gold standard measure to assess polishing efficacy is surface roughness (SR) assessed in laboratory research. Specular gloss (SG) has been negatively correlated to SR, which raises the following question: Can SG be used to accurately determine the effectiveness of a finishing/polishing procedure in direct resin composites? METHODS A systematic approach and search strategy, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, was developed and conducted in five electronic databases: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE (Ovid), and SciELO/LILACS to identify laboratory studies that assessed SR and SG, simultaneously, of resin composites, without date or language restriction. Risk of bias assessment was carried out by two reviewers, independently. From the extracted quantitative data of SG/SR, regression analyses were performed, and a linear mixed-effects prediction model was derived using the nimble package in R (v4.0.3). RESULTS A total of 928 potential studies were found, out of which, 13 were eligible after criterion screening. Experimental groups featured 31 resin composites of six different filler types, with the most common being microhybrids followed by nanohybrids. More than half of the studies initially reported a linear correlation between SR and SG, which ranged from r2 = 0.34-0.96. Taking into account the regression analysis and prediction model posteriorly performed, the corresponding SG threshold for 0.2 μm is estimated to be >55 GU. Most of the evidence was classified as moderate or high risk of bias. CONCLUSION SG is universally correlated to SR in polymers, and a reference value of >55 GU is proposed, above which samples are considered well polished.
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Martins R, Kotsopoulos N, Michalowsky B, Pemberton-Ross P, Urbich M, Connolly MP. Evaluation of the Fiscal Costs and Consequences of Alzheimer's Disease in Germany: Microsimulation of Patients' and Caregivers' Pathways. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2022; 9:758-768. [PMID: 36281681 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2022.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is a severe condition, impacting individual's wellbeing and independence in daily activities. Informal care provision is common and of great value to societies but is not without negative externalities to households and the broader economy. OBJECTIVES Estimate the lifetime incremental fiscal consequences of Alzheimer's disease in community-based individuals and their informal caregivers. SETTING The fiscal consequences of Alzheimer's disease was modeled using the German government and social security perspective. PARTICIPANTS Synthetic cohort containing 1,000 pairs of people with Alzheimer's disease and their informal caregivers, compared to 1,000 demographically identical pairs from the general population. DESIGN Disease progression was modeled using published equations and a state-transition microsimulation framework. Labor participation, financial support and paid taxes were estimated according to cognitive decline and caregiving responsibilities using German labor statistics and tax rates. Healthcare costs were sourced from several German publications. Costs and life-years were discounted at 3% annually. MEASUREMENTS Results are reported as lifetime incremental differences in total tax revenue and transfer payments between the cohort affected by Alzheimer's disease and their general population analogues. RESULTS The Alzheimer's disease-affected pair was associated with net incremental fiscal losses of €74,288 ($85,037) to the German government and social security over the lifetime of people with Alzheimer's disease. Most costs were lost taxes on employment earnings (48.4%) due to caregivers working reduced hours. Caregivers were estimated to earn €56,967 ($65,209) less than their general population analogues. Financial support for informal and formal care accounted for 20.4%, and medical healthcare costs represented 24.0% of the incremental fiscal losses. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the model results. In a cohort with early onset Alzheimer's disease, incremental fiscal losses were predicted to be €118,533 ($114,209) over the lifetime of people with Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSIONS Alzheimer's disease externalities profoundly impact public economics for governments and should be considered to inform policy making and healthcare planning.
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Martins R, Urbich M, Brännvall K, Gianinazzi M, Ching JE, Khoury CP, El-Hayek YH. Modelling the Pan-European Economic Burden of Alzheimer's Disease. JAR LIFE 2022; 11:38-46. [PMID: 36923231 PMCID: PMC10002890 DOI: 10.14283/jarlife.2022.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Recent advances open the opportunity of altering the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through lifestyle-based modifications and novel therapies. Ensuring that society is investing limited budgets in the interventions that have the greatest potential to generate tangible impact will require tools to guide policymakers. Objectives To build on previous studies to develop an economic model that estimates the societal burden of AD and evaluates the potential impact of novel interventions in six large European countries. Design AD progression was modelled using a published Markov structure with a 40-year time horizon to estimate lifetime costs and life years in a cohort aged 65 years and above diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI-AD) in 2020. Demographic projections were utilized to estimate the prevalence of MCI-AD up to 2100, total corresponding costs and life years. The model allows a comparison of costs associated with the introduction of a hypothetical new disease-modifying therapy that slows disease progression between MCI-AD and all AD-Dementia stages as well as a 'delayed onset' scenario where disease progression is halted at the MCI-AD stage, potentially occurring, for example, through lifestyle-based modifications. Results The 2022 present value of total lifetime costs for this cohort moving through all disease stages is ~€1.2T. Approximately 80% of the present value of lifetime costs in our model are driven by informal care and non-medical direct costs. Our model suggests that a 25% and 50% reduction in disease progression compared to natural history could translate into a present value of cost savings of €33.7B and €72.7B. Halting MCI-AD progression for 3 years with no therapeutic effect thereafter resulted in a present value cost savings of €84.7B in savings. Conclusions Our data further suggest that early intervention via disease-modifying therapies or lifestyle-based modifications in AD could result in cost savings for society. Additionally, our findings reinforce the importance of accounting for the full value of innovative interventions, management and care paradigms, including their potential impact on direct, indirect and intangible costs impacting patients, their care partners and health and social care systems.
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Alexandre M, Águas H, Fortunato E, Martins R, Mendes MJ. Light management with quantum nanostructured dots-in-host semiconductors. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2021; 10:231. [PMID: 34785654 PMCID: PMC8595380 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-021-00671-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Insightful knowledge on quantum nanostructured materials is paramount to engineer and exploit their vast gamut of applications. Here, a formalism based on the single-band effective mass equation was developed to determine the light absorption of colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) embedded in a wider bandgap semiconductor host, employing only three parameters (dots/host potential barrier, effective mass, and QD size). It was ascertained how to tune such parameters to design the energy level structure and consequent optical response. Our findings show that the CQD size has the biggest effect on the number and energy of the confined levels, while the potential barrier causes a linear shift of their values. While smaller QDs allow wider energetic separation between levels (as desired for most quantum-based technologies), the larger dots with higher number of levels are those that exhibit the strongest absorption. Nevertheless, it was unprecedently shown that such quantum-enabled absorption coefficients can reach the levels (104-105 cm-1) of bulk semiconductors.
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Costa A, Lopes J, Sousa CJ, Santos O, Virgolino A, Nogueira P, Henriques A, Seabra P, Capitão C, Martins R, Arriaga M, Alarcão V. Developing a social prescribing local system in a European Mediterranean country: a feasibility study to promote active and healthy aging. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1164. [PMID: 34706718 PMCID: PMC8548849 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07186-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social Prescribing (SP) is an innovative strategy to respond to the non-clinical health needs of the population. A Social Prescribing Local System (SPLS) can be defined as a set of joined community, health, and social organizations to foster SP-oriented activities. This study aimed to develop and assess the feasibility of an SPLS implemented in a Mediterranean country, to promote health and wellbeing and contribute to active and healthy aging. METHODS A mixed-methods approach was followed, including three sequential components: 1) Cross-sectional online survey targeting health professionals (HP) working in a primary health care cluster, Portugal's southern region; 2) Pilot study implementing an on-the-job training program for HP, designed to meet identified training needs in the survey; 3) Focus group (FG) with the HP who participated in the pilot study, two individual interviews, with an elderly patient and a community provider for assessing the satisfaction with the pilot test. RESULTS Sixty-five HP completed the survey; of these, 13 completed the theoretical part of the on-the-job training program; and six (out of these 13) completed the full program. Five HP participated in the FG, one patient and one community provider were interviewed. The surveyed HP perceived as facilitators to implement SP: an automatic system of notifications to prompt the use of SP, contribute to patient satisfaction, human and community resources' stability. The survey also highlighted barriers to SP implementation: length of appointments, shortage of human resources, data records confidentiality, low patient adherence rates, bureaucratic issues, time constraints, and financial costs. Participants were satisfied with the training. Identified SPLS implementation benefits were grouped into four dimensions (from the qualitative approach): gains for patients' health and wellbeing, support for the health services, sustainability of the community resources, and HP' professional satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Our study took the first steps towards the implementation of an SPLS. Findings reinforce that training HP in SP and on-the-job training seems feasible. This approach was well received and appears to represent a suitable and sustainable strategy. It can promote professional satisfaction, support health services, contribute to the stability of community resources, improve health and promote active and healthy aging.
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19
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Freire T, Fragoso AR, Matias M, Pinto JV, Marques AC, Pimentel A, Barquinha P, Huertas R, Fortunato E, Martins R, Nunes D. Enhanced solar photocatalysis of TiO2 nanoparticles and nanostructured thin films grown on paper. NANO EXPRESS 2021. [DOI: 10.1088/2632-959x/abed40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles and nanostructured thin films were simultaneously synthesized using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The synthesis formed very fine particles, appearing as nanospheres in the 11 nm size range. As for the nanostructured films, they have displayed similar structural characteristics to the nanoparticles, with thickness of 130 nm. These films covered uniformly and homogenously the Whatman paper, while maintaining its flexibility. The materials processed had their photocatalytic activity assessed from rhodamine B degradation under solar radiation (91% degradation after 40 min for the powder material and 68% after 6 h for the nanostructured thin films). Reusability experiments were also carried out, revealing superior performance concerning the Degussa P25, the most common photocatalyst used. The results of the present work can be thought as an option for the existing photocatalysts activated under solar light, namely for water purification, as it simultaneously produces enhanced photocatalytic powders and photocatalytic papers fully disposable and that can be easily recycled.
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20
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Ferreira PP, Martins R, Tavares DP, Valente J. COVID-19 Dashboard for the Lisbon Region - an advisory tool for policy. Eur J Public Health 2021. [PMCID: PMC8575066 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Issue/problem
At the time of arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic to Portugal, the Public Health Department of Lisbon and Tagus Valley Regional Health Administration was confronted with its obsolete information system, which could not provide the information that Public Health Authorities needed to bring the pandemic under control. In order to tackle this issue, our goal was to aggregate all the relevant epidemiological data for the region in an accessible and user-friendly dashboard.
Methods
Starting from March 2020 we created a dashboard, which compiled and analyzed COVID-19 data, such as: confirmed and active cases, deaths, hospitalizations (including ICU beds), high/low risk contacts, mandatory confinements, tests, and clusters. This dashboard had anonymized data and was updated daily as well as constantly upgraded by taking into consideration new incoming data and feedback provided by users, serving its purpose as an advisory tool for policy.
Results
The dashboard was available to Local, Regional, and National Public Health Authorities and made possible to monitor trends and predict epidemiological changes that, prior to its existence, were dispersed in several datasets. Most importantly, it allowed for a better allocation of human resources for contact tracing and case management activities, to easily identify basic social needs for the most vulnerable citizens. It also provided for policy measures adjusted to the smallest administrative division in Portugal, the parish, that ultimately allowed for a better epidemiological control in Lisbon Metropolitan Area in 2020.
Lessons
The regional dashboard is far from perfect, but it highlights the constant need for robust information and epidemiological surveillance systems, serving both National, Regional and Local Public Health Authorities. It appeared out of necessity during a pandemic and it proved once more the importance of data analytics for guiding public health action based on evidence.
Key messages
Data analytics can serve both as an advisory tool for policy as well as to guide public health interventions. The COVID-19 Dashboard for the Lisbon Region aggregates relevant epidemiological data that helped Public Health authorities better understand and control the Pandemic in the region.
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Mendes-Oliveira F, Martins R, Souza VR, Gomes F, Bolina E, Ozahata M, Franco L, Carneiro-Proietti AB, Sabino E, Belisário AR. ANÁLISE DO MICROBIOMA EM ÚLCERA DE PERNA DE PACIENTES COM ANEMIA FALCIFORME. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2021.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
IntroductionSleep problems are a common presenting symptom of elderly patients to Primary care physicians and Psychiatrists. Almost half of seniors over age 65 who live at home are dissatisfied with their sleep, and nearly two-thirds of those residing in nursing home facilities suffer from sleep disorders. Chronic and pervasive sleep complaints and disturbances are frequently associated with excessive daytime sleepiness and may result in impaired cognition, diminished intellect, poor memory, confusion, and psychomotor retardation.ObjectivesThe aim of this article is to sumarize and explore the facts envolving sleep disorders, discusses approaches to treatment and highlights new research in the area of geriatric sleep disorders.MethodsAn online bibliographic search was carried out on PubMed and Medline using the keywords “Elderly”, “sleep” and “Psychiatry”.ResultsManagement of sleep disorders is complicated by the risk of side effects of pharmacologic treatment approaches, and thus nonpharmacologic strategies are preferred when possible. Additionally, many of the pharmacologic strategies used in treating younger adults have not been studied adequately in the geriatric population, and more specifically in patients with underlying cognitive disorders, making treatment choices difficult.ConclusionsThis review has provided insights into the biopsychosocial impact of sleep disorders in the elderly, as this group pose unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Sleep changes in the elderly may have a far broader impact on geriatric health than originally thought, with implications for AD and delirium, and further research is needed in these areas as well.
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23
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Martins R, Brito LF, Machado PC, Pinto LFB, Silva MR, Schenkel FS, Pedrosa VB. Genome-wide association study and pathway analysis for carcass fatness in Nellore cattle measured by ultrasound. Anim Genet 2021; 52:730-733. [PMID: 34370325 DOI: 10.1111/age.13129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Identifying genes or genomic regions influencing carcass-quality traits such as fatness (FTN) is essential to optimize the genetic selection processes in beef cattle. The aim of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with FTN in Nellore cattle as well as to elucidate the metabolic pathways related to the phenotypic expression. Ultrasound-based measurements of FTN were collected in 11 750 animals, with 39 903 animals in the pedigree file. Additionally, 1440 animals were genotyped using the GGP-indicus 35K SNP panel, which contained 33 623 SNPs after quality control. Twenty genes related to FTN were found on 11 chromosomes, explaining 12.96% of the total additive genetic variance. Gene ontology revealed seven genes: NR1L2, PKD2, GSK3β, EXT1, RAD51B, SORCS1 and DPH6, associated with important processes related to FTN. In addition, novel candidate genes (MAATS1, LYPD1, CDK5RAP2, RAD51B, c13H2Oorf96 and TRAPPC11) were detected and could provide further knowledge to uncover genetic regions associated to carcass fatness in beef cattle.
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Bellec J, Rigal L, Jaksic N, Caille P, Lederlin M, Lafond C, Martins R, De Crevoisier R, Simon A. PD-0891 Cardio-respiratory ITV for cardiac radioablation in case of ventricular tachycardia. Radiother Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(21)07170-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bessiere F, Gardey K, Duthoit G, Koutbi L, Labombarda F, Marquie C, Gourraud JB, Mondoly P, Bordachar P, Martins R, Pasquie JL, Combes N, Di Filippo S, Marijon E, Waldmann V. Impact of pulmonary valve replacement on ventricular arrhythmias in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Europace 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab116.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): INSERM - French Society of Cardiology
OnBehalf
DAIT4F Investigators
Background
Sudden cardiac death is a major cause of death in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and right ventricular overload is commonly considered as a potential trigger for ventricular arrhythmias.
Purpose
We aimed to assess the impact of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) on ventricular arrhythmias burden using a population of TOF patients with continuous cardiac monitoring by implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
Methods
Nationwide French registry including all TOF patients with an ICD. Survival data with recurrent events were used to compare the burden of appropriate ICD therapies before and after PVR in patients who underwent PVR over the study period.
Results
A total of 165 patients (mean age 42.2 ± 13.3 years, 70.1% males) were included from 40 centers. Over a median (IQR) follow-up period of 6.8 (2.5-11.4) years, 26 (15.8%) patients underwent PVR. Among those patients, 18 (69.2%) experienced at least one appropriate ICD therapy. When considering all ICD therapies delivered before (n = 62) and after (n = 16) PVR, the burden of ICD appropriate therapies was significantly lower after PVR (HR 0.21, 95%CI 0.08-0.56, p = 0.002). In the overall cohort, PVR before ICD implantation was also independently associated with a lower risk of appropriate ICD therapy in primary prevention patients (HR 0.29, 95%CI 0.10-0.89, p = 0.031).
Conclusions
In this cohort of high-risk TOF patients implanted with an ICD, the burden of appropriate ICD therapies was significantly reduced after PVR. While optimal indications and timing for PVR are debated, these findings suggest the importance of considering ventricular arrhythmias in the overall making-decision process. Abstract Figure.
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