51
|
Ribeiro S, de Sousa D, Medina D, Castro R, Lopes Â, Rocha M. Prevalence of gonorrhea and chlamydia in a community clinic for men who have sex with men in Lisbon, Portugal. Int J STD AIDS 2019; 30:951-959. [PMID: 31284840 PMCID: PMC6732818 DOI: 10.1177/0956462419855484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greater risk for sexually transmitted
infections (STIs). Data on MSM chlamydia and gonorrhea prevalence estimates and
associated risk factors are scarce. To our knowledge, this is the first study to
describe the prevalence and the determinants of both chlamydia and gonorrhea
infections in MSM in Portugal. We conducted a cross-sectional study using data
from 1832 visits to CheckpointLX, a community-based center for screening
blood-borne viruses and other STIs in MSM. Overall prevalence of chlamydia or
gonorrhea in our sample was 16.05%, with 14.23% coinfection and 40.73%
asymptomatic presentation among those testing positive. Anorectal infection was
most common for chlamydia (67.26%), followed by urethral (24.78%) and oral
(19.47%) infection. Oral infection was most common for gonorrhea (55.63%),
followed by anal (51.25%) and urethral (17.50%) infection. In multivariate
analyses, young age (U = 94684, p = 0.014),
being foreign-born (χ2 = 11.724, p = 0.003),
reporting STI symptoms (χ2 = 5.316, p = 0.021),
inhaled drug use (χ2 = 4.278, p = 0.039) and having
a higher number of concurrent (χ2 = 18.769,
p < 0.001) or total (χ2 = 5.988,
p = 0.050) sexual partners were each associated with higher
rates of chlamydia or gonorrhea infection. Young and migrant MSM are a
vulnerable population to STIs, as are those who use inhaled drugs and those with
a higher number of concurrent or total sexual partners. Although Portugal has no
guidelines on chlamydia and gonorrhea screening, our results point toward a need
for greater awareness about the importance of high-frequency screening for those
at increased risk (i.e., every three to six months).
Collapse
|
52
|
Ribeiro S, Rocha M. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Counseling in a Community Sexual Health Clinic for Men Who Have Sex with Men in Lisbon, Portugal. ACTA MEDICA PORT 2019; 32:441-447. [PMID: 31292025 DOI: 10.20344/amp.11474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-exposure prophylaxis is defined as the use of antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV acquisition in uninfected individuals. Recognizing the increasing use of informal pre-exposure prophylaxis in Portugal, CheckpointLX, a community clinic targeted to men who have sex with men in Lisbon, Portugal, began offering counselling and follow-up services prior to formal introduction. This study aims to characterize pre-exposure prophylaxis users attending CheckpointLX before formal pre-exposure prophylaxis introduction in Portugal, and those who were referred to pre-exposure prophylaxis in the National Health Service following formal approval of pre-exposure prophylaxis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data was collected by peer counsellors between May 2015 and September 2018 and inserted in a database. Medical care followed the European AIDS Clinical Society recommendations for pre-exposure prophylaxis eligibility, initiation and follow-up. For formal pre-exposure prophylaxis, the General-Directorate for Health's Pre-exposure Prophylaxis guidelines checklist was used. RESULTS Until the end of May 2018, CheckpointLX had a total of 90 appointments for wild pre-exposure prophylaxis, of which 64 (71%) were first time visits. As for the 380 service users referred to the National Health Service, most were Portuguese (n = 318, 84%), and the mean age was 31 (8.9) years old. Condomless sex in the last six months with partners of unknown HIV status was the most common eligibility criteria (n = 59, 83%). DISCUSSION Pre-exposure prophylaxis delivery should be complemented with effective information on the importance of immunization and education on safer practices of drug administration, in the scope of broader preventive sexual health care. CONCLUSION Much remains to be done in Portugal to ensure that pre-exposure prophylaxis is available to those who need it the most. Offering pre-exposure prophylaxis at community clinics could be a first step.
Collapse
|
53
|
Silva Costa A, Arriaga M, Veloso Mendes R, Miranda D, Barbosa P, Sakellarides C, Peralta A, Ambrósio Lopes N, Roque C, Ribeiro S. A Strategy for the Promotion of Health Literacy in Portugal, Centered around the Life-Course Approach: The Importance of Digital Tools. PORTUGUESE JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1159/000500247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
54
|
Quinn MM, Jalalian L, Ribeiro S, Ona K, Demirci U, Cedars M, Rosen M. Microfluidic Sorting Selects Sperm for Clinical Use With Reduced DNA Damage Compared to Density Gradient Centrifugation in Split Semen Samples. Reprod Biomed Online 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
55
|
De Pieri A, Ribeiro S, Tsiapalis D, Eglin D, Bohner M, Dubruel P, Procter P, Zeugolis DI, Bayon Y. Joint academic and industrial efforts towards innovative and efficient solutions for clinical needs. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2018; 29:129. [PMID: 30066293 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-018-6136-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The 4th Translational Research Symposium (TRS) was organised at the annual meeting of the European Society for Biomaterials (ESB) 2017, Athens, Greece, with a focus on 'Academia-Industry Clusters of Research for Innovation Catalysis'. Collaborations between research institutes and industry can be sustained in several ways such as: European Union (EU) funded consortiums; syndicates of academic institutes, clinicians and industries; funding from national governments; and private collaborations between universities and companies. Invited speakers from industry and research institutions presented examples of these collaborations in the translation of research ideas or concepts into marketable products. The aim of the present article is to summarize the key messages conveyed during these lectures. In particular, emphasis is put on the challenges to appropriately identify and select unmet clinical needs and their translation by ultimately implementing innovative and efficient solutions achieved through joint academic and industrial efforts.
Collapse
|
56
|
Ribeiro S, Gomes AC, Etxebarria I, Lanceros-Méndez S, Ribeiro C. Electroactive biomaterial surface engineering effects on muscle cells differentiation. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2018; 92:868-874. [PMID: 30184816 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2018.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Even though skeletal muscle cells can naturally regenerate as a response to insignificant tissue damages, more severe injuries can cause irreversible loss of muscle cells mass and/or function. Until now, cell therapies are not a good approach to treat those injuries. Biomaterials such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, can improve muscle regeneration by presenting physical cues to muscle cells that mimic the natural regeneration environment. In this way, the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of PVDF offer new opportunities for skeletal muscle tissue engineering once the piezoelectricity is an electromechanical effect that can be used to provide electrical signals to the cells, upon mechanical solicitations, similar to the ones found in several body tissues. Thus, previous to dynamic experiments, it is important to determine how the surface properties of the material, both in terms of the poling state (positive or negative net surface charge) and of the morphology (films or fibers) influence myoblast differentiation. It was observed that PVDF promotes myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells as evidenced by quantitative analysis of myotube fusion, maturation index, length, diameter and number. Charged surfaces improve the fusion of muscle cells into differentiated myotubes, as demonstrated by fusion and maturation index values higher than the control samples. Finally, the use of random and oriented β-PVDF electrospun fibers scaffolds has revealed differences in cell morphology. Contrary to the randomly oriented fibers, oriented PVDF electrospun fibers have promoted the alignment of the cells. It is thus demonstrated that the use of this electroactive polymer represents a suitable approach for the development of electroactive microenvironments for effective muscle tissue engineering.
Collapse
|
57
|
Basto-Pereira M, Ribeiro S, Maia Â. Needs and Achievements of the Juvenile Justice System: Insights From Two Empirical Studies With Portuguese Young Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2018; 62:1787-1805. [PMID: 28152636 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x17690450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, studies have evaluated the effectiveness of interventions for juvenile offenders; nonetheless, those studies were more focused on recidivism than on the mechanisms associated with criminal perpetration. The current study explores the role of juvenile justice involvement and detention measures in a set of psychological, social, and criminal behavior characteristics in early adulthood. Seventy-five young adults with official records of juvenile delinquency in 2010-2011 and 240 young adults from the community filled out our protocol in 2014-2015. Young adults with juvenile justice involvement showed worse psychological, social, and criminal outcomes than those from community. Detention appears to be related to the number of deviant friends, delinquency, and school achievement in early adulthood. Our findings are in line with the labeling and deviant peer contagion theories and establish the main areas of interventions that affect the identified needs. A set of policy implications is provided.
Collapse
|
58
|
Greer SL, Bekker M, de Leeuw E, Wismar M, Helderman JK, Ribeiro S, Stuckler D. Policy, politics and public health. Eur J Public Health 2018; 27:40-43. [PMID: 29028231 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
If public health is the field that diagnoses and strives to cure social ills, then understanding political causes and cures for health problems should be an intrinsic part of the field. In this article, we argue that there is no support for the simple and common, implicit model of politics in which scientific evidence plus political will produces healthy policies. Efforts to improve the translation of evidence into policy such as knowledge transfer work only under certain circumstances. These circumstances are frequently political, and to be understood through systematic inquiry into basic features of the political economy such as institutions, partisanship and the organization of labour markets.
Collapse
|
59
|
Ribeiro C, Correia DM, Ribeiro S, Fernandes MM, Lanceros-Mendez S. Piezo- and Magnetoelectric Polymers as Biomaterials for Novel Tissue Engineering Strategies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1557/adv.2018.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
60
|
|
61
|
Ribeiro S, Eler JP, Pedrosa VB, Rosa GJM, Ferraz JBS, Balieiro JCC. Genotype by environment interaction for yearling weight in Nellore cattle applying reaction norms models. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/an17048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, a possible existence of genotype × environment interaction was verified for yearling weight in Nellore cattle, utilising a reaction norms model. Therefore, possible changes in the breeding value were evaluated for 46 032 animals, from three distinct herds, according to the environmental gradient variation of the different contemporary groups. Under a Bayesian approach, analyses were carried out utilising INTERGEN software resulting in solutions of contemporary groups dispersed in the environmental gradient from –90 to +100 kg. The estimates of heritability coefficients ranged from 0.19 to 0.63 through the environmental gradient and the genetic correlation between intercept and slope of the reaction norms was 0.76. The genetic correlation considering all animals of the herds in the environmental gradient ranged from 0.83 to 1.0, and the correlation between breeding values of bulls in different environments ranged from 0.79 to 1.0. The results showed no effect of genotype × environment interaction on yearling weight in the herds of this study. However, it is important to verify a possible influence of the genotype × environment in the genetic evaluation of beef cattle, as different environments might cause interference in gene expression and consequently difference in phenotypic response.
Collapse
|
62
|
Alarcão V, Ribeiro S, Almeida J, Giami A. Clinical Practice in Portuguese Sexology. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2017; 43:760-773. [PMID: 27911184 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2016.1266537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Few studies explore the clinicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sexuality, despite their role in the sexual-health socialization process. This study focuses on Portuguese sexologists engaged in clinical practice. It aims to characterize sexologists' sex education and training and their clinical practices, including diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This research followed the methodology of an European survey on sexology as a profession (Euro-Sexo). From the 91 respondents who completed questionnaires, 51 (56%) were active in clinical practice. Results indicate that the Portuguese clinical sexologist is significantly older, predominantly male, has had training in sexology, performs more scientific research, and is more engaged in teaching activities when compared to nonclinical working sexologists. This article describes the main sexual problems presented by patients to Portuguese clinical sexologists and highlights differences in the professional groups and approaches toward treating these problems by medical doctors and nonmedical professionals. Results reinforce the idea that there are intra-European differences in the educational background of sexologists and reveal important variations in Portuguese sexologists' education, training, and clinical practice. The representations and practices of the sexologists in Portugal, as in other European countries, are embedded in cultural scenarios and sexual cultures, with implications for the clinical practice.
Collapse
|
63
|
Ribeiro S, Simbulan S, Yang X, Olivera G, Lin W, Rosen M. Expanding human blastocyst expansion takes longer to expand compared to expanded blastocysts after warming on biopsied and non-biopsied embryos: a time lapse analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
64
|
Ribeiro S, Radvar E, Shi Y, Borges J, Pirraco RP, Leonor IB, Mano JF, Reis RL, Mata Á, Azevedo HS. Nanostructured interfacial self-assembled peptide-polymer membranes for enhanced mineralization and cell adhesion. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:13670-13682. [PMID: 28876352 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr03410e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Soft interfacial materials, such as self-assembled polymer membranes, are gaining increasing interest as biomaterials since they can provide selective barriers and/or controlled affinity interactions important to regulate cellular processes. Herein, we report the design and fabrication of multiscale structured membranes integrating selective molecular functionalities for potential applications in bone regeneration. The membranes were obtained by interfacial self-assembly of miscible aqueous solutions of hyaluronan and multi-domain peptides (MDPs) incorporating distinct biochemical motifs, including mineralizing (EE), integrin-binding (RGDS) and osteogenic (YGFGG) peptide sequences. Circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses of the MDPs revealed a predominant β-sheet conformation, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the formation of fibre-like nanostructures with different lengths. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the membranes showed an anisotropic structure and surfaces with different nanotopographies, reflecting the morphological differences observed under TEM. All the membranes were able to promote the deposition of a calcium-phosphate mineral on their surface when incubated in a mineralizing solution. The ability of the MDPs, coated on coverslips or presented within the membranes, to support cell adhesion was investigated using primary adult periosteum-derived cells (PDCs) under serum-free conditions. Cells on the membranes lacking RGDS remained round, while in the presence of RGDS they appear to be more elongated and anchored to the membrane. These observations were confirmed by SEM analysis that showed cells attached to the membrane and exhibiting an extended morphology with close interactions with the membrane surface. We anticipate that these molecularly designed interfacial membranes can both provide relevant biochemical signals and structural biomimetic components for stem cell growth and differentiation and ultimately promote bone regeneration.
Collapse
|
65
|
Ellegaard M, Godhe A, Ribeiro S. Time capsules in natural sediment archives-Tracking phytoplankton population genetic diversity and adaptation over multidecadal timescales in the face of environmental change. Evol Appl 2017; 11:11-16. [PMID: 29302268 PMCID: PMC5748521 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Undisturbed records of resting stages produced in the past and stored in coastal sediments are very valuable to science, because they may provide unique insights into past evolutionary and ecological trajectories. Within marine phytoplankton, multidecadal time series of monoclonal strains germinated from resting stages have been established for diatoms (Skeletonema marinoi) and dinoflagellates (Pentapharsodinium dalei), spanning ca. a century. Phenotypic and genotypic analyses of these time series have revealed effects of past environmental changes on population genetic structure. Future perspectives include direct comparisons of phenotypes and genotypic data of populations, for example, by genomewide assays that can correlate phenotypic trends with genotypes and allele frequencies in temporally separated strains. Besides their usefulness as historical records, “seed” banks of phytoplankton resting stages also have the potential to provide an inoculum that influences present populations through “dispersal from the past” (the storage effect) and are important for adaptation to future environments through their standing genetic diversity.
Collapse
|
66
|
Leroy A, Ribeiro S, Grossiord C, Alves A, Vestberg RH, Salles V, Brunon C, Gritsch K, Grosgogeat B, Bayon Y. FTIR microscopy contribution for comprehension of degradation mechanisms in PLA-based implantable medical devices. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2017; 28:87. [PMID: 28470445 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-017-5894-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The integration and evolution of implantable medical devices made of bioresorbable polymers and used for temporary biomedical applications are crucial criteria in the success of a therapy and means of follow-up after implantation are needed. The objective of this work is to develop and evaluate a method based on microscopic Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR) mappings to monitor the degradation of such polymers on tissue explant sections, after implantation. This technique provided information on their location and on both their composition and crystallinity, which is directly linked to their state of degradation induced predominantly by chain scissions. An in vitro study was first performed on poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) meshes to validate the procedure and the assumption that changes observed on FTIR spectra are indeed a consequence of degradation. Then, mappings of in vivo degraded PLLA meshes were realized to follow up their degradation and to better visualize their degradation mechanisms. This work further warrants its translation to medical implants made of copolymers of lactic acid and to other polyesters.
Collapse
|
67
|
Ellegaard M, Ribeiro S. The long-term persistence of phytoplankton resting stages in aquatic ‘seed banks’. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2017; 93:166-183. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
68
|
Bertollini R, Ribeiro S, Mauer-Stender K, Galea G. Tobacco control in Europe: a policy review. Eur Respir Rev 2017; 25:151-7. [PMID: 27246592 PMCID: PMC9487237 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0021-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco is responsible for the death of 6 million people every year globally, of whom 700 000 are in Europe. Effective policies for tobacco control exist; however, the status of their implementation varies across the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region. In order to tackle the tobacco epidemic, action has been taken though the implementation of both legally binding and non-legally binding measures. This article aims to present the achievements and challenges of tobacco control in Europe, focussing on the available legally binding instruments such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive at the European Union level. Tobacco still faces heavy lobbying of the tobacco industry, which has systematically contrasted policies to achieve public health objectives. The legal instruments for tobacco control in Europe presented here are not always adequately enforced in all the countries and there is certainly room for improving their implementation. Finally, the need for a strong political commitment towards the end-game of the tobacco epidemic is emphasised. We can stop the epidemic of tobacco-related diseases but we need political commitment to the endgame of this epidemichttp://ow.ly/10lEFC
Collapse
|
69
|
Lundholm N, Ribeiro S, Godhe A, Rostgaard Nielsen L, Ellegaard M. Exploring the impact of multidecadal environmental changes on the population genetic structure of a marine primary producer. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:3132-3142. [PMID: 28480012 PMCID: PMC5415532 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many marine protists form resting stages that can remain viable in coastal sediments for several decades. Their long‐term survival offers the possibility to explore the impact of changes in environmental conditions on population dynamics over multidecadal time scales. Resting stages of the phototrophic dinoflagellate Pentapharsodinium dalei were isolated and germinated from five layers in dated sediment cores from Koljö fjord, Sweden, spanning ca. 1910–2006. This fjord has, during the last century, experienced environmental fluctuations linked to hydrographic variability mainly driven by the North Atlantic Oscillation. Population genetic analyses based on six microsatellite markers revealed high genetic diversity and suggested that samples belonged to two clusters of subpopulations that have persisted for nearly a century. We observed subpopulation shifts coinciding with changes in hydrographic conditions. The large degree of genetic diversity and the potential for both fluctuation and recovery over longer time scales documented here, may help to explain the long‐term success of aquatic protists that form resting stages.
Collapse
|
70
|
Ribeiro S, Sharma R, Gupta S, Cakar Z, De Geyter C, Agarwal A. Inter- and intra-laboratory standardization of TUNEL assay for assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation. Andrology 2017; 5:477-485. [PMID: 28245344 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
One of the challenges with the sperm DNA fragmentation results is the inconsistency and the large variability in the results obtained by different techniques. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay quantifies the incorporation of fluoresceinated dUTP into single- and double-strand DNA breaks by labeling the 3'-OH terminal with TdT. The goal of this study was optimize the TUNEL protocol for assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation by standardization of the method and comparison of the data across two reference laboratories (i) at Basel, Switzerland and (ii) Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA. Semen samples from 31 subjects grouped into three cohorts. Sperm DNA fragmentation was data measured by two experienced operators at two different laboratories using identical semen samples, assay kit, protocol and acquisition settings using identical flow cytometers (BD Accuri C6). No significant differences were observed between the duplicates in any of the experiments performed. By including an additional washing step after fixation in paraformaldehyde, a high correlation was seen between the two laboratories (r = 0.94). A strong positive correlation was observed between the average sperm DNA fragmentation rates (r = 0.719). The mean sperm DNA fragmentation measured in each laboratory was similar. Both flow cytometers were identical in their settings and performance. This inter- and intra-laboratory study establishes that TUNEL is a reproducible assay when utilizing a standardized staining protocol and flow cytometer acquisition settings. Standardization and consensual guidelines for TUNEL validate the assay and establishes TUNEL as a robust test for measuring sperm DNA fragmentation especially in a multicenter setting.
Collapse
|
71
|
Terças H, Ribeiro S, Pezzutto M, Omar Y. Quantum thermal machines driven by vacuum forces. Phys Rev E 2017; 95:022135. [PMID: 28297986 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.95.022135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We propose a quantum thermal machine composed of two nanomechanical resonators (two membranes suspended over a trench in a substrate) placed a few μm from each other. The quantum thermodynamical cycle is powered by the Casimir interaction between the resonators and the working fluid is the polariton resulting from the mixture of the flexural (out-of-plane) vibrations. With the help of piezoelectric cells, we select and sweep the polariton frequency cyclically. We calculate the performance of the proposed quantum thermal machines and show that high efficiencies are achieved thanks to (i) the strong coupling between the resonators and (ii) the large difference between the membrane stiffnesses. Our findings can be of particular importance for applications in nanomechanical technologies where a sensitive control of temperature is needed.
Collapse
|
72
|
Ribeiro S, Sejr MK, Limoges A, Heikkilä M, Andersen TJ, Tallberg P, Weckström K, Husum K, Forwick M, Dalsgaard T, Massé G, Seidenkrantz MS, Rysgaard S. Sea ice and primary production proxies in surface sediments from a High Arctic Greenland fjord: Spatial distribution and implications for palaeoenvironmental studies. AMBIO 2017; 46:106-118. [PMID: 28116686 PMCID: PMC5258668 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0894-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In order to establish a baseline for proxy-based reconstructions for the Young Sound-Tyrolerfjord system (Northeast Greenland), we analysed the spatial distribution of primary production and sea ice proxies in surface sediments from the fjord, against monitoring data from the Greenland Ecosystem Monitoring Programme. Clear spatial gradients in organic carbon and biogenic silica contents reflected marine influence, nutrient availability and river-induced turbidity, in good agreement with in situ measurements. The sea ice proxy IP25 was detected at all sites but at low concentrations, indicating that IP25 records from fjords need to be carefully considered and not directly compared to marine settings. The sea ice-associated biomarker HBI III revealed an open-water signature, with highest concentrations near the mid-July ice edge. This proxy evaluation is an important step towards reliable palaeoenvironmental reconstructions that will, ultimately, contribute to better predictions for this High Arctic ecosystem in a warming climate.
Collapse
|
73
|
Mousing EA, Ribeiro S, Chisholm C, Kuijpers A, Moros M, Ellegaard M. Size differences of Arctic marine protists between two climate periods-using the paleoecological record to assess the importance of within-species trait variation. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:3-13. [PMID: 28070270 PMCID: PMC5216622 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mean body size decreases with increasing temperature in a variety of organisms. This size-temperature relationship has generally been tested through space but rarely through time. We analyzed the sedimentary archive of dinoflagellate cysts in a sediment record taken from the West Greenland shelf and show that mean cell size decreased at both intra- and interspecific scales in a period of relatively warm temperatures, compared with a period of relatively cold temperatures. We further show that intraspecific changes accounted for more than 70% of the change in community mean size, whereas shifts in species composition only accounted for about 30% of the observed change. Literature values on size ranges and midpoints for individual taxa were in several cases not representative for the measured sizes, although changes in community mean size, calculated from literature values, did capture the direction of change. While the results show that intraspecific variation is necessary to accurately estimate the magnitude of change in protist community mean size, it may be possible to investigate general patterns, that is relative size differences, using interspecific-level estimates.
Collapse
|
74
|
Basto-Pereira M, Miranda A, Ribeiro S, Maia Â. Growing up with adversity: From juvenile justice involvement to criminal persistence and psychosocial problems in young adulthood. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2016; 62:63-75. [PMID: 27794243 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have been carried out to investigate the effect of child maltreatment on juvenile justice involvement and future criminal life. However, little is known about the impact of other forms of adversity, beyond abuse and neglect, on juvenile delinquency and criminal persistence. The effect of early adversity on psychosocial problems is underexplored, particularly in juvenile delinquents. This study, using the Childhood Adverse Experiences (ACE) questionnaire, a tool accessing the exposure to different types of abuse, neglect and serious household dysfunction, explored the role of each adverse experience on juvenile justice involvement, persistence in crime and psychosocial problems during young adulthood. A Portuguese sample of 75 young adults with official records of juvenile delinquency in 2010/2011, and 240 young adults from a community sample completed ACE questionnaire and measures of psychosocial adjustment. Seven out of ten adverse experiences were significantly more prevalent in young adults with juvenile justice involvement than in the community sample, after matching the main demographic variables. The strongest predictor of juvenile justice involvement and criminal persistence during early adulthood was sexual abuse. Dimensions of child/adolescent emotional maltreatment and a mental illness in the household predicted a set of psychosocial problems in young adulthood. This study indicates that early adversity is significantly related to juvenile justice involvement, criminal persistence and psychosocial problems. This study also suggests that each experience has a different role in this process. There is an urgent need to screen, prevent and stop serious adversity. Future scientific directions and recommendations for policies are provided.
Collapse
|
75
|
Palmela C, Fonseca C, Faria R, Baptista RB, Ribeiro S, Ferreira AO. Increased risk for metachronous gastric adenocarcinoma following gastric MALT lymphoma-A US population-based study. United European Gastroenterol J 2016; 5:473-478. [PMID: 28588876 DOI: 10.1177/2050640616671643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (gMALT) and gastric adenocarcinoma (GC) are long-term complications of chronic Helicobacter pylori (HP) gastritis. Treatment of HP infection induces remission in most patients with gMALT. Endoscopic follow-up is not currently endorsed after complete remission. However, the risk of GC in these patients is unclear. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to estimate GC risk in gMALT patients. METHODS The National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results 13 (SEER) database-Nov 2014 Sub (1992-2012) was used to identify adult patients diagnosed with gMALT between 1992 and 2012. The standardized incidence ratio of second primary GC after a latency period of 12 months was calculated and compared to a reference SEER cohort of identical age, sex and time period. The risk of GC in these patients was also stratified by latency period (five years) and age. RESULTS We identified 2195 cases of gMALT lymphoma, and 20 (0.91%) of them subsequently developed GC with a relative risk (RR) of 4.32 (95% CI 2.64-6.67) compared to the American population. The median latency time was five years and the risk was maintained afterward (RR 4.92, 95% CI 2.45-8.79). When stratified by age group the risk was highest for the 45-64 group (RR 14.04, 95% CI 5.64-28.93). CONCLUSION gMALT lymphoma is associated with an increased risk of metachronous gastric adenocarcinoma. The risk is still present after more than five years of follow-up. Further studies may clarify the most adequate follow-up strategy.
Collapse
|