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Maia J, Almada M, Silva A, Correia-da-Silva G, Teixeira N, Sá SI, Fonseca BM. The endocannabinoid system expression in the female reproductive tract is modulated by estrogen. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 174:40-47. [PMID: 28743542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in several physiological events that resulted in a growing interest in its modulation. Moreover, the uterine levels of anandamide (AEA), the major endocannabinoid, must be tightly regulated to create proper embryo implantation conditions. However, there are no evidences about the regulation of AEA in uterus by estrogen. Thus, the aim of this study is to elucidate whether estradiol benzoate (EB) and tamoxifen (TAM) administration to ovariectomized (OVX) rats can induce changes in the expression of cannabinoid receptors and AEA-metabolic enzymes in uterus by evaluating gene transcription and protein levels by qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the plasmatic and uterine levels of AEA and of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), the major cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) products, were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. The immunohistochemistry showed that cannabinoid receptors, as well as AEA-metabolic enzymes are mainly located in the epithelial cells of both lumen and glands and, to a lesser extent, in the muscle cells. Moreover, EB administration to OVX rats significantly increased CB1, CB2, NAPE-PLD, FAAH and COX-2 expression and transcription. These effects were absent in TAM and TAM+EB treatments showing that this response is estrogen receptor dependent. Additionally, although uterine levels of AEA remained unchanged in EB or TAM treated animals, they showed a rise with EB treatment in plasma. The latter also produced a decrease in uterine PGE2 levels. In summary, these data collectively indicate that the expression of ECS components, as well as, the AEA and PGE2 levels in rat uterus is modulated by EB. Thus, estradiol may have a direct regulatory role in the modulation of ECS in female reproductive tissues.
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Rashid M, Toh T, Abdullah N, Silva A, Zhang Y, Tan P, Teh A, Karnani N, Jha S, Ho CM, Chng W, Dean H, Chow EH. Globally optimizing therapeutic combinations against bortezomib-resistant multiple myeloma using a quantitative parabolic optimization platform (QPOP). Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx390.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Lopes N, Long S, Resende D, Kijjoa A, Silva A, Pina A, Fernández-Marcelo T, Vasconcelos MH, Pinto M, Sousa E. Synthesis and tumor cell growth inhibitory effects of the marine product analogues of fiscalin B: PS196. Porto Biomed J 2017; 2:224. [PMID: 32258726 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbj.2017.07.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Vanek T, Silva A, Halecky M, Paca J, Ruzickova I, Kozliak E, Jones K. Biodegradation of airborne acetone/styrene mixtures in a bubble column reactor. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2017; 52:905-915. [PMID: 28489975 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2017.1318629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The ability of a bubble column reactor (BCR) to biodegrade a mixture of styrene and acetone vapors was evaluated to determine the factors limiting the process efficiency, with a particular emphasis on the presence of degradation intermediates and oxygen levels. The results obtained under varied loadings and ratios were matched with the dissolved oxygen levels and kinetics of oxygen mass transfer, which was assessed by determination of kLa coefficients. A 1.5-L laboratory-scale BCR was operated under a constant air flow of 1.0 L.min-1, using a defined mixed microbial population as a biocatalyst. Maximum values of elimination capacities/maximum overall specific degradation rates of 75.5 gC.m-3.h-1/0.197 gC.gdw-1.h-1, 66.0 gC.m-3.h-1/0.059 gC.gdw-1.h-1, and 45.8 gC.m-3.h-1/0.027 gC.gdw-1.h-1 were observed for styrene/acetone 2:1, styrene-rich and acetone-rich mixtures, respectively, indicating significant substrate interactions and rate limitation by biological factors. The BCR removed both acetone and styrene near-quantitatively up to a relatively high organic load of 50 g.m-3.h-1. From this point, the removal efficiencies declined under increasing loading rates, accompanied by a significant drop in the dissolved oxygen concentration, showing a process transition to oxygen-limited conditions. However, the relatively efficient pollutant removal from air continued, due to significant oxygen mass transfer, up to a threshold loading rate when the accumulation of acetone and degradation intermediates in the aqueous medium became significant. These observations demonstrate that oxygen availability is the limiting factor for efficient pollutant degradation and that accumulation of intermediates may serve as an indicator of oxygen limitation. Microbial (activated sludge) analyses revealed the presence of amoebae and active nematodes that were not affected by variations in operational conditions.
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Monteiro D, Silva I, Egipto P, Magalhães A, Filipe R, Silva A, Rodrigues A, Costa J. Inhalation injury in a burn unit: a retrospective review of prognostic factors. ANNALS OF BURNS AND FIRE DISASTERS 2017; 30:121-125. [PMID: 29021724 PMCID: PMC5627549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation injury (InI) is known to seriously affect the prognosis of burn patients, as it is strongly associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite major advances in the treatment of burn patients in the past years, advances in the treatment of smoke InI have been somewhat limited; mortality reduction mostly results from improvements in critical care. It is difficult to separate the contribution of InI from other mechanisms that also affect respiratory tract and lungs. The aim of this study was to compare patients with and without InI and to identify prognostic factors among patients with smoke InI. Patients with InI displayed higher total body surface area (TBSA) burned, higher incidence of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a higher rate of positive blood cultures and a significantly higher death rate. We could conclude that older age, higher TBSA, ARDS and pneumonia were independent predictive factors for mortality in our global study population. Older age and higher TBSA were the only independent factors found to be predictive of mortality in patients with InI.
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Argilés G, Saro J, Segal N, Melero I, Ros W, Marabelle A, Rodriguez M, Albanell J, Calvo E, Moreno V, Cleary J, Eder P, Paz-Ares L, Hurwitz H, Bacac M, Perro M, Bouseida S, Sandoval F, Sabanes Bove D, Sreckovic S, Jamois C, Silva A, Klein C, Umana P, Karanikas V, Tabernero J. Novel carcinoembryonic antigen T-cell bispecific (CEA-TCB) antibody: Preliminary clinical data as a single agent and in combination with atezolizumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx302.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Pinto SA, Coelho R, Silva A. Depression and multiple sclerosis–pathophysiological links: From biology to treatment. Eur Psychiatry 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.691] [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: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionDepressive disorders (DD) are the second cause of disability worldwide. DD affect predominantly working age individuals, recurring in 75% of cases. DD pathophysiology is intricate and multi-factorial. Several inflammatory diseases have been linked to mood disorders. Amidst these conditions is multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, characterized by frequent exacerbations and progressive functional loss.ObjectiveTo review the current knowledge on DD and MS as comorbidities and the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms.MethodsWe performed a bibliographic search in Pubmed–publications released in the last 5 years, written in English, Portuguese and Spanish, containing the keywords depression, inflammatory disorders, multiple sclerosis.ResultsThe inflammatory hypothesis of depression provides a strong foundation to explain its close link with multiple sclerosis. The incidence and prevalence of DD is significantly higher in MS, especially in men. Functional imaging studies have shown that depressive symptoms are closely linked to the extension of inflammatory lesions, especially on the frontal and parietal regions, with particular emphasis to those affecting the grey matter. On the one hand, the clinical course and response to treatment of MS may be hindered by DD; on the other hand, the evolution of MS lesions leads to fluctuations in mood, with significant improvement of DD with successful MS treatment, independently of physical improvement.ConclusionsThere appears to be a biological link between DD and MS, with a bidirectional interference in the clinical course, prognosis and treatment response. Thus, both conditions must be correctly identified and treated.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Daniel F, Ferreira A, Espírito-Santo H, Monteiro R, Massano-Cardoso I, Silva A. Quality of life related to the health and socio-economic resources of the elderly. Eur Psychiatry 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1222] [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: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionAging is a very heterogeneous and dissimilar process, full of asymmetries. There is evidence that socio-economic differences determine disadvantages and inequalities in old ages. Older people face particular inequalities in healthiness especially with more complex and vulnerable long-term conditions, being more likely to need support from social care services.AimTo evaluate the quality of life (well-being) related to the health of the elderly according to socio-economic indicators.MethodCross-sectional quantitative study was performed. A total of 316 elderly people (M = 74.78; SD = 9.78 years of age) was interviewed with the Portuguese version of the EQ-5D-3L scale for health-related quality of life.ResultsThe interaction between income and the type of residential follow-up (alone vs. accompanied) was not statistically significant [F (2.310) = .910, P < .407; Ƞp2 = .006]. Differences in health status index were statistically significant for income [F (2.310) = 5.518, P < .004; Ƞp2 = .034]. Post-hoc comparisons indicated that the mean score for those with insufficient income for their expenses (M = .39, SD = .27) was significantly different from those with income reaching their expenses (M = .50, SD = .25) as well as those with income covering their expenses sufficiently (M = .60, SD = .21). The main effect for the type of follow-up (alone vs. accompanied) did not reach statistical significance [F (2.310) = .224, P < .636, Ƞp2 = .672].ConclusionsIncome has an impact on health-related quality of life. Health in aging as a social phenomenon is not neutral to economic differences and is exposed to these structural disadvantages.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Azevedo Pinto S, Soares J, Silva A, Curral R. Complicated grief: Is there a place in psychiatry? Eur Psychiatry 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.499] [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: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionGrief is as normal reactive to a significant personal loss. It is characterized by affective, cognitive, behavioural and physiological symptoms. The grieving process is usually divided in five different stages, but in most cases presents a benign course, with decreased suffering and better adaptation to the new context. However, when high levels of emotional suffering or disability persist over a long time period, it becomes a case of complicated grief (CG), which should be adequately addressed.ObjectivesTo review the characteristics of CG, the evidence that supports it as an individual pathological entity, and its place in current classification systems.MethodsWe performed a bibliographic search in Pubmed and PsychInfo, of articles written in English, Portuguese and Spanish, containing the key words: grief, bereavement, psychiatry, classification.ResultsThe main issue regarding grief is the degree to which it is reasonable to interfere with a usually benign process. Since DSM-III bereavement has been referred to as an adaptive reaction to an important loss, which should not be diagnosed as major depressive disorder or adjustment disorder. However, DSM-5 has stated persistent complex bereavement disorder as an independent entity. In fact, CG fulfils the general criteria of every psychiatric syndrome, namely regarding specific diagnosis criteria, differential diagnosis from depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, and improvement with adequate treatment.ConclusionIt is important to correctly approach CG, since it presents with characteristic diagnosis features and much improvement may be achieved once adequate treatment is provided.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Ulfarsson MO, Walters GB, Gustafsson O, Steinberg S, Silva A, Doyle OM, Brammer M, Gudbjartsson DF, Arnarsdottir S, Jonsdottir GA, Gisladottir RS, Bjornsdottir G, Helgason H, Ellingsen LM, Halldorsson JG, Saemundsen E, Stefansdottir B, Jonsson L, Eiriksdottir VK, Eiriksdottir GR, Johannesdottir GH, Unnsteinsdottir U, Jonsdottir B, Magnusdottir BB, Sulem P, Thorsteinsdottir U, Sigurdsson E, Brandeis D, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Stefansson H, Stefansson K. 15q11.2 CNV affects cognitive, structural and functional correlates of dyslexia and dyscalculia. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1109. [PMID: 28440815 PMCID: PMC5416713 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Several copy number variants have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders and these variants have been shown to also influence cognitive abilities in carriers unaffected by psychiatric disorders. Previously, we associated the 15q11.2(BP1-BP2) deletion with specific learning disabilities and a larger corpus callosum. Here we investigate, in a much larger sample, the effect of the 15q11.2(BP1-BP2) deletion on cognitive, structural and functional correlates of dyslexia and dyscalculia. We report that the deletion confers greatest risk of the combined phenotype of dyslexia and dyscalculia. We also show that the deletion associates with a smaller left fusiform gyrus. Moreover, tailored functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments using phonological lexical decision and multiplication verification tasks demonstrate altered activation in the left fusiform and the left angular gyri in carriers. Thus, by using convergent evidence from neuropsychological testing, and structural and functional neuroimaging, we show that the 15q11.2(BP1-BP2) deletion affects cognitive, structural and functional correlates of both dyslexia and dyscalculia.
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Silva A, Guerreiro I, Castro C, Brandao M, Rodrigues A, Oliveira C, Pousa I, Oliveira J, Azevedo I, Soares M. small cell lung cancer: Retrospective review of an institution. Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx088.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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112
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Peixoto M, Timóteo S, Moreira I, Cochat C, Silva A, Bastos-Leite A, Silveira C. Psychosis and/or Lyme disease: There is more than meets the eye. Eur Psychiatry 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1234] [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: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionLyme disease (LD) caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) results from human contact with rural environments and is transmitted by infected ticks (Ixodes spp.)Objectives/aimsTo report a case with LD and to highlight the importance of differential diagnosis in a first psychotic episode.MethodsCase report and systematic review of the literature.ResultsWe report a case of a 19-year-old man that was admitted because of strange behaviour with alienation, perplexity and persecutory delusions. He had one previous admission to an inpatient unit two years prior and was diagnosed with psychosis not otherwise specified. After being admitted to the psychiatric ward a medical work up was completed. The patient had had a long stay in a rural environment; so anti-body specific to Bb was ordered and came positive. LD was diagnosed based on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and the presence of Bb in the cerebrospinal fluid. During treatment with anti-psychotic and antibiotic there was a noticeable clinical amelioration correlated with improvement of MRI's perfusion patterns.ConclusionsLD is relatively rare, but physicians need to be aware of typical neuropsychiatric symptoms, given that they may occur months to years after the initial infection. Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial to avoid the possibly irreversible mental illness. In the evaluation of a first psychotic episode LD should be considered and excluded, principally if there's an epidemiological context and no psychiatric family history. MRI may be another useful asset in the diagnostic evaluation of this condition.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Bei L, Silva A, Cunha A, Franco C, Oliveira J, Azevedo I, Pousa I, Rodrigues A, Soares M, Pereira D. Pulmonary carcinoid tumors: Experience from an oncology center. Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx093.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Barsness K, Park Y, Heebal F, Johnson E, Silva A, Manworren R. (275) Analgesic Prescribing Patterns after Outpatient Inguinal Hernia Repair in Children. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.02.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Doussoulin A, Arancibia M, Saiz J, Silva A, Luengo M, Salazar A. Recovering functional independence after a stroke through Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy. NeuroRehabilitation 2017; 40:243-249. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-161409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Amaral S, S Tavares R, Baptista M, Sousa MI, Silva A, Escada-Rebelo S, Paiva CP, Ramalho-Santos J. Mitochondrial Functionality and Chemical Compound Action on Sperm Function. Curr Med Chem 2017; 23:3575-3606. [PMID: 27109577 DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666160425113518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, several studies have shown that mitochondrial parameters, such as integrity, respiratory activity, membrane potential and ROS production are intimately linked with sperm quality. Given the limitations of conventional semen analyses in terms of predicting male fertility, an increasing number of studies are focusing on the characterization of sperm mitochondria in order to more accurately assess sperm functionality. Moreover, mitochondria from several organs, such as the liver, have been described as a powerful screening tool for drug safety, being an easy in vitro model to assess the toxicity of distinct families of compounds. Given that mitochondrial functionality is intimately related to sperm homeostasis, it has become important to understand how compounds, ranging from dietary supplements, environmental pollutants, dependency-inducing drugs to pharmacological agents (such as erectile dysfunction-targeted drugs and male contraceptives) affect sperm mitochondrial function. In this review, we discuss studies describing the effects of various chemical agents on spermatozoa, with particular emphasis on mitochondrial function. From the extensive literature analyzed, we conclude that in some cases the role of sperm mitochondria as putative predictors of sperm functionality is very obvious, while in others further studies are needed to clarify this issue.
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Jaouani M, Manco L, Kalai M, Chaouch L, Douzi K, Silva A, Macedo S, Darragi I, Boudriga I, Chaouachi D, Fitouri Z, Van Wijk R, Ribeiro ML, Abbes S. Molecular basis of pyruvate kinase deficiency among Tunisians: description of new mutations affecting coding and noncoding regions in the PKLR gene. Int J Lab Hematol 2017; 39:223-231. [PMID: 28133914 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.12610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is one of the most common hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemias worldwide with clinical manifestations ranging from mild to severe hemolysis. However, investigation of this enzymopathy is lacking in Tunisia. We report here a pioneer investigation of PK deficiency among Tunisian cases referred to our laboratory for biological analysis of unknown cause of hemolytic anemia. METHODS Two hundred and fifty-three patients with unknown cause of hemolytic anemia have been addressed to our laboratory in order to investigate for red blood cells genetic disorders. Red cell enzyme activities were measured by standard methods, and molecular analysis was performed by DNA sequencing. The interpretation of mutation effect and the molecular modeling were performed by using specific software. RESULTS Six different PKLR mutations were found (c.966-1G>T; c.965+1G>A; c.721G>T; c.1163C>A; c.1456C>T; c.1537T>A), among which four are described for the first time. Genotype-phenotype correlations for the novel missense mutations were investigated by three-dimensional structure analysis. CONCLUSION This study provides important data of PK deficiency among Tunisians. It might be followed by a large neonatal screening to determine the spectrum of PK mutations and identify potential deficient patients for an early medical follow-up.
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Barbosa J, Silva A, Ferreira MA, Severo M. The impact of students and curriculum on self-study during clinical training in medical school: a multilevel approach. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2017; 17:9. [PMID: 28086868 PMCID: PMC5237242 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-016-0846-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In higher education, the focus has shifted from the acquisition of knowledge to learning objectives and skills. This means that, the majority of student learning time is spent independently working outside the classroom. Students take an active role in setting goals, deciding how to achieve them, and planning individual study time. Although extensive research has recognized the importance of curriculum and students' characteristics in time devoted to self-study, it is still unclear to what extent these variables affect time to study. Due to the growing reliance on self-directed learning in medical education, and in an attempt to elucidate this issue, this research aims to evaluate self-study time during clinical training and assess whether this is more influenced by the student or the curriculum. METHODS A questionnaire was given to 1220 medical students (43.3% of the enrolled students). The students were asked to indicate the average number of study hours per week beyond the time allocated to classes for each clerkship (rotation) attended. Variation and generalizability of students' self-study were estimated using linear mixed models. RESULTS Findings showed that the intrinsic differences within students were a greater source of variation in self-study time than differences within clerkships (56.0% vs. 6.9%). If the amount of self-study dedicated to an individual clerkship is to be determined, at least 32 students are needed to achieve acceptable reliability. However, this data with two clerkships per student can used to retrospectively measure the self-study reported by students in clinical training. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that, both, curriculum and student characteristics influence self-study in undergraduate clinical training. Indeed, students' characteristics play a significant role in time devoted to study. Further research should be undertaken to investigate students' characteristics that may predict self-study during undergraduate medical training.
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Faustino-Rocha A, Silva A, Gabriel J, Gil da Costa R, Oliveira P, Gama A, Ferreira R, Ginja M. Long-Term Exercise Training and Mammary Tumour Vascularization: Thermography, Ultrasonography and Immunohistochemistry. J Comp Pathol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2016.11.199] [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]
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Sun HL, McIntosh K, Woo C, Crilly E, Bartholomew C, Gue D, De Marchi L, Squire S, Silva A, Yang M, Wu JK, Jackson S. Prevalence and predictors of loss to follow-up in young adults with mild haemophilia. Haemophilia 2016; 23:e36-e39. [PMID: 27928848 DOI: 10.1111/hae.13114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Aguiam DE, Silva A, Bobkov V, Carvalho PJ, Carvalho PF, Cavazzana R, Conway GD, D'Arcangelo O, Fattorini L, Faugel H, Fernandes A, Fünfgelder H, Gonçalves B, Guimarais L, De Masi G, Meneses L, Noterdaeme JM, Pereira RC, Rocchi G, Santos JM, Tuccillo AA, Tudisco O. Implementation of the new multichannel X-mode edge density profile reflectometer for the ICRF antenna on ASDEX Upgrade. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:11E722. [PMID: 27910673 DOI: 10.1063/1.4961558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A new multichannel frequency modulated continuous-wave reflectometry diagnostic has been successfully installed and commissioned on ASDEX Upgrade to measure the plasma edge electron density profile evolution in front of the Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequencies (ICRF) antenna. The design of the new three-strap ICRF antenna integrates ten pairs (sending and receiving) of microwave reflectometry antennas. The multichannel reflectometer can use three of these to measure the edge electron density profiles up to 2 × 1019 m-3, at different poloidal locations, allowing the direct study of the local plasma layers in front of the ICRF antenna. ICRF power coupling, operational effects, and poloidal variations of the plasma density profile can be consistently studied for the first time. In this work the diagnostic hardware architecture is described and the obtained density profile measurements were used to track outer radial plasma position and plasma shape.
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Figueiredo J, Murari A, Perez Von Thun C, Marocco D, Tardocchi M, Belli F, García Muñoz M, Silva A, Soare S, Craciunescu T, Santala M, Blanchard P, Balboa I, Hawkes N. JET diagnostic enhancements in preparation for DT operations. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:11D443. [PMID: 27910612 DOI: 10.1063/1.4962247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In order to complete the exploitation of the JET ITER-like Wall and to take full benefit from deuterium-tritium experiments on JET, a set of diagnostic system refurbishments or upgrades is in progress. These diagnostic enhancements focus mainly on neutron, gamma, fast ions, instabilities, and operations support. These efforts intend to provide better spatial, temporal, and energy resolution while increasing measurement coverage. Also previously non-existing capabilities, such as Doppler reflectometry is now available for scientific exploitation. Guaranteeing diagnostic reliability and consistency during the expected DT conditions is also a critical objective of the work and systems being implemented. An overview of status and scope of the ongoing projects is presented.
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Martins JD, Silva A, Ferreira I, Gonçalo M, Custódio JBA, Lopes MC, Domingues MRM, Neves BM, Cruz MT. Adenosine diphosphate involvement in THP-1 maturation triggered by the contact allergen 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2016; 5:1512-1521. [PMID: 30090452 PMCID: PMC6060794 DOI: 10.1039/c6tx00240d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells' (DC) activation is considered a key event in the adverse outcome pathway for skin sensitization elicited by covalent binding of chemicals to proteins. The mechanisms underlying DC activation by contact sensitizers are not completely understood. However, several "danger signals" are pointed as relevant effectors. Among these extra-cellular early danger signals, purines may be crucial for the development of xenoinflammation and several reports indicate their involvement in contact allergic reactions. In the present work we used the DC-surrogate monocytic cell line THP-1, cultured alone or co-cultured with the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT, to explore the contribution of extracellular adenine nucleotides to THP-1 maturation triggered by the extreme contact sensitizer, 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB). We found that THP-1 maturation induced by DNFB is impaired after purinergic signaling inhibition, and that the transcription of the purinergic metabotropic receptors P2Y2 and P2Y11 is modulated by the sensitizer. We also detected that THP-1 cells only partially hydrolyse extracellular adenosine triphosphate, leading to accumulation of the mono-phosphate derivative, AMP. We detected different and non-overlapping activation patterns of mitogen activated protein kinases by DNFB and extracellular nucleotides. Overall, our results indicate that THP-1 maturation induced by DNFB is strongly modulated by extracellular adenine nucleotides through metabotropic purinergic receptors. This knowledge unveils a molecular toxicity pathway evoked by sensitizers and involved in THP-1 maturation, a DC-surrogate cell line thoroughly used in in vitro tests for the identification of skin allergens.
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Silva A, Estephan E, Moreno C, Mendonça R, Nishimura P, Galindo L, Carvalho M, Abath-Neto O, Zanoteli E. Desmin-associated myofibrillar myopathy with cap-like structures in the muscle biopsy. Neuromuscul Disord 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.06.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Mori A, Jono T, Takeuchi H, Ding L, Silva A, Mahaulpatha D, Tang Y. Morphology of the nucho‐dorsal glands and related defensive displays in three species of Asian natricine snakes. J Zool (1987) 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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