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Meneses Alves T, Martins M, Cunha A, Costa C, Ferreira L, Carreira L, Guedes-Martins L, Braga J. 128 Termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality in a portuguese tertiary care hospital: Two-year retrospective study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Almeida A, Teixeira M, Braga J. 457 Breech presentation at term in multiparous women: vaginal delivery vs cesarean section? – a two year’ experience in a tertiary hospital. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sousa M, Almeida A, Meneses T, Braga A, Braga J. 186 Does the cause of early preterm birth have an impact on neonatal outcomes? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Moreira C, Barros T, Braga A, Braga J. 656 Intra-hepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: treatment and obstetric outcomes. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Barros T, Soares C, Andrade A, Moreira C, Guedes-Martins L, Braga J. 213 Case report: fetal malformations and 3P22.2P21.2 Deletion. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Andrade A, Dias J, Castro L, Gonçalves D, Braga A, Vieira L, Braga J. 191 Giving birth with COVID-19. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022. [PMCID: PMC8941274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Barros T, Braga A, Correia A, Braga J. 147. Pregnancy in kidney transplantation: perinatal outcomes and impact on kidney function. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Fradi A, Samir C, Braga J, Joshi SH, Loubes JM. Nonparametric Bayesian Regression and Classification on Manifolds, With Applications to 3D Cochlear Shapes. IEEE Trans Image Process 2022; 31:2598-2607. [PMID: 35316178 DOI: 10.1109/tip.2022.3147971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Advanced shape analysis studies such as regression and classification need to be performed on curved manifolds, where often, there is a lack of standard statistical formulations. To overcome these limitations, we introduce a novel machine-learning method on the shape space of curves that avoids direct inference on infinite-dimensional spaces and instead performs Bayesian inference with spherical Gaussian processes decomposition. As an application, we study the shape of the cochlear spiral-shaped cavity within the petrous part of the temporal bone. This problem is particularly challenging due to the relationship between shape and gender, especially in children. Experimental results for both synthetic and real data show improved performance compared to state-of-the-art methods.
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Braga A, Neves E, Guimarães J, Braga J, Vasconcelos C. Th17/Regulatory T cells ratio evolution: A prospective study in a group of healthy pregnant women. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 149:103468. [PMID: 35007917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the maternal immune system is challenged to tolerate a semi-allogenic fetus. A shift toward a tolerogenic profile is essential to ensure a healthy fetal and placental development. One of the most important mechanisms involved in the maternal immune tolerance towards the fetal antigens is expressed in the activity of the regulatory T (Treg) and Th17 cells. The behavior and equilibrium of these two T lymphocyte populations were rarely studied in normal healthy pregnancies through the beginning of gestation to the postpartum period. We conducted a prospective longitudinal observational study where peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were analyzed in each trimester of pregnancy and postpartum period in a group of healthy pregnant women. Our study observed a consistent reduction in peripheric Treg cell count through all pregnancy while the Th17 cell count remained stable. The Th17/Treg ratio increases significantly throughout pregnancy to the postpartum period. These changes could be justified by the migration of the immunotolerant Treg cells to the maternal decidua and lead to the establishment of a systemic pro-inflammatory profile by the end of pregnancy. This data could explain why systemic syndromes like preeclampsia develop in susceptible women during the second half of pregnancy or why many autoimmune disorders flourish in the first weeks postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Braga
- Obstetrics Department, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Oporto, Portugal; Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Oporto University, Oporto, Portugal.
| | - E Neves
- Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Oporto University, Oporto, Portugal; Immunology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | - J Guimarães
- Immunology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | - J Braga
- Obstetrics Department, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Oporto, Portugal; Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Oporto University, Oporto, Portugal
| | - C Vasconcelos
- Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Oporto University, Oporto, Portugal; Clinical Immunology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
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Braga J, Samir C, Fradi A, Feunteun Y, Jakata K, Zimmer VA, Zipfel B, Thackeray JF, Macé M, Wood BA, Grine FE. Cochlear shape distinguishes southern African early hominin taxa with unique auditory ecologies. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17018. [PMID: 34426640 PMCID: PMC8382707 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96543-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Insights into potential differences among the bony labyrinths of Plio-Pleistocene hominins may inform their evolutionary histories and sensory ecologies. We use four recently-discovered bony labyrinths from the site of Kromdraai to significantly expand the sample for Paranthropus robustus. Diffeomorphometry, which provides detailed information about cochlear shape, reveals size-independent differences in cochlear shape between P. robustus and Australopithecus africanus that exceed those among modern humans and the African apes. The cochlea of P. robustus is distinctive and relatively invariant, whereas cochlear shape in A. africanus is more variable, resembles that of early Homo, and shows a degree of morphological polymorphism comparable to that evinced by modern species. The curvature of the P. robustus cochlea is uniquely derived and is consistent with enhanced sensitivity to low-frequency sounds. Combined with evidence for selection, our findings suggest that sound perception shaped distinct ecological adaptations among southern African early hominins.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Braga
- grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XCentre d’Anthropobiologie et de Génomique de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Faculté de Médecine Purpan, 37 allées Jules Guesde, Toulouse, France ,grid.11951.3d0000 0004 1937 1135Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS, Johannesburg, 2050 South Africa
| | - C. Samir
- grid.503317.30000 0000 9971 4898LIMOS, UMR 6158 CNRS-Université Clermont Auvergne, 63173 Aubière, France
| | - A. Fradi
- grid.503317.30000 0000 9971 4898LIMOS, UMR 6158 CNRS-Université Clermont Auvergne, 63173 Aubière, France
| | - Y. Feunteun
- grid.503317.30000 0000 9971 4898LIMOS, UMR 6158 CNRS-Université Clermont Auvergne, 63173 Aubière, France
| | - K. Jakata
- grid.11951.3d0000 0004 1937 1135Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS, Johannesburg, 2050 South Africa
| | - V. A. Zimmer
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Faculty of Informatics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - B. Zipfel
- grid.11951.3d0000 0004 1937 1135Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS, Johannesburg, 2050 South Africa
| | - J. F. Thackeray
- grid.11951.3d0000 0004 1937 1135Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS, Johannesburg, 2050 South Africa
| | - M. Macé
- Véto 31, 73 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 47000 Agen, France
| | - B. A. Wood
- grid.253615.60000 0004 1936 9510Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052 USA
| | - F. E. Grine
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA ,grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Anatomical Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
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Galiana N, Barros C, Braga J, Ficetola GF, Maiorano L, Thuiller W, Montoya JM, Lurgi M. The spatial scaling of food web structure across European biogeographical regions. Ecography 2021; 44:653-664. [PMID: 36620425 PMCID: PMC7614028 DOI: 10.1111/ecog.05229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The species-area relationship (SAR) is one of the most well-established scaling patterns in ecology. Its implications for understanding how communities change across spatial gradients are numerous, including the effects of habitat loss on biodiversity. However, ecological communities are not mere collections of species. They are the result of interactions between these species forming complex networks that tie them together. Should we aim to grasp the spatial scaling of biodiversity as a whole, it is fundamental to understand the changes in the structure of interaction networks with area. In spite of a few empirical and theoretical studies that address this challenge, we still do not know much about how network structure changes with area, or what are the main environmental drivers of these changes. Here, using the meta-network of potential interactions between all terrestrial vertebrates in Europe (1140 species and 67 201 feeding interactions), we analysed network-area relationships (NARs) that summarize how network properties scale with area. We do this across ten biogeographical regions, which differ in environmental characteristics. We found that the spatial scaling of network complexity strongly varied across biogeographical regions. However, once the variation in SARs was accounted for, differences in the shape of NARs vanished. On the other hand, the proportion of species across trophic levels remained remarkably constant across biogeographical regions and spatial scales, despite the great variation in species richness. Spatial variation in mean annual temperature and habitat clustering were the main environmental determinants of the shape of both SARs and NARs across Europe. Our results suggest new avenues in the exploration of the effects of environmental factors on the spatial scaling of biodiversity. We argue that NARs can provide new insights to analyse and understand ecological communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Galiana
- Centre for Biodiversity Modelling and Theory, Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station, CNRS and Paul Sabatier Univ., Moulis, France
| | - Ceres Barros
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LECA (Laboratoire d'Écologie Alpine), Grenoble, France; Dept of Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Forestry, Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - João Braga
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LECA (Laboratoire d'Écologie Alpine), Grenoble, France
| | - Gentile Francesco Ficetola
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LECA (Laboratoire d'Écologie Alpine), Grenoble, France; Dept of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Univ. degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria
| | - Luigi Maiorano
- Dept of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Univ. di Roma 'La Sapienza', Roma, Italia
| | - Wilfried Thuiller
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LECA (Laboratoire d'Écologie Alpine), Grenoble, France
| | - José M Montoya
- Centre for Biodiversity Modelling and Theory, Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station, CNRS and Paul Sabatier Univ., Moulis, France
| | - Miguel Lurgi
- Centre for Biodiversity Modelling and Theory, Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station, CNRS and Paul Sabatier Univ., Moulis, France; Dept of Biosciences, Swansea Univ., Swansea, UK
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Fonseca BM, Cunha SC, Gonçalves D, Mendes A, Braga J, Correia-da-Silva G, Teixeira NA. Decidual NK cell-derived conditioned medium from miscarriages affects endometrial stromal cell decidualisation: endocannabinoid anandamide and tumour necrosis factor-α crosstalk. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:265-274. [PMID: 31990346 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the effects of endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) in uterine natural killer (unK) cells from miscarriage decidua, regarding their cytokine profile and endometrial stromal cell (ESC) crosstalk? SUMMARY ANSWER uNK-conditioned media from miscarriage samples present high TNF-α levels which inhibit ESC decidualisation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY AEA plasma levels are higher in women who have suffered a miscarriage. Moreover, AEA inhibits ESC proliferation and differentiation, although the levels and impact on the uNK cell cytokine profile at the feto-maternal interface remain elusive. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This laboratory-based study used human primary uNK cells which were isolated from first-trimester decidua (gestational age, 5-12 weeks) derived from 8 women with elective pregnancy termination and 18 women who suffered a miscarriage. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The first-trimester placental tissues were assayed for AEA levels by UPLC-MS/MS and respective enzymatic profile by western blot. The uNK cells were isolated and maintained in culture. The expression of angiogenic markers in uNK cells was examined by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The uNK-conditioned medium was analysed for IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the impact on ESC differentiation was assessed by measuring decidual markers Prl, Igfbp-1 and Fox01 mRNA expression using qPCR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE AEA levels were higher in miscarriage decidua compared with decidua from elective terminations. The uNK cell-conditioned medium from the miscarriage samples exhibited high TNF-α levels and interfered with the decidualisation of ESCs. Exacerbated inflammation and elevated TNF-α levels at the feto-maternal interface may trigger AEA signalling pathways that, in turn, may impact decidualisation and the angiogenic ability of uNK cells. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Primary uNK cell responses are based on a simple in vitro model. Thus, in complex microenvironments, such as the feto-maternal interface, the mechanisms may not be exactly the same. Also, the inflammatory events of miscarriage that, in this study, have happened prior to processing of the samples may cause different responses to that observed. In addition, the magnitude of the inflammatory response, required to trigger the AEA pathways that impact decidualisation and the uNK angiogenic ability in vivo, is still unclear. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The endocannabinoid AEA is a modulator of reproductive competence. AEA not only may contribute to neuroendocrine homeostasis but also can take part in uterine changes occurring during early pregnancy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The work was supported by UID/MULTI/04378/2019 with funding from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)/MCTES through national funds and PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000024. S.C. Cunha acknowledges FCT for the IF/01616/2015 contract. There are no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - S C Cunha
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Hidrologia, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - D Gonçalves
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Mendes
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - J Braga
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - G Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - N A Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Nascimento C, Braga J. A VISITA DE FRITZ HABER AO BRASIL. QUIM NOVA 2021. [DOI: 10.21577/0100-4042.20170707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
FRITZ HABER VISIT TO BRAZIL. Fritz Haber was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1918 for the ammonia synthesis from its gaseous components. This work was fundamental to stop starvation around the world. On the opposite, his engagement to produce chemical weapons during the First World War is also an important fact in the life of this scientist. This polemic scientist visited Brazil in 1923, carrying out a project to extract gold from the sea. The present work tries to recover the historical fact behind the visit of this scientist to Brazil.
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Barreiros P, Braga J, Faria-Almeida R, Coelho C, Teughels W, Souza JCM. Remnant oral biofilm and microorganisms after autoclaving sterilization of retrieved healing abutments. J Periodontal Res 2020; 56:415-422. [PMID: 33368278 DOI: 10.1111/jre.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sterilization effectiveness against biofilms on retrieved healing abutments used in implant dentistry. BACKGROUND A large number of clinicians reuse healing abutments to decrease treatment costs although it can promote infection due to the presence of remnant biofilm biomass. METHODS One hundred and eighty-five titanium healing abutments previously used for 3 months in oral cavity were assessed in this study. Abutments were submitted to cleaning, chemical disinfection, and autoclave sterilization according to clinical guidelines. The abutments were aseptically placed into glass tubes containing specific bacterial growth medium and then incubated for 10 days. From glass tubes with bacterial growth, 100 µl medium was transferred to Schaedler's agar for morphological identification and counting of strict anaerobes and to Columbia blood agar for presumptive identification of facultative anaerobes after incubation. Isolated strains were then identified at species level by enzymatic and biochemical tests within API microorganism detection platform. Also, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for identification of undefined strains. RESULTS After the standard cleaning and sterilization procedures, fifty-six (approximately 30%) retrieved abutments showed the presence of remnant biofilm biomass. The bacteria identified into the remnant biofilms covering the abutments were representative of the commensal oral microbiota including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, and Enterococcus faecalis. CONCLUSION Although some healing abutments did not reveal the existence of bacteria, organic components from biofilm biomass are still strongly adhered on the retentive micro-regions and surfaces of abutments and therefore that would support the accumulation of biofilm including pathogenic species leading to patients' cross-infections. Further studies should be performed on the assessment of different materials, design, and connections of the healing abutments associated with clinical disinfection procedures in implant dentistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Barreiros
- Division of Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry (FMDUP), University of Porto, Porto, 4200-393, Portugal.,Department of Dental Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, Gandra PRD, 4585-116, Portugal
| | - João Braga
- Division of Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry (FMDUP), University of Porto, Porto, 4200-393, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Faria-Almeida
- Division of Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry (FMDUP), University of Porto, Porto, 4200-393, Portugal
| | - Cristina Coelho
- Department of Dental Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, Gandra PRD, 4585-116, Portugal
| | - Wim Teughels
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Periodontology, Dentistry, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Júlio C M Souza
- Department of Dental Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, Gandra PRD, 4585-116, Portugal.,Center for Microelectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMINHO), University of Minho, Guimarães, Braga, 4800-058, Portugal
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Braga A, Vasconcelos C, Braga J. Autoimmune hepatitis and pregnancy. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2020; 68:23-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Choroidopathy is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This entity is associated with active phases of severe SLE and it is frequently accompanied by acute kidney failure, central nervous system involvement and coagulopathy. PURPOSE To evaluate the choroid thickness of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) without choroidopathy, and to compare this with that of age-matched SLE patients without LN and healthy control subjects. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional case control study. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifteen women with LN in remission phase (study group), 15 women with SLE in remission without LN (SLE control group), and 15 healthy women (healthy control group), without ocular diseases or significant refractive error, were recruited. Full ophthalmological examination and a macular optical coherence tomography in enhanced depth imaging mode were performed. The choroid thickness was measured at nine macular points and six lines of mean choroidal thickness were determined. A comparative analysis between the three groups was performed using the one-way ANOVA test and the paired t-test. The choroid thickness of patients under corticotherapy was also compared to that of patients without corticotherapy. Additionally, the correlation between choroid thickness and disease duration was evaluated using the Pearson analysis. RESULTS The mean macular choroidal thickness was 295.73 ± 67.62 μm in the study group, 233.34 ± 41.01 µm in the SLE control group, and 240.98 ± 37.93 μm in the control group ( p = 0.00006 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Additionally, the choroid thickness was significantly thicker than in the SLE and healthy control groups at the foveal ( p = 0.004 and p < 0.000), nasal ( p < 0.000 and p = 0.001), superior ( p = 0.002 and p < 0.000) and inferior ( p < 0.000 and p = 0.001) mean lines. The choroidal thickness in this group was not associated with the duration of the disease. The subgroup of patients with LN under corticotherapy did not reveal a significantly different choroidal thickness. CONCLUSION This study suggests a relationship between LN and choroidal changes, which may represent an increased risk for choroidopathy in these patients. Choroid thickening was not related with the duration of the disease. This thickening may be correlated with histopathological changes similar to those occurring in kidney glomeruli.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Braga
- 1 Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - R Rothwell
- 2 Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal
| | - M Oliveira
- 1 Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - D Rodrigues
- 1 Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - S Fonseca
- 1 Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - R Varandas
- 1 Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - L Ribeiro
- 1 Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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Maia J, Midão L, Cunha SC, Almada M, Fonseca BM, Braga J, Gonçalves D, Teixeira N, Correia-da-Silva G. Effects of cannabis tetrahydrocannabinol on endocannabinoid homeostasis in human placenta. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:649-658. [PMID: 30659320 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02389-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has become a hot topic in several countries due to the debate about its legalization for medical purposes. However, data are limited regarding adverse events, safety and potential impact on reproductive health. Cannabis consumption during pregnancy has been associated with gestational disorders such as preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight and increased risk of miscarriage, though the underlying biochemical mechanisms are still unknown. Given that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in several reproductive processes, we tested the hypothesis that the negative outcomes may result from the impact on the ECS homeostasis caused by the main psychoactive compound of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). We demonstrate that THC (10-40 µM) impairs placental endocannabinoid system by disrupting the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) levels and the expression of AEA synthetic and degrading enzymes N-arachidonoylphosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), respectively. Although, no alterations in cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 expression were observed. Thus, long-term local AEA levels are associated with a shift in the enzymatic profile to re-establish ECS homeostasis. In chronic cannabis users, high AEA levels in placenta may disturb the delicate balance of trophoblast cells turnover leading to alterations in normal placental development and foetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Maia
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - L Midão
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - S C Cunha
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Hidrologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Almada
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - J Braga
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - D Gonçalves
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - N Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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Braga J, Ter Braak CJF, Thuiller W, Dray S. Integrating spatial and phylogenetic information in the fourth-corner analysis to test trait-environment relationships. Ecology 2018; 99:2667-2674. [PMID: 30289571 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The fourth-corner analysis aims to quantify and test for relationships between species traits and site-specific environmental variables, mediated by site-specific species abundances. Since there is no common unit of observation, the significance of the relationships is tested using a double permutation procedure (site based and species based). This method implies that all species and sites are independent of each other. However, this fundamental hypothesis might be flawed because of phylogenetic relatedness between species and spatial autocorrelation in the environmental data. Here, using a simulation-based experiment, we demonstrate how the presence of spatial and phylogenetic autocorrelations can, in some circumstances, lead to inflated type I error rates, suggesting that significant associations can be misidentified. As an alternative, we propose a new randomization approach designed to avoid this issue, based on Moran's spectral randomization. In this approach, standard permutations are replaced by constrained randomizations so that the distribution of the statistic under the null hypothesis is built with additional constraints to preserve the phylogenetic and spatial structures of the observed data. The inclusion of this new randomization approach provides total control over type I error rates and should be used in real studies where spatial and phylogenetic autocorrelations often occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Braga
- Laboratoire d'Écologie Alpine (LECA), Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Cajo J F Ter Braak
- Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfried Thuiller
- Laboratoire d'Écologie Alpine (LECA), Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Stéphane Dray
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive (LBBE), Université Claude Bernard (Lyon I), CNRS, UMR5558, Villeurbanne, F-69100, France
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Orghian D, Garcia-Marques L, Marques P, Braga J. Memory and conceptual learning of relevant and non-relevant items in item-method directed forgetting. Memory 2018; 26:1233-1243. [DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2018.1441424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Orghian
- The MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- CICPSI, Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro Marques
- CICPSI, Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Braga
- Católica-Lisbon School of Business and Economics, Catholic University of Portugal, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências Humanas, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Midão L, Maia J, Almada M, Fonseca B, Gonçalves D, Braga J, Teixeira N, Correia-da-Silva G. Cannabis sativa tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impact on placental endocrine function. Porto Biomed J 2017; 2:185-186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbj.2017.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Gaspar Lopes Francisco A, Alves D, Goncalves I, Menezes M, Lima Da Silva G, Guimaraes T, David C, Braga J, Guerra L, Pinto F, Almeida A. P6161Cardiotoxicity in haematological diseases: are the tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib and nilotinib safe? Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx493.p6161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Sousa Neves F, Braga J, Loureiro M, Arede C, Sequeira J, Varandas R. From perfect visual function to ‘legally’ blind in one year: new mutations in progressive cone dystrophy. Acta Ophthalmol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2016.0589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Braga J, Loureiro M, Barros P, Gomes A, Meira D. Papilledema secondary to internal jugular veins thrombosis in a peritoneal dialysis patient. Acta Ophthalmol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2016.0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Costa J, Braga J, Neves F, Meira D, Ribeiro L. Intravitreal bevacizumab as an adjuvant treatment of choroidal metastasis. Acta Ophthalmol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2016.0681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Costa MA, Fonseca BM, Mendes A, Braga J, Teixeira NA, Correia-da-Silva G. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol dysregulates the synthesis of proteins by the human syncytiotrophoblast. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2015; 1861:205-12. [PMID: 26698196 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, endocannabinoids emerged as new players in various reproductive events. Recently, we demonstrated the involvement of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in human cytotrophoblast apoptosis and syncytialization. However, 2-AG impact in hormone production by the syncytiotrophoblast (hST) was never studied. In this work, we demonstrate that 2-AG activates cannabinoid (CB) receptors, exerting an inhibitory action on cyclic AMP/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 pathways, and enhancing ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, 2-AG affects the synthesis of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), leptin, aromatase, 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3-β-HSD), and placental protein 13 (PP13). These 2-AG effects are mediated by the activation of CB receptors, in a mechanism that may involve p38, ERK 1/2 and cAMP/PKA pathways, which participate in the regulation of placental proteins expression. To our knowledge, this is the first study that associates the endocannabinoid signalling and endocrine placental function, shedding light on a role for 2-AG in the complex network of molecules that orchestrate the production of placental proteins essential for the gestational success.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Mendes
- Departamento da Mulher e da Criança, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - J Braga
- Departamento da Mulher e da Criança, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - N A Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - G Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Goldraich L, Ross H, Foroutan F, Braga J, Walker M, Balmain S, McDonald M. REEVALUATING CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TESTING MODALITY IN RESYNCHRONIZED HEART FAILURE PATIENTS: RELEVANCE OF HEART RATE-ADAPTIVE PACING. Can J Cardiol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2015.07.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Costa MA, Fonseca BM, Mendes A, Braga J, Teixeira NA, Correia da Silva G. The endocannabinoid anandamide affects the synthesis of human syncytiotrophoblast-related proteins. Cell Tissue Res 2015. [PMID: 26202891 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2236-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The human syncytiotrophoblast (hST) has a major role in the production of important placental hormones. Several molecules regulate hST endocrine function but the role of endocannabinoids in this process is still unknown. Here, we report that the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) decreased cAMP levels, impaired human chorionic gonadotropin secretion, placental alkaline phosphatase activity and decreased aromatase mRNA levels and protein expression, through cannabinoid (CB) receptor activation. AEA also downregulated leptin and placental protein 13 transcription, though via a CB receptor-independent mechanism. All this evidence suggests AEA is a novel modulator of hormone synthesis by the syncytiotrophoblast, supporting the importance of the endocannabinoid signalling in placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Mendes
- Departamento da Mulher e da Criança, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte- Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - J Braga
- Departamento da Mulher e da Criança, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte- Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - N A Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia da Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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Braga J, Loubes JM, Descouens D, Dumoncel J, Thackeray JF, Kahn JL, de Beer F, Riberon A, Hoffman K, Balaresque P, Gilissen E. Disproportionate Cochlear Length in Genus Homo Shows a High Phylogenetic Signal during Apes' Hearing Evolution. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127780. [PMID: 26083484 PMCID: PMC4471221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in lifestyles and body weight affected mammal life-history evolution but little is known about how they shaped species’ sensory systems. Since auditory sensitivity impacts communication tasks and environmental acoustic awareness, it may have represented a deciding factor during mammal evolution, including apes. Here, we statistically measure the influence of phylogeny and allometry on the variation of five cochlear morphological features associated with hearing capacities across 22 living and 5 fossil catarrhine species. We find high phylogenetic signals for absolute and relative cochlear length only. Comparisons between fossil cochleae and reconstructed ape ancestral morphotypes show that Australopithecus absolute and relative cochlear lengths are explicable by phylogeny and concordant with the hypothetized ((Pan,Homo),Gorilla) and (Pan,Homo) most recent common ancestors. Conversely, deviations of the Paranthropus oval window area from these most recent common ancestors are not explicable by phylogeny and body weight alone, but suggest instead rapid evolutionary changes (directional selection) of its hearing organ. Premodern (Homo erectus) and modern human cochleae set apart from living non-human catarrhines and australopiths. They show cochlear relative lengths and oval window areas larger than expected for their body mass, two features corresponding to increased low-frequency sensitivity more recent than 2 million years ago. The uniqueness of the “hypertrophied” cochlea in the genus Homo (as opposed to the australopiths) and the significantly high phylogenetic signal of this organ among apes indicate its usefulness to identify homologies and monophyletic groups in the hominid fossil record.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Braga
- Hominid Evolutionary Biology, AMIS-UMR 5288 CNRS, University of Toulouse (Paul Sabatier), Toulouse, France
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - J-M. Loubes
- Statistics and Probabilities Team, Institute of Mathematics of Toulouse, UMR 5219 CNRS-Université de Toulouse (Paul Sabatier), Toulouse, France
| | - D. Descouens
- Hominid Evolutionary Biology, AMIS-UMR 5288 CNRS, University of Toulouse (Paul Sabatier), Toulouse, France
| | - J. Dumoncel
- Hominid Evolutionary Biology, AMIS-UMR 5288 CNRS, University of Toulouse (Paul Sabatier), Toulouse, France
| | - J. F. Thackeray
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - J-L. Kahn
- Institut d'Anatomie Normale et Pathologique, Faculté de Médecine de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - F. de Beer
- South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, Pelindaba, North West Province, South Africa
| | - A. Riberon
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR 5174 CNRS, University of Toulouse (Paul Sabatier), Toulouse, France
| | - K. Hoffman
- South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, Pelindaba, North West Province, South Africa
| | - P. Balaresque
- Hominid Evolutionary Biology, AMIS-UMR 5288 CNRS, University of Toulouse (Paul Sabatier), Toulouse, France
| | - E. Gilissen
- Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium and Laboratory of Histology and Neuropathology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Braga J, Campar A. [Biological causes of depression in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus]. Acta Reumatol Port 2014; 39:218-226. [PMID: 25326402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The high prevalence of depression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may result from the psychosocial impact of this chronic disease as well as from a lesion of the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, the biological basis of depression in SLE has been confirmed, under the influence of several factors, which will be reviewed here. Published evidence points to the participation of biochemical and neurophysiological changes, induced by cytokines, in the development of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Through activation of the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the alteration of neurotransmitters' bioavailability, the modification of neuroplasticity and neurogenesis and the overstimulation of certain neural circuits, cytokines are capable of causing mood swings and depression. On the other hand, associated with the immune deregulation, the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction correlates with neurophysiological changes involved in depression. Moreover, cerebro-reactive autoantibodies present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), such as anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA) and anti-ribosomal P, can cause significant damage to neurons in brain areas which are relevant to humor and behavior, potentially leading to depressive symptoms. In neuroanatomical terms, brain lesions in areas of the limbic system present in lupus patients, despite their unclear etiology, suggest impairment of cerebral achievement in emotional and behavioral functions. In summary, several biological changes are able to cause depression in SLE and their identification is essential to the management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Braga
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar
| | - A Campar
- Centro Hospitalar do Porto - Hospital Santo António
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Calamita A, Calamita Z, Braga J. Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Psoriasis: Relation to Inflammation Assessed by the Severity and Duration of Illness. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 12:385-90. [DOI: 10.2174/18715281113126660061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Alba AC, Braga J, Gewarges M, Walter S, Guyatt G, Ross HJ. Predictors of Mortality in Patients With an Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Can J Cardiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2013.07.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Rocha A, Cardoso A, Malheiro J, Martins L, Fonseca I, Braga J, Henriques A. Pregnancy After Kidney Transplantation: Graft, Mother, and Newborn Complications. Transplant Proc 2013; 45:1088-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Durrleman S, Pennec X, Trouvé A, Braga J, Gerig G, Ayache N. Toward a comprehensive framework for the spatiotemporal statistical analysis of longitudinal shape data. Int J Comput Vis 2012; 103:22-59. [PMID: 23956495 DOI: 10.1007/s11263-012-0592-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This paper proposes an original approach for the statistical analysis of longitudinal shape data. The proposed method allows the characterization of typical growth patterns and subject-specific shape changes in repeated time-series observations of several subjects. This can be seen as the extension of usual longitudinal statistics of scalar measurements to high-dimensional shape or image data. The method is based on the estimation of continuous subject-specific growth trajectories and the comparison of such temporal shape changes across subjects. Differences between growth trajectories are decomposed into morphological deformations, which account for shape changes independent of the time, and time warps, which account for different rates of shape changes over time. Given a longitudinal shape data set, we estimate a mean growth scenario representative of the population, and the variations of this scenario both in terms of shape changes and in terms of change in growth speed. Then, intrinsic statistics are derived in the space of spatiotemporal deformations, which characterize the typical variations in shape and in growth speed within the studied population. They can be used to detect systematic developmental delays across subjects. In the context of neuroscience, we apply this method to analyze the differences in the growth of the hippocampus in children diagnosed with autism, developmental delays and in controls. Result suggest that group differences may be better characterized by a different speed of maturation rather than shape differences at a given age. In the context of anthropology, we assess the differences in the typical growth of the endocranium between chimpanzees and bonobos. We take advantage of this study to show the robustness of the method with respect to change of parameters and perturbation of the age estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Durrleman
- Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute, 72 S. Central Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Braga J, Cardoso V, Abreu A, Didoné L, Evangelista M, Serra F. Ergonomic assessment of porridge roaming sale system. Work 2012; 41 Suppl 1:5532-5. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-2012-0873-5532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J. Braga
- Ergonomics Research and Development Center, Federal University of Amazonas, Av. General Rodrigo Otávio, n° 3.000, Aleixo, CEP 69.077-000, Manaus- AM, Brazil
| | - V. Cardoso
- Ergonomics Research and Development Center, Federal University of Amazonas, Av. General Rodrigo Otávio, n° 3.000, Aleixo, CEP 69.077-000, Manaus- AM, Brazil
| | - A. Abreu
- Ergonomics Research and Development Center, Federal University of Amazonas, Av. General Rodrigo Otávio, n° 3.000, Aleixo, CEP 69.077-000, Manaus- AM, Brazil
| | - L. Didoné
- Ergonomics Research and Development Center, Federal University of Amazonas, Av. General Rodrigo Otávio, n° 3.000, Aleixo, CEP 69.077-000, Manaus- AM, Brazil
| | - M. Evangelista
- Ergonomics Research and Development Center, Federal University of Amazonas, Av. General Rodrigo Otávio, n° 3.000, Aleixo, CEP 69.077-000, Manaus- AM, Brazil
| | - F. Serra
- Ergonomics Research and Development Center, Federal University of Amazonas, Av. General Rodrigo Otávio, n° 3.000, Aleixo, CEP 69.077-000, Manaus- AM, Brazil
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Mejia J, Galvis-Alonso OY, Castro AAD, Braga J, Leite JP, Simões MV. A clinical gamma camera-based pinhole collimated system for high resolution small animal SPECT imaging. Braz J Med Biol Res 2010; 43:1160-6. [PMID: 21085887 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2010007500128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of the present study was to upgrade a clinical gamma camera to obtain high resolution tomographic images of small animal organs. The system is based on a clinical gamma camera to which we have adapted a special-purpose pinhole collimator and a device for positioning and rotating the target based on a computer-controlled step motor. We developed a software tool to reconstruct the target's three-dimensional distribution of emission from a set of planar projections, based on the maximum likelihood algorithm. We present details on the hardware and software implementation. We imaged phantoms and heart and kidneys of rats. When using pinhole collimators, the spatial resolution and sensitivity of the imaging system depend on parameters such as the detector-to-collimator and detector-to-target distances and pinhole diameter. In this study, we reached an object voxel size of 0.6 mm and spatial resolution better than 2.4 and 1.7 mm full width at half maximum when 1.5- and 1.0-mm diameter pinholes were used, respectively. Appropriate sensitivity to study the target of interest was attained in both cases. Additionally, we show that as few as 12 projections are sufficient to attain good quality reconstructions, a result that implies a significant reduction of acquisition time and opens the possibility for radiotracer dynamic studies. In conclusion, a high resolution single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system was developed using a commercial clinical gamma camera, allowing the acquisition of detailed volumetric images of small animal organs. This type of system has important implications for research areas such as Cardiology, Neurology or Oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mejia
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil.
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Maret D, Molinier F, Braga J, Peters O, Telmon N, Treil J, Inglèse J, Cossié A, Kahn J, Sixou M. Accuracy of 3D Reconstructions Based on Cone Beam Computed Tomography. J Dent Res 2010; 89:1465-9. [DOI: 10.1177/0022034510378011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional imaging of teeth will increase its impact in clinical practice if reconstructions are metrically accurate. We hypothesized that, with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data, three-dimensional images of teeth can be reconstructed with the same accuracy and precision as with in vitro micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) data acquisition, the current reference standard. We used a sample of CBCT and micro-CT data taken of tooth germs. Volumes obtained with CBCT and micro-CT devices were statistically similar (n = 120, Passing-Bablok regression). Geometric deviations between CBCT and micro-CT three-dimensional surface reconstructions did not show any areas of important and systematic errors. Future investigations with the use of larger samples may also demonstrate that CBCT data will be helpful for a more in-depth study of other aspects of dental morphology—for example, assessing tooth development. With sufficient accuracy for clinical situations, potential future medical applications of such measurements with CBCT are envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Maret
- Laboratoire Imagerie de Synthèse en Anthropobiologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 37 allées J Guesde, FRE 2960 CNRS, 31000 Toulouse, France
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université Paul Sabatier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Toulouse, France
| | - F. Molinier
- Laboratoire Imagerie de Synthèse en Anthropobiologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 37 allées J Guesde, FRE 2960 CNRS, 31000 Toulouse, France
- Laboratoire d’Anatomie, Faculté de Médecine, Toulouse, France
| | - J. Braga
- Laboratoire Imagerie de Synthèse en Anthropobiologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 37 allées J Guesde, FRE 2960 CNRS, 31000 Toulouse, France
- Human Origins and Past Environments Programme, Transvaal Museum, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - O.A. Peters
- Department of Endodontics, University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - N. Telmon
- Laboratoire Imagerie de Synthèse en Anthropobiologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 37 allées J Guesde, FRE 2960 CNRS, 31000 Toulouse, France
- Service de Médecine Légale, Hôpital de Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - J. Treil
- Laboratoire Imagerie de Synthèse en Anthropobiologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 37 allées J Guesde, FRE 2960 CNRS, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - J.M. Inglèse
- Dental Systems Group, Carestream, Health, Inc., Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - A. Cossié
- Laboratoire Imagerie de Synthèse en Anthropobiologie, Université Paul Sabatier, 37 allées J Guesde, FRE 2960 CNRS, 31000 Toulouse, France
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université Paul Sabatier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Toulouse, France
| | - J.L. Kahn
- Institut d’Anatomie Normale de Strasbourg, France
| | - M. Sixou
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université Paul Sabatier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Toulouse, France
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Mejia J, Galvis-Alonso OY, Braga J, Corrêa R, Leite JP, Simões MV. Methodological approaches to planar and volumetric scintigraphic imaging of small volume targets with high spatial resolution and sensitivity. Braz J Med Biol Res 2010; 42:692-9. [PMID: 19649396 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2009000800001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2009] [Accepted: 06/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a non-invasive imaging technique, which provides information reporting the functional states of tissues. SPECT imaging has been used as a diagnostic tool in several human disorders and can be used in animal models of diseases for physiopathological, genomic and drug discovery studies. However, most of the experimental models used in research involve rodents, which are at least one order of magnitude smaller in linear dimensions than man. Consequently, images of targets obtained with conventional gamma-cameras and collimators have poor spatial resolution and statistical quality. We review the methodological approaches developed in recent years in order to obtain images of small targets with good spatial resolution and sensitivity. Multipinhole, coded mask- and slit-based collimators are presented as alternative approaches to improve image quality. In combination with appropriate decoding algorithms, these collimators permit a significant reduction of the time needed to register the projections used to make 3-D representations of the volumetric distribution of target's radiotracers. Simultaneously, they can be used to minimize artifacts and blurring arising when single pinhole collimators are used. Representation images are presented, which illustrate the use of these collimators. We also comment on the use of coded masks to attain tomographic resolution with a single projection, as discussed by some investigators since their introduction to obtain near-field images. We conclude this review by showing that the use of appropriate hardware and software tools adapted to conventional gamma-cameras can be of great help in obtaining relevant functional information in experiments using small animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mejia
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil.
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Braga J, Thackeray JF, Subsol G, Kahn JL, Maret D, Treil J, Beck A. The enamel-dentine junction in the postcanine dentition of Australopithecus africanus: intra-individual metameric and antimeric variation. J Anat 2009; 216:62-79. [PMID: 19900182 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2009.01154.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We used micro-computed tomography and virtual tools to study metric and morphological features at the enamel-dentine junction and on the outer enamel surface in the postcanine dentition of an exceptionally well-preserved maxilla and mandible of an early hominin. The fossil, Sts 52 from Sterkfontein, South Africa, is attributed to Australopithecus africanus and is about 2.5 million years old. For comparative purposes in this exploratory study, we also used micro-computed tomography to analyse the dentition of a common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), a pygmy chimpanzee (Pan paniscus) and three extant humans. Metameric variation of the 3D enamel-dentine junction in the two chimpanzee mandibles was much smaller than in extant humans. Variation in metameric shape was high and complex. Notably, the mandibular metameric variation in extant humans can be greater within individuals, as compared with variation between individuals, with differences in shape appearing greater for M2 compared with M1. We recommend the use of a new approach in which individual metameric variation is systematically assessed before making inferences about differences between fossil hominin species. The fossil hominin examined in this study showed a metameric pattern of mandibular variation in shape that was comparable to the pattern seen in two chimpanzees. This degree of metameric variation appeared relatively small compared with the much larger patterns of variation observed within and between extant humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Braga
- Laboratoire d'Anthropobiologie, Université de Toulouse, France.
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Treil J, Braga J, Aït Ameur A. Modélisation 3D du viscéro-crâne. Applications en orthodontie et chirurgie orthognatique. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 90:634-41. [DOI: 10.1016/s0221-0363(09)74038-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Avezum A, Braga J, Santos I, Guimarães HP, Marin-Neto JA, Piegas LS. Cardiovascular disease in South America: current status and opportunities for prevention. Heart 2009; 95:1475-82. [PMID: 19224906 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2008.156331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
South America comprises widely different environments consisting of many complex and heterogeneous ethnicities, societies and cultures. During recent decades conspicuous advances in human and societal development have been made. South America now faces three major demographic shifts: population growth; urbanisation (almost 90% of the population live in urban areas) and ageing. Recently, an epidemiological transition has been seen. Urbanisation has brought unfavourable and prominent changes, such as increased smoking rates, stress, lack of physical activity and poor diets (more fat and calories). Consequently, owing to the interaction between environment and genetic susceptibility, the modifications induced by urbanisation have resulted in enhancement of the cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This situation is responsible for the burden of CVD in South America, requiring effective action towards better detection and control of cardiovascular risk factors aimed at reducing the burden of disease in the region, which tends to be higher and increasingly serious.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Avezum
- Research Division, Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Abstract
The aim of this study is to observe the possible impact of socioeconomic level on stages of macroscopic dental development. The sample consists of 456 children from European origin, aged 3.5 to 16 years (242 girls and 214 boys). We apply a radiographic method of non-adult dental age estimation based on Bayes' theorem. Both socioeconomic level and geographic origin of grandparents are given in a questionnaire devised by the first author. First, results obtained with the Bayesian dependent method (BD method) are compared to those obtained with a more commonly used method of dental age estimation based on Correspondence Analysis and linear Regression (CAR method). Second, two approaches are proposed in order to test potential relationships between socioeconomic level and stages of macroscopic dental development. Both are based on observed shifts between dental age and chronological age with regard to socioeconomic level. Results obtained with the BD method are better, in terms of quality, than those obtained with the CAR method. We observed no influence of socioeconomic level on stages of macroscopic dental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Heuzé
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie des Populations du Passé, UMR 5199 PACEA du CNRS, Talence.
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Villasenor JS, Lamb DQ, Ricker GR, Atteia JL, Kawai N, Butler N, Nakagawa Y, Jernigan JG, Boer M, Crew GB, Donaghy TQ, Doty J, Fenimore EE, Galassi M, Graziani C, Hurley K, Levine A, Martel F, Matsuoka M, Olive JF, Prigozhin G, Sakamoto T, Shirasaki Y, Suzuki M, Tamagawa T, Vanderspek R, Woosley SE, Yoshida A, Braga J, Manchanda R, Pizzichini G, Takagishi K, Yamauchi M. Discovery of the short γ-ray burst GRB 050709. Nature 2005; 437:855-8. [PMID: 16208364 DOI: 10.1038/nature04213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2005] [Accepted: 09/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) fall into two classes: short-hard and long-soft bursts. The latter are now known to have X-ray and optical afterglows, to occur at cosmological distances in star-forming galaxies, and to be associated with the explosion of massive stars. In contrast, the distance scale, the energy scale and the progenitors of the short bursts have remained a mystery. Here we report the discovery of a short-hard burst whose accurate localization has led to follow-up observations that have identified the X-ray afterglow and (for the first time) the optical afterglow of a short-hard burst; this in turn led to the identification of the host galaxy of the burst as a late-type galaxy at z = 0.16 (ref. 10). These results show that at least some short-hard bursts occur at cosmological distances in the outskirts of galaxies, and are likely to be caused by the merging of compact binaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Villasenor
- MIT Kavli Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 70 Vassar Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
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Almeida VM, Costa PM, Moreira P, Gonçalves J, Braga J. Birth of two healthy females after preimplantation genetic diagnosis for familial amyloid polyneuropathy. Reprod Biomed Online 2005; 10:641-4. [PMID: 15949223 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61672-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), Portuguese type, is a late onset, high penetrance, autosomal dominant Mendelian disorder caused by a V30M substitution in the transthyretin (TTR) protein. A genetic diagnosis was developed using fluorescent single cell polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on lymphocytes from patients and controls. Ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval were carried out using conventional protocols in a couple in whom the female was heterozygous for the mutation TTR V30M. Blastomere biopsy was performed on day 3 after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. PCR was then performed for a segment of the TTR gene encompassing the V30M mutation. The transfer of three embryos at day 4 resulted in a twin pregnancy, confirmed as healthy females by amniocentesis at 16 weeks of gestation; the birth took place at 37 weeks of gestation. With this report, FAP, TTR related, joins the lengthening list of genetic conditions for which preimplantation genetic diagnosis has been successfully carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Almeida
- Centro de Estudos de Infertilidade e Esterilidade, Rua D. Manuel II 51, B, 4050-345, Porto, Portugal
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Braga J, Heuze Y, Chabadel O, Sonan NK, Gueramy A. Non-adult dental age assessment: correspondence analysis and linear regression versus Bayesian predictions. Int J Legal Med 2004; 119:260-74. [PMID: 15592678 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-004-0494-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2003] [Accepted: 09/21/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study focuses on the evaluation of factors influencing the quality (accuracy and reliability) of non-adult dental age assessment from radiographic stages of permanent teeth (excluding the third molar). We used four distinct cross-sectional samples of 1,528 healthy children: 3 of known geographic origin (Ivory Coast, Iran and France) and 1 additional sample of children whose grandparents originated from a different continent. Two different methods of calculations are compared: the correspondence analysis combined with linear regression (CAR) and Bayesian predictions (with no independence assumption). Our results indicate that the quality of age assessment does not seem to depend predominantly on the use of geographic-specific standards. In the case of Bayesian predictions, we observed a clear trend in favour of significantly higher accuracy and reliability levels when using non-geographic-specific standards. One of the main advantage of Bayesian predictions over maximum likelihood methods of estimation is an overall increase in accuracy with high levels of reliability on a fraction of the test sample and, importantly, across all age categories (contrary to methods based on regression analysis). Importantly, in the case of Bayesian non-adult predictions, and contrary to age estimation techniques based on regression, a better quality does not depend on age.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Braga
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie, UMR 5199 CNRS, Université Bordeaux 1, Avenue des Facultés, 33405 Talence Cedex, France.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ventura
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Geral de Santo António, Oporto, Portugal
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Coelho T, Braga J, Sequeira M. Hepatic hematomas in pregnancy. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2000; 79:884-6. [PMID: 11304974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T Coelho
- Department of Obstetrics, Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Santo António Hospital, Oporto, Portugal
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Pereira MG, Braga J, Jablonski F. The Orbital Period of the Accreting Pulsar GX 1+4. Astrophys J 1999; 526:L105-L109. [PMID: 10550289 DOI: 10.1086/312368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We report strong evidence for a approximately 304 day periodicity in the spin history of the accretion-powered pulsar GX 1+4 that is most probably associated with the orbital period of the system. We have used data from the Burst and Transient Source Experiment on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory to show a clear periodic modulation of the pulsar frequency from 1991 to date, in excellent agreement with the ephemeris proposed by Cutler, Dennis, & Dolan in 1986. Our results indicate that the orbital period of GX 1+4 is 303.8+/-1.1 days, making it the widest known low-mass X-ray binary system by more than 1 order of magnitude and putting this long-standing question to rest. A likely scenario for this system is an elliptical orbit in which the neutron star decreases its spin-down rate (or even exhibits a momentary spin-up behavior) at periastron passages due to the higher torque exerted by the accretion disk onto the magnetosphere of the neutron star. These results are not inconsistent with either the X-ray pulsed flux light curve measured by BATSE during the same epoch or the X-ray flux history from the All-Sky Monitor on board the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer.
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Koop J, Duck PM, Braga J. Dialogue. The ABCs of buying behavioral software. Behav Healthc Tomorrow 1999; 8:41-6. [PMID: 10346119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Abstract
The elucidation of patterns of cranial skeletal maturation and growth in fossil hominids is possible not only through dental studies but also by mapping different aspects of ossification in both extant African apes and humans. However, knowledge of normal skeletal development in large samples of extant great apes is flimsy. To remedy this situation, this paper offers an extensive survey and thorough discussion of the ossification of the posterior border of the sphenoid greater wing. Indeed, this area provides much information about basicranial skeletal maturation. We investigate three variants: the absence of the foramen spinosum and the position of both the foramen spinosum and the foramen ovale in relation to the sphenosquamosal suture. Providing original data about humans and 1,425 extant great ape skulls and using a sample of 64 fossil hominids, this study aimed to test whether different ossification patterns occurred during the course of human evolution. The incidence of three derived morphologies located on the posterior border of the sphenoid greater wing increases during human evolution at different geological periods. The evolutionary polarity of these three derived morphologies is assessed by outgroup comparison and ontogenetic methods. During human evolution, there is a clear trend for the foramen spinosum to be present and wholly located on the posterior area of the sphenoid greater wing. Moreover, in all the great ape species and in Australopithecus afarensis, the sphenosquamosal suture may split the foramen ovale. Inversely, the foramen ovale always lies wholly within the sphenoid greater wing in Australopithecus africanus, robust australopithecines, early Homo, H. erectus (and/or H. ergaster), and Homo sapiens. From ontogenetic studies in humans, we conclude that, during human evolution, the ossification of the posterior area of the sphenoid greater wing progressively surrounded the middle meningeal artery (passing through the foramen spinosum) and the small meningeal artery (passing through the foramen ovale).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Braga
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie des Populations du Passé, Université de Bordeaux I, U.M.R. 5809 du C.N.R.S., Talence, France
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