Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2021-05"
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- The influence of 17β-oestradiol on lymphopoiesis and immune system ontogenesis in juvenile sea bass, Dicentrarchus labraxPublication . Moreira, Catarina; Paiola, Matthieu; Duflot, Aurélie; Varó, Inma; Sitjà-Bobadilla, Ariadna; Knigge, Thomas; Pinto, P; Monsinjon, TiphaineThe female sex steroid 17β-oestradiol (E2) is involved in the regulation of numerous physiological functions, including the immune system development and performance. The role of oestrogens during ontogenesis is, however, not well studied. In rodents and fish, thymus maturation appears to be oestrogen-dependent. Never theless, little is known about the function of oestrogen in immune system development. To further the under standing of the role of oestrogens in fish immune system ontogenesis, fingerlings of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were exposed for 30 days to 20 ng E2⋅L− 1 , at two ages tightly related to thymic maturation, i.e., 60 or 90 days post hatch (dph). The expression of nuclear and membrane oestrogen receptors was measured in the thymus and spleen, and the expression of several T cell-related gene markers was studied in both immune organs, as well as in the liver. Waterborne E2-exposure at 20.2 ± 2.1 (S.E.) ng⋅L− 1 was confirmed by radioimmunoassay, leading to significantly higher E2-contents in the liver of exposed fish. The majority of gene markers presented age-dependent dynamics in at least one of the organs, confirming thymus maturation, but also suggesting a critical ontogenetic window for the implementation of liver resident γδ and αβ T cells. The oestrogen receptors, however, remained unchanged over the age and treatment comparisons with the exception of esr2b, which was modulated by E2 in the younger cohort and increased its expression with age in the thymus of the older cohort, as did the membrane oestrogen receptor gpera. These results confirm that oestrogen-signalling is involved in thymus maturation in European sea bass, as it is in mammals. This suggests that esr2b and gpera play key roles during thymus ontogenesis, particularly during medulla maturation. In contrast, the spleen expressed low or non-detectable levels of oestrogen receptors. The E2-exposure decreased the expression of tcrγ in the liver in the cohort exposed from 93 to 122 dph, but not the expression of any other immune-related gene analysed. These results indicate that the proliferation/migration of these innate-like T cell populations is estrogensensitive. In regard to the apparent prominent role of oestrogen-signalling in the late thymus maturation stage, the thymic differentiation of the corresponding subpopulations of T cells might be regulated by oestrogen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the dynamics of both nuclear and membrane oestrogen receptors in specific immune organs in a teleost fish at very early stages of immune system development as well as to examine thymic function in sea bass after an exposure to E2 during ontogenesis.
- Generation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell line (UALGi001-A) from a patient with Left-Ventricular Noncompaction CardiomyopathyPublication . Calado, Sofia; Bento, Dina; Justino, David; Mendes-Silva, Leonardo; Marques, Nuno; Bragança, JoséLeft Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is characterized by excessive trabeculation of the left ventricle. To date, mutations in more than 40 genes have been associated with LVNC, however the exact mechanisms underlying the disease remain unknown. Here, we describe an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line (UALGi001-A) from a LVNC patient (LVNC-iPSC) that does not present mutations in the genes most commonly associated with the disease (van Waning et al., 2019). The LVNC-iPSC exhibited full pluripotency and differentiation potential, and retained a normal karyotype after reprogramming. This in vitro cellular model will be useful to study the molecular, genetic and functional aspects of LVNC.
- The classical Kelvin-Voigt problem for incompressible fluids with unknown non-constant density: existence, uniqueness and regularityPublication . Antontsev, S. N.; Oliveira, H. B. de; Khompysh, KhThe classical Kelvin-Voigt equations for incompressible fluids with non-constant density are investigated in this work. To the associated initial-value problem endowed with zero Dirichlet conditions on the assumed Lipschitz-continuous boundary, we prove the existence of weak solutions: velocity and density. We also prove the existence of a unique pressure. These results are valid for d is an element of {2, 3, 4}. In particular, if d is an element of {2, 3}, the regularity of the velocity and density is improved so that their uniqueness can be shown. In particular, the dependence of the regularity of the solutions on the smoothness of the given data of the problem is established.
- Atividade da Comissão de Prevenção e Controlo de Infeção e Resistência aos antimicrobianos (CPCIRA) do INEM, em contexto COVID-19, no ano 2020Publication . Pereira, Marlene; Silva, Márcio; Pereira, Susana; Pissarra, Helena; Ramos, Maria JoaquinaTendo em consideração o diagnóstico base da taxa de cumprimento das Precauções Básicas de Controlo da Infeção (PBCI) efetuado e de forma a contribuir para o cumprimento da Norma das PBCI da Direção Geral da Saúde (DGS), bem como as recomendações de boas práticas nacionais e internacionais, a Comissão de Prevenção e Controlo da Infeção e Resistência aos Antimicrobianos (CPCIRA) teve como foco a implementação de medidas que visassem ir ao encontro das necessidades do Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica (INEM). O objetivo deste artigo é divulgar a caraterização da atividade da comissão, desenvolvida ao longo de um ano, com adaptação a uma nova realidade. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, observacional, retrospetivo, com base nos dados retirados da base de dados da CPCIRA durante o ano de 2020. Do plano de ação desenvolvido no início do ano 2020 foram atingidos 7 dos 8 objetivos a que a comissão se propôs. Como resposta às necessidades identificadas, foram propostos mais 8 objetivos fora do plano inicial, com elevadas taxas de concretização. Consideramos que os objetivos propostos inicialmente e os que foram identificados posteriormente demonstraram-se pertinentes e adequados a este contexto e a sua realização exequível. As atividades desenvolvidas potenciaram a implementação de uma estratégia de identificação e resolução de problemas em tempo real, promovendo ambientes de trabalho seguros e responsáveis.
- High-grade transformation/dedifferentiation in salivary gland carcinomas: occurrence across subtypes and clinical significancePublication . Skalova, Alena; Leivo, Ilmo; Hellquist, Henrik; Agaimy, Abbas; Simpson, Roderick H. W.; Stenman, Goran; Vander Poorten, Vincent; Bishop, Justin A.; Franchi, Alessandro; Hernandez-Prera, Juan C.; Slouka, David; Willems, Stefan M.; Olsen, Kerry D.; Ferlito, AlfioHigh-grade transformation (HGT) or dedifferentiation has been described in a variety of salivary gland carcinomas, including acinic cell carcinoma, secretory carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, polymorphous adenocarcinoma, low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma. High-grade (HG) transformed tumors are composed of a conventional low-grade component characterized by specific microscopic and immunohistochemical features for the given entity, intermingled with or juxtaposed to areas of HG morphology. This is usually either poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, carcinoma not otherwise specified, or undifferentiated carcinoma, in which the original line of differentiation is lost. The HG component is composed of solid nests of anaplastic cells with large vesicular pleomorphic nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and abundant cytoplasm. Frequent mitoses and extensive necrosis may be present. The Ki-67 labeling index is consistently higher in the HG component. The molecular genetic mechanisms responsible for HGT of salivary gland carcinomas are largely unknown, though p53 inactivation and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpression and/or gene amplification have been demonstrated in the HG component in a few examples, the frequency varies for each histologic type. Salivary gland carcinomas with HGT are more aggressive than conventional carcinomas, with a higher local recurrence rate and a poorer prognosis. They have a high propensity for cervical lymph node metastasis suggesting a need for a wider resection and neck dissection. HGT of salivary gland carcinoma can occur either at initial presentation or less commonly at the time of recurrence, sometimes following postoperative radiotherapy. The potential for HGT in almost any type of salivary gland carcinoma warrants a thorough sampling of all salivary gland malignancies to prevent oversight of a HG component.
- Climate-induced range shifts shaped the present and threaten the future genetic variability of a marine brown alga in the Northwest PacificPublication . Song, Xiao-Han; Assis, Jorge; Jie Zhang, Jie; Gao, Xu; Cho, Han-Gil; Duan, De-Lin; Serrao, Ester; Hu, Zi-MinGlaciation-induced environmental changes during the last glacial maximum (LGM) have strongly influenced species' distributions and genetic diversity patterns in the northern high latitudes. However, these effects have seldom been assessed on sessile species in the Northwest Pacific. Herein, we chose the brown alga Sargassum thunbergii to test this hypothesis, by comparing present population genetic variability with inferred geographical range shifts from the LGM to the present, estimated with species distribution modelling (SDM). Projections for contrasting scenarios of future climate change were also developed to anticipate genetic diversity losses at regional scales. Results showed that S. thunbergii harbours strikingly rich genetic diversity and multiple divergent lineages in the centre-northern range of its distribution, in contrast with a poorer genetically distinct lineage in the southern range. SDM hindcasted refugial persistence in the southern range during the LGM as well as post-LGM expansion of 18 degrees of latitude northward. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) analysis further suggested that the multiple divergent lineages in the centre-northern range limit stem from post-LGM colonization from the southern survived lineage. This suggests divergence due to demographic bottlenecks during range expansion and massive genetic diversity loss during post-LGM contraction in the south. The projected future range of S. thunbergii highlights the threat to unique gene pools that might be lost under global changes.
- Parents' perceived social support and children's psychological adjustmentPublication . Nunes, Cristina; Martins, Cátia; Nunes, Lara; Adelaide de Matos, Filomena; Costa, Emília Isabel; Gonçalves, AndreaPerceived social support has often been investigated due to its direct and indirect effects in reducing the impact of several risk factors on physical and psychological well-being. Moreover, many studies have revealed a link between social support and positive parenting, which in turn has an impact on children's well-being. In Portugal, there is a significant lack of studies in this area. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between parents' perceived social support and children's psychological adjustment. The sample consisted of 409 parents (83.13% mothers) living in the region of Algarve (South of Portugal). The Duke-UNC Functional Social Support and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires were used. Findings The results showed that, on average, families had a social support network of nine people, with a balanced presence of family (M = 4.25, SD = 3.54) and friends (M = 4.36, SD = 3.17). Parents reported medium-high levels of confidant and affective support, but instrumental support was lower. However, single-parent families, immigrant families, and divorced parents were found to be more socially isolated and received less support than they needed. Affective social support showed predictive value for child psychological adjustment. Applications These findings suggest that developing universal and selective parental education and support programs that focus on strengthening informal social support networks is needed, especially for vulnerable families. Implications for social workers who intervene with families are discussed.
- Maternal risk factors and neonatal outcomes associated with low birth weight in a secondary referral hospital in GhanaPublication . Afaya, Agani; Afaya, Richard Adongo; Azongo, Thomas Bavo; Yakong, Vida Nyagre; Konlan, Kennedy Diema; Agbinku, Ethel; Agyabeng-Fandoh, Eric; Akokre, Renna; Karim, Jebuni Fuseini; Salia, Solomon Mohammed; Kaba, Robert Alhassan; Ayanore, Martin AmogreOver the past decade, the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in sub-Saharan Africa has not seen any decline and this is a matter of grave concern for healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the incidence of LBW and related maternal risk factors (during pregnancy or delivery) as well as neonatal outcomes.
- Memory awareness in patients with Major Depressive DisorderPublication . Mendes, Tiago; Cardoso, Sandra; Guerreiro, Manuela; Maroco, João; Silva, Dina; Alves, Luísa; Schmand, Ben; Simões do Couto, Frederico; Figueira, Maria Luísa; de Mendonça, AlexandreBackground: Subjective Memory Complaints (SMC) along with cognitive deficits are frequently observed in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The relationship between SMC and objective memory performance in patients with MDD was evaluated, in comparison with patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s Disease (MCI-AD) and healthy controls (HC). Methods: Patients with MDD (n = 47), MCI-AD (n = 43) and HC (n = 45) were assessed with a self-report memory complaints scale (SMCS) and underwent a comprehensive clinical and neuropsychological assessment. A discrepancy score between the Logical Memory delayed recall and the SMCS total score was calculated as a measure of memory awareness. Results: Patients with MDD (12.5 ± 4.4) and patients with MCI-AD (10.9 ± 4.1) had not significantly different SMCS total scores, whereas HC showed significantly lower scores (4.0 ± 3.0). As much as 74.5% of patients with MDD patients and 65.1% of patients with MCI-AD reported prominent memory complaints, whereas only 4.4% of HC did. Patients with MDD had relatively preserved memory tests, resulting in a higher discrepancy score than both patients with MCI-AD and HC. The SMCS total score correlated positively with depressive symptoms in the 3 groups of participants. Conclusions: Patients with MDD showed inaccurate memory self-awareness as they under-estimated their memory functioning, a pattern distinct from both patients with MCI-AD and HC.
- Emerging entities and new diagnostic markers for head and neck soft tissue and bone tumorsPublication . Franchi, Alessandro; Thompson, Lester D. R.; Hernandez-Prera, Juan C.; Agaimy, Abbas; Williams, Michelle D.; Mikkelsen, Lauge H.; Bishop, Justin A.; Willems, Stefan M.; Hellquist, Henrik; Ferlito, AlfioBone and soft tissue tumors of the head and neck are relatively uncommon tumors that often represent a diagnostic challenge because of the wide range of entities that must be considered in the differential diagnosis. Over the past few years, classification of bone and soft tissue tumors has evolved primarily because of substantial contributions from molecular genetics, with the identification of new markers that are increasingly used to complement histopathologic findings in the routine diagnostic workup. This review focuses on the recently described mesenchymal tumors that preferentially involve the head and neck region, with a focus on the most relevant novel immunohistochemical and molecular findings, including gene fusions and mutations, that can help in the diagnosis and in the assessment of clinical behavior.