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- Data Quality Assessment: A Practical ApplicationPublication . Eliana Costa e Silva; Teresa Peixoto; Óscar Oliveira; Bruno OliveiraThis paper presents a novel data quality score designed to address the challenges of ensuring high-quality data in Internet of Things (IoT) deployments. Given the growing reliance on IoT systems and the volume of data they generate, maintaining data quality is essential for reliable decision-making and effective analytics. The proposed score synthesizes key data quality dimensions, providing a comprehensive measure of data quality that can be applied across various IoT contexts. The results obtained for a public dataset on a water pumping system show the applicability and flexibility of the proposed data quality score. This work contributes to the ongoing efforts to improve data management in IoT environments, ultimately supporting the development of robust, data-driven solutions.
- Beyond the brain: The hidden role of cardiorenal dysfunction in Parkinson’s diseasePublication . Teixeira, C.; Araújo, B.; Caridade-Silva, Rita; Martins-Macedo, J.; Guedes,Carla; Gomes, Eduardo; Falcão-Pires, I.; Alencastre, I.; Teixeira, F.; Guedes, Carla; Gomes, EduardoParkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, marked by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in critical areas of the brain, particularly the striatum and substantia nigra. PD's complex nature suggests its interactions with various systemic health issues, particularly those affecting organs outside the central nervous system (CNS), which may increase the risk of developing PD and affect treatment outcomes. Research indicates that individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) face significantly higher risks of PD, even when controlling for shared risk factors. Notably, alpha-synuclein aggregations, a hallmark of PD, have also been found in the renal and cardiac tissues of patients with PD, CKD, and CVD, highlighting the interconnectedness of these systems. The Zucker fatty and spontaneously hypertensive (ZSF1) rats model metabolic syndrome, which includes kidney issues and heart failure. This study aimed to explore how the ZSF1 phenotype impacts the integrity of dopaminergic neurons and neuroinflammatory processes. Brain tissues from ZSF1 rats were analyzed through immunostaining with markers specific to dopaminergic and glial cells. The results showed a significant decrease in dopaminergic markers in the striatum and substantia nigra, indicating a potential link between cardiorenal dysfunction and neurodegenerative pathways. These findings suggest that systemic health conditions can directly influence PD pathology, emphasizing the complex interactions between the brain, heart, and kidneys, and presenting new opportunities for targeted PD therapies.
- The synergy of dopaminergic system and adult hippocampal neurogenesis in a pre-clinical model of Parkinson’s disease pp85Publication . Araújo, B.; Caridade-Silva, Rita; Vilaça-Ferreira, A.; Martins-Macedo, J.; Teixeira, C.; Soares-Guedes, C.; Svenningsson, P.; Pinto, L.; Teixeira, F.; Guedes, CarlaDepressive disturbances are prevalent in 40% to 50% of clinical cases of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), alongside a common reduction in adult hippocampal neurogenesis observed in both PD and its related conditions. This neurogenesis deficit may affect the clinical course of the disease. With this in mind, we set an experiment using the glial fibrillary acidic protein-thymidine kinase (GFAP-TK) transgenic rat model to assess the impact of impaired adult cytogenesis induced by the antiviral Ganciclovir on PD. The experiment involved a combination of the GFAP-TK model and a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of PD, while behavioral analyses focused on anxiety, depression, and motor skills. From the results, histological examinations revealed decreased proliferative cells and reduced dopaminergic innervation. Additionally, analysis of newborn and immature neurons occurred in the hippocampus, subventricular zone, and olfactory bulbs, while dopaminergic loss was assessed in regions like the substantia nigra and striatum. Findings indicated that the model exhibited anxiety/depressive-like behaviors and motor impairments, linked to the notable loss of dopaminergic neurons, which appeared to correlate with reduced doublecortin-positive cells in the hippocampus. Moreover, results suggested subtle differences between ipsilateral and contralateral sides, highlighting the dopaminergic system's role in hippocampal adaptation. Therefore, these findings suggest a connection between reduced neurogenesis and dopaminergic neuron loss, hinting that these phenomena might be interrelated. Therefore, investigating this potential regional interconnection may augment our understanding of non-motor dimensions in PD pathophysiology related to motor functions, thereby facilitating the development of enhanced therapeutic strategies for individuals in the early stages of PD.
- Lipidome plasticity in medium- and long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders: Insights from dried blood spot lipidomicsPublication . Guerra, Inês M. S.; Rocha, Hugo; Moreira, Sónia; Gaspar, Ana; Ferreira, Ana C.; Santos, Helena; Rodrigues, Esmeralda; Chaves, Paulo Castro; Melo, Tânia; Goracci, Laura; Domingues, Pedro; Moreira, Ana S.P.; Domingues, M. Rosário; Carvalho de Azevedo Rocha, Hugo DanielFatty acid (FA) oxidation disorders (FAOD) are characterized by accumulation of specific acylcarnitines (CAR) and FA and can lead to potentially severe complications. In this study, dried blood spots (DBS) combined with LC-MS lipidomics analysis were used to assess lipidome plasticity in medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD), long-chain hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHADD), and very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD), compared to control (CT) individuals, for screening potential prognostic biomarkers. Statistically significant variations were found in CAR, biomarkers for FAOD diagnosis, but other lipid species showed variations depending on the FAOD. Common changes in all FAOD included a few phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipid species, notably an up-regulation of LPC 16:1, possibly associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In LCHADD and VLCADD, an up-regulation of odd-chain PC (PC 33:0, PC 35:4 and PC 37:4) was observed. VLCADD exhibited higher levels of odd-chain TG, while LCHADD showed an up-regulation of ceramide (Cer 41:2;O2). The increase in the Cer class has been found to be associated with neurodegeneration and may contribute to the risk of developing this condition in LCHADD. An upregulation of ether-linked PC lipid species, including plasmenyl (known as endogenous antioxidants), was observed in MCADD, possibly as a response to increased oxidative stress reported in this disorder. Overall, DBS combined with lipidomics effectively pinpoints the lipid plasticity in FAOD, highlighting potential specific biomarkers for disease prognosis that warrant further validation for their association with the development of FAOD comorbidities.
- The role of multi-organ cancer predisposition genes in the risk of inherited and histologically diverse gastric cancerPublication . Carvajal-Carmona, Luis G.; Pinto, Carla; Pinto, CarlaApproximately 10% of cases with gastric cancer (GC) exhibit familial clustering, however, only 1–3% of cases can be explained by two known hereditary syndromes: Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) caused by CDH1 and CTNNA1 pathogenic germline variants; and Gastric Adenocarcinoma and Proximal Polyposis of the Stomach (GAPPS), caused by germline variants in APC 1B promoter. Familial intestinal gastric cancer (FIGC) has been defined clinically, but it remains mostly genetically unexplained. Likewise, the heritability of mixed histology GC remains to be known. We aimed to estimate the frequency of known cancer predisposition gene variants in GC cases with and without a cancer family history, diverse histological subtypes, and varied age of onset. We evaluated the contribution of pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in well-established moderate-to-high penetrance multi-organ cancer predisposition genes for GC risk in a large international multi-centre retrospective cohort study involving 750 patients with GC of early-onset or family history of cancer, either by panel sequencing or whole exome sequencing (WES). Panel sequencing was conducted on 328 cases, while WES was performed on the remaining 422. Tumour sequence analyses were performed on samples from 15 patients with P/LP variants. Mutations identified in five index cases were also tested in their relatives. We identified 45 patients (6%) with P/LP variants in: ATM (17 cases), BRCA2 (10 cases), MLH1 (five cases), TP53 (three cases), BRCA1, PALB2, RAD51D, and CHEK2 (two patients each), and RAD51C and PMS2 (one case each), all of which were mutually exclusive. The P/LP variant prevalence was higher in intestinal (9.8%) than in diffuse (4.3%) or mixed GC (4.5%) (p-value = 0.023), without difference per mutated gene by histological subtypes. Only 16 of the 45 patients who carried P/LP variants fulfilled the National Comprehensive Cancer Network genetic testing criteria of at least one cancer predisposition syndrome. Our findings indicate that a broader panel of cancer predisposition genes, beyond CDH1 and CTNNA1, should be included in gene panels to investigate germline variants in patients with GC. This would be especially beneficial when there is a family history of cancer, irrespective of histology subtype, as it would increase the chance of identifying patients who could benefit from risk reduction, targeted treatment, and surveillance of other cancer types.
- Eficácia de um programa de literacia em saúde mental na redução do estigma em jovens da Póvoa de VarzimPublication . Moura, Ana Lia; Monteiro, Bárbara; Trigueiro, Maria João; Silva, Vítor Simões; Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Portugal, Paula; Sousa, Sara; Campos, Filipa; Soutelo, Ana Paula; Veloso, Paulo; Marques, António; Trigueiro, Maria João; Simões-Silva, Vitor; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; Portugal, Paula; de Sousa, Sara; Campos, Filipa; Machado Veloso Gomes, Paulo Sérgio; Pereira da Silva Marques, António JoséApesar da sociedade ocidental ter evoluído culturalmente no ultimo século, caminhando no sentido da liberalização e da democratização, ainda são visíveis muitos comportamentos preconceituosos e estigmatizantes, especialmente para com minorias. O estigma é então percebido como a marginalização e desvalorização de certos indíviduos tendo por base características consideradas diferentes. O principal objetivo é avaliar a eficácia do programa de intervenção - "Bicho de 7 Cabeças", destinado à diminuição do estigma da saúde mental na população jovem da Póvoa de Varzim, através da promoção da literacia em saúde mental. Realizou-se um estudo quasi-experimental, envolvendo uma amostra de 504 participantes a frequentar o 9º ano em estabelecimentos de ensino da Póvoa de Varzim. Os participantes foram distribuídos por grupo experimental, que recebeu intervenção com sessões educativas e grupo de controlo ativo, que recebeu uma intervenção com a entrega de conteúdo informativo. A avaliação foi realizada através de um questionário em formato digital, composto por questões sociodemográficas e o instrumento - Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS). Resultados: Verificou-se uma diminuição nos níveis de estigma em ambos os grupos (p<0,001), e o valor da interação entre o efeito da intervenção e a pontuação do RIBS foi igualmente (p<0,001). Constatou-se a eficácia do programa de promoção de Literacia em Saúde Mental - "Bicho de 7 Cabeças" na redução dos níveis de estigma em jovens da Póvoa de Varzim.
- Impacto de um programa de apoio terapêutico online para cuidadores informaisPublication . Oliveira, Patrícia; Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Trigueiro, Maria João; Marques, António; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; Trigueiro, Maria João; Pereira da Silva Marques, António JoséDada a alta prevalência de cuidadores informais (CI) na Europa (cerca de 80%), e o impacto ambivalente do papel na sua saúde mental e física, desenvolveu-se o programa online “Group Hug – Informal Caregivers”. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o impacto deste programa na sobrecarga, bem-estar psicológico e resiliência em cuidadores informais residentes na área metropolitana de Lisboa. A amostra foi constituída por 17 participantes e foi realizada uma intervenção online com duração de 1 ano. O impacto do programa foi analisado através de uma avaliação realizada antes e após a participação, utilizando os seguintes instrumentos: Escala de Sobrecarga do Cuidador, Escala Breve de Coping Resiliente e a Escala de Medida de Manifestação de Bem-Estar Psicológico. Os resultados não indicaram melhorias significativas ao nível da sobrecarga (p=0.620), do coping resiliente (p=0.740), nem ao nível do bem-estar psicológico (p=0.326); isto pode dever-se a diversos fatores que caracterizam a amostra, à adesão às sessões, e ao facto de a resiliência ser um traço de personalidade e por isso poder ser alterado de forma limitada. As intervenções dirigidas aos cuidadores informais podem ser benéficas, mas é necessário continuar-se a investigar como devem ser implementadas para se garantir maior eficácia. Os terapeutas ocupacionais podem ter um papel importante nesta área, contribuindo com intervenções especializadas que promovam estratégias de gestão da sobrecarga, fortalecimento do bem-estar e desenvolvimento de recursos de resiliência nos cuidadores informais.
- Análise da funcionalidade em idosos do Alto Minho após o programa OtagoPublication . Alves, Odete; Carvalho, Ana de; Francisco, Ana; Pinho, Mariana; Carvalho, Camila; Martins, Hélder; Mesquita, Cristina; Lopes, Sofia; Santos, Paula; Carvalho Mesquita, Cristina; Lopes, SofiaO norte de Portugal apresenta uma elevadataxa de envelhecimento, associada a condições como sarcopenia, diminuição do equilíbrio e da força muscular. O obje,vo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto do programa de exercícios de Otago (PEO) na funcionalidade e, de forma secundária, na perceção de saúde e no medo de cair em idososresidentes em estruturas residenciais no Alto Minho. Realizou-se um estudo pré-experimental com 37 par,cipantes (83,46 ± 6,53 anos)sendo a maioria mulheres (75,60%). O PEO foi implementado durante oitosemanas, com avaliação da funcionalidade antes e após a intervenção u,lizando os testes 30 seconds Sit to Stand (30STS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 4 Stage Balance Test "Modified" (4SBTM), 15 seconds Step Test (15SST) e 10 meters Walking Speed (10MWS). A perceção de saúde e o medo de cair foram avaliados através de um ques,onário. Após a intervenção, observou-se uma melhoria significa,va na funcionalidade, com aumento das repe,ções do 30STS (6,69 ± 4,35 para 9,16 ± 5,35; p < 0,001) e redução do tempo do TUG (p = 0,006). No entanto, não foram encontradas diferenças significa,vas do 15SST (p = 0,142) e do 10MWS (p = 0,815). Houve uma melhoria significa,va do equilíbrio dinâmico (4SBTM, p < 0,001), mas não da perceção de saúde ou do medo de cair (p > 0,05). Conclui-se que o PEO melhora a força muscular, mobilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico, sem afetar a perceção de saúde ou o medo de cair.
- Inhibitory control in addictive behaviors: is there room for memory suppression?Publication . Caneda, Eduardo Lopez; Antunes, Natália Almeida“If we remembered everything, we should on most occasions be as ill off as if we remembered nothing” (James, 1890). This phrase by James, like many others found in his masterpiece, The Principles of Psychology, perfectly encapsulates the idea that forgetting, contrary to common perception, is (in most cases) not a negative phenomenon, but serves essential adaptive functions in human life. Indeed, forgetting may be essential for mental health, as it helps regulate negative emotions by limiting access to unpleasant or embarrassing memories, thereby fostering subjective wellbeing and emotional resilience (Nørby, 2018). It also plays a crucial role in learning, facilitating the transition from detailed episodic memories to more generalized and efficient knowledge. An extreme example of the challenges associated with remembering vast amounts of information is the famous case of Solomon Shereshevsky, a Russian journalist with an extraordinary memory who was unable to forget irrelevant details, often becoming overwhelmed by excessive mental associations, as beautifully documented by Alexander Luria in the second half of the 20th century (Luria, 1968; also see Fawcett and Hulbert, 2020; Price and Davis, 2008). Moreover, forgetting ensures that our cognitive processing remains relevant to the present and future, as it filters out outdated information, enabling us to adapt flexibly to new situations and make better-guided decisions (Kuhl et al., 2007; Richards and Frankland, 2017). Thus, forgetting proves to be not only a necessary process for maintaining a healthy emotional state but also an essential mechanism for efficient cognition and dynamic adaptation to an ever-changing environment.
- Phytosome-based nanocarriers enhanced with seaweed extracts: Overcoming the blood–brain barrierPublication . Portela, Mariana; Silva, Aurora; Carpena, Maria; Grosso, Clara; Barroso, Maria Fátima; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Martins, Claudia; Ribeiro, Cristina; Prieto, Miguel A.; Oliveira, Ana IsabelNeurodegenerative diseases impact millions of people globally and are emerging as an imminent challenge due to the rapid aging of the population. The current treatments only focus on relieving their symptoms, so it is necessary to adopt innovative strategies. However, delivering pharmacological agents directly into the brain is difficult because of the presence of the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB). To overcome this obstacle, nanotransporters such as phytosomes have been developed. This study reports the preparation and characterization of phosphatidylcholine (PC) phytosomes based on hydroethanolic extracts of three macroalgae: Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis (AN), Bifurcaria bifurcata R.Ross (BB), and Fucus spiralis L. (FS). Additionally, some phytosomes were functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE). Phytosome characterization was carried out in terms of encapsulation rate, size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and stability, and the efficacy of passage through the BBB was tested using an in vitro transwell model based on hCMEC/D3 cells. The results showed a high percentage of extract bound to PC (from 74.9 to 80.3%), and tests conducted over three weeks showed the stability of the phytosomes developed. There was a notable distinction between the functionalized and non-functionalized phytosomes, reflected in the values of their sizes (from 117.71 to 167.73 nm for non-functionalized and from 277.07 to 361.44 nm for PEG-ApoE phytosomes), PDIs (0.286–0.411 for non-functionalized and 0.389-0.539 for functionalized phytosomes), and zeta potentials (1.91–2.22 and −3.31–−0.68 mV for non-functionalized and functionalized phytosomes), respectively. Regarding their ability to cross the BBB, the functionalization of phytosomes with ApoE did not prove to be a crucial step, perhaps due to the low amount of ApoE used (1%), as all of the nanotransporters always passed through the hCMEC/D3 cell monolayer, regardless of their formulation.