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- Evaluation of radiotherapy doses in pediatric patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma: Monte Carlo SimulationsPublication . Mota, Inês; Sá, Ana Cravo; Costa, Fernando; Monteiro, Armanda; Aires, Fátima; Faria, IsabelHodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is one of the most common cancers in children, and radiotherapy (RT) is a crucial part of treatment. However, the risk of late effects, such as cardiotoxicity and secondary malignant neoplasms, is a concern due to radiation exposure to critical organs[2-8]. Advanced dose calculation methods, such as Monte Carlo Methods (MCMs), can improve dosimetry accuracy and help minimize these risks[9,10]. This study aims to assess organ doses in pediatric patients undergoing RT for HL. The research was structured into three main components: a systematic literature review, dose calculations using the Eclipse treatment planning system and simulations using the PRIMO software. Information was collected from the Pubmed database on the effect of doses on the organs of pediatric patients undergoing RT for HL. The search terms and the Boolean operator were used in the following search query: ((Hodgkin) AND (Late effects)) AND (Pediatric). A total of 17 articles were considered. PRIMO simulations showed greater accuracy with lower uncertainties than Eclipse. PRIMO calculated a heart dose of 1645 mGy, while Eclipse estimated 2142 mGy. For the breasts, PRIMO calculated 243 mGy versus 189 mGy in Eclipse. Though small, these differences may have clinical relevance, as studies indicate that doses above 20-30 Gy raise the risk of late effects like breast cancer and cardiotoxicity. PRIMO’s precision makes it more reliable for assessing pediatric radiation exposure, where accurate dosimetry is key to minimizing long-term risks. The comparative analysis showed that PRIMO, using MCMs offers more detailed and accurate dose calculations than Eclipse TPS. Incorporating MCMs into clinical protocols can improve the assessment of radiation risks and better protect critical organs, promoting safer and more effective treatment for pediatric HL patients.
- Avaliação das doses de Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) em pediatriaPublication . Sá, Ana Cravo; Campos, Guilherme; Fernandes, Paulo; Di Maria, SalvatoreO CBCT é o tipo de imagem mais utilizado em radioterapia, no entanto não existem recomendações para os diferentes protocolos [1]. As doses provenientes das imagens diárias poderão atingir 1-3% da dose prescrita, aumentando o risco de tumores radio-induzidos, sendo importante aferir para doentes pediátricos [2]. Pretende-se avaliar as doses de CBCT em doentes pediátricos. As medições realizaram-se em dois sistemas de CBCT, com recurso a um fantoma computed tomography dose index (CTDI) e câmaras de ionização de 100 mm [2]. Os protocolos de cabeça, tórax e pélvico foram considerados num total de 60 medições. Utilizou-se o fantoma TOR 18 FG para avaliar a qualidade da imagem. Avaliou-se a razão sinal ruído (RSR) com voltagens entre 40 kV até 150 kV e 25 mA e um tempo de exposição de 50 ms. As simulações Monte Carlo foram realizadas com o software PENELOPE e com recurso a dois fantomas femininos pediátricos de 10 e 15 anos. Entre os dois sistemas de CBCT verificaram-se diferenças de 1,5 mGy por CBCT para o protocolo de cabeça, 10,7 mGy para o protocolo pélvico e 1,5 mGy para o protocolo de tórax. Obteve-se o melhor rácio de RSR para 60 kV. A máxima diferença foi obtida no útero, com uma redução de dose de 93% face aos valores dos parâmetros fornecidos pelo fabricante. Atualmente, existem várias recomendações sobre os parâmetros de aquisição do CBCT e estes variam entre os diferentes países [3]. Vários estudos [2,4] demonstram estratégias de redução de dose dos CBCT que corroboram os nossos resultados. Obteve-se uma redução de dose de 29% para o protocolo de tórax, 39% para protocolo de cabeça e 42% para o protocolo pélvico para uma voltagem de 60 kV.
- 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.
- 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.
- Exploring the bioactive potential of Gracilaria gracilis: An extraction optimization study using response surface methodologyPublication . Neves, Cátia; Morais, Stephanie; Vale, Tiago; Soares, Cristina; Grosso, Clara; Domingues, Valentina F.; Vieira, Mónica; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Vieira, MónicaThe extraction of bioactive compounds from the seaweed Gracilaria gracilis was optimized for food use using a Response Surface Methodology. Two designs, Central Composite Face-centered (CCD) and Box-Behnken (BBD) assessed the effects of extraction time, temperature, and seaweed-to-solvent ratio using water as the solvent. The extraction yield was assessed by Total Phenolic Content (TPC). BBD’s best model was a Reduced Quadratic (R2 = 0.9356), predicting 3.336 mg GAE/L at 74 °C in 1.4 h with a 1:75 ratio. CCD’s top was Reduced Cubic (R2 = 0.9091), forecasting 4.278 mg GAE/L at 46 °C in 1.1 h, the same ratio. The actual obtained TPC values were 4.35 mg GAE/L for BBD and 4.25 mg GAE/L for CCD.
- From controlled to chaotic: Disparities in laboratory vs real-world stress detectionPublication . Ferreira, Simão; Rodrigues, Fátima; Kallio, Johanna; Coelho, Filipe; Kyllonen, Vesa; Rocha, Nuno; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Vildjiounaite, Elena; Ferreira, Simão; Rodrigues, MatildeThis paper explores the discrepancies between laboratory and real-world stress detection, emphasizing the pronounced differences in data loss, data preprocessing, feature design, and classifier selection. Laboratory studies offer a controlled environment that optimizes data quality, whereas real-world settings introduce chaotic and unpredictable elements, coupled with a diverse range of human behaviours, resulting in substantial data loss and compromised data quality. We discuss the development of stress detectors for two distinct types of data: physiological and behavioural. We also address the specific challenges associated with designing effective stress detection systems for each data type and compare the features and classifiers used in both laboratory and real-world contexts. Additionally, this paper proposes future research directions aimed at crafting stress detectors that are robust and effective in real-life scenarios.
- Utilizing spent yeast for tannin adsorption in chestnut shell treatment solutionsPublication . Vieira, Elsa F.; Amaral, Tomás; Ferraz, Ricardo; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Ferraz, RicardoThis study evaluated the use of brewer’s spent yeast (BSY) as an adsorbent for tannins from a chestnut shell extract (CS tannin extract). This extract was derived from an alkaline treatment (5% NaOH (v/v)) to recover cellulosic material from chestnut shells and needed valorization. Various BSY treatments, including lyophilization, immobilization in calcium alginate beads, and alkaline and acid treatments, were tested to identify which had the best tannin adsorption capacity. The results highlight BSY’s potential as a system to valorize tannins from this treatment solution.
- Comparing time series forecasting models for health indicators: A clustering analysis approachPublication . Vinhal, Cláudia; Oliveira, Alexandra; Faria, Brígida; Nascimento, Ana Paula; Pimenta, Rui; Oliveira, Alexandra; Faria, Brigida Monica; Pimenta, RuiTime series are the sequence of observations ordered by equal time intervals, crucial for understanding causality, trends, and forecasts. Its analysis can be applied to several areas, such as engineering, finance, and health (1,2). One problem with the time series study is clustering, mainly understanding when two parametric time series are considered similar (3). The sum of mortality and morbidity, referred to as “Burden of Disease”, is measured by a metric called “Disability Adjusted Life Years” (DALYs) (4). These indicators are direct measures of health care needs, reflecting the global burden of disease in the population, and are crucial for public health study and surveillance (5). DALYs can be represented by Autoregressive Integrated Moving Averages (ARIMA) models, and in this context understanding clusters is crucial. The primary goal is to compare different distance measures between ARIMA processes when used in clustering techniques. The study begins by exploring the temporal characteristics of DALYs, highlighting underlying patterns and trends. Then, ARIMA models are applied to represent and describe the time series. It’s on this representation of the time series that the Piccolo, the Maharaj, and the LPC distance measures are applied to use clustering techniques and identify clusters. Additionally, 8 distinct cluster validation metrics are used. Specific to 48 European countries, the results show that the choice of distance measure can greatly influence clustering outcomes and the number of clusters formed. While certain methods revealed geographic patterns, other factors, such as cultural or economic similarities, also influence cluster formation. These insights contribute to advancing the field of public health surveillance and intervention, ultimately aiming to alleviate the global burden of disease. This study offers insights into applying ARIMA processes in clustering techniques for analysing temporal health data. By comparing different distance measures, this research improves our understanding of underlying patterns and trends in health indicators over time.
- The role of interoceptive processing in prenatal depression and anxietyPublication . Praça, Maiara Silva; Braga, Patrícia Vilela; Marshall, Amanda; Lamela, Diogo; Jongenelen, Inês; Rocha, Nuno Barbosa; Costa, Raquel; Schütz-Bosbach, Simone; Pinto, Tiago Miguel; Feldman, Ruth; Campos, Carlos; Rocha, NunoPregnancy is a complex biological phenomenon that can modify several interoception domains (ability to perceive and subjectively experience inner bodily states). These changes in interoceptive processing may also play a role in the emergence of prenatal psychopathology, namely anxiety and depression. To examine the association between interoceptive processing and psychopathology (depression and anxiety) in first-time pregnant women (3rd trimester). 17 first-time expectant mothers (mean age = 32.71 years) completed data collection at 28-32 gestational age. Interoception was evaluated using self-report measures (Interoceptive Accuracy and Attention Scales), a performance-based interoceptive accuracy task (Heartbeat Tapping Task; participants are required to tap a key whenever they feel a heartbeat), and neural markers of infant-specific interoceptive processing (heartbeat-evoked potentials - HEP - during the Infant Face Repetition-Suppression Task). A cluster mass permutation test was employed to identify the electrodes and time-windows where HEP amplitude was effectively modulated (right frontal-central; 308 - 600 ms). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to evaluate depressive symptoms, while the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) measured current anxiety levels. Significant positive correlations were found between interoceptive attention and anxiety (r =.645; p = .017), as well as between interoceptive attention and depression (r = .749; p = .003). Interoceptive accuracy was neither correlated with anxiety nor depression. A large (albeit non-significant) negative correlation (r = -.301, p = .368) was found between depressive scores and HEP emotional modulation in the infant condition, suggesting that infant-specific emotional modulation of HEP may be reduced in prenatal depression. These preliminary findings suggest that interoceptive processing is associated with prenatal psychopathology across several levels. Self-perceived beliefs about interoceptive attention were positively associated with both anxiety and depression. Furthermore, infant-specific neural markers of interoceptive processing may also play an important role in prenatal depressive symptomatology.
- Neurophysiological markers of cardiac interoceptive processing in first-time expectant mothersPublication . Braga, Patrícia Vilela; Marshall, Amanda; Lamela, Diogo; Jongenelen, Inês; Rocha, Nuno Barbosa; Costa, Raquel; Pasion, Rita; Schütz-Bosbach, Simone; Pinto, Tiago Miguel; Feldman, Ruth; Campos, Carlos; Campos, Carlos; Rocha, NunoPregnancy is a complex biological phenomenon where two distinct pathways may produce changes in interoception (ability to perceive and subjectively experience inner bodily states). First, pregnancy modifies the parental caregiving brain network, which includes key regions for interoceptive processing, particularly the insula. Second, pregnancy also changes the strength, frequency, and/or nature of interoceptive signals across different modalities (e.g., cardiac, respiratory, gastric). This study investigates pregnancy-related changes in neural markers of cortical interoceptive processing, specifically heartbeat-evoked potentials (HEP), by comparing first-time expectant mothers with non-pregnant, age-matched females. Data were collected from first-time expectant mothers (n = 13; Mage = 32.15 years) and matched controls (n = 8; mean age = 30.88 years) at 28–32 weeks of gestation. EEG recordings, time-locked to R-peaks (ECG), were obtained while participants completed the Infant Face Repetition Suppression Task. This paradigm was designed to induce an emotion (sad vs. neutral) and age-specific (infant vs. adult) modulation of HEP amplitude. A cluster mass permutation test was employed to identify the electrodes and time-windows where HEP amplitude was effectively modulated (right frontal-central; 308 - 600 ms). Repetition-suppression effects on HEP amplitude were observed for adult stimuli (p = .049, d = 0.499), while no modulation was observed in the infant condition (p = .471, d = 0.174). Pregnant participants displayed significantly lower HEP amplitude in adult trials in comparison to non-pregnant controls (p = .046, g = 0.997). Despite significant differences only emerging in the adult trials, pregnant women displayed lower HEP amplitude across all conditions. These findings suggest that pregnancy modifies cardiac interoceptive processing, leading to an overall decrease in HEP amplitude. Contrary to our hypothesis, expectant mothers did not exhibit infant- or emotion-specific changes in neural markers of cardiac interoception.