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Fernandes S, Ladeiras-Lopes R, Faria R, Ferreira W, Carvalho M, Almeida J, Fonseca P, Oliveira M, Goncalves H, Ferreira N, Primo J, Fontes-Carvalho R. Coronary calcification by computed tomography in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) is routinely performed for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) planning in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). This imaging method can also identify coronary artery calcium (CAC).
Purpose
To evaluate the prevalence of CAC in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF undergoing catheter ablation.
Methods
Cross-sectional study including patients with AF/atrial flutter (AFL) undergoing CCT for ablation procedure planning from 2017 to 2019. Baseline clinical and demographic data were collected and CAC score was assessed using the Agatston method. Patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF/AFL (defined according to 2020 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the diagnosis and management of AF) were compared.
Results
A total of 474 patients were included (441 with AF and 33 with AFL), with a mean age of 57±12 years, of which 295 (62%) were males. CHA2DS2-VASc score was ≥1 (male) or ≥2 (female) in 278 (64%) patients and most patients had a low to moderate cardiovascular risk (259, 80%). CAC was identified in 254 (54%) patients. AF/AFL was paroxysmal in 348 (75%) patients and persistent in 116 (25%). Baseline characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors were similar between groups except for diabetes mellitus (33 [10%] vs 22 [20%], p=0.012) and valvular heart disease (13 [4%] vs 18 [16%], p<0.001) that were more prevalent in patients with persistent AF/AFL. Patients with persistent AF/AFL had higher left atrial volume and left ventricle mass (36±8 vs 43±12 ml/m2, p<0.001 and 90±22 vs 96±22 g/m2, p=0.041). CAC was more frequently present in patients with persistent AF/AFL (175 [50%] vs 72 [62%], p=0.028), especially CAC score >100 (58 [17%] vs 35 [30%], p=0.002). After multivariate analysis, CAC score>100 remained an independent predictor of persistent AF/AFL (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.18–3.82, p=0.013) along with higher left atrial volume (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.08, p<0.001).
Conclusion
In this study, coronary artery calcium was present in more than half of AF/FLA patients undergoing catheter ablation. Patients with persistent AF/AFL showed higher calcium scores and this could derive from chronic, more advanced disease. Especially in those patients, opportunistic CV risk screening and CAC-guided clinical management might be clinically useful.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Ladeiras-Lopes
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - R Faria
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - W Ferreira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - M Carvalho
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - J Almeida
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - P Fonseca
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - M Oliveira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - H Goncalves
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - N Ferreira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - J Primo
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - R Fontes-Carvalho
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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Fernandes S, Ladeiras-Lopes R, Faria R, Ferreira W, Carvalho M, Almeida J, Fonseca P, Oliveira M, Goncalves H, Ferreira N, Primo J, Fontes-Carvalho R. Coronary artery calcium in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation – an opportunity to personalize cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk management. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.2470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
There is a well-established association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a helpful tool to refine cardiovascular risk stratification and guide strategies of cardiovascular (CV) primary prevention.
Purpose
To evaluate the prevalence and clinical implications of CACS in terms of CV and thromboembolic risk stratification and preventive therapies, in patients with AF and atrial flutter (AFL) undergoing catheter ablation.
Methods
Cross-sectional study including patients with AF/AFL undergoing multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for ablation procedure planning from 2017 to 2019. Baseline clinical and demographical data were collected. CV and thromboembolic risks were evaluated based on the SCORE (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation) system and CHA2DS2-VASc score. CACS was assessed in patients without history of coronary artery disease using the Agatston method.
Results
A total of 474 patients were included (441 with AF and 33 with AFL, mean age of 58±10 years, 62% male). Excluding those over 70 years of age (n=50, 11%), most patients had low (n=69, 22%) or moderate (n=188, 60%) CV risk and 277 (64%) patients had a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥1 (male) or ≥2 (female). Overall, 265 patients (65%) were under chronic anticoagulation and 157 (39%) were under statin therapy. CAC was present in 254 (54%) patients and showed a multivessel distribution in 62% of the cases. The left main stem was affected in 81 (17%) patients and the left anterior descending artery in 211 (45%). Incorporating CACS>100 as a variable in CHA2DS2-VASc score (vascular disease parameter in patients without history of vascular disease) would have resulted in a significant score reclassification (n=87, 20%) and identification of new potential candidates for anticoagulation (n=12, 3%). Additional, anticoagulation would be indicated as a class IA recommendation in more 26 (6%) patients. Twenty three percent of patients with zero calcium were taking statins, and only 7% of patients with a CACS >300 were on high-intensity statin therapy. According to the recommendations and based on their CACS and current therapy, 103 (25%) patients would be candidates for statin therapy and 69 (17%) patients would be candidates for changes in the current statin therapy intensity (Table 1).
Conclusion
In our study, more than half of the patients undergoing MDCT before AF/AFL catheter ablation had coronary calcium above zero. Our findings suggest that an opportunistic evaluation of CACS can be clinically valuable in thromboembolic risk stratification and management of preventive pharmacological strategies such as anticoagulation and statins.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Ladeiras-Lopes
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - R Faria
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - W Ferreira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - M Carvalho
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - J Almeida
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - P Fonseca
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - M Oliveira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - H Goncalves
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - N Ferreira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - J Primo
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - R Fontes-Carvalho
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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3
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Graca Santos L, Ladeiras-Lopes R, Ferreira N, Faria R, Ferreira W, Carvalho M, Braga P. Is coronary computed tomography angiography a good choice for elders and high probability cases? Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.1375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA) is widely considered the optimal non-invasive test to rule out coronary artery disease (CAD) and the gatekeeper for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). However, its diagnostic utility in elderly patients (pts) and in cases of high pre-test probability (PTP) is still questioned.
Aim
To determine whether older age and high PTP are correlated with non-diagnostic cCTA scans in pts with suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).
Methods
Single-centre retrospective study of 302 pts with suspected CAD assigned to two groups: (A) 207 pts aged ≥70 years (y); (B) 95 aged <70y. Younger pts were randomly selected from our database. We excluded pts with known history of CAD and suspected acute coronary syndrome. A 192x2 dual-source CT equipment was used. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were collected as well as scan features and findings. We defined high PTP according to clinical Morise score. Our endpoint was the obtention of diagnostic scan (all segments evaluable). Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the determinants of non-diagnostic scans. We used SPSS Statistics 22 for statistical analysis.
Results
Overall, mean age was 68±9y and 53% were male. Elderly pts presented more co-morbidities (hypertension: 78.3 vs 54.7%, p<0.01; hyperlipidaemia: 69.1 vs 52.6%, p<0.01; pulmonary disease: 13.0 vs 4.2%, p=0.02) and high PTP more frequently (16.9 vs 6.3%, p<0.01). Total coronary calcium score (CaS) was higher in elderly pts (382.7±658.7 vs 243.5±490.8, p=0.04); per-vessel, both left anterior descending (156.7±254.2 vs 92.2±187.8, p=0.01) and left circumflex (LCX) arteries (65.5±131.3 vs 26.8±67.6, p<0.01) showed higher CaS in the elderly. Multiple calcified plaques (≥5) were also more common in this group (60.4 vs 45.3%, p=0.01). However, the proportion of pts with CaS considered prohibitive for angiography (13.5 vs 7.4%; p=0.12) and calcium blooming artefacts impairing interpretation (14.5 vs 12.5%; p=0.65) did not differ. A diagnostic study was more frequently obtained in younger pts but without reaching statistical significance (69.1 vs 76.8%; p=0.17). Obstructive CAD was equally identified (30.3 vs 30.4%; p=0.92) with a respective per-patient accuracy of 68.4% (13/19) and 57.1% (8/14) comparing with ICA when performed. Multivariate analysis showed that LCX CaS ≥75th percentile and multiple calcified plaques (≥5) were associated with non-diagnostic cCTA scan (Figure 1). High PTP (p=0.83) and age ≥70y (p=0.61) were not associated with the endpoint.
Conclusion
In this comparison study of elderly and young pts undergoing cCTA for suspected CCS, age ≥70y and high PTP were not associated with non-diagnostic tests while multiple calcified lesions and severe LCX calcification predicted inconclusive studies. Our results cast hope on the applicability of cCTA to elderly pts and cases with high PTP, although larger studies are required.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Ladeiras-Lopes
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - N Ferreira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - R Faria
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - W Ferreira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - M Carvalho
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - P Braga
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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Mancio J, Barros A, Conceicao G, Santa C, Ferreira W, Carvalho M, Ferreira N, Vouga L, Miranda I, Vitorino R, Falcao-Pires I, Manadas B, Gama Ribeiro V, Leite-Moreira A, Bettencourt N. 6178Regulation of coronary calcification by epicardial adipose tissue: traits in high-risk patients. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy566.6178] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J Mancio
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Department of Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - A Barros
- Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - G Conceicao
- Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - C Santa
- University of Coimbra, CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - W Ferreira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Department of Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - M Carvalho
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Department of Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - N Ferreira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Department of Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - L Vouga
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Department of Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - I Miranda
- Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - R Vitorino
- Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - I Falcao-Pires
- Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - B Manadas
- University of Coimbra, CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - V Gama Ribeiro
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Department of Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | | | - N Bettencourt
- Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Espada Guerreiro C, Mancio J, Ferreira N, Ladeiras-Lopes R, Faria R, Monteiro D, Almeida N, Rodrigues P, Ferreira W, Carvalho M, Vouga L, Gama V, Melica B, Bettencourt N. P4210Impact of myocardial fibrosis in left ventricular remodeling after aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe aortic stenosis (AS). Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy563.p4210] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C Espada Guerreiro
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - J Mancio
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - N Ferreira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - R Ladeiras-Lopes
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - R Faria
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - D Monteiro
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - N Almeida
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - P Rodrigues
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - W Ferreira
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - M Carvalho
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - L Vouga
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - V Gama
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - B Melica
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - N Bettencourt
- Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Cardiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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6
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Pinheiro M, Mancio J, Conceição G, Ferreira W, Carvalho M, Santos A, Vouga L, Gama Ribeiro V, Leite-Moreira A, Falcão-Pires I, Bettencourt N. Frailty Syndrome: Visceral Adipose Tissue and Frailty in Patients with Symptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis. J Nutr Health Aging 2017; 21:120-128. [PMID: 27999858 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-016-0795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES In patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), frailty is a clinically relevant measure of increased vulnerability that should be included in the preoperative risk assessment. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) derived phase angle (PA) reflects cell membrane integrity and function. Few studies are available on the relative contribution of adiposity distribution on frailty, and about the influences of frailty and visceral obesity in PA value. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate associations among frailty, visceral fat depots and PA in patients with symptomatic severe AS. METHODS In a cohort of patients with symptomatic severe AS and preserved ejection fraction, we examined the associations between frailty, visceral fat depots and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) derived phase angle (PA); and between visceral fat and PA. Frailty was defined according the Fried et al. scale criteria and the body fat distribution was determined by multidetector computed tomography and by BIA. RESULTS Of the fifty-five included patients, 26 were frail (47%). Adjusting for age and gender, frailty was associated with indexed epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATVi) (the odds of frailty increased 4.1-fold per additional 100 cm3/m2 of EAT [95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.03 to 16.40, p=0.04] and with PA (OR of 0.50, 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.97, p=0.04), but not with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), indexed total, visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat areas (TAFAi, VAFAi and SAFAi) nor with indexed mediastinal adipose tissue volume (MATVi). In an age and gender adjusted linear model, PA was inversely correlated with EATVi (β=-0.008, 95% CI, -0.016 to -0.001, p=0.03), but not with BMI, WC, nor with MATVi, VAFAi, SAFAi and TAFAi. CONCLUSIONS In patients with symptomatic severe AS, EATVi is associated with frailty, independently of age and gender, but not with MAFVi or VAFAi. Moreover, frailty and EATVi are associated with impaired cell membrane integrity and function assessed by PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pinheiro
- Marília Pinheiro, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Portugal, E-mail: , Phone (0351) 918197460
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Franco I, Reis R, Ferreira D, Xará S, Ferreira W, Bettencourt N, Antunes A. The impact of neck and abdominal fat accumulation on the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea. Rev Port Pneumol (2006) 2016; 22:240-2. [PMID: 27013321 DOI: 10.1016/j.rppnen.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- I Franco
- Respiratory Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal.
| | - R Reis
- Sleep Medical Center, CUF Porto Hospital, Portugal; Pulmonology Diagnosis Center of Porto, Portugal
| | - D Ferreira
- Respiratory Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
| | - S Xará
- Nutrition Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
| | - W Ferreira
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
| | - N Bettencourt
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
| | - A Antunes
- Respiratory Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
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8
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Ponte M, Bettencourt N, Pereira E, Faria R, Ferreira N, Leite D, Carvalho M, Ferreira W, Albuquerque A, Gama V. A comparison of different diagnostic strategies based on anatomical and functional cardiac imaging for the detection of functionally significant coronary artery disease. Eur Heart J 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht310.p5343] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
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9
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Callisto M, Ribeiro AS, Santana VB, França JS, Ligeiro R, Ferreira WR, Silva D, Castro D, Tupinambás TH, Santana D, Souza B, Gonçalves F, Rodrigues L, Andrade CB, Sales SCM, Souza R. Rapid ecological assessment of benthic indicators of water quality: a successful capacity-building experience for Brazilian postgraduate students in ecology. BRAZ J BIOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1590/s1519-69842011000500014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid Ecological Assessment protocols are important tools for the training of postgraduate students, as well as the collection of data on poorly-known and protected areas with the potential for the preservation of water supplies for urban areas. The objective of this study was to perform a survey of water quality and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in two sub-basins at the Mata do Junco Wildlife Refuge in the Brazilian state of Sergipe. The collection of data in the field, laboratory processing, and the interpretation and discussion of data were conducted in groups by students from two postgraduate programmes in Ecology and Conservation (UFMG and UFS), personnel of the state environment agency (SEMARH), school teachers from the local town of Capela, and members of the reserve's voluntary fire brigade. The results of the assessment were organised, analysed, and presented at the reserve headquarters in the form of posters, for the development of environmental education activities with pupils from local schools, as well as contributing to a SEMARH seminar. Samples were characterised by distinct taxonomic compositions and diversity, as confirmed by MDS and additive partitioning of diversity analyses. The gravel substrate presented the lower mean taxonomic richness in each sampling unit (a1 = 28%), while the average difference among samples (b1 diversity) was elevated for both substrates (39% for leaf litter, 41% for gravel), reflecting the pronounced variation among samples, even adjacent ones within the same stream. Diversity between streams was lower in the case of leaf litter in comparison with gravel (b2 = 21 and 31%, respectively). A total of 57 fish specimens were collected with a predominance of individuals of the orders Characiformes (62%) and Perciformes (21%). This rapid ecological assessment confirmed the importance of the conservation unit and emphasised the need for its continuation, given its importance for the maintenance of water quality and its other ecological services, such as the conservation of the region's aquatic biodiversity and providing the local town of Capela (circa 20,000 inhabitants) with its water supply, the Mata do Junco being its only source.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Callisto
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - VB. Santana
- Secretaria de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Hídricos, Brazil
| | - JS. França
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - R. Ligeiro
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - D. Silva
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - D. Castro
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - B. Souza
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | | | - CB. Andrade
- Secretaria de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Hídricos, Brazil
| | - SCM. Sales
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - R. Souza
- Secretaria de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Hídricos, Brazil
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Araujo D, Bertolami M, Ferreira W, Abdalla D, Nakamura Y. FLOW-MEDIATED VASODILATION AND INFLAMMATION IN HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA: IT DOES NOT MATTER THE WAY THAT CHOLESTEROL IS REDUCED. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(08)70644-5] [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]
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11
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De Resende MA, Pimenta Dos Rei WG, Pereira LS, Ferreira W, Perez Garcia MH, Santoro MM, Nogueira de Francischi J. Hyperalgesia and edema responses induced by rat peripheral blood mononuclear cells incubated with carrageenin. Inflammation 2001; 25:277-85. [PMID: 11820454 DOI: 10.1023/a:1012812124461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify the role played by mononuclear cells in an acute (nonimmune) inflammatory reaction. Mononuclear cells purified from rat peripheral blood were incubated for 1, 2, or 24 h with 100 or 250 microg/ml carrageenin (Cg). The resultant donor supernatant was injected into recipient rats to test its ability to induce hyperalgesia (reduction in threshold for paw pressure) and edema (increase in paw volume). Mononuclear cell supernatants (MnS) induced a significant time- and dose-dependent hyperalgesia and edema in rat paws, which reached a maximal effect at 3 h, lasted for 6 h, and returned to basal levels at 24 h of injection. Prostaglandins and cytokines (interleukin 1, 2, 6, 8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) accounted for the hyperalgesia induced by MnS, as it was reduced (40 to 90%) by synthesis inhibitors such as indomethacin, dexamethasone, rolipram, and cyclosporin added to the cultures at a microgram dose-range. Edema was dependent on serotonin release in rat paws. These results indicate that mononuclear cells may be important contributors to acute inflammatory reactions, especially under those conditions where pain is an important component.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A De Resende
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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12
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Abstract
The effects of toxins from venom glands of two south american spiders (Pamphobeteus platyomma and P. soracabae) on glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission were studied in the neuromuscular junction of the opener muscle of crayfish. The toxins selectively and reversibly blocked both excitatory postsynaptic currents and potentials in a dose-dependent manner. They also reversibly abolished glutamate-induced postsynaptic membrane depolarization. They had no effect on resting postsynaptic membrane conductance nor on postsynaptic voltage-gated currents. The synaptic facilitation and the frequency of miniature postsynaptic potentials were unaffected by the toxins, indicating that presynaptic events were not modified. Picrotoxin, a selective antagonist of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor, did not modify toxin effects. We conclude that both toxins specifically block the postsynaptic glutamate receptor-channel complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Araque
- Neurofisiología, Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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13
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Ferreira W. Video studio management: the basics of staffing, budgeting, maintenance and quality control. Biomed Commun 1981; 9:10-1. [PMID: 10252948] [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: 04/13/2023]
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14
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Ferreira W. Winning administrative support: the department you save may be your own. Biomed Commun 1981; 9:21. [PMID: 10252110] [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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15
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Abstract
During the last 15 years, 26 children who ranged from 4 to 12 years old underwent subcoronary aortic valve replacement (AVR) at the Texas Heart Institute. The valve lesions resulted from congenital heart disease in 20 patients, 15 of whom had had a previous operation including 13 aortic valve procedures. Cystic medial necrosis necessitated AVR in 5 patients, all of whom had physical findings of Marfan's syndrome. One patient had rheumatic heart disease and required double-valve (aortic and mitral) replacement. Six different types of prosthesis were used: the Smeloff-Cutter, Starr-Edwards, Cooley-Cutter, Hancock porcine, Ionescu-Shiley, and Bjork-Shiley. The first patient in the series was the only early death (3.8%). Log-term follow-up data ranging from 1 month to 10 years were available on 20 patients. Three late deaths occurred (11.5%). All survivors are doing well and have good exercise tolerance. These data suggest that AVR performed in childhood is a safe, durable, and well-tolerated form of therapy. Later replacement, if necessary, can be accomplished with larger-sized prostheses. Our present choice is the Ionescu-Shiley bovine xenograft because of its superior hemodynamic characteristics and low incidence of embolic complications.
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Murad-Netto S, Godoy MG, Rocha AG, Souza WP, Wanderely Neto J, Teixeira JB, Murad V, Ferreira W. Coronary artery-left Ventricle microshunts. A new technique for its evaluation. Arq Bras Cardiol 1975; 28:587-9. [PMID: 1218005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Murad-Netto S, Godoy e Godoy M, Rocha AG, Ferreira W, Wanderley Neto J, Correa WE, Murad V. Coronary microfistulas--coronary artery to left ventricle shunt and angina pectoris. Arq Bras Cardiol 1975; 28:476-9. [PMID: 1200894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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18
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Cockburn WC, Delon PJ, Ferreira W. Origin and progress of the 1968-69 Hong Kong influenza epidemic. Bull World Health Organ 1969; 41:345-8. [PMID: 5309437 PMCID: PMC2427756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hong Kong strain of influenza virus A2 may have originated in the mainland of China but this is not certain. It caused a very large epidemic in Hong Kong and spread rapidly to countries as far as India and the Northern Territory of Australia-as happened in the 1957 epidemic. Later its progress slowed down but epidemics occurred in many countries in the northern hemisphere in the winter of 1968-69. In all these countries except the United States of America the disease was mild and not associated with a large increase of deaths. In the United States of America, however, the number of "excess deaths" was similar to the number in 1957-58.In the southern hemisphere epidemics began in May-June 1969; they have been clinically mild and the reported incidence of disease has been only moderately high.In many countries the infection has spread slowly and smouldered instead of bursting into the usual sharp epidemics.The smouldering spread and the contrast in the behaviour of the disease in the USA compared with the rest of the world are the outstanding features of the Hong Kong strain of virus. Satisfactory explanations of these observations might lead to the development of more effective means of control of influenza.
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Jacobs JP, Perkins FT, Ferreira W. Supplying cell cultures regularly to distant laboratories. Bull World Health Organ 1969; 40:476-8. [PMID: 4979620 PMCID: PMC2554650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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20
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Chanock R, Chambon L, Chang W, Gonçalves Ferreira F, Gharpure P, Grant L, Hatem J, Imam I, Kalra S, Lim K, Madalengoitia J, Spence L, Teng P, Ferreira W. WHO respiratory disease survey in children: a serological study. Bull World Health Organ 1967; 37:363-9. [PMID: 5301380 PMCID: PMC2554267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper is a report on the first (serological) phase of a study organized by WHO in collaboration with the WHO International Reference Centre for Respiratory Virus Diseases other than Influenza in Bethesda, Md., USA, to define the viral etiology of severe respiratory infections in children, particularly in tropical areas. Paired sera from 528 children up to 5 years old admitted to hospital with severe respiratory illness of probable viral etiology were collected in 10 countries and sent frozen to the International Reference Centre, where standard complement-fixation tests were made for the following agents: parainfluenza virus types 1, 2 and 3, influenza virus types A and B, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Coxiella burneti and psittacosis-ornithosis.Some 41% of paired sera showed rising antibody titres for one or more of these agents, multiple infections being observed in 8%. In most of the countries the pattern of infection was similar. RS virus was the most important respiratory tract pathogen of early life, particularly in the first year of life and in cases of bronchiolitis and pneumonia; the parainfluenza viruses were next in importance, particularly in cases of croup, but, in contra-distinction to RS virus infections, they were commoner in older children. Influenza, adenoviruses, and M. pneumoniae were of moderate importance, and C. burneti and the psittacosis-ornithosis agents were relatively rare. This pattern is similar to that which has been observed in temperate climates.
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Rawls WE, Melnick JL, Bradstreet CM, Bailey M, Ferris AA, Lehmann NI, Nagler FP, Furesz J, Kono R, Ohtawara M, Halonen P, Stewart J, Ryan JM, Strauss J, Zdrazilek J, Leerhoy J, Von Magnus H, Sohier R, Ferreira W. WHO collaborative study on the sero-epidemiology of rubella. Bull World Health Organ 1967; 37:79-88. [PMID: 5300057 PMCID: PMC2554213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Under the auspices of WHO an investigation was made by 9 laboratories in different parts of the world on the distribution of rubella antibodies in girls and women of child-bearing age. In the first part of the study the objective was to determine the reliability and reproducibility of the tests employed. It was found that there were no significant differences in the variability of the titres obtained in different laboratories when the results were compared with those obtained by repeatedly testing the same sera in one laboratory.In the second part of the study sera were obtained from girls in schools and women attending clinics and health centres. They were not taken from random samples of the populations. In most of the studies the pattern of development of antibody was similar. About half the persons had antibody at 6-8 years of age and 80%-87% at 17-22 years of age, the percentage remaining relatively constant thereafter. The island populations of Trinidad and Jamaica and a rural area of Japan were, however, found to have significantly fewer women with antibodies than urban areas in Europe or the Americas.
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