Sara Bernardo Castro

@chuc.min-saude.pt

Neurology department
Unidade Local de Saúde Coimbra

Neuroscientist with a PhD in Health Sciences - Biomedicine. My journey in science has been guided by uderstanding the complexities of the brain and the commitment to improving healthcare. My expertise encompasses mental health research, epilepsy, and vascular neurology, with a profound understanding of the implications of the blood-brain barrier on brain health and disease. My experience goes from bench to bedside as I have worked with cell cultures, animal models, and engaged in clinical research with deep understunding in neuroimaging. Currently, I've immersed myself in the world of e-Health harnessing its potential for epidemiological research, and improving the well-being and follow-up of patients. As a neuroscientist with a background in health sciences and biomedicine, I am driven by the profound potential of bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and tangible real-world applications in patient care, ultimatly improving people's lives.

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Neuroscience, Neurology, Multidisciplinary
17

Scopus Publications

667

Scholar Citations

7

Scholar h-index

7

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Dietary patterns and neuropsychological function in adolescents: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
    Alexios Manidis, Nicolas Ayala-Aldana, Sara Bernardo-Castro, Ariadna Pinar-Martí, Polina Galkina, et al.
    BMC Medicine, 2026
  • HARMONICS: feasibility of a holistic value-based care hybrid programme that maximises clinical outcomes after stroke
    Marta Rubiera, Alvaro Garcia-Tornel, Marian Muchada, Francisco Purroy, Joao Sargento-Freitas, et al.
    European Stroke Journal, 2026
    Introduction The increasing number of stroke survivors underscores the need for coordinated post-discharge care and systematic outcome monitoring. HARMONICS aimed to provide standardised follow-up, integrating clinician-reported (CROMs) and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) into a value-based care model. Patients and methods Using lean methodology, post-stroke care pathways were mapped, and a harmonised workflow was implemented across 6 comprehensive stroke centres (CSCs) in Spain and Portugal. Consecutive patients discharged home or to socio-rehabilitation facilities with an mRS < 5 were offered participation. Follow-up was conducted via a smartphone app or telephone, enabling bidirectional communication with a case manager for health education, vital sign monitoring and PROMs collection. Feasibility required meeting 4 predefined indicators: inclusion > 60%, 3-month retention > 75%, PROMs completion > 60% and satisfaction > 70% measured by patient-reported experience measurement (PREM). Secondary analyses compared outcomes with historical cohorts. Results Between 2022 and 2024, 4209 patients were recruited (40.2% women; median age 73 [IQR 62–81]; 75.6% ischaemic; median admission NIHSS 3 [1–6]; median discharge mRS 2 [1–3]). App use occurred in 59.9% (56% independently). Feasibility was achieved for inclusion (82.8%), retention (84.6%) and satisfaction (72.9%), but PROMs completion was 53.7% at 90 days. Despite mild severity, many reported suboptimal PROMs at 3 months, improving modestly by 1 year. Compared with historical controls, HARMONICS patients showed a better 3-month mRS distribution (OR 1.124; 95% CI, 1.042–1.213; P = .0026) and improved PROMs (P < .05). Discussion and Conclusion HARMONICS is a feasible multicentre value-based follow-up model that promotes education, engagement and self-responsibility, with high rates of healthcare satisfaction reported by stroke survivors.
  • Exploring the relationship between maternal carbohydrate quality and quantity during pregnancy and early childhood neurodevelopment: a prospective cohort study within the BiSC cohort
    Laura Panisello, Javier Mateu-Fabregat, Nil Novau-Ferré, Nicolas Ayala-Aldana, Sara Bernardo-Castro, et al.
    European Journal of Nutrition, 2025
    Purpose Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is key for offspring neurodevelopment. Given the role of glucose in brain function, assessing carbohydrate quantity and quality, including glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL) and carbohydrate quality index (CQI), may provide insights into early brain development. This study examined the associations between maternal dietary carbohydrate intake and neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood. Methods The prospective cohort study included 1080 mother–child pairs from the Barcelona Life Study Cohort. Maternal dietary carbohydrate intake, GI, GL and CQI were assessed during mid-pregnancy using a food frequency questionnaire. Child neurodevelopment was evaluated at 8 and 28 months using the Developmental Profile 3 (DP-3) and at 18 months using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III). Associations were analyzed using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for relevant maternal and child covariates. Results Increased maternal carbohydrate intake, GI, and GL were inversely associated with language development (β (95% CI): − 2.67 (− 5.13, − 0.21), − 2.73 (− 5.21, − 0.26), − 3.51 (− 5.96, − 1.07) respectively) and receptive language (β (95% CI): − 0.58 (− 1.07, − 0.08), − 0.54 (− 1.04, − 0.04), − 0.70 (− 1.20, − 0.21) respectively) at 18 months, as measured by the BSID-III, although these associations were attenuated after adjustment for maternal and child covariates. Increased GI and lower CQI were associated with lower gross motor scores (β (95% CI): − 0.49 (− 0.84, − 0.15), 0.39 (0.06, 0.71) respectively) at 18 months (BSID-III), as well as reduced motor development (β (95% CI): − 3.2 (− 5.50, − 0.76), 2.22 (− 0.1, 4.54) respectively) at 8 and 28 months (DP-3). Conclusions Maternal carbohydrate quality during pregnancy may influence early neurodevelopment, particularly motor outcomes. Emphasizing low-GI, low-GL and high-CQI carbohydrate sources during pregnancy could support favorable developmental trajectories in offspring.
  • The Association Between the Mediterranean Diet and Fatty Acids in Red Blood Cells of Spanish Adolescents
    Nicolas Ayala-Aldana, David Lafuente, Iolanda Lázaro, Ariadna Pinar-Martí, Alexios Manidis, et al.
    Nutrients, 2025
    Objective: The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is characterized by its emphasis on plant-based foods, olive oil, and fish products, and has been associated with providing relevant fatty acids (FAs) for adolescent physiology. This study aims to investigate the relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and the FA composition of red blood cell (RBC) membranes in an adolescent population. Methods: The current research examines the relationship between MedDiet adherence, assessed using the KIDMED questionnaire, and the composition of RBC membranes, specifically measuring 22 FAs in a cross-sectional analysis of adolescents from two cohorts (mean age = 14.55). Baseline data from 552 participants with complete dietary adherence and FA information were analyzed using multivariable regression models and principal component analysis (PCA) as confirmatory analysis. All regression models were adjusted by age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, maternal education and cohort enrollment. Results: Main results shown that “Good adherence” to the MedDiet was positively associated with omega-3 FAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (β = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.52; p-value < 0.001) and docosahexaenoic acid (β = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.46; p-value = 0.001), and inversely associated with specific omega-6 FAs, such as arachidonic acid (β = −0.28; 95% CI: −0.46, −0.11; p-value = 0.002) and adrenic acid (β = −0.19; 95% CI: −0.30, −0.08; p-value < 0.001). PCA identified distinct FA patterns, with “Good adherence” to the MedDiet being associated with an increase in the omega-3 FAs pattern (β = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.49; p-value < 0.001). These findings remained robust after multiple test comparisons. Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of the MedDiet to promote optimal RBC FA composition in healthy adolescents, characterized by high levels of omega-3 FAs and reduced levels of arachidonic acid and adrenic acid in RBC membranes.
  • Emergent Carotid Stenting During Thrombectomy in Tandem Occlusions Secondary to Dissection: A STOP-CAD Secondary Study
    João André Sousa, Marc Rodrigo-Gisbert, Liqi Shu, Anqi Luo, Han Xiao, et al.
    Stroke, 2025
    BACKGROUND: The optimal endovascular management of cervical carotid dissection causing tandem occlusion remains uncertain. We investigated the impact of emergent carotid stenting during endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke in patients with tandem occlusion secondary to cervical carotid artery dissection. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of patients treated with endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke due to occlusive carotid artery dissection and tandem occlusion included in the retrospective international STOP-CAD study (Antithrombotic Treatment for Stroke Prevention in Cervical Artery Dissection). We compared patients with and without emergent stenting. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 24 hours after endovascular treatment. Procedural outcome was successful intracranial recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b/3). We used mixed-effects logistic regression adjusting for site, age, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. In additional analyses, we used inverse probability of treatment weighting and adjusted for Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score. RESULTS: Of the 4023 patients enrolled in STOP-CAD, 328 presented with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke due to tandem occlusion and underwent endovascular treatment. The median age was 51 (interquartile range, 44–58) years, and 96 patients (29.3%) were female. One hundred fifty patients (45.7%) underwent emergent stenting. There was no significant association between stenting and 90-day functional independence (62.0% versus 59.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.23 [95% CI, 0.82–1.86]; P =0.315) or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (7.3% versus 7.9%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.41–2.2]; P =0.913). Emergent carotid stenting was associated with successful intracranial recanalization (81.8% versus 76.6%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.62 [95% CI, 1.52–4.5]; P <0.001). Results did not meaningfully change in additional analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting with an acute anterior circulation tandem occlusion secondary to cervical carotid artery dissection, emergent stenting was associated with a higher likelihood of successful intracranial recanalization but not improved functional outcomes or increased symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. It remains unclear whether emergent stenting led to successful intracranial recanalization or patients with successful intracranial recanalization were more likely to be stented. Randomized trials are warranted.
  • HB-EGF activates EGFR to induce reactive neural stem cells in the mouse hippocampus after seizures
    Oier Pastor-Alonso, Irene Durá, Sara Bernardo-Castro, Emilio Varea, Teresa Muro-García, et al.
    Life Science Alliance, 2024
    Hippocampal seizures mimicking mesial temporal lobe epilepsy cause a profound disruption of the adult neurogenic niche in mice. Seizures provoke neural stem cells to switch to a reactive phenotype (reactive neural stem cells, React-NSCs) characterized by multibranched hypertrophic morphology, massive activation to enter mitosis, symmetric division, and final differentiation into reactive astrocytes. As a result, neurogenesis is chronically impaired. Here, using a mouse model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, we show that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is key for the induction of React-NSCs and that its inhibition exerts a beneficial effect on the neurogenic niche. We show that during the initial days after the induction of seizures by a single intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid, a strong release of zinc and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor, both activators of the EGFR signaling pathway in neural stem cells, is produced. Administration of the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib, a chemotherapeutic in clinical phase IV, prevents the induction of React-NSCs and preserves neurogenesis.
  • Early Mobilization Decision after an Acute Ischemic Stroke: Protocol for an Umbrella Review
    Catarina Fernandes, João André Sousa, Sara Bernardo-Castro, Fernando Silva, Helena Donato, et al.
    Acta Medica Portuguesa, 2024
    Introduction: Stroke is considered one of the greatest public health challenges worldwide, with the ischemic subtype being the most prevalent. Various acute stroke clinical guidelines recommend early rehabilitation interventions, including very early mobilization. However, despite the studies conducted in recent years regarding when to initiate mobilization after an acute stroke, there are few systematic and personalized protocols based on the factors for which patient mobilization should ideally be performed. We aim to conduct an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to study the early mobilization decision after an acute ischemic stroke in comparison with conventional care and correlate the different approaches with patient clinical outcomes.Methods and Analysis: We will perform a systematic search on PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos and Web of Science Core Collection databases. Retrieved studies will be independently reviewed by two authors and any discrepancies will be resolved by consensus or with a third reviewer. Reviewers will extract the data and assess the risk of bias in the selected studies. We will use the 16-item Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR2) checklist as the critical appraisal tool to assess cumulative evidence and risk of bias of the different studies. This will be the first umbrella review that compares early mobilization approaches in post-acute ischemic stroke. This study may help to define the optimal early mobilization strategy in stroke patients. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023430494
  • CTA and CTP for Detecting Distal Medium Vessel Occlusions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
    João André Sousa, Anton Sondermann, Sara Bernardo-Castro, Ricardo Varela, Helena Donato, et al.
    American Journal of Neuroradiology, 2024
  • Acute management of cerebral venous thrombosis: Indications, technique, and outcome of endovascular treatment in two high-volume centers
    João André Sousa, Maider Iza Achutegui, Jesus Juega-Mariño, Manuel Requena, Sara Bernardo-Castro, et al.
    Interventional Neuroradiology, 2024
    Introduction After several uncontrolled studies and one randomized clinical trial, there is still uncertainty regarding the role of endovascular treatment (EVT) in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). This study aims to describe and assess different acute management strategies in the treatment of CVT. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of an international two-center registry of CVT patients admitted since 2019. Good outcome was defined as a return to baseline modified Rankin scale at three months. We described and compared EVT versus no-EVT patients. Results We included 61 patients. Only one did not receive systemic anticoagulation. EVT was performed in 13/61 (20%) of the cases, with a median time from diagnosis to puncture of 4.5 h (1.25–28.5). EVT patients had a higher median baseline NIHSS [6 (IQR 2–17) vs 0 (0–2.7), p = 0.002)] and a higher incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (53.8% vs 20.3%, p = 0.03). Recanalization was achieved in 10/13 (77%) patients. Thrombectomy was performed in every case with angioplasty in 7 out of 12 patients and stenting in 3 cases. No postprocedural complication was reported. An improvement of the median NIHSS from baseline to discharge [6 (2–17) vs 1(0–3.75); p < 0.001] was observed in EVT group. A total of 31/60 patients (50.8%) had good outcomes. Adjusting to NIHSS and ICH, EVT had a non-significant increase in the odds of a good outcome [aOR 1.42 (95%CI 0.73–2.8, p = 0.307)]. Conclusions EVT in combination with anticoagulation was safe in acute treatment of CVT as suggested by NIHSS improvement. Selected patients may benefit from this treatment.
  • The evolution of blood–brain barrier permeability changes after stroke and its implications on clinical outcome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    Sara Bernardo-Castro, João André Sousa, Emanuel Martins, Helena Donato, César Nunes, et al.
    International Journal of Stroke, 2023
    Background: Blood–brain barrier permeability (BBBp) is a key process involved in ischemic stroke pathophysiology. However, there is a lack of consensus on how BBBp evolves after the ischemia injury, and its clinical relevance at different timepoints post stroke. Aims: The main objective of this study is to assess BBBp evolution through stroke phases and its implications on patient outcomes. Methods: We screened PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 31 December 2021. We included research quantitatively using neuroimaging to assess BBBp in stroke patients. BBBp in the different phases was evaluated by a random-effect model based on the standardized mean difference (SMD) between the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of the brain. We performed a subgroup analysis on clinical outcome, reperfusion treatment, haemorrhagic transformation, and imaging method. Results: We identified 3761 studies, of which 22 (1592 patients and 1787 evaluations) were included in our study. Overall, 17 studies reported BBBp for the hyperacute phase, 8 for the acute, 5 for the subacute, and 2 for the chronic phase. All phases were associated with increased BBBp: 0.74 (0.48–0.99), 1.68 (0.94–2.42), 1.98 (0.96–3.00), and 1.00 (0.45–1.55), respectively. An increase in BBBp was associated with hemorrhagic transformation in the hyperacute phase and with improved functional outcomes in the late subacute phase. Conclusion: BBBp is persistently increased after stroke, peaking in the acute and subacute phases. The degree of BBBp influences patient outcomes depending on stroke phase. Our findings support the clinical relevance of BBBp dynamics in stroke care.
  • Diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography and CT perfusion imaging for detecting distal medium vessel occlusions: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
    João André Sousa, Anton Sondermann, Sara Bernardo-Castro, Ricardo Varela, Helena Donato, et al.
    Plos One, 2023
  • Reconsidering the role of blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer’s disease: From delivery to target
    João André Sousa, Catarina Bernardes, Sara Bernardo-Castro, Miguel Lino, Inês Albino, et al.
    Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2023
  • Single-phase CT angiography predicts ASPECTS decay and may help determine when to repeat CT before thrombectomy
    João André Sousa, Ana Rita Machado, Luís Rito-Cruz, Joana Paiva-Simões, Leonor Santos-Martins, et al.
    Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 2022
  • Stroke Prognosis: Monitoring the Hemodynamics and Blood Pressure by TCD/TCCS
    Ricardo Varela, José Coelho, Sara Bernardo-Castro, Fernando Silva, João Sargento-Freitas
    Neurosonology in Critical Care Monitoring the Neurological Impact of the Critical Pathology, 2021
  • Therapeutic nanoparticles for the different phases of ischemic stroke
    Sara Bernardo-Castro, Inês Albino, Ángela María Barrera-Sandoval, Francesca Tomatis, João André Sousa, et al.
    Life, 2021
  • Pathophysiology of Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability Throughout the Different Stages of Ischemic Stroke and Its Implication on Hemorrhagic Transformation and Recovery
    Sara Bernardo-Castro, João André Sousa, Ana Brás, Carla Cecília, Bruno Rodrigues, et al.
    Frontiers in Neurology, 2020
  • Permeability of the blood-brain barrier through the phases of ischaemic stroke and relation with clinical outcome: Protocol for a systematic review
    Sara Bernardo-Castro, Helena Donato, Lino Ferreira, João Sargento-Freitas
    BMJ Open, 2020

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • HARMONICS: feasibility of a holistic value-based care hybrid programme that maximises clinical outcomes after stroke
    M Rubiera, A Garcia-Tornel, M Muchada, F Purroy, J Sargento-Freitas, ...
    European Stroke Journal 11 (3), aakag016 , 2026
    2026.0
  • Dietary patterns and neuropsychological function in adolescents: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
    A Manidis, N Ayala-Aldana, S Bernardo-Castro, A Pinar-Martí, P Galkina, ...
    BMC Medicine , 2026
    2026.0
  • Exploring the relationship between maternal carbohydrate quality and quantity during pregnancy and early childhood neurodevelopment: a prospective cohort study within the BiSC …
    L Panisello, J Mateu-Fabregat, N Novau-Ferré, N Ayala-Aldana, ...
    European Journal of Nutrition 64 (8), 327 , 2025
    2025.0
  • The Association Between the Mediterranean Diet and Fatty Acids in Red Blood Cells of Spanish Adolescents
    N Ayala-Aldana, D Lafuente, I Lázaro, A Pinar-Martí, A Manidis, ...
    Nutrients 17 (17), 2888 , 2025
    2025.0
  • Emergent Carotid Stenting During Thrombectomy in Tandem Occlusions Secondary to Dissection: A STOP-CAD Secondary Study
    JA Sousa, M Rodrigo-Gisbert, L Shu, A Luo, H Xiao, NA Mahmoud, ...
    Stroke 56 (4) , 2025
    2025.0
    Citations: 10
  • HB-EGF activates EGFR to induce reactive neural stem cells in the mouse hippocampus after seizures
    O Pastor-Alonso, I Durá, S Bernardo-Castro, E Varea, T Muro-García, ...
    Life Science Alliance 7 (9) , 2024
    2024.0
    Citations: 10
  • Acute management of cerebral venous thrombosis: Indications, technique, and outcome of endovascular treatment in two high-volume centers
    JA Sousa, MI Achutegui, J Juega-Mariño, M Requena, S Bernardo-Castro, ...
    Interventional Neuroradiology, 15910199241236819 , 2024
    2024.0
    Citations: 2
  • Early Mobilization Decision after an Acute Ischemic Stroke: Protocol for an Umbrella Review
    C Fernandes, JA Sousa, S Bernardo-Castro, F Silva, H Donato, ...
    Acta Médica Portuguesa , 2024
    2024.0
    Citations: 1
  • CTA and CTP for Detecting Distal Medium Vessel Occlusions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
    JA Sousa, A Sondermann, S Bernardo-Castro, R Varela, H Donato, ...
    American Journal of Neuroradiology , 2023
    2023.0
    Citations: 26
  • Diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography and CT perfusion imaging for detecting distal medium vessel occlusions: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
    JA Sousa, A Sondermann, S Bernardo-Castro, R Varela, H Donato, ...
    Plos one 18 (4), e0284116 , 2023
    2023.0
    Citations: 6
  • The evolution of blood brain barrier permeability changes after stroke, and its implications on clinical outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    S Bernardo-Castro, JA Sousa, E Martins, H Donato, CA Nunes, ...
    International Journal of Stroke, 17474930231166306 , 2023
    2023.0
    Citations: 37
  • Reconsidering the role of blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer’s disease: From delivery to target
    JA Sousa, C Bernardes, S Bernardo-Castro, M Lino, I Albino, L Ferreira, ...
    Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 15, 1102809 , 2023
    2023.0
    Citations: 71
  • Single-phase CT angiography predicts ASPECTS decay and may help determine when to repeat CT before thrombectomy
    JA Sousa, AR Machado, L Rito-Cruz, J Paiva-Simões, L Santos-Martins, ...
    Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases 31 (12), 106815 , 2022
    2022.0
    Citations: 2
  • Stroke Prognosis: Monitoring the Hemodynamics and Blood Pressure by TCD/TCCS
    R Varela, J Coelho, S Bernardo-Castro, F Silva, J Sargento-Freitas
    Neurosonology in Critical Care: Monitoring the Neurological Impact of the … , 2022
    2022.0
  • Therapeutic nanoparticles for the different phases of ischemic stroke
    S Bernardo-Castro, I Albino, ÁM Barrera-Sandoval, F Tomatis, JA Sousa, ...
    Life 11 (6), 482 , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 44
  • Pathophysiology of blood–brain barrier permeability throughout the different stages of ischemic stroke and its implication on hemorrhagic transformation and recovery
    S Bernardo-Castro, JA Sousa, A Brás, C Cecília, B Rodrigues, ...
    Frontiers in Neurology 11, 1605 , 2020
    2020.0
    Citations: 451
  • Permeability of the blood-brain barrier through the phases of ischaemic stroke and relation with clinical outcome: protocol for a systematic review
    S Bernardo-Castro, H Donato, L Ferreira, J Sargento-Freitas
    BMJ open 10 (9), e039280 , 2020
    2020.0
    Citations: 7
  • Omega-3 Cord Plasma Proportions and Cognitive Function Trajectories from 5 to 15 Years of Age: A Population-Based Cohort Study
    A Pinar-Martí, N Ayala-Aldana, S Bernardo-Castro, J Julvez
    Martine and Guxens, Mònica and Foraster, Maria, Omega-3 Cord Plasma … , 0

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Pathophysiology of blood–brain barrier permeability throughout the different stages of ischemic stroke and its implication on hemorrhagic transformation and recovery
    S Bernardo-Castro, JA Sousa, A Brás, C Cecília, B Rodrigues, ...
    Frontiers in Neurology 11, 1605 , 2020
    2020.0
    Citations: 451
  • Reconsidering the role of blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer’s disease: From delivery to target
    JA Sousa, C Bernardes, S Bernardo-Castro, M Lino, I Albino, L Ferreira, ...
    Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 15, 1102809 , 2023
    2023.0
    Citations: 71
  • Therapeutic nanoparticles for the different phases of ischemic stroke
    S Bernardo-Castro, I Albino, ÁM Barrera-Sandoval, F Tomatis, JA Sousa, ...
    Life 11 (6), 482 , 2021
    2021.0
    Citations: 44
  • The evolution of blood brain barrier permeability changes after stroke, and its implications on clinical outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    S Bernardo-Castro, JA Sousa, E Martins, H Donato, CA Nunes, ...
    International Journal of Stroke, 17474930231166306 , 2023
    2023.0
    Citations: 37
  • CTA and CTP for Detecting Distal Medium Vessel Occlusions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
    JA Sousa, A Sondermann, S Bernardo-Castro, R Varela, H Donato, ...
    American Journal of Neuroradiology , 2023
    2023.0
    Citations: 26
  • Emergent Carotid Stenting During Thrombectomy in Tandem Occlusions Secondary to Dissection: A STOP-CAD Secondary Study
    JA Sousa, M Rodrigo-Gisbert, L Shu, A Luo, H Xiao, NA Mahmoud, ...
    Stroke 56 (4) , 2025
    2025.0
    Citations: 10
  • HB-EGF activates EGFR to induce reactive neural stem cells in the mouse hippocampus after seizures
    O Pastor-Alonso, I Durá, S Bernardo-Castro, E Varea, T Muro-García, ...
    Life Science Alliance 7 (9) , 2024
    2024.0
    Citations: 10
  • Permeability of the blood-brain barrier through the phases of ischaemic stroke and relation with clinical outcome: protocol for a systematic review
    S Bernardo-Castro, H Donato, L Ferreira, J Sargento-Freitas
    BMJ open 10 (9), e039280 , 2020
    2020.0
    Citations: 7
  • Diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography and CT perfusion imaging for detecting distal medium vessel occlusions: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
    JA Sousa, A Sondermann, S Bernardo-Castro, R Varela, H Donato, ...
    Plos one 18 (4), e0284116 , 2023
    2023.0
    Citations: 6
  • Acute management of cerebral venous thrombosis: Indications, technique, and outcome of endovascular treatment in two high-volume centers
    JA Sousa, MI Achutegui, J Juega-Mariño, M Requena, S Bernardo-Castro, ...
    Interventional Neuroradiology, 15910199241236819 , 2024
    2024.0
    Citations: 2
  • Single-phase CT angiography predicts ASPECTS decay and may help determine when to repeat CT before thrombectomy
    JA Sousa, AR Machado, L Rito-Cruz, J Paiva-Simões, L Santos-Martins, ...
    Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases 31 (12), 106815 , 2022
    2022.0
    Citations: 2
  • Early Mobilization Decision after an Acute Ischemic Stroke: Protocol for an Umbrella Review
    C Fernandes, JA Sousa, S Bernardo-Castro, F Silva, H Donato, ...
    Acta Médica Portuguesa , 2024
    2024.0
    Citations: 1
  • HARMONICS: feasibility of a holistic value-based care hybrid programme that maximises clinical outcomes after stroke
    M Rubiera, A Garcia-Tornel, M Muchada, F Purroy, J Sargento-Freitas, ...
    European Stroke Journal 11 (3), aakag016 , 2026
    2026.0
  • Dietary patterns and neuropsychological function in adolescents: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
    A Manidis, N Ayala-Aldana, S Bernardo-Castro, A Pinar-Martí, P Galkina, ...
    BMC Medicine , 2026
    2026.0
  • Exploring the relationship between maternal carbohydrate quality and quantity during pregnancy and early childhood neurodevelopment: a prospective cohort study within the BiSC …
    L Panisello, J Mateu-Fabregat, N Novau-Ferré, N Ayala-Aldana, ...
    European Journal of Nutrition 64 (8), 327 , 2025
    2025.0
  • The Association Between the Mediterranean Diet and Fatty Acids in Red Blood Cells of Spanish Adolescents
    N Ayala-Aldana, D Lafuente, I Lázaro, A Pinar-Martí, A Manidis, ...
    Nutrients 17 (17), 2888 , 2025
    2025.0
  • Stroke Prognosis: Monitoring the Hemodynamics and Blood Pressure by TCD/TCCS
    R Varela, J Coelho, S Bernardo-Castro, F Silva, J Sargento-Freitas
    Neurosonology in Critical Care: Monitoring the Neurological Impact of the … , 2022
    2022.0
  • Omega-3 Cord Plasma Proportions and Cognitive Function Trajectories from 5 to 15 Years of Age: A Population-Based Cohort Study
    A Pinar-Martí, N Ayala-Aldana, S Bernardo-Castro, J Julvez
    Martine and Guxens, Mònica and Foraster, Maria, Omega-3 Cord Plasma … , 0