Projects
LFChemPro-CESPU-2018: Latent fingerprint chemical profiling - identification of time-dependent metabolic markers
Fingerprint analysis constitutes one of the main tools used in forensic evidence, allowing to identify the author of a certain fingerprint, tying him into a crime scene/object. Fingerprints result mainly from the deposition of human secretions on a surface, some of their constituents being already characterized. However, the composition of latent fingerprints varies over time due to chemical, biological and physical processes. Despite the studies on the variation over time of few constituents, a specific metabolic marker which time-dependent variation can provide further clues on the age of a fingerprint remains to be identified. The current project will primarily allow the identification of specific chemical markers, aiming the development of a protocol for the determination of the age of a latent fingerprint. Additionally, the interindividual variation (gender and race) of selected metabolic markers will be determined, potentiating its use in a discriminative analysis. Consequently, the knowledge on the chemical composition of aged fingerprints will be deepened, simultaneously paving the way for the development of new chemical methods for their age dating.
HT-BAGP-CESPU-2018: Human traces from car inner surfaces: Broadening the application of genetic policing.
Forensic sciences promote the interaction of different scientific areas, contributing to the good application of justice in the best interest of the citizen. Within this multidisciplinary science, the lofoscopy and genetic domains are highly relevant since they analyse evidence that lead to the unequivocal identification of individuals involved in illicit acts. The fingerprint traces, revealed in the most diverse surfaces, do not always have an identification value, due to limiting factor, such as the fact that the minimum twelve characteristic points that allow an absolute certainty of identity may not be visible. However, fingerprints can be a source of DNA allowing the elaboration of the genetic profiles that will lead to the identification of individuals. As highlighted by police forces, lofoscopy is limited on the retrieval of positive matches with individuals in some types of matrices, namely in car steering wheels. As so, the current project mainly intends to evaluate the possibility of using these two scientific domains being synergistic and promising tools in a real forensic scenario involving vehicles.
CRISPRTech-CESPU-2018: Bub3 and Spindly knockout mediated by CRISPR-Cas9 technology: in vitro characterization and therapeutic potential
Over the last years, the study of loss of gene function has focused on RNAi. Recent advances in genome editing have identified a powerful tool, CRISPR/Cas9, that dramatically improved target specificity and complete functional knockout. Its high potential to accelerate life sciences research has led several labs to try to implement it in various organisms. CRISPR/Cas9 applications include cancer modeling. Cancer is basically a disease of uncontrolled cell division. The spindle assembly checkpoint is the main control mechanism of mitosis and ensures correct cell division. Bub3 and Spindly proteins are key components of this pathway by activating or silencing it, respectively. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we intend to create clones of human tumor cells, with Bub3 and Spindly gene knockout. Phenotypic changes and effects on cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis will be evaluated. Inhibition of Bub3 and Spindly by siRNA will be included, comparing CRISPR and RNAi. The therapeutic potential of knockout in combination with paclitaxel will be assessed.
TraTapMDMA-CESPU-2018: Tramadol and tapentadol: effects of the chronic exposure and MDMA co-administration.
The simultaneous consumption and misuse of different drugs are increasing nowadays. Millions of adults report the use of MDMA, while tramadol and tapentadol are among the most prescribed opioids for pain management, with an increasing trend for their misuse and abuse over the last decades. The present work aims to evaluate the toxicological effects of the chronic exposure to tramadol and tapentadol, as well as from the simultaneous exposure to MDMA and these opioids, using an in vivo model. To this purpose, the project aims to analyse the biochemical and histological alterations deriving from the daily administration of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg doses of tramadol and tapentadol for 2 weeks, in metabolizing (e.g., liver and kidney) and target organs (e.g., lung and brain). In parallel, similar parameters will be analysed following combined exposure to MDMA and tramadol or tapentadol. It is important to understand the molecular and biochemical alterations deriving from the simultaneous exposure to drugs, in order to recognize their adverse reactions. The results are expected to contribute to a more careful prescription of tramadol and tapentadol.
NanoCEA-CESPU-2018: Development of antibody-functionalized PLGA-PEG nanoparticles to target the carcinoembryonic antigen receptor on colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents one of the most common cancer-related cause of death with a high 5-year prevalence posttreatment worldwide. Standard chemotherapies currently available, such as paclitaxel (PTX), exhibit a poor water solubility, high toxicity and even gene therapies (as siRNA) have a poor stability in biological fluids, rendering low efficacy. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a biomarker used for preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up of CRC patients. This project proposes to develop PTX and siRNA-loaded nanoparticles to target the CEA receptor on CRC. Polymeric nanoparticles of poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), will be loaded with PTX or siRNA against MACC1 and further surfacefunctionalized with a monoclonal CEA antibody and a CEA single chain variable fragment (scFv), in a site-oriented manner. Nanoparticles will be tested for physical-chemical properties, cytotoxicity, cell cycle effect and apoptosis/necrosis quantification on colorectal cancer cell lines, and drug penetration in intestinal cell monolayers. It is foreseen that nanoparticles targeting CEA will be useful as a therapeutic strategy for CRC.
MLIA-CESPU-2018: Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis: chemical-mechanical behavior of new composite resins and monolithic ceramics in minimally invasive aesthetic rehabilitation.
The maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA) brings orthodontic and prosthetic problems of lifelong maintenance, family counseling, complex treatment plans and an interdisciplinary approach. The MLIA can be treated by closing or opening spaces, and the cases are finished with composite resin additions (RC) or dental implants or resin bonded bridgework (RBB), respectively, after orthodontics, based on biological parameters. Both options require time-stable adhesive joints coupled with materials of adequate mechanical performance. We can minimize errors, reduce faulty predictions, and improve results with virtual prototyping using finite element analysis (FE), based on computed tomography (CT). FE analysis of pressure / strain on dental structure and biomaterials, varying tooth preparation designs and types of resin or ceramic reconstruction, can be made. It is intended to analyze in vitro and monitor the Bisphenol-A in CR and PAR to be used in the finalization of MLIA cases in young patients and to create an efficient virtual model to compare different joints, designs and materials.
HEALTH_COM- CESPU-2018: Communication in Nursing: Construction of an instrument to identify and assess communication failures during nurses’ shifts handover
Understanding and making us understand is intrinsic and present at all times in our lives. It is part of the human being to be fallible, this art of communicating can, of course, suffer failures that can have various reasons and consequences (Santos et al, 2010). This project intends to build and validate an assessment instrument which identifies the nurses' perception of communication failures during the shift handover, as well as the strategies that can be used to reduce these failures. Thus, will be possible to redesign measures and reorient services and structures so that practices can be patient-centered. With communication being one of the pillars of the nursing profession, it must be valued and operate as the invigorating element for care delivery (Santos et al, 2010).
HAI-CAVP-CESPU-2018: Handwashing Assessement Inventory: Cultural Adaptation and Validation in Portuguese Nurses
The Control of Acquired Infections in Health Care is associated with Handwashing. This project aims to validate and adapt the Handwashing Assessement Inventory for Portuguese nurses and it is composed by 3 moments: i) contact with the health institutions of the north and Order of Nurses: presentation of the project and online data collection; ii) data processing and analysis for cross-cultural adaptation and validation; iii) concurrent analysis of the scale by the Attitudes Regardings Guidelines Practices. The choice of this instrument is justified: i) reliability for concurrent analysis for Handwashing Assessement Inventory; ii) identify motivational factors and barriers to compliance with Handwashing procedures. The knowledge of the factors and the results of the application of the scale may be useful in the creation of more assertive strategies to promote adherence to Handwashing. Data processing by SPSS and AMOS; native speaker for translation validation and retroversion.
PESQVITS_CESPU_2017: Health Status Profile and Quality of Life of the elderly people of the Tâmega and Sousa Region.
Current demographics and projections, now available for the next decades, are unmistakable about the growth of the elderly population. Aging populations are associated with an increase in pathologies of prolonged evolution, making necessary to redirect and reorganize social and health structures, in order to meet the specific needs of the populations. These issues have received considerable political attention from both national governments and international organizations, emphasizing the need to develop support and response measures tailored to the real needs and characteristics of the community. This study aims to characterize the profile of the elderly population of the region of Penafiel, regarding the health status and quality of life as well as some clinical and psychological variables associated and, therefore, produce a first mapping of the main needs and specificities in the region. This study will allow a characterization of the elderly people, redesign the measures and reorient services and structures.
PALLIATIVE-LOSS_CESPU_2017: Evaluation of the efficacy of a therapeutic intervention based on the Dignity Model in cáncer patients at end of life and the grieving process of their families.
Oncological palliative care, in the impossibility of curing the disease and the eminence of death, has as main objective to promote the quality of life of end-of-life patients and their families. Dignity therapy, based on the Chochinov Model, it’s a psychotherapeutic intervention that aims to address the psychosocial and existential anguish of end-of-life patients, culminating in the writing of a "legacy" for posterity, aiming at to help the patient deal with finitude. Relatives seem to be secondary elements in this process, but equally important in view of impotence in the face of the suffering of the other, the imminence of the loss of their loved one and their survival, which implies a proper process of grief. This process, although normative, is not always peaceful, and there are complicated grief’s, with negative impact on mental health and biopsychosocial repercussions.