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- Neurophysiological markers of cardiac interoceptive processing in expectant parents: a study with heartbeat-evoked potentialsPublication . 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 and parenthood are associated with functional and morphological brain changes. Specifically, the parental caregiving network encompasses key structures implicated in interoception, that is, the ability to perceive and subjectively experience inner bodily states. Interoceptive processing may be critical for successful caregiving, allowing parents to integrate perceived changes in their own bodily states with information stemming from their child. Thus, it is feasible to hypothesize that pregnancy-related neurophysiological changes can modify interoception in expectant parents. Objective: To compare neural markers of cortical interoceptive processing (heartbeat-evoked potentials; HEP) between first-time expectant parents (mothers and fathers) and matched non-parents. First-time expectant heterosexual couples at 26-34 weeks gestational age (n = 70) and matched non-parents (n = 140, 70 female) will complete a multilevel interoception assessment protocol. Neural markers of interoception will be indexed by HEP, that is, neurophysiological responses to cardiac afferent inputs which are obtained through electroencephalography recordings (EEG) time-locked to electrocardiography events (ECG). HEP will be recorded while participants complete the Baby Face Repetition Suppression Paradigm in which sad or neutral infant facial expressions are either repeated or alternated in a 500 ms interstimulus interval. This manipulation induces an emotion-specific repetition modulation on HEP amplitude (differential effects for sad vs. neutral facial expressions). A condition with adult facial expressions will be employed to examine domain-general vs. infant-specific effects. Expectant parents will display increased allocation of neural resources to interoceptive inputs (larger repetition-induced HEP modulation) in contrast to non-parents, particularly when considering infant facial expressions. Effect sizes will be larger when contrasting sad vs. neutral infant facial expressions. Findings from this pioneering study will provide further understanding of the parental brain and the role of interoception during pregnancy, contributing to the comprehension of complex processes involved in caregiving and the development of the parent-infant bond.
- Cardiac interoceptive processing across psychopathy dimensions: evidence from the heartbeat tapping task and the attentional modulation of heartbeat-evoked potentialsPublication . Campos, Carlos; Sá, Catarina; Mazer, Prune; Pasion, Rita; Garcez, Helena; Paiva, Tiago O.; Braga, Patrícia Vilela; Rocha, Nuno Barbosa; Barbosa, Fernando; Rocha, Nuno; Campos, CarlosPsychopathy is a multidimensional personality structure encompassing interpersonal, affective, and behavioral traits. Interoception (ability to perceive and subjectively experience inner bodily states) may be a putative mechanism underlying the etiological pathways of psychopathy. Individual differences in interoceptive processing across psychopathy dimensions may interfere with the ability to perceive somatic sensations that signal the emotional valence of everyday events. To examine the association between psychopathy dimensions (triarchic phenotypes - boldness, meanness, and disinhibition; classical 4-facets - interpersonal, affective, impulsive, antisocial) and cardiac interoceptive processing, namely objectively measured cardiac interoceptive attention and accuracy. Fifty community-dwelling participants (25 women) were recruited and completed: (a) self-report measures indexing psychopathy, trait-based interoceptive attention and accuracy, and alexithymia; (b) modified Heartbeat Tapping Task to index cardiac interoceptive accuracy, where subjects were required to tap after each heartbeat under rest and breath hold conditions (the latter enhanced the magnitude of cardiac signals); (c) modified Heartbeat Attention Task for producing an attentional modulation of heartbeat-evoked potentials (HEP) - neuronal markers of cardiac interoceptive processing - where subjects were required to allocate their attention on their heart vs. an exteroceptive stimulus (objective measure of interoceptive attention). Cardiac interoception was only significantly related to boldness traits. Boldness was positively associated with cardiac interoceptive accuracy after the breath hold manipulation (non-significant after controlling for heart rate), despite no significant effects being observed at rest. Boldness was also negatively correlated with the attentional modulation of HEP due to atypical neuronal responses when allocating attentional resources to the heart. The current findings implicate cardiac interoception in the boldness phenotype, as this psychopathy dimension was associated with enhanced interoceptive-specific perceptual sensitivity and atypical neuronal responses to cardiac afferent inputs when attending to heart-related sensations. Future studies should examine how other interoceptive modalities (e.g., respiratory, gastric) are implicated in psychopathy.
- A multi-omics and primer database for virus identification: Focus on HIV, Ebola, and SARS-CoV-2Publication . Lima, A. S.; Carneiro, J.; Sousa, S.; Sá, Vítor Júlio; Pratas, D.; Sá, Vítor J.Highly infectious viruses such as HIV, Ebola, and SARS-CoV-2 have presented ongoing challenges to global health. Consequently, the optimization of rapid detection tests, including PCR, and the identification of new therapeutic targets remain of paramount importance. The development of genomic and proteomic databases like the HIV Oligonucleotide Database (HIVoligoDB), EbolaID, and CoV2ID has facilitated the accumulation and accessibility of knowledge through comprehensive, user-friendly, open-access platforms. This study aims to update, expand, and integrate these databases into a single resource, while conducting thorough analyses of informative genomic regions with the goal of enhancing viral detection methods and treatment strategies. Complete genomic sequence variants for each virus were compiled using Geneious Prime and NCBI Virus, followed by multiple sequence alignment via MAFFT within the Galaxy platform. The extraction of primers and probes from research articles was attempted using two approaches: Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically NotebookLM and DonutAI/OpenLLaMa-7b, and a classic method combining the Python package PyMuPDF4LLM for PDF data extraction with regular expressions (RegEx) for oligonucleotide identification. Preliminary testing revealed that DonutAI/OpenLLaMa-7b had the lowest accuracy, failing to correctly identify any primers. NotebookLM achieved an accuracy of 39%, while the PyMuPDF4LLM + RegEx method attained the highest accuracy at 71%, successfully identifying 85 out of 121 primers in the test batch of articles. Due to its superior performance and execution speed, the PyMuPDF4LLM + RegEx approach was selected for further refinement. This methodology improves upon previous RegEx-based techniques by eliminating the need for PDF preprocessing and refining the capture of relevant information while minimizing non-relevant captures. Future steps include cross-validation of the extracted primers against the reference genome to eliminate primers intended for other viruses and to accurately identify the binding regions of the identified oligonucleotides. Additionally, parameters such as percentage of identical sites and pairwise identity will be calculated to determine the optimal primer pairs for PCR optimization. Further structural analysis of the collected sequences will form the foundation for 3D modelling and molecular dynamics simulations.
- P-588 The impact of display screen use on visual function at an early agePublication . Mateus, Catarina; Dias, Libânia; Rodrigues, Matilde; Magalhães, Rúben; Ferreira, Simão; Rocha, Nuno; Mateus, Catarina; Dias, Libânia; Rodrigues, Matilde; Ferreira, Simão; Rocha, NunoAs the use of smartphones and other digital devices becomes an integral part of modern life, it is increasingly common to witness children engaging with these devices at younger ages and for extended periods. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this trend, significantly impacting the way children interact with technology. This study aims to evaluate visual function and lacrimal volume in preschool-aged children and explore possible correlations with the age of screen usage initiation and daily screen time.
- Mobile applications for self-management in psychotic disordersPublication . Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Marques, António; Queirós, Cristina; Sousa, Tiago; Martins, Constantino; Benevides, Daniel; Almeida, Alexandre; Pereira da Silva Marques, António José; Simões de Almeida, RaquelMental illnesses, such as psychotic disorders, have a great impact on individuals affected and on society, being one of the leading causes of disability [1]. In addition, 60% of people with such problems remain without access to mental health care and, in particular, rehabilitation programs, impairing their functionality, quality of life and social inclusion [2]. This is mainly due to the lack of resources to allow access to a comprehensive and early intervention, dedicated to not only to control symptoms, but also to enable people to live satisfactorily in the contexts they choose to live, work and socialize, enhancing their life project. With the increased economic pressure on mental health services, mHealth could reduce treatment gaps, reduce waiting time for patients and deliver interventions at lower costs. Technology advocates altering how health care is delivered in general, and in particular for chronic diseases like mental illnesses.
- The effect of immersive reminiscence therapy on anxiety and depression in people with dementia: a pilot randomized controlled trial using virtual reality headsetsPublication . Soares, Maria; Coelho, Tiago; Portugal, Paula; Coelho, TiagoThis study aims to analyze the effect of reminiscence therapy using immersive virtual reality technology, in comparison with conventional reminiscence therapy, on anxiety and depressive symptoms of people with dementia. This pilot study followed a randomized controlled trial design. A convenience sample of 16 people with dementia was randomly divided in experimental and control groups. Due to health-related factors, 2 participants abandoned the study before completing the intervention. Intervention consisted of 8 biweekly individual reminiscence sessions conducted by trained researchers, in which participants in the experimental group viewed 360o videos of locations with personal relevance considering their life narratives, using virtual reality headsets to promote an immersive experience. Intervention in the control group was similar, except the videos were displayed in a computer monitor. The assessment was carried out before and after the intervention, using the Geriatric Depression Scale (15 items) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (7 items). Intervention and control groups were compared regarding sociodemographic variables and level of dementia progression at baseline. No statistically significant differences were found. Regarding the comparison of anxiety and depressive symptoms pre- and post-intervention, a slight decrease was observed in both groups, although statistical significance was not reached (p>0.05). The results of the present study do not illustrate an added value regarding the use of immersive stimuli with virtual reality technology, in reminiscence therapy programs with people with dementia. Further research is warranted to better ascertain the cost effectiveness of using these technologies in the nonpharmacological treatment of people with dementia.
- Estudo prospetivo para programa de pacientes simuladosPublication . Macedo, Rui; Trigueiro, Maria João; Gonçalves, Maria João; Faias, Joaquim; Jesus, Ângelo; Noites, Andreia; Araújo, AndréA Simulação abrange meios muito diversificados incluindo entre outros, manequins, pacientes virtuais, jogos sérios, roleplaying, pacientes simulados. Por todo o mundo, cresce o número de instituições de ensino superior (IES) de saúde que adotam estes recursos, constituem unidades de simulação e criam programas de pacientes simulados (PS). Comum em medicina e enfermagem, PS tem pouca expressão noutras profissões de saúde, apesar do seu crescente uso no treino interprofissional. Desconhecem-se estudos sobre o uso seja da simulação senso lato ou de PS nessas profissões em Portugal. Inventariar estas atividades em cursos na área da saúde das IES Politécnicas públicas portuguesas (IESPPP) permitirá identificar boas práticas e facilitar a sua adoção.
- Ética e deontologia nas tecnologias da saúdePublication . Cruz, Agostinho; Lopes, Paula; Amorim, Manuela; Cabral, Ana Paula; Curado, Henrique; Faria, Isabel; Gonçalves, Maria João; Machado, Alberto; Sousa, Helena; Monteiro, Pedro; Tavares, DianaMuitas são as Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) que ministram cursos na área da saúde e onde são desenvolvidos estudos de cariz clínico, sendo necessário garantir a salvaguarda dos padrões de (bio)ética, por forma a proteger e garantir a dignidade e integridade humana e a proteção/segurança dos seus dados pessoais. O Decreto-Lei n.º 80/2018 (15 /outubro), veio estabelecer princípios e regras aplicáveis ao funcionamento das comissões de ética integradas em IES, que realizem investigação clínica. A Comissão de Ética da Escola Superior de Saúde (CE da ESS) do Politécnico do Porto tem 10 anos de existência, desenvolvendo atividade de apoio aos projetos de investigação integrados em cursos de graduação e/ou dos seus Centros de Investigação, ou de entidades externas. Assim, para além da análise e emissão de pareceres relativos à investigação realizada, a CE da ESS tem intervém ainda no eixo da formação, objetivando padrões conduta (bio)ética, proteção e garantia da dignidade/integridade humana e proteção/segurança dos dados pessoais e/ou sensíveis, segundo os Códigos Deontológicos e de Conduta das Tecnologias da Saúde. Nestas áreas da saúde, os dilemas surgem no dia-a-dia dos profissionais e são devidos tanto às diferentes patologias, como aos procedimentos de diagnóstico e terapêutica utilizados. Existe ainda a problemática da confidencialidade e registo, que tem vindo a assumir cada vez maior importância, com o incremento da autonomia do paciente / utente. O respeito pelos direitos do utente, nas questões relativas ao controlo e acesso à informação clínica e terapêutica, pressupõe conhecimento e experiência do profissional quanto aos limites ético-deontológicos, dada a gestão constante do risco inerente à intervenção, tendo em vista o objetivo último da mesma: o bem-estar de quem procura estes profissionais.
- Dissociating self reported interoceptive accuracy and attention: Evidence from a Portuguese community samplePublication . Campos, Carlos; Rocha, Nuno; Barbosa, FernandoThe 2x2 factorial model has been recently proposed as a promising framework to measure individual differences in interoception. The first factor addresses which domain is being measured (interoceptive accuracy vs. attention), while the second distinguishes how it is being measured (self-report beliefs vs. objective performance). The current study examined the association between self-reported interoceptive accuracy and attention. We hypothesized no linear association between these constructs, although a quadratic U-shaped association was expected. Furthermore, alexithymia should be differentially related to interoceptive accuracy and attention. An online community sample (*n *= 515) completed the Interoceptive Accuracy Scale (IAS), the Body Perception Questionnaire (BPQ) *ndexing self-reported interoceptive attention, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). Pearson correlations, Steiger’s Z-test, polynomial regression analysis, and two-lines testing were used for statistical analysis. IAS was positively correlated with BPQ, r = .204, p < .001. In the polynomial regression analysis, the linear model indicated a positive association between IAS and BPQ (4.2%), but the quadratic term explained an additional 12.7% of the variance. Two-lines testing indicated a U-shaped association between self-report interoceptive accuracy and attention. IAS was negatively correlated with TAS, r = -.291, p < .001, while there was no significant association between BPQ and TAS, r = -.030, p = .500, as these correlations were statistically different. These results suggest that interoceptive accuracy and attention can be dissociated using self-report measures and may display a quadratic U-shaped association, providing further evidence for the 2x2 factorial model. Future studies should explore the non-linear relationship between interoceptive accuracy and attention using alternative questionnaires and performance-based measures.
- The psychopathic heart: empathy, interoception, and psychopathy traits in adolescentsPublication . Marinho, Elisabete; Alves, Isabel; Pereira, Mariana R.; Rocha, Nuno; Barbosa, Fernando; Campos, CarlosThe link between empathy and psychopathy phenotypes (grandiose-manipulative, callous-unemotional and impulsive-irresponsible) as well as its underlying mechanisms, are far from being consensual, especially in developmental samples. To explore the differential associations between psychopathy phenotypes, empathy domains (cognitive and affective), and interoception in a community sample of adolescents. 64 adolescents (14.95 years; 42.2% males) completed an online survey that assessed psychopathy phenotypes (Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory), cognitive and affective empathy (Basic Empathy Scale), and interoceptive accuracy (Interoceptive Accuracy Scale) as well as alexithymia for control purposes (Toronto Alexithymia Scale). Zero-order correlations, t-tests, and hierarchical linear regressions were employed for statistical analysis. Callous-unemotional traits were negatively correlated with both empathy domains, while impulsive-irresponsible traits were only negatively correlated to cognitive empathy, despite these associations being marginally significant in multivariate analysis. Grandiose-manipulative traits were not related to either empathy domain. There were no associations between interoceptive accuracy and psychopathy phenotypes after controlling for age, sex, and alexithymia. Empathy domains seem to be differentially related to psychopathy phenotypes in adolescents. The contributing role of interoception in this association should be further explored using larger sample sizes and alternative measures.