ESS - TBIO - Comunicações em eventos científicos
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- In vivo activity of peptide-ionic liquid conjugates against diabetic woundsPublication . Gomes, A.; Ferraz, Ricardo; Ferreira, M.; Maciel, J.; Plácido, A.; Leal, E.; Gameiro, P.; Gonçalves, Teresa; Carvalho, E.; Gomes, P.Due to widespread multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbes, efficient treatments for infected wounds are being exhausted, which means that there is an alarming lack of effective antibiotics to treat diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). The increasing life expectancy of the population and the growing incidence of unhealthy lifestyles is leading to a concerning rise in the number of people affected with diabetes and related complications, being DFU amongst the most troublesome. In 2014, already about 11% of the Portuguese population had diabetes and this number is continuously growing every year. [1] Like other chronic wounds, DFU are difficult to heal, but their association with other diabetes complications, such as peripheral neuropathy and ischemia, underpin an exceedingly low healing rate and high propensity for persistent infections. In connection with the above, we have recently advanced peptide-ionic liquid conjugates (PILC) as potential active pharmaceutical ingredients for topical formulations to tackle DFU. PILC combine a short cosmeceutical peptide with collagenboosting action, with an ioni q b , k “ k” -catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction. This revealed one conjugate with an outstanding performance in vitro, namely, potent collagen-inducing effect, alongside microbicidal (bactericidal and fungicidal) action.[2] This conjugate was now tested for its wound healing ability in a mouse model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes. The promising results obtained thus far in this animal model, alongside biophysical investigations on the potential antimicrobial mechanism of action of PILC, will be presented in this communication.
- Surface-active ionic liquids derived from antimalarial drugs and natural lipids that display multi-stage antiplasmodial activityPublication . Ferraz, Ricardo; Silva, Ana Teresa; Oliveira, Isabel S.; Duarte, Denise; Moita, Diana; Nogueira, Fátima; Prudêncio, Miguel; Gomes, Paula; Marques, Eduardo F.The use of Ionic Liquids (ILs) in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry has been greatly evolving since they were first used as alternative solvents for the chemical synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). ILs are now used with other purposes in this area, such as adjuvants in drug formulation and delivery, or even as bioactive compounds per se. New ionic structures with biologically relevant properties can be easily obtained through straightforward reactions, as nearly all APIs are ionizable and can be paired with counter-ions that could be either inert or offer additional beneficial biological effects. This efficient, cost-effective strategy for the rescuing and repurposing of drugs is particularly appealing for finding new options to combat "diseases of poverty" like malaria. We implemented this approach to “recycle” classical antimalarial aminoquinolines, namely, chloroquine (CQ) and primaquine (PQ), by pairing them with natural acidic lipids through acid-base reactions. Our goal was to create novel ILs capable of targeting multiple stages of the Plasmodium parasite’s life cycle. Additionally, we were interested in that such ILs could act as surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs), able to self-assemble into nanostructures displaying adequate bioavailability. For this purpose, we paired the antimalarial drugs with either fatty acids or bile acids, due to their biocompatibility and amphiphilic nature. The antiplasmodial activity and self-aggregation properties of the new SAILs were determined. PQ fatty acid salts preserved the liver-stage antiplasmodial activity of the original drug, while exhibiting significantly enhanced activity against blood-stage parasites. In the case of bile salts, those derived from PQ retained the efficacy of the parent drug, whereas the CQ-derived salts proved to be novel triple-stage antiplasmodial agents. The SAILs obtained from bile acids showed a remarkable ability to self-aggregate, with a notably lower critical micelle concentration compared to their respective sodium salts. Overall, these findings open a new strategy for drug repurposing, extending beyond antimalarials and other anti-infective therapies.
- An unobtrusive multimodal stress detection model & recommender systemPublication . Ferreira, Simão; Correia, Hugo; Rodrigues, Fátima; Rodrigues, Matilde; Rocha, NunoStudies estimate that about 50% of all lost workdays are related to occupational stress. In recent years, several solutions for mental health management, including biofeedback applications, have emerged as a way to enhance employee mental health. Solutions to mitigate risk factors related to the working settings present an enormous potential and a clear contribution. However, most of the work that has been developed is limited to laboratory environments and does not suit real-life needs. Our study proposes an unobtrusive multimodal approach for detecting work-related stress combining videoplethysmography and self-reported measures for stablishing the ground truth in real-life settings. The study involved 28 volunteers over a two-month period. Various physiological signals were collected through a videopletismography solution, while users were performing daily working, for approximately eight hours a day. In parallel, selfreported measures were collected via a pop-up application (developed by the research team) that periodically retrieved the user's perceived stress (amongst other variables) in order to label the physiological data. In order to develop the stress detection model, we pre-processed the data and performed Heart Rate Variability (HRV) feature extraction. Then, we experimented with several machine learning models, utilizing both individual and combined physiological signals to explore all available alternatives. After rigorous evaluation, the best-trained model achieved an accuracy of over 80% and an F1 Score of over 85%. With the stress detection model in place, we are developing a structured intervention model to help reduce stress. This intervention model integrates two interconnected dimensions through digital coaching, which prioritizes personalized recommendations based on user preferences. Our top priority is to ensure user engagement, and we believe that adherence to and adoption of recommended interventions are more likely when users receive recommendations that align with their preferences. Thus, we prioritize personalized recommendations that are tailored to each individual's unique model. After detecting immediate stress peaks and providing real-time feedback on stress levels, our alarm system goes a step further by offering customized recommendations for brief stress relief. The digital coach (intervention model) offers various recommendations and active lifestyle changes such as exercise, task management, weight management, better sleep habits, structured pauses, and other critical interventions. These critical interventions are also based on user preferences, allowing our system to prevent future stress-related incidents and, most importantly, mitigate long-term stress. This project and its methodology demonstrate that truly unobtrusive stress detection is possible and can be performed within the scope of ethical demands. In future work, we will evaluate the responses and beneficial outcomes of implementing a recommender system.
- Safety culture in higher education institutions: Knowledge and training preferencesPublication . Filho, P. C. Anacleto; Dall-Orsoletta, Alaize; Carneiro, Paula; Colim, Ana; Leão, Celina P.; Rodrigues, Matilde; Costa, Susana; Costa, NelsonThe development of a positive culture is a key element within an organization to achieve performance against a strategic objective. In terms of safety, universities play a very important role in training new professionals who must be increasingly aware and prepared for the challenges of the labour market and daily activities. Therefore, this study aims to assess the safety culture of newcomer students to higher education through the application of a 22-item questionnaire. Participants included 109 undergraduate and master’s students from 31 different courses at a university in Northern Portugal. It was observed that the level of knowledge varied according to the type of course adopted and the gender of the student. A global performance level of below 80% shows that safety knowledge can improve further. Additionally, different preferences concerning the content, moment, and format of safety training were presented. The low level of interest in training related to chemical leakage, suspicious package, and bombing show participants may attribute a low probability level to these events. In conclusion, this work shows that it can be useful for universities to consider different training approaches according to different course types.
- Technology, Sleep and Rest: what effects do they have on the brain?Publication . Borges, Daniel FilipeThis lecture dealt with various topics relating to technology, neurobiology and the function of sleep as well as the characteristics of rest. In a pragmatic way, an original approach was taken by trying to answer several story-related questions, such as: - When we talk about technology, we inevitably think about access to and use of the internet. How can we measure the impact of technology today in Portugal and in the world? - Should we be concerned about the exponential growth in the use of social networks and e-commerce? - Can the reported statistical data be the ground truth, or is there a certain subjectivity that must be taken into account when analysing it? - Today there are smartwatches and a variety of technologies that allow us to track our sleep. There is a lot of talk about "quantity versus quality". Do we know how to interpret the results? - How can we tell if our sleep was effective without needing a detailed diagnosis? - Are we sufficiently informed about what sleep is and what it does to us? How would you explain in a simple way how this element, which is so important for our health, works? - We often wake up with the feeling that we haven’t rested enough and take it for granted – it’s the “new normal”. Is that dangerous? - Will the overuse of technology that is directly related to light exposure render the sleep cycle ineffective? - There is a lot of talk about blue light. It's often associated with sleep and falling asleep. What are the consequences of exposure to this light? - We are used to only talking about the negative effects of using technology on the brain. But are there also benefits? - The exponential growth in the use of technology can now even be seen in schools. Teenagers are the most affected by this technological phenomenon. What tips would be helpful to protect yourself from the surge we are experiencing? - How can this decline in emotional intelligence affect the critical minds of young people? - What does the future of sleep health look like?
- Reading epilepsy and hyperexcitability of the visual word form areaPublication . Borges, Daniel Filipe; Leal, AlbertoReading epilepsy recruits critical language-related areas, with synchronization and subsequent spreading of excitation in response to the epileptogenic stimulus. The mechanism by which possible generalized discharges result in the expression of bilateral or unilateral clinical symptoms remains controversial. The cortical and subcortical areas involved may constitute part of the normal reading network, such as the visual word form area (VWFA). A right-handed, 59-year-old man was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 15 after tonic-clonic seizures. Later, the patient described myoclonic jerks of the masticatory and perioral muscles while reading. A multimodal approach with magnetic resonance imaging and ambulatory and video-electroencephalogram was used for seizure characterization and source analysis. A left hemisphere spontaneous occipitotemporal epileptic focus, activated by reading, was observed, spreading broadly throughout frontal and temporal language networks. There was an abnormally increased cortical response to visual word presentation in comparison to pseudowords. Spatial localization of spike sources suggested a close association between the primary epileptic focus and the VWFA. This epileptiform activity seems to be selectively triggered at an early stage of lexical processing, with a functional connection between the epileptic network and the VWFA. This multimodal and functional connectivity approach could be helpful in determining the epileptic network in reading epilepsy.
- Is a hypothalamic hamartoma always a suspect in gelastic seizures? A source functional connectivity studyPublication . Borges, Daniel Filipe; Leal, AlbertoGelastic seizures are rare manifestations of epilepsy that are often associated with hypothalamic hamartomas (HH). In the absence of HH, location of the origin is more difficult and there are several less well-established possibilities. Non-invasive assessment is often complicated by the deep localization of the epileptogenic area and the complex dynamics of spike activity. Robust neurophysiological methods and careful validation of intrinsically epileptogenic lesions detected by RM can improve the validity of scalp EEG analysis. This presentation will discuss a case report analysing the dynamics of epileptic activity in gelastic seizures associated with cortical dysplasia. The clinical case was a 26-year-old girl with daily refractory gelastic seizures since the age of 6 who underwent neurophysiological examination with long-term EEG recordings and MRI of the brain. She had previously been rejected in an epilepsy surgery programme because no structural brain lesion had been found and the EEG information was not conclusive enough. A recent 3T MRI showed cortical dysplasia in the cingulate gyrus, which was highly suspicious as an epileptogenic focus. We analysed the 31-channel EEG (ictal and interictal) using source and functional connectivity methods to obtain a solid computer model of the origin and dynamics of the epileptic activity and correlate it with the anatomical information of the MRI. Source analysis of the interictal activity revealed multiple sources that dominated at different time points, suggesting considerable dynamics that prevented clear identification of the source. The ictal recordings showed little late rhythmic activity over the frontal areas, but no early focalization. Connectivity analysis, which revealed the flow of information between cortical sources, showed a consistent origin of epileptic activity near the cortical dysplasia for both interictal and ictal activity. EEG connectivity analysis significantly improves the performance of non-invasive methods for determining the intracranial dynamics of epileptic activity and correlation with structural lesions.
- Neurophysiology in the WildPublication . Borges, Daniel Filipe; Leal, AlbertoIntroduction: The acquisition of bioelectrical signals from the nervous system is traditionally complex, prone to artifacts and technically demanding. Currently, there are signs that research in this field is saturated and confined to institutional walls due to the cost-effectiveness profile of the methods used. Therefore, the demand for portable technology has grown exponentially to significantly increase the amount of data collected. Therefore, epilepsy, specifically regarding long-term electroencephalography (EEG), and sleep medicine are two of the best examples of the clinical utility of wearables for real-world (Level IV) studies. Objective: Development of clinical and translational research based on the development, application and clinical validation of neurophysiological wearable technology to study neural networks in different clinical contexts. Methods: Using a tailor-made 2-channel EEG wearable device and a customized single-channel EEG sensor inserted into the external auditory canal, we conducted three clinical validation studies in patients' homes. We detected and sonified typical absence seizures in pediatric epilepsy patients, studied patients with clinically suspected temporal lobe epilepsy, and recorded and staged 30-second epochs from sleep studies of healthy and pathological subjects. Results: The wearable devices employed showed neurophysiological data with consistently strong positive correlations, consistent performance and high reliability compared to gold standard methods, as well as near perfect inter-observer agreement. Conclusions: Clinical neuroscientists require large amounts of data, so these developments, driven largely by the influx of gadgets in the consumer market, are enabling more do-it-yourself and quantified-self methods. These neurophysiological signals from wearables hold great promise for advancing neuroscience through real-world data.
- Sleep stage detection: a clinical validation study of a custom-built single-channel in-ear EEG sensorPublication . Borges, Daniel Filipe; Soares, Joana I.; Silva, Heloísa; Felgueiras, João; Batista, Carla; Ferreira, Simão; Rocha, Nuno; Leal, AlbertoIntroduction:Sleep is vital for health. It has regenerative and protective functions, and its disruption reduces the quality of life and increases susceptibility to disease. During sleep, there is a cyclicity of distinct phases that are studied using polysomnography (PSG), a costly and technically demanding method that compromises the quality of natural sleep. The search for simpler devices for recording biological signals at home addresses some of these issues. Objective: To clinically validate a custom-built single-channel in-ear EEG sensor for sleep classification by assessing various sleep metrics and staging decisions with simultaneously recorded PSG. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study with 28 participants, divided into two groups: healthy volunteers and clinical patients. In both groups, PSG, individual in-ear EEG- with two different electrode configurations- and actigraphic recordings (only in the healthy group) were performed simultaneously for a whole night. Statistical analysis focussed on the four main sleep metrics: TRT (total recording time), TST (total sleep time), SE (sleep efficiency), SL (sleep latency) and the 5-class classifications (wakefulness, N1, N2, N3 and REM sleep). This included correlation analyses between methods and Bland-Altman plots, Cohen’s K coefficient, and confusion matrices aiming 30-second epoch-wise agreement with an automatic sleep classification algorithm using visual sleep classification by an ERSR-certified human expert as the gold standard according to current AASM guidelines. Results: The analysed sleep data comprised 30960 epochs. The correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations (0.90) for all variables for the in-ear sensor. The Bland-Altman plots show a high level of agreement and consistency (+- 1.87 SD), with minimal bias between methods. The average kappa values (0.75) and the confusion matrices with each method's sensitivity and specificity also show a very high level of concordance.Conclusions: In both groups, the in-ear EEG sensor showed strong correlation, agreement and reliability with the gold standard, supporting accurate sleep classification.
- Psychosocial risks in remote work: A systematic reviewPublication . Ribeiro, Hugo; Santos, Joana; Carvalhais, CarlosThe introduction of new information and communication technologies (ICT) into labor relations, led to new ways of working. For instance, remote work has been enabled by advances in digital development that narrowed down distance allowing workers to communicate and perform tasks from nearly anywhere (Ciccarelli, 2022). The different types of ICT-enabled remote work, are giving rise to new challenges in terms of occupational safety and health (OSH) management. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an acceleration in the digitalization of the work (Baig et al. 2020), and brought to light the need to OSH practitioners pay more attention to occupational risks linked with this type of work, particularly psychosocial risks.