Improved polymeric medical devices for active substances delivery

The work presented in this thesis was developed in collaboration with a Portuguese company, BeyonDevices, devoted to pharmaceutical packaging, medical technology and device industry. Specifically, the composition impact and surface modification of two polymeric medical devices from the company were studied: inhalers and vaginal applicators. The polyethylene-based vaginal applicator was modified using supercritical fluid technology to acquire self-cleaning properties and prevent the transport of bacteria and yeasts to vaginal flora. For that, in-situ polymerization of 2-substituted oxazolines was performed within the polyethylene matrix using supercritical carbon dioxide. The cationic ring-opening polymerization process was followed by end-capping with N,N-dimethyldodecylamine. Furthermore, for the same propose, the polyethylene matrix was impregnated with lavender oil in supercritical medium. The obtained materials were characterized physical and morphologically and the antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts was accessed. Materials modified using 2-substituted oxazolines showed an effective killing ability for all the tested microorganisms, while the materials modified with lavender oil did not show antimicrobial activity. Only materials modified with oligo(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) maintain the activity during the long term stability. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the materials was tested, confirming their biocompatibilty. Regarding the inhaler, its surface was modified in order to improve powder flowability and consequently, to reduce powder retention in the inhaler´s nozzle. New dry powder inhalers (DPIs), with different needle’s diameters, were evaluated in terms of internal resistance and uniformity of the emitted dose. It was observed that they present a mean resistance of 0.06 cmH2O0.5/(L/min) and the maximum emitted dose obtained was 68.9% for the inhaler with higher needle´s diameter (2 mm). Thus, this inhaler was used as a test and modified by the coating with a commonly-used force control agent, magnesium stearate, dried with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) and the uniformity of delivered dose tests were repeated. The modified inhaler showed an increase in emitted dose from 68.9% to 71.3% for lactose and from 30.0% to 33.7% for Foradil.

Direct electrochemistry of the Desulfovibrio gigas aldehyde oxidoreductase

Eur. J. Biochem. 271, 1329–1338 (2004)

Répartition des foraminifères benthiques dans les gisements de surface du Miocène d'Aquitaine (SW de la France)

The Aquitaine Basin (southwestern France) is known since long ago for its richness in marine miocene deposits of various facies. A few stratotypes concerning this period have been described in the investigated area. The stratigraphical framework has been recently revised and the study of new exposures completes our knowledge on these levels. In the present work, the authors produce a biostratigraphical distribution of about 160 species (larger and smaller foraminifera), found in the surface exposures of Aquitaine, from the topmost Oligocene (Chattian) through to Middle Miocene (including Serravallian). As a rule, the common species without significant ranges have not bcen mentioned. The microfaunas of several exposures have been thoroughly revised, which has allowed to precise the distribution of many species and induced a few modifications of the results previously produced. Synonymy problems and new taxonomical revisions have been taken into account. Of course, this work will be probably submitted to some changes according to new research on the already known exposures or other more recently discovered.

Répartition des foraminifères benthiques dans les gisements de surface du Miocène d'Aquitaine (SW de la France)

The Aquitaine Basin (southwestem France) is known since long ago for its richness in marine miocene deposits ofvarious facies. A few stratotypes concerning this period have bccn described in the investigated area. The stratigraphical framework has becn recently revised and the study of new exposures completes our knowledge on these levels. In the present work, the authors produce a biostratigraphical distribution of about 160 species (Iarger and smaller foraminifera), found in the surface exposures of Aquitaine, from the topmost Oligocene (Chattian) through to Middle Miocene (including Serravallian). As a rule, the common species without significant ranges have not bcen mentioned. The microfaunas of several exposures have been thoroughly revised, which has allowcd to precise the distribution of many species and induced a few modifications of the results previously produced. Synonymy problems and new taxonomical revisions have been taken into account. Of course, this work will be probably submitted to some changes according to new research on the already known exposures or other more recently discovered.

Development of electrospun Ion jelly fibers® for drug delivery

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Biotecnologia

Active cycle breathing techniques como técnica de higiene brônquica na asma: estudo piloto

RESUMO: Relevância e Objectivos: O objectivo deste estudo consistiu em verificar a eficácia e segurança de uma técnica de higiene brônquica – Active Cycle breathing technique (ACBT), na remoção de secreções e desinsuflação em crianças asmáticas. É uma técnica recente, que ainda não foi estudada nesta população. Metodologia: A amostra foi constituída por um total de 14 crianças, com idades compreendidas entre os 6 e 18 anos, com o diagnóstico de asma. Foi dividida em dois grupos: grupo de controlo, constituído por asmáticos estáveis e grupo experimental constituído por asmáticos pós-crise. Ambos receberam o mesmo tratamento, que consistiu numa única sessão de ACBT. Realizaram um exame da função respiratória (variáveis FEV1, PEF, MEF75%, RV e FRC) antes e após a aplicação da técnica. Mediu-se a Saturação de O2 antes, a meio e no fim da aplicação da técnica. Por último, pesaram-se as secreções recolhidas durante a sessão de tratamento. Resultados: Como resultados, quando omparamos o antes e após aplicação do ACBT, obtivemos diferenças significativas no RV (p <0,05) e FRC (p <0,05); muito significativa na Sa02 (p <0,01) e peso de secreções, nos asmáticos pós crise. Ocorreu uma melhoria significativa da saturação (p <0,05) em asmáticos estáveis, não havendo secreções. Não houve efeitos adversos nem broncoespasmo em ambos os grupos.Conclusão: O ACBT é uma técnica que promove a remoção de secreções e diminuição da insuflação na população de asmáticos.--------------------ABSTRACT:Relevance and Goals: the goal of this study was to verify the efficiency and security of a bronchial hygienic technique - Active Cycle Breathing Technique (ACBT) – in the obstruction and insufflation of asthmatic children. This is a new technique that has not yet been studied in this population. Procedures: The subjects were 14 children aged between 6 and 18 years old with asthma diagnosis. They were divided in two groups: the control group with stable asthmatics and the experimental group with post-crisis asthmatics. Both received the same treatment that was a single session of ACBT. They made a lung function test before and after the application of the technique (variables FEV1, PEF, MEF75%, RV and FRC). The level of O2 saturation was measured before, during and after the procedure. In the end, the secretions collected during the treatment were weighted. Results: We observed a significant difference on RV (p ˂0,05), FRC (p ˂0,05), Sa02 (p ˂0,01) and in the weight of the secretions in the post-crisis asthmatics after ACBT. There was a significant improvement of saturation (p ˂0,05) only in the stable asthmatics. There were no adverse effects or bronchospasm in both groups.

Carbon key-properties for microcystin adsorption in drinking water treatment: structure or surface chemistry?

Dissertação para Obtenção de Grau de Mestre em Engenharia Química e Bioquímica

Active bionanoconjugates of laccase and gold nanoparticles: kinetic and structural studies

Thesis for the master degree in Structural and Functional Biochemistry

Host-induced changes in the cell surface N-linked glycoproteins, from Aspergillus fumigatus. Search for specific targets with potential for clinical therapy and/or diagnosis.

This dissertation is presented to obtain a Master degree in Structural and Functional Biochemistry

Spatial-temporal analyses of climate elements, vegetation characteristics and sea surface temperature anomaly. A Case study in Gojam, Ethiopia

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies.

The tetranuclear copper active site of nitrous oxide reductase: the CuZ center

J Biol Inorg Chem (2011) 16:183–194 DOI 10.1007/s00775-011-0753-3

A new CuZ active form in the catalytic reduction of N2O by nitrous oxide reductase from Pseudomonas nautica

J Biol Inorg Chem (2010) 15:967–976 DOI 10.1007/s00775-010-0658-6

Is land surface temperature an earthquake precursor?

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies

Effects of Spatial Pattern of GreenSpace on Land Surface Temperature: A case study on Oasis City Aksu, northwest China

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies.

An approach to teach Calculus/Mathematical Analysis (for engineering students) using computers and active learning – its conception, development of materials and evaluation

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Doutor em Ciências da Educação