Centre for Biomedical Research

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Portuguese adaptation of a faux pas test and a theory of mind picture stories task

Publication . Faisca, Luis; Fonseca, Sofia; Bruene, Martin; Gonçalves, Gabriela Maria Ramos; Gomes, Alexandra; Martins, Ana Teresa

Background: Developmental concepts of 'Theory of Mind' (ToM) suggest that this cognitive domain is an innate human capacity requiring input from the social environment to mature. Research suggests substantial individual differences in ToM, depending on childhood experiences, genetics, and the presence or absence of a neuropsychiatric disorder. None of the existing ToM tests for adult populations have been made available in Portuguese. Accordingly, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Portuguese versions of the Faux Pas (FP) Recognition Test and the ToM Picture Stories Task. Sampling and Methods: Both tests were given to a sample of 200 Portuguese adults (125 women and 75 men) aged between 18 and 60 years. Results and Conclusions: The psychometric analyses of the results indicate that the Portuguese version of the FP Recognition Test is appropriate for use in research and clinical settings, providing a composite score that reliably measures the ability to infer the thoughts and feelings of others in a 'faux pas' situation (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82). However, the ToM Picture Stories Task did not show acceptable psychometric qualities. (C) 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel

2016Journal article

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Screening health-promoting compounds for their capacity to induce the activity of FOXO3

Publication . Jimenez, Lucia; Silva, Andreia; Calissi, Giampaolo; Grenho, Inês; Monteiro, Ana Rita; Mayoral-Varo, Victor; Blanco-Aparicio, Carmen; Pastor, Joaquin; Bustos, Victor; Bracher, Franz; Megías, Diego; Ferreira, Bibiana; Link, Wolfgang

Several chemical compounds including natural products have been suggested as being effective against age-related diseases or as beneficial for a healthy life. On the other hand, forkhead box O (FOXO) proteins are emerging as key cellular components associated with extreme human longevity. FOXO proteins are mainly regulated by posttranslational modifications and as these modifications are reversible, activation and inactivation of FOXO are attainable through pharmacological treatment. Here, we questioned whether a panel of compounds with known health-beneficial properties has the capacity to induce the activity of FOXO factors. We show that resveratrol, a phytoalexin present in grapes and other food products, the amide alkaloid piperlongumine found in the fruit of the long pepper, and the plant-derived beta-carboline compound harmine induced nuclear translocation of FOXO3. We also show that piperlongumine and harmine but not resveratrol activate FOXO-dependent transcription. We determined the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values for resveratrol, piperlongumine, and harmine for FOXO translocation, and analyzed their inhibitory impact on chromosomal maintenance 1 (CRM1)-mediated nuclear export and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We also used chemical biology approach and Western blot analysis to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. We show that harmine, piperlongumine, and resveratrol activate FOXO3 independently of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling and the CRM1-mediated nuclear export. The effect of harmine on FOXO3 activity is at least partially mediated through the inhibition of dual-specificity tyrosine (Y) phosphorylationregulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) and can be reverted by the inhibition of sirtuins (SIRTs).

2022-12Journal article

Open Access

Identification of novel biomarkers in chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) by microarray-based serum protein profiling

Publication . Bal, Guerkan; Futschik, Matthias E.; Hartl, Daniela; Ringel, Frauke; Kamhieh-Milz, Julian; Sterzer, Viktor; Hoheisel, Joerg D.; Alhamdani, Mohamed S. S.; Salama, Abdulgabar

The pathological mechanisms underlying the development of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are unclear and its diagnosis remains a process of exclusion. Currently, there are no known specific biomarkers for ITP to support differential diagnosis and treatment decisions. Profiling of serum proteins may be valuable for identifying such biomarkers. Sera from 46 patients with primary chronic ITP and 34 healthy blood donors were analysed using a microarray of 755 antibodies. We identified 161 differentially expressed proteins. In addition to oncoproteins and tumour-suppressor proteins, including apoptosis regulator BCL2, breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1), Fanconi anaemia complementation group C (FANCC) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), we detected six anti-nuclear autoantibodies in a subset of ITP patients: anti-PCNA, anti-SmD, anti-Ro/SSA60, anti-Ro/SSA52, anti-La/SSB and anti-RNPC antibodies. This finding may provide a rational explanation for the association of ITP with malignancies and other autoimmune diseases. While RUNX1mRNA expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients was significantly downregulated, an accumulation of RUNX1 protein was observed in the platelets of ITP patients. This may indicate dysregulation of RUNX1 expression in PBMC and megakaryocytes and may lead to an imbalanced immune response and impaired thrombopoiesis. In conclusion, we provide novel insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of ITP that warrant further exploration.

2016-02Journal article

Open Access

Psychometric properties of a portuguese version of the SOCRATES 8D: a study with a sample of heroin addicts in treatment

Publication . Janeiro, Luís; Faísca, Luís; Lopez Miguel, Maria José

In the present study, we adapted the Stage of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES, version 8D) to the European Portuguese and we examined its factor structure and psychometric properties. The scale was applied to a sample of 100 adults, mostly heroin addicts, in outpatient or inpatient treatment. A Principal Component Analysis applied to the data revealed three dimensions - Problem Recognition, Taking Steps and Ambivalence -, corresponding almost exactly to the factor structure originally proposed by Miller and Tonigan (1996). The reliability indices for SOCRATES three subscales (internal consistency and temporal stability) were adequate. External validity study showed that the subscales differentiated treatment contexts and were associated to the participants' evaluation regarding the treatment expectations and the technical team. Thus, the Portuguese version of SOCRATES 8D seems to possess the proper psychometric properties to evaluate drug addicts' treatment motivation.

2016-07Journal article

Open Access

Experimental manipulation of beliefs about the importance of thoughts and the effect on an aggressive impulse

Publication . Ros, Antónia; Faisca, Luis; Martins, T.; Janeiro, Luís; Martins, A.T.

Background: Cognitive models of obsessive-compulsive disorder attribute a causal role to maladaptive beliefs. Aims: To test this hypothesis, we manipulated Overimportance of Thoughts (OT) beliefs and experimentally evaluated their effect on the response to an induced aggressive impulse. Method: Eighty-five participants completed a battery of self-report instruments assessing obsession symptoms, thought control, affectivity and obsessive beliefs, and were then randomly assigned to two conditions. In the experimental condition participants read a scientific abstract on the importance of thought control whilst those in the control condition read a neutral abstract. All participants identified a loved person and imagined feeling the impulse to stab this person, then completed again OT beliefs measures (Overimportance of Thought, Moral-Thought Action Fusion and Thought Action Fusion Likelihood). Results: The Moral component of the Thought Action Fusion was reduced by reading a brief text about the possibility and desirability of thought control. However, experimentally induced changes in beliefs did not yield differences in the intrusiveness of the aggressive impulse. Conclusions: Some beliefs can be modified through a single session in which information similar to what could be obtained in quotidian life is provided.

2020-09Journal article

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