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Browsing by Author "Ribeiro, Rita"

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  • Insights on the formulation of recombinant proteins
    Publication . Ribeiro, Rita; Abreu, Teresa Raquel; Silva, Ana Catarina; Gonçalves, João; Moreira, João Nuno
    Recombinant proteins are large and complex molecules, whose therapeutic activity highly depends on their structure. Formulation of biopharmaceuticals aims at stabilizing protein conformation, promoting its efficacy, and preventing safety concerns, such as immunogenicity. Currently, the rational design of formulations is possible due to the availability of several techniques for molecule characterization and an array of both well-known and new excipients. Also, high-throughput technologies and Quality by Design approaches are trending and have been contributing to the advancement of the field. Still, there is a search for alternatives that ensure quality of the medicines through its life cycle, particularly for highly concentrated formulations, such as monoclonal antibodies. There is also a demand for strategies that improve protein delivery and more comfortable administration to the patients, especially with the arising of recombinant proteins in the treatment of chronic diseases, such as autoimmune conditions or heart diseases. In this chapter, current and future advancements regarding recombinant protein formulation and its impact in drug development and approval will be addressed.
    2019Book part Restricted access Show more
  • Remote support to victims of violence against women and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic
    Publication . Caridade, Sónia; Saavedra, Rosa; Ribeiro, Rita; Oliveira, Ana Cristina; Santos, Manuela; Almeida, Iris Sofia; Soeiro, Cristina
    Purpose – This paper aims to characterize the type of support provided to victims of violence against women and domestic violence (VAWDV) during the first lockdown, assessing the training of professionals to use remote support (RS). Design/methodology/approach – This cross-sectional study involves a sample of 196 support professionals, mainly women (91.8%) and who integrate the Portuguese National Support Network for victims of domestic violence (NSNVDV) (Mean age = 36.49; SD = 10.52). Findings – Telephone emerges as themain RS communication media used in the lockdown (43.9%) and the emergency state periods (57.1%). Participants reported to have never used any social applications (41.8% vs 41.8%) or videoconference (46.4% vs 58.2%), in both periods assessed, i.e. lockdown and emergency state, respectively, and 82.7% assumed to have no training with RS to assist VAWDV victims. However, support professionals recognized several advantages in using RS such as dealing with isolation, reducing inhibition, fear and shame and in promoting the victims’ empowerment. Research limitations/implications – Given the exploratory nature of this study, only descriptive analyzes were conducted. Originality/value – During the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about effective RS given by professionals to victims of VAWDV in the Portuguese context. The paper aims to add knowledge to the studied field.
    2021-08-16Journal article Open access Show more