The present invention relates to a colorimetric method for the detection of specific nucleic acids sequences, including mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms within nucleic acid sequences, through the aggregation of nanoparticles functionalized with modified oligonucleotides, induced by an increase of the medium's ionic strength. Another aspect of the present invention relates with the development of a kit based on the method of the present invention, allowing for a quick and easy detection of specific nucleic acids sequences, including mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms within nucleic acid sequences.

O presente invento relaciona-se com um método colorimétrico de detec{\c c}ão de sequências específicas de ácidos nucleicos, incluindo muta{\c c}ões ou polimorfismos de nucleótido único em sequências de ácidos nucleicos, através da agrega{\c c}ão de nanopartículas funcionalizadas com oligonucleótidos modificados induzida por um aumento da for{\c c}a iónica do meio. Outro aspecto do presente invento relaciona-se com o desenvolvimento de um estojo que ao aplicar a metodologia objecto da presente inven{\c c}ão, permite a rápida e fácil detec{\c c}ão de sequências específicas de ácidos nucleicos, incluindo muta{\c c}ões ou polimorfismos de nucleótido único em sequências de ácidos nucleicos.

Pulmonary hypertension is a significant problem to take into account in the post-operative management of cardiac patients, especially valvular patients. Inhaled nitric oxide allows more effective control of pulmonary pressure and other hemodynamic parameters, with better post-operative results. We present a clinical case of a patient with mitral stenosis and severe pulmonary hypertension, with post-operative hemodynamic instability, in which we used inhaled nitric oxide for better control of pulmonary pressures and to help ventilator weaning.