Projects 2023-2024

The winning projects of the National Research and Development Program (NRDP) for the period 2023-2024, funded by AKKSHI

Project titled “The surgical infections and their treatment before and after infrastructure improvement” , led by Prof. Dr. Krenar Lilaj.

In light of the recent improvements in surgical infrastructure, which has now been modernized according to international standards, it is logical to expect changes in the quality of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures. However, there is a lack of data on these postoperative complications, which in developed countries within the EU, such as Italy, France, Germany, and in the USA, account for around 11-20% of surgical complications. The purpose of this project is to create an updated database on this issue, which has a significant medical and socio-economic impact, and to improve the prevention and treatment of these complications, based on current infrastructure and international guidelines.

Project titled “Identification of Traditional and Non-Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Chronic Kidney Disease”, led by Prof. Dr. Margarita Gjata;

The identification of traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors in the population with chronic renal disease and the impact these factors have on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Additionally, the identification of new factors, characteristic of this population group, not identified by previous studies, would give special importance to this study and serve as a source of information not only at the ascertaining level but also at the preventive level, where new treatment alternatives will play an important role.

Project titled “Immunological and Immunogenetic Markers in Autoimmune Thyroid Gland Diseases”, led by Assoc. Prof. Dorina Ylli;

The purpose of this project is to identify the genetic factors related to the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases in the Albanian population and the possible connection of these factors with specific environmental factors.

Project titled “Onco-Nephrology – A New Field in Modern Medicine”, led by Prof. Dr. Alma Idrizi;

The main aim of this project is to provide specialized care for cancer patients experiencing kidney-related issues, including the prevention and management of the nephrotoxic effects of cancer treatments and addressing kidney complications that may arise in cancer patients — for the first time in Albania.
This will be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach, documenting the incidence of renal involvement and fostering close collaboration between oncologists and nephrologists. The goal is to optimize cancer treatments while minimizing the risk of kidney damage.
Additionally, the project will focus on understanding the complex relationship between cancer and kidney disease, identifying risk factors for kidney disease in cancer patients, and developing new strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney-related issues in this patient population.

Project titled “Cognitive impairment in chronic kidney disease patients”, led by Assoc. Prof. Ariana Strakosha;

The focus of this project is to assess the prevalence and severity of cognitive impairment across different modalities of renal replacement therapy: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplantation, as well as its specific impact in patients undergoing dialysis. This study also aims to identify predictors of cognitive function in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Project titled “Average daily consumption of salt in the population of the Republic of Albania”, led by Dr. Ledio Çollaku;

This study aims to investigate the average sodium excretion in urine as a marker for salt intake in the Albanian population. The main objective is to evaluate sodium excretion in urine samples from a sample of the adult Albanian population. The most reliable method for measuring salt intake is urine collection, which can help identify sodium intake levels, despite challenges associated with other dietary measurements. This study will also examine the impact of factors such as age, geography, and BMI on salt consumption.

Infrastructure Projects, financed by AKKSHI:

Project titled “Infrastructural upgrade of the scientific research in the Biomedical and Experimental Department of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine in Tirana, Albania”, led by Prof. Dr. Gentian Vyshka.

The purpose of this project is to provide the necessary infrastructure for the implementation of modern methods of teaching/learning and scientific research at the Department of Experimental Biomedical Subjects, in fulfillment of the curriculum for the first cycle, integrated second cycle, and third cycle programs for Long-Term Specialization and Ph.D.
The active involvement of students in the realization of the research project, evaluating the role of serum vitamin D levels in the physiology of the peripheral nervous system, gastrointestinal physiology, respiratory functionality, and the human skeletal system, will also be a part of this project.

Technology and Innovation Projects, funded by AKKSHI:

Project titled “Use of a polymeric system to optimize the biodisponibility of drugs. The industrial development of a quality and cost-efficient drug for the Albanian population”, led by Prof. Dr. Ledjan Malaj.

The purpose of this study is to use the combined system of anionic copolymers of methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose for the formulation of gastro-resistant enteric coat tablets using diclofenac sodium as the prototype drug. Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose will be used as an enteric polymer, while methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate anionic copolymer will be used to provide the additional lag phase, which ensures drug release in the lower part of gastro intestinal tract.

Project titled “The production and application of innovative pharmaceutical formulations with medicinal plants content as an alternative to the use of antimicrobials”, led by Assoc. Prof. Entela Haloçi;

The production and local application of pharmaceutical formulations with medicinal plants content with antimicrobial and antifungal activity with the aim of reducing the use and flow of antibiotics and antifungals in actual therapies.

Infrastructure Projects, financed by MAS:

Project titled “Support and Strengthening of the Infrastructure of Professional Practice Laboratories at FSHMT”, led by Prof. Dr. Ilirjana Zekja.

This project aims to enhance the practical teaching infrastructure in healthcare-related academic programs by equipping laboratories with modern technology and didactic tools.

The specific objectives of the project include:

  • Equipping nursing laboratories with contemporary devices for effective practical training and student education.
  • Establishing and completing the professional practice laboratory for the Speech Therapy program.
  • Completing and upgrading the professional practice laboratory for the Midwifery program.
  • Providing kits, reagents, and necessary accessories to ensure the efficient operation of the practical teaching laboratory for students of the Laboratory Technician program.

This initiative will significantly contribute to improving the quality of practical education and better preparing students for the professional healthcare environment.

Project titled “Digitalization of Virtual Dissection and Restructuring of the Anatomy Laboratory Unit”, led by Prof. Dr. Xheladin Çeka;

The modernization of the Normal Anatomy laboratories at the Faculty of Medicine addresses the needs of scientific research in all aspects of Applied and Clinical Anatomy, by enhancing the teaching and research infrastructure in a contemporary manner.

Project titled “Digitalization of the Histology Laboratory Unit”, led by Prof. Dr. Xheladin Çeka;

The project aims to establish a specialized laboratory unit, which will include four modern didactic laboratories dedicated to the subject of Histology and Embryology at the Faculty of Medicine. These laboratories will support the practical learning process of students by providing contemporary conditions for hands-on education in this fundamental field of medical science.

This project is part of the strategic development plans of the Faculty of Medicine and focuses on the modernization of teaching in basic subjects, aligning with the standards of leading European medical universities.

Through its implementation, the project will create a state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure inspired by the experience of Histology and Embryology sections in European medical faculties.

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