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- Assessing the impact of climate change on indoor fungal contamination in Lisbon Metropolitan Area primary schools: a comprehensive studyPublication . Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Dias, Marta; Gomes, Bianca; Viegas, CarlaThe increasing occurrence of severe weather events caused by global climate change raises concerns about indoor fungi. These changes can potentially alter fungal communities, promoting resistant strains, and intensifying mycotoxin production, having significant implications for human health. In educational settings, inadequate ventilation and high moisture levels amplify indoor fungal growth and mycotoxin contamination, posing a health risk that contributes to respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions in children and school staff. Our research explores the complex relationship between climate change and fungal diseases, highlighting the importance of temperature and moisture in driving fungal growth and mycotoxin production. This project focuses on the Lisbon metropolitan area and aims to assess the indoor levels of contamination and human exposure to azole-resistant fungi and mycotoxins in primary schools. The objective of this investigation is to carry out a comprehensive microbial characterization of the exposure to fungal contamination in primary educational institutions and to achieve that goal a comprehensive sampling campaign was employed, by the use of active and passive sampling methods and material collection from schools. Air samples utilizing the MAS-100 device, which collected 400L at a flow rate of 200 L/min, and the Anderson six-stage device, which collected 200L at a flow rate of 28.3 L/min were performed. Additionally, we collected samples of mops and surface swabs, and samples of settled dust through vacuuming and EDC, located in the sampling sites at 1.5 m height for 30 days, and collected during approximately 30 days. The samples will be analysed by culture-based methods, through the inoculation onto two different culture media: malt extract agar (MEA) supplemented with chloramphenicol (0.05%) incubated at 27ºC and dichloran-glycerol agar (DG18), incubated at 27ºC and 37ºC for 6 days. We will also be performing molecular detection of the selected fungal sections (Aspergillus sections Circumdati, Flavi, Fumigati, and Nidulantes). To evaluate the degree of mycotoxin contamination in school environments, we will employ high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to detect the presence of 38 different mycotoxins. The preliminary results that will be presented are specifically related to the active air sampling. The ultimate objective is to provide essential insights for the development of effective risk management strategies that safeguard the health of school children and personnel in the face of growing fungal threats.
- Reabilitação Geral e Gestão dos Riscos de Edifício na Figueira da FozPublication . Pechardo, José Carlos Calhau; Vasques, Filipe Manuel Vaz Pinto AlmeidaO presente trabalho tem o intuito de estudar a evolução da reabilitação de um edifício de grande volume destinado à habitação, comercio e escritórios na zona central da Figueira da Foz, desenvolvendo uma análise de risco para o empreendimento. Para isso na primeira fase, é analisada a evolução histórica do local e toda a sua envolvente desde o ano de 1909 em que existia no local o Parque-Cine da Cidade um local de diversão e espetáculo para a população da Figueira da Foz até aos finais dos anos 70. Numa segunda fase é feita a apresentação do novo edifício que foi desenvolvido no local no início dos anos 80 onde outrora estava localizado o Parque-Cine, e a sua finalização apenas deu-se em 1994. São abordados os temas referentes à degradação do edifício nos anos 2000 e as razões para que tal acontecesse passando pelos fenómenos climatéricos e a falta de investimento do promotor. Elencam-se as razões fiscais, as imposições camarárias, o perigo de segurança publica e a vontade do novo promotor para que um novo projeto nascesse no local do edifício já existente, bem como as características construtivas do novo projeto, tais como os materiais que estão a ser utilizados tendo em conta algumas limitações orçamentais impostas pelo promotor neste projeto. Com base nos pontos anteriores, é feita desenvolvida a análise dos riscos da construção/reabilitação do edifício, procedimentos para gerir o risco, com a identificação dos seus fatores e condicionantes e a execução de um plano de mitigação do risco com propostas e medidas de gestão.
- One Health approach in “Do It Yourself” stores to tackle fungal contaminationPublication . Dias, Marta; Gomes, Bianca; Pena, Pedro; Cervantes, Renata; Viegas, Susana; Viegas, CarlaWood dust contamination by fungi poses health risks due to exposure by inhalation. This study aimed to assess the exposure of woodworking employees and customers to fungal load in 13 “Do It Yourself” (DIY) stores in the Lisbon metropolitan area (Portugal). An active sampling method (MAS-100 air sampler) was applied in different store areas, collecting 200L at a flow rate of 140 L/min. Regarding the occupational exposure assessment and considering the threshold suggested by the WHO of 150 CFU.m-3, the cutting area and the wood display surpass this limit in all the stores included. As for the threshold suggested by OSHA for fungi in non-industrial workplaces (1.0 x 101-1.0 x 104 CFU/m³), all the sampling sites from all the stores are within the limit, although indoor/outdoor ratio showed a higher indoor load compared to the outdoor counts in most of the stores. Regarding the Portuguese Indoor Air Quality legal framework, although the ratio I/O complied in two out of 13 stores, it was possible to identify one of these two toxigenic species with a quantitative cut-off above the legal frame. The results of this assessment raise health concerns regarding workers´ and customers ‘safety and support the need to implement measures to prevent exposure and protect workers' and customers' health. Additionally, it is known that wood dust and shavings from DIY stores may be used in animal bedding and agriculture, promoting fungal contamination in other settings. This highlights the need for a One Health approach.
- First insights of Portuguese primary schools’ fungal assessment: is indoor air quality complying with Portuguese legal framework?Publication . Pena, Pedro; Cervantes, Renata; Gomes, Bianca; Dias, Marta; Viegas, CarlaThe assessment of Microbial Indoor Air Quality in elementary schools is essential to create healthier school environments and improve children's health outcomes. Portugal only established protection thresholds for microbial exposure, in commercial and service buildings through Portaria nº 138-G/2021, leaving schools neglected for such parameters. Since this legislation has already been proven insufficient for fungal parameters (based on indoor/outdoor ratio) in other critical environments such as healthcare centers, this study aims to assess fungal load compliance in different sites of schools located in the Lisbon area. An active sampling method was applied by collecting air through a MAS-100 device collecting 200L at a flow rate of 100 L/min. Of the 10 schools assessed in a summer campaign, 9 did not comply with the Portuguese legal framework in at least one site (8 out of 10 in the classrooms, 5 out of 7 in the bathroom, 4 out of 9 in the canteen, 4 out of 6 in the gymnasiums, and 3 out of 8 in the library). A critical assessment was performed to identify fungal species listed in this legislation. Although one school complies with the quantitative cut-off (I/O), critical species such as Aspergillus section Circumdati (Aspergillus ochraceus), and Aspergillus section Fumigati (Aspergillus fumigatus) present in this school do not meet the toxigenic species quantitative cut-off. The risk of exposure to pathogenic fungi poses a major public health threat for school-age children impacting not only treatable fungal infections but also students' learning conditions and outcomes.
- Protective factors of performance-enhancing substances use in a sample of Portuguese gym-goersPublication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Carolino, Elisabete; Teques, Pedro; Calmeiro, Luís; Serpa, SidónioBackground: Nowadays, the increased Performance Enhancing-Substance (PES) use in fitness centers is seen as a problematic phenomenon, since it has the potential to grow, and could be seen as an emerging public health and societal concern. Studies focusing on PES use among gym-goers are few and they do not provide information concerning protective factors that justify the refusing intention to use these substances. Understanding the underlying psychosocial mechanisms of PES use and the protective factors of the gym-goers who refuse the use of these substances could help identify those who are most resistant to PES use. Aim: To investigate the protective factors (e.g., sociodemographic factors, exercise profile, gym modalities, peers, social influence, attitudes, subjective norms, beliefs, and intentions) of PES refusing intention in gym-goers. Participants: A convenience sample of 453 Portuguese gym-goers having a mean age of 35.64 (SD=13.08) Tool: Web self-administered questionnaire containing questions related to sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported use of PES, as well as the QAD-Fit based on the Theory of Planned Behavior which is composed by questions grouped on four dimensions (attitudes, beliefs, intentions, and subjective norms). Procedures: Data was collected using an online self-administrated questionnaire, and results were analysed using Decision Trees, which are a method widely used in classifying and identifying profiles, in machine learning and data mining. Results: 88,9% of gym-goers reported the refusal of prohibited PES, showing that being a woman, training less frequently, not practicing bodybuilding, and having a negative intention to consume PES, could be considered protective factors for PES use. Conclusion: Results identifying the protective factors associated with PES refusal intention, which may support public health and clinical interventions to prevent abusive use of PES and improve the health and well-being of gym-goers.
- Effect of mirror therapy on the recovery of upper limb function in individuals with chronic stroke: a systematic reviewPublication . Patrocínio, Cláudia; Fernandes, Beatriz; Pires, Ana FilipaQuestion: Is Mirror Therapy more effective than other interventions in the recovery of upper limb function in individuals with chronic stroke? Background: Mirror therapy (MT) is used to improve motor function after a stroke. During MT, a mirror is placed between the two upper limbs (UL), thus reflecting movements of the non-affected side as if it were the affected side. Objectives: This review aims to analyze the evidence on the effectiveness of MT in the recovery of UL function in a population with post-chronic stroke. Methods: The literature search was carried out in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and PEDro databases. Inclusion criteria: a) studies that include individuals diagnosed with stroke for at least 6 months; b) intervention with MT in UL or comparing it with other interventions; c) articles published until 2023; d) articles published in English or Portuguese; e) randomized controlled studies. Exclusion criteria: a) animal studies; b) studies that do not provide a detailed description of the intervention; c) Studies using central electrical stimulation. Eighteen studies met all the inclusion criteria Main results and conclusions: Results suggest that MT is more effective than other therapies in motor recovery and function of the affected UL than these techniques alone, although the results have been modest in most of the included studies. There is also a more significant improvement in the distal movements of the affected hand than in the rest of the UL.
- Carbon monoxide affects early cardiac development in an avian modelPublication . Matias, Filipa Rombo; Groves, Ian; Durrans, Joshua; Herigstad, MariIntroduction: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that can be lethal in large doses and may also cause physiological damage in lower doses. Epidemiological studies suggest that CO in lower doses over time may impact embryo development, particularly cardiac development, however, other studies have not observed this association. Methods: Here, we exposed chick embryos in ovo to CO at three different concentrations (3, 9, 18 ppm) plus air control (4 protocols in total) for the first 9 days of development, at which point we assessed egg and embryo weight, ankle length, developmental stage, heart weight, ventricular wall thickness, ventricular-septal thickness, and atrial wall thickness. Results: We found that heart weight was reduced for the low and moderate exposures compared to air, that atrial wall and ventricular wall thickness was increased for the moderate and high exposures compared to air and that ventricular septal thickness was increased for low, moderate, and high exposures compared to air. Ventricular wall thickness was also significantly positively correlated with absolute CO exposures across all protocols. Conclusions: This intervention study thus suggests that CO even at very low levels may have a significant impact on cardiac development.
- Evaluation of the association between medication use and sleep quality among shift workers versus day workersPublication . Rosado, Magda Margarida; Carvalho, Lucinda Sofia; Coelho, AndréObjective: Different factors, such as medication use and shift work, can influence sleep quality. We aimed to determine the association between medication use and sleep quality in shift workers versus daytime workers. Materials and Methods: We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of active workers. Online questionnaires were applied to assess sleep quality, sleepiness, medication use, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: A total of 296 participants were included: 124 (41.89%) daytime workers and 172 (58.11%) shift workers. In total, 130 (43.92%) participants worked in the healthcare sector, 116 (39.19%), in industry, and 50 (16.89%), in other sectors. After a bivariate analysis, poor sleep quality was associated with the presence of sleep disorders (p < 0.001), type of work (shift or day work) (p < 0.001), and the use of sleeping medication (p < 0.001). Although shift workers had worse sleep quality, no differences were found regarding the use of medications that act directly on the central nervous system or with proven effects on sleep. No association was found between medication use and sleep quality. When adjusted for the different variables that were individually associated with poor sleep quality, through a logistic regression model, none showed an increased risk of poor sleep quality. Discussion: Despite the need for further research, our results have shown that sleep quality is influenced by many different factors whose impact must be evaluated in combination and not just in a bivariate manner. There are many factors individually associated with poor sleep quality, but when adjusted to each other, they have shown no increased risk of having poor sleep quality.
- A divulgação de informação relacionada com os ativos intangíveis e o desempenho empresarialPublication . Neves, Andreia; Pinheiro, PedroA presente investigação tem por propósito analisar o impacto do nível de divulgação de informação relacionada com ativos intangíveis no desempenho empresarial de entidades cotadas em bolsas europeias. Com efeito, pretende-se analisar a divulgação obrigatória, segundo a International Accounting Standards 38, e voluntária, em conformidade com o índice proposto por Cabedo (2002), de 28 entidades, cotadas no mercado irlandês, belga, francês, espanhol e grego para o período temporal compreendido entre 2017 e 2022. Os resultados obtidos permitem aferir um grau de associação positivo entre a divulgação obrigatória e o desempenho medido através de métricas contabilísticas e uma associação negativa com o desempenho aferido mediante métricas de mercado. Quanto à divulgação voluntária, o estudo empírico permitiu obter uma correlação negativa com o desempenho contabilístico e uma associação positiva com o desempenho de mercado. Foi ainda possível aferir que, a cultura configura um fator relevante na definição das políticas de divulgação de informação sobre ativos intangíveis.
- Exploring the effects of climate change on fungal contamination, azole resistance, and mycotoxins in primary schoolsPublication . Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Gomes, Bianca; Dias, Marta; Viegas, CarlaInChildHealth project involves Finland, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Austria, the UK, Switzerland, and Greece. Air, surface, and dust samples will be collected to assess fungal resistance to azoles and mycotoxins contamination. Data will be collected through questionnaires and treated through statistical analysis, 7500 children and caretakers will be reached in the epidemiological study. Citizen science activities will be implemented to foster awareness regarding IAQ focusing on mycotoxins and azole resistance.