Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-06"
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- Indoor air quality in a home improvement store: gaseous pollutants, bioburden and particle-bound chemical constituentsPublication . Furst, Leonardo; Cipoli, Yago; Yubero, Eduardo; Galindo, Nuria; Viegas, Carla; Dias, Marta; Nunes, Teresa; Igrejas, Getúlio; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaThis paper provides a comprehensive assessment of indoor and outdoor air quality within a home improvement and gardening store chain in northeastern Portugal. In December 2021 and January 2022, two multipollutant systems were installed in the store and outdoors to assess air quality. Continuous monitoring included particulate matter below 10 µm (PM10), CO2, and comfort parameters. PM10 samples were collected using gravimetric samplers during both occupied and vacant periods. These samples were then analysed for carbonaceous constituents and metal(loid)s. Additionally, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbonyls, bacteria, and fungi were passively sampled. Results showed higher indoor concentrations of PM10 during labour hours (45.4 ± 15.2 μg/m3), while outdoor values of 27.1 ± 9.96 μg/m3 were recorded. The elemental characterisation of PM10 revealed a high abundance of soil-related elements indoors, suggesting that resuspension is one of the primary sources. The most abundant elements were Ca, Fe, and Zn, with concentrations of 658 ± 297, 273 ± 141, and 172 ± 67.4 ng/m³, respectively. Outdoors, elements related to tyre and brake wear, and road dust were predominant, indicating emissions from non-exhaust traffic emissions as the main source. A prevalence of α-pinene, limonene, and hexanal was found indoors, most likely related to wood products. Fungi with clinical relevance toxigenic potential and higher bacterial loads were observed in the gardening and heating sectors of the store. This study underscores the importance of investigating less-studied stores, as they may exhibit pollutant levels that exceed health protection thresholds.
- Intraocular lens opacification after Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty: risk factors and outcomes after intraocular lens exchangePublication . Moura-Coelho, Nuno; Papa-Vettorazzi, Renato; Reyes, Alonso; Cunha, João Paulo; Dutra-Medeiros, Marco; Manero, Felicidad; Güell, José LuisPurpose: To determine risk factors for intraocular lens opacification (IOLop) after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and to analyze clinical outcomes after IOL exchange. Methods: Cross-Sectional Study: Analysis of all cases of IOL exchange because of post-DMEK IOLop with a minimum of 6-month postoperative follow-up observed in the clinic between November 2021 and April 2022. The main outcomes analyzed at the study visit were changes in the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity after IOL exchange, endothelial cell loss (ECL), and graft survival. A historical cohort of 232 pseudophakic DMEK eyes was retrospectively analyzed to determine risk factors for post-DMEK IOLop. Results: Cross-Sectional Study: Four eyes were observed (median follow-up = 45 (35.5-86.8) months). IOL materials were hydrophilic acrylic IOLs in 2 eyes and hydrophobic-hydrophilic in the other 2. At the study visit, improvement in median best-corrected visual acuity after IOL exchange was statistically significant (0.25 (0.19-0.41) logMAR to 0.00 (0-0.10) logMAR; P = 0.041). ECL ranged between 57.7% and 85.3%, without cases of graft failure. In the historical cohort, 21 eyes (9.05%) had some IOLop. In the multivariate logistic regression model (105 eyes where IOL material data was available), IOLs with high water content material (odds ratio = 65.5, P = 0.0005) and rebubbling (odds ratio = 9.51, P = 0.0138) were independent risk factors for post-DMEK IOLop. Conclusions: Post-DMEK IOLop is infrequent, but a non-neglectable proportion of cases may require IOL explantation. IOL exchange is safe and effective in these eyes but may pose a risk for increased ECL. This study confirms that IOL material and the number of rebubblings are major risk factors for post-DMEK IOLop.
- Treating sickle cell disease in resource-limited sub-Saharan Africa: recent strategies and recommendations in addressing the gaps for the provision of evidence-based managementPublication . Brito, Miguel; Ginete, Catarina; Ofakunrin, Akinyemi; Diaku-Akinwumi, Ijeoma; Inusa, Baba PsalmIntroduction: The management of Sickle cell disease (SCD) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) suffers from the lack of universal infant and population screening, inadequate access to standard treatment, and poor public health prioritization amidst unstable political systems. Areas covered: The state of evidence-based management of SCD in SSA was investigated, including the sustainability of international funding agencies. Expert opinion: Current efforts are fragmentary along language lines; sometimes driven by the funder's objectives and not the national agenda. The review highlighted the role of internal and external partnerships, such as SPARCO, ARISE, and CONSA, as well as technology-based support for the implementation of evidence-based care for SCD. We advocate for increased funding to implement SCD comprehensive care in line with the WHO SCD Framework for Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Specialist Comprehensive Care at the state and national level. To achieve this objective, it is important that SCD, as a leading non-communicable disease in Africa, be mandated as a standing agenda for the National Council of Ministers at the African Union, the WHO, and other regional bodies in Africa.
- Boosting knowledge on occupational exposure to microbial contamination in Portuguese carpentriesPublication . Dias, Marta; Gomes, Bianca; Pena, Pedro; Cervantes, Renata; Rodriguez, Margarida; Riesenberger, Bruna; Marques, Liliana; Carolino, Elisabete; Twarużek, Magdalena; Kosicki, Robert; Soszczynska. Ewelina; Caetano, Liliana Aranha; Viegas, Susana; Viegas, CarlaIntroduction: Wood industry workers face health risks due to exposure to microorganisms and their metabolites. This study aimed to characterize seasonal microbial contamination, antifungal resistance, mycotoxins, cytotoxicity, and particulate matter in Portuguese carpentries, to reduce exposure and promote safe working conditions. Methods: Conducted in six carpentries in Lisbon, Portugal, the sampling strategy encompassed active and passive sampling methods to assess microbial contamination. A Handheld Particle Counter HH3016-IAQ was used to monitor particulate matter size, temperature, and humidity. Results: The highest fungal load was in the cold season, with Aspergillus sp. being the predominant species, and the highest bacterial load was in the warm season. Reduced susceptibility to azoles was observed in both seasons, with greater species diversity in the cold season. In the warm season, Nidulantes and Fumigati sections of Aspergillus were detected by RT-PCR, with Fumigati being the most prevalent; in the cold season, only Nidulantes were detected. Mycotoxins, mainly fumonisins, were more prevalent in the warm season; in the cold season, griseofulvin was the most prevalent mycotoxin. Cytotoxicity was more prevalent in A549 cells than in SK cells. Settled dust caused greater cytotoxicity in SK cells, and filters from the vacuumed dust in A549 cells. Higher particulate matter concentrations in the sampled indoor areas suggest a significant contribution of indoor activities to workers’ exposure. Discussion: The study highlights concerns about seasonal variations in microbial contamination, emphasizing the potential for respiratory diseases, invasive infections by azole-resistant fungi, mycotoxin exposure, and cytotoxicity in lung cells due to co-exposure to fungi, particulate matter, and mycotoxins influenced by environmental conditions.
- Portuguese cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the hospital survey on patient safety culture 2.0Publication . Freitas, Elsa; Silva, Carina; Eiras , MargaridaBackground: As patient safety continues to be a global priority, it is crucial to emphasize the assessment and development of Patient Safety Culture [PSC] to advance healthcare quality and safety initiatives worldwide. This study focused on the assessment of PSC in Portuguese hospitals, specifically through the translation and cultural adaptation of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture 2.0 [HSOPSC 2.0] for the Portuguese context. Methods: The study followed a two-phase design, encompassing the translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of HSOPSC 2.0. A total of 2,604 fully completed questionnaires were collected. The sample consisted of seven public hospitals from different regions of Portugal, ensuring broad representation within the Portuguese National Health System. The translation process includes four stages: forward translation, back translation, expert panel review, and pre-testing. Instrument reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Construct validity was evaluated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), while convergent and discriminant validity were examined using Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and Pearson’s correlation coefficients, respectively. Results: The Portuguese translated version of the HSOPSC 2.0 [PT-HSOPSC 2.0] demonstrated good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.63 to 0.88, and factor loadings above 0.80 indicating strong factor reliability. CFA results supported the adequacy of the model fit: χ²/df = 4.64, p < 0.01; RMSEA = 0.05; CFI = 0.93; GFI = 0.90; TLI = 0.91; PCFI = 0.78; PGFI = 0.71. The instrument demonstrated good convergent validity, with AVE values at or above 0.50. Strengths included “Teamwork” and “Management Support for Patient Safety”, whereas “Open Communication” and “Hospital Management” were identified as areas requiring improvement. Overall, the PT-HSOPSC 2.0 demonstrated robust psychometric properties, confirming its suitability for assessing PSC in Portuguese hospitals. Conclusion: This study contributes to enhancing PSC assessment in Portuguese healthcare settings by providing a translated and validated version of the HSOPSC 2.0 adapted to the Portuguese context. Findings support that PT-HSOPSC 2.0 is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating PSC in Portuguese healthcare settings.
- Ageing affects the CD4+ T cell polarization and mucosal tropism induced by TLR2/TLR4-activated dendritic cellsPublication . Zúquete, Sara; Ferreira, Mariana; Delgado, Inês L.; Rosa, Maria teresa; Mendes, Ana Catarina; Santos, Dulce; Nolasco, Sofia; Graça, Luís; Leitão, Alexandre; Basto, Afonso P.Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 activation induces aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes in non-mucosal dendritic cells (DCs), enabling them to metabolize vitamin A into all-trans retinoic acid, which induces the expression of mucosal-homing molecules (α4β7 and CCR9) in the activated T cells. Recently, we have shown that the simultaneous activation of non-mucosal DCs through TLR2 and TLR4 maintains such capacity while reinforcing the polarization of primed CD4+ T cells towards Th1. Here, we observed that TLR2/TLR4 stimulation of aged DCs leads to the production of less TNFα and more IL-10, and that CD4+ T cells primed by those DCs express lower levels of the mucosal homing receptor CCR9 and produce less type-1 (IFNγ) and more type-2 (IL-4 and IL-13) cytokines. These results emphasize the importance of considering the age-related alterations in DC function when developing novel immunomodulation strategies that rely on the DC-T cell crosstalk through stimulation of pattern recognition receptors.
- Citric acid as a safe alternative to oxalic acid in the Gomori reticulin technique: a comparative studyPublication . Bento, Ana; Nascimento, Ana; Nobre, Sofia; Ferreira, Teresa; Borges-Ferro, Amadeu; Marques-Ramos, AnaThe use of oxalic acid is common in metallic impregnation techniques, where it serves as a reducing and bleaching agent for potassium permanganate. Given that oxalic acid is harmful to health, its replacement with another reagent is advantageous for healthcare professionals handling it in laboratory settings. Considering that citric acid can also reduce potassium permanganate, this study aimed to determine whether oxalic acid in the Gomori reticulin technique could be replaced by citric acid, a compound substantially less hazardous to health. To this end, 1%, 5%, and 10% citric acid solutions were tested on porcine liver and kidney samples, and the intensity of reticulin fiber staining, contrast, and overall morphological preservation were assessed in comparison with 1% oxalic acid. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the positive control (oxalic acid) and the citric acid protocols, with the 5% citric acid concentration proving most favorable in terms of required incubation time and the evaluated morphological parameters. It was therefore concluded that citric acid can be used as a bleaching agent for potassium permanganate in the Gomori technique, effectively replacing oxalic acid.
- Não te deixes enganar! Projeto de literacia no combate à desinformação no ensino superiorPublication . Lopes, Carlos; Antunes, Maria Luz; Sanches, TatianaO projeto “Be careful!” assenta numa relação de confiança e parceria entre as bibliotecas, os seus profissionais, estudantes e investigadores. O objetivo é combater a dimensão académica e científica do fenómeno da desinformação e garantir a integridade académica, desenvolvendo melhores e mais apuradas competências para o estudo, investigação, publicação e divulgação do conhecimento científico. Para tal, serão traduzidos e adaptados instrumentos e ferramentas que melhorem a qualidade do trabalho académico através do reforço de critérios baseados na literacia da informação, quer na seleção da credibilidade das fontes, quer na aferição de critérios de qualidade das publicações científicas, quer na prevenção do plágio e de outras práticas académicas ilícitas.
- Dissection of the microRNA transcriptomes of CD4+ T cell subsets in autoimmune inflammation identifies novel regulators of disease pathogenesisPublication . Cunha, Carolina; Romero, Paula Vargas; Inácio, Daniel; Pais, Ana Teresa; Pelicano, Catarina; Costa, Marina; Mensurado, Sofia; Gonçalves-Sousa, Natacha; Papotto, Pedro H.; Neves, Daniel; Sobral, Daniel; Enguita, Francisco; Silva-Santos, Bruno; Gomes, AnitaMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of CD4+ T cell differentiation, but how they contribute to the course of an autoimmune disease in vivo remains poorly studied. Given the known roles in autoimmunity of pro-inflammatory T helper 1 (Th)1 and Th17 cells, and anti-inflammatory Foxp3+ regulatory cells, we established a triple reporter mouse for Ifng, Il17 and Foxp3, and subjected it to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to characterize the miRNomes of the corresponding CD4+ T cell subsets. We identified 110 miRNAs differentially expressed between the pro-inflammatory (Th1 and Th17 cells) and the Treg cell subsets. Among these, we found novel functions for miR-122-5p and miR-1247 as regulators of Th17 cell proliferation and Th1 cell differentiation, thus impacting the course or severity of EAE, respectively. Importantly, their expression patterns suggest miR-122-5p and miR-1247 act as peripheral brakes to CD4+ T cell pathogenicity that are subverted in the inflamed central nervous system.
- Critical insights on fungal contamination in schools: a comprehensive review of assessment methodsPublication . Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Riesenberger, Bruna; Rodriguez, Margarida; Henderson, Drew; Gonçalves, Sara; Newire, Enas; Pogner, Clara; Salonen, Heidi; Almeida-Silva, Marina; Ferguson, Robert M.; Haverinen-Shaughnessy, Ulla; Viegas, CarlaThis review addresses the increasing problem of fungal contamination in schools, which has a profound impact on indoor air quality and student health. Fungal contamination creates health problems such as respiratory problems, allergies, which can be particularly harmful in schools (e.g., Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium sp. are especially important as they are well-known indoor allergens and can induce serious respiratory diseases). This study aims to determine the effect of geographic location as well as season of filamentous fungi in the school context. Through a comprehensive screening of 6,659 articles, 47 studies were selected for data extraction, detailing sampling techniques, analysis methods, climatic conditions, and relevant fungal species. The study highlights the importance of regularly measuring IAQ and utilizing both active and passive sampling methodologies in addition to molecular genetic analysis to complement identification and improve comparability across studies. A targeted monitoring is also proposed for species such as Aspergillus fumigatus (Aspergillus section Fumigati), Fusarium sp., and Mucorales order, which are therapeutically relevant, as well as Stachybotrys atra and Aspergillus section Flavi, in terms of their toxicological potential. Additionally, the article discusses the importance of consistent data formatting for effective meta-analysis and the need for further research to inform regulatory frameworks protecting student health. Recommendations for minimizing fungal threats include evaluating building structure, ventilation, cleaning practices, and gathering information from parents about school activities. Overall, the study underscores the global health risks posed by fungi in schools and calls for extensive investigations combining various sampling and analytical techniques. Additionally, the article discusses the importance of consistent data formatting for effective meta-analysis and the need for further research to inform regulatory frameworks protecting student health. Recommendations for minimizing fungal threats include evaluating building structure, ventilation, cleaning practices, and gathering information from parents about school activities. Overall, the study underscores the global health risks posed by fungi in schools and calls for extensive investigations combining various sampling and analytical techniques.
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