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- Beyond quantitative indicators: comprehensive characterization of indoor fungal contamination in Portuguese elementary schoolsPublication . Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Carolino, Elisabete; Twarużek, Magdalena; Kosicki, Robert; Viegas, Susana; Viegas, CarlaChildren are particularly vulnerable to environmental pollutants, making indoor air quality in schools a key health determinant. This study addresses regulatory gaps and the lack of standardized methods for assessing fungal contamination in Portuguese elementary schools, particularly regarding pathogenicity, toxigenicity, and antifungal resistance. Fungal contamination was assessed in 11 Portuguese elementary schools using surveys on building context and operation, active and passive air sampling, molecular detection of Aspergillus sections by qPCR, mycotoxin and azole resistance screening, and PM measurements. Results: Schools showed heterogeneous ventilation, with some relying on natural ventilation and others using mechanical systems. Airborne fungal contamination was dominated by respirable fractions, reaching 3.3×102 CFU m-3. Culture-based analyses revealed distinct fungal profiles, with Cladosporium sp. and Penicillium sp. frequently prevailing, while Aspergillus detection increased at higher incubation temperatures. Seasonal variability was observed, with contamination patterns differing between seasons. Rural and urban schools showed contrasting fungal distributions, with higher concentrations in rural schools, particularly in EDCs on DG18 at 27 °C (1.67 × 103 CFU/m2). Azole resistance screening detected resistant Aspergillus sections across environments. In gymnasiums, the Fumigati section represented 100% of sections detected on ITZ in filters and EDCs. In classrooms, Circumdati and Fumigati accounted for 100% of sections detected on ITZ in EDCs, while the Candidi section represented 100% in filters. The Fumigati section also grew on VOZ and POZ in EDCs. Mycotoxins, including ochratoxin A, mycophenolic acid, and sterigmatocystin, were detected in 1.93% of dust samples. Particle concentrations occasionally exceeded reference thresholds in warm (47.1% PM2.5; 58.8% PM10) and cold seasons (47.4% PM2.5; 23.1% PM10). Regulatory thresholds did not prevent the detection of relevant fungal hazards, including Aspergillus species and azole-tolerant growth. These findings show that quantitative indicators alone may not capture exposure complexity, highlighting the need for complementary data and the limitations in the current legal framework.
- Perceptions and concerns regarding medical exposure to ionizing radiation in women of reproductive age: a systematic reviewPublication . Vieira, Lina Oliveira; Geysmans, R.; Turcanu, C.; Almeida-Silva, MarinaIntroduction: Ionizing radiation plays a fundamental role in clinical practice for diagnosis and therapy. However, patients with reproductive potential, including women of reproductive age who may be pregnant or become pregnant in the future, often report limited knowledge and increased anxiety regarding these procedures. Although medical exposures involve inherent risks, when examinations are appropriately justified and optimized, clinical benefits generally outweigh potential radiation-related risks. Nevertheless, misconceptions and risk overestimation may lead to refusal or delay of necessary imaging. This study aims to evaluate perceptions and concerns of women of reproductive age regarding medical exposure to ionizing radiation. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in April 2026, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the keywords perception, concern, ionizing radiation, and women. Results: Seven studies published between 2017 and 2025 were included. The review identified variability in knowledge and persistent gaps in radiation awareness among women, often associated with increased levels of concern. Lower levels of radiation literacy were generally reported among participants without health-related training, whereas higher awareness was observed among those with a medical background. During pregnancy, risk perception was frequently overestimated and primarily focused on fetal harm. Conclusion: Perceptions and concerns about medical radiation are heterogeneous and influenced by sociodemographic, cultural, and psychological factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational strategies and further research to enhance the understanding of how these patients perceive the risks associated with ionizing radiation. Implications for practice: Healthcare professionals should individualize communication about radiation risks according to each patient's sociodemographic and cultural background, providing accurate and comprehensible information aligned with the patient's level of health literacy and informational needs.