ESTeSL - Comunicações
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
- O papel do Programa Jovens Repórteres para o Ambiente como facilitador na implementação da metodologia ECO-ESCOLAS/ECOCAMPUSPublication . Manteigas, Vítor; Hencleeday, Catarina; Monteiro, Ana; Gomes, MargaridaA Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa (ESTeSL), uma unidade orgânica do Politécnico de Lisboa, é reconhecida como Eco-Escola desde 2010/2011 e trabalha no âmbito do Programa Jovens Repórteres para o Ambiente (JRA) desde 2013. O Programa JRA é coordenado a nível internacional pela Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), que pretende capacitar os jovens para que estes assumam uma posição consciente sobre as questões ambientais, fornecendo-lhes uma metodologia de trabalho que promove a investigação de questões de sustentabilidade. Em Portugal, o Programa JRA é promovido pela Associação Bandeira Azul de Ambiente e Educação (ABAAE), a secção portuguesa da FEE, e a primeira edição em território nacional teve lugar em 1994. Desde então, os estudantes investigam e interpretam questões de sustentabilidade como jornalistas, melhorando os seus conhecimentos e competências na área ambiental, novas tecnologias e técnicas de comunicação. De uma forma geral, na ESTeSL, as atividades dos Jovens Repórteres para o Ambiente são integradas em unidades curriculares, contribuindo também para o trabalho desenvolvido ao nível do Politécnico de Lisboa, nomeadamente pelo Eco-Politécnico de Lisboa, na área da Educação para a Sustentabilidade, mas também para o cumprimento das etapas 5 e 6 do Programa Eco-Escolas/EcoCampus, o “trabalho curricular” e “informar e envolver”, respetivamente. Entre os vários temas propostos, na área do desenvolvimento sustentável, os estudantes trabalham colaborativamente em unidades curriculares como Saúde Ambiental e Gestão de Resíduos, do curso de licenciatura em Saúde Ambiental, realizando entrevistas estruturadas com especialistas em áreas específicas do conhecimento e produzindo diferentes tipos de peças de comunicação, como artigos de cariz jornalístico, reportagens em vídeo e episódios de podcast. Também realizam campanhas em formato de vídeos ou fotografia, assim como fotorreportagens.
- A conceptual framework for higher education institutions and the circular economyPublication . Mateus, Dina; Galacho, Cristina; Dinis, Maria Alzira; Teixeira, Margarida Ribau; Viegas, Laura Maria; Gaspar, Marcelo; Pardal, Ana Cristina; Manteigas, Vítor; Moreira, Anabela MendesThe need to investigate the knowledge and participation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) students in sustainability issues is crucial. The working group on Circular Economy and Waste Management from the Portuguese Sustainable Campus Network (RCS) is dedicated to investigating the attitudes and comprehension of HEIs students about the principles and practices of the Circular Economy (CE). This group intends to propose a conceptual framework for collecting data from students at various HEIs to contribute to the understanding of how these institutions adopt and implement CE principles, which significantly influence student perceptions and attitudes.
- The effects of physiotherapy interventions in the treatment of genito-pelvic pain or penetration disorder: a systematic reviewPublication . Silva, Patrícia; Amaral, Ana; Sousa Coutinho, Maria IsabelThe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (1) identifies four specific types of female sexual dysfunction: female sexual interest/arousal disorder, orgasm disorder, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, and substance or medication-induced sexual dysfunction. Physiotherapy seems to have a crucial role in the management of these dysfunctions, particularly in sexual pain disorders, offering a range of interventions customized to specific patient needs. This study aimed to investigate the physiotherapy interventions performed in women with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorders and their effects on symptoms and quality of life.
- Portuguese primary schools: dust filter samples, a simple tool for assessing bacterial contamination indoors?Publication . Pena, Pedro; Cervantes, Renata; Viegas, CarlaThis study aimed to assess seasonal variations in bacterial contamination across school settings (canteen, classroom, gymnasium, library, and toilet) with dust filter samples, to identify high-risk areas and inform targeted hygiene practices and public health strategies in educational environments. Dust filter samples were collected in 10 schools within the Metropolitan Lisbon Area. Sterilized coffee filters were placed inside the disinfected vacuum tube for sampling. Samples were collected in the warm (N=33) and cold seasons (N=34), from canteens (N=14), classrooms (N=33), gymnasium (N=9), library (N=9), and toilets (N=2). Settled dust was collected from shelves, plinths, and floors around students' desks and near the door in all sampled rooms. After extraction with NaCl+Tween 80 solution, samples were inoculated onto Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA), Violet Red Bile Agar (VRBA), and MacConkey Agar (MAC). Results from the cold season indicate that gymnasiums (TSA = 1.8×10⁴ CFU/m²) and libraries (VRBA = 1.4×10⁴ CFU/m²) were contamination hotspots, although libraries showed lower contamination on TSA (1.8×10³ CFU/m²). Canteens (2.3×10³ CFU/m²) exhibited elevated Gram-negative bacteria, while classrooms had the lowest contamination on VRBA (5.0×10² CFU/m²). For the warm season, canteens showed higher contamination on TSA (6.5×10³ CFU/m²), while classrooms showed higher contamination on VRBA (4.5×10³ CFU/m²). For MAC results, gymnasiums showed higher contamination (2.0×10³ CFU/m²). Seasonal and spatial differences significantly influence microbial air contamination in schools. Gymnasiums and classrooms are potentially critical hotspots, particularly for MAC and TSA contamination results. TSA contamination results showed high variability (e.g., SD = 23,645 in canteens), suggesting fluctuating total bacterial contamination, likely tied to occupancy or cleaning schedules. These findings emphasize the need for seasonally adaptive hygiene protocols and focused monitoring in high-traffic areas to mitigate exposure risks.
- Fungal contamination in schools: key insights and assessment strategiesPublication . Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Viegas, CarlaFungal contamination in schools poses significant risks to indoor air quality and student health, particularly from species like Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium sp., which are linked to respiratory illnesses. This systematic review examines the impact of geographical location and seasonality on fungal presence in schools, while evaluating sampling methodologies, analytical approaches, and contextual factors that influence exposure. This systematic review identified 47 studies selected for analysis, based on inclusion criteria such as “Indoor school environments” and “Fungi OR Mold”. Data extraction focused on sampling practices (environmental samples), sampling techniques (active/passive), analytical methods (culture-based/molecular), climatic conditions, and clinically relevant fungi. Sampling occurred predominantly in classrooms (38/47 studies), with additional sites including canteens, corridors, and surfaces. Active sampling (32 studies) used impactors, filters, and pumps, while passive methods (15 studies) relied on settled dust and electrostatic cloths. Only 7 studies combined both approaches, limiting comprehensive exposure assessment. Culture-based methods (32 studies) dominated but risk underestimation, as only 11 studies used molecular assays (e.g., qPCR), and just 3 integrated both. Contextual data (building structure, ventilation, and cleaning practices) were reported in only 7% of studies, hindering meta-analysis. Moisture damage and carpeting correlated with elevated fungal levels and respiratory symptoms. A comprehensive sampling approach, combining active and passive sampling with molecular and culture-based techniques, is critical for accurate fungal identification and resistance profiling [6]. Contextual factors (humidity, ventilation, seasonal changes) must be systematically reported to inform interventions. Regulatory frameworks should prioritize species-specific monitoring (e.g., Mucorales order, Aspergillus fumigatus) and school-specific guidelines for air quality. Future research must adopt interdisciplinary collaboration and centralized data repositories to advance risk mitigation. Addressing these gaps will safeguard student health and support evidence-based policies for healthier educational environments.
- Aspergillus section Nigri in indoor environments: a silent sentinel for occupational and public healthPublication . Cervantes, Renata; Rodrigues, Cláudia; Pena, Pedro; Viegas, CarlaAspergillus section Nigri, a filamentous fungus within the Aspergillus genus, proliferates in organic matter-rich environments and produces dark-pigmented spores. While recognized for its metabolic versatility and industrial applications, Aspergillus section Nigri also presents significant public health concerns, particularly in environmental and occupational settings. The fungus is known to produce mycotoxins (Ochratoxin A (OTA); Fumonisins), which pose risks to human health, including respiratory disorders and allergic reactions. Its prevalence is notably elevated in occupational environments such as industrial facilities and laboratories, where favorable conditions (e.g., elevated humidity and temperature) facilitate its growth. This study aimed to assess the distribution of Aspergillus section Nigri across various indoor environments and evaluate its implications for public and occupational health. The research was conducted in eight different indoor settings, including nursing homes (n = 15), archives (n = 25), municipal waste collection vehicles (n = 168), grocery stores (n = 101), gyms (n = 67), cemeteries (n = 72), fire stations (n = 360), and coffee industry facilities (n = 58). A total of 866 samples were collected using active (Coriolis µ air sampler, Millipore) and passive (electrostatic dust collectors, surface swabs, and settled dust) methods. Fungal growth was promoted through incubation at 25 ± 2°C, and identification was performed using lactophenol cotton blue staining and microscopic analysis. The distribution of Aspergillus section Nigri will be analyzed across all sampled environments to determine prevalence and potential exposure risks. This study highlights the need for enhanced surveillance of Aspergillus section Nigri in indoor environments to mitigate occupational and public health risks. Prolonged exposure may contribute to respiratory and allergic conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations. Preventive measures should be prioritized to reduce exposure in high-risk settings.
- Preliminary assessment of microbial contamination in urban and rural homes of elementary school childrenPublication . Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Viegas, CarlaRising concern - Microbial contamination in indoor environments poses significant health risks for children, who spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Immune development - Children are particularly susceptible to microbial exposure due to their developing immune systems. Environmental deifferences - Higher pollution and denser indoor spaces in urban areas may lead to different microbial growth than in rural settings with surrounding vegetation. Key patterns - Children's primary microbial exposure occurs at home or school, underscoring the need to assess residential contamination to prevent harmful exposure.
- Characterization of 24 years of amputations performed in Portugal (2000-2023)Publication . Matos, José Pedro; Matos, Mariana; Ramos, M. Rosário; Ricardo, Diogo; Carolino, ElisabeteAmputation, whether surgical or traumatic, entails the loss of a body segment due to irreparable injury caused by trauma, vascular conditions, or other pathologies. Among individuals with diabetes, amputation remains one of the most feared and recognized outcomes. However, early diagnosis and timely intervention could prevent approximately 50% of diabetes-related amputations and ulcerations. This retrospective observational cross-sectional study draws on data from the Hospital Morbidity Database (BDGDH), provided by the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS) under the Ministry of Health. This study focuses on amputations in diabetic patients in Portugal, particularly from 2000 to 2023. It aims to update statistical results and projections using current data to inform health planning and optimize resource allocation. The research uses data from the Hospital Morbidity Database, analysing factors such as year, age group, gender, and diagnosis codes. Poisson regression and Negative Binomial models were applied to estimate annual amputation rates and forecast future trends. The findings will help compare national trends with international standards, guiding public health policies and supporting prevention and early diagnosis programs to reduce the socio-economic impact of amputations.
- As amputações realizadas em Portugal de 2000 a 2023: análise de uma realidadePublication . Matos, José Pedro; Matos, Mariana; Ramos, M. Rosário; Ricardo, Diogo; Carolino, ElisabeteAmputation, whether surgical or traumatic, entails the loss of a body segment due to irreparable injury caused by trauma, vascular conditions, or other pathologies. Among individuals with diabetes, amputation remains one of the most feared and recognized outcomes. However, early diagnosis and timely intervention could prevent approximately 50% of diabetes-related amputations and ulcerations. This retrospective observational cross-sectional study draws on data from the Hospital Morbidity Database (BDGDH), provided by the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS) under the Ministry of Health. This study focuses on amputations in diabetic patients in Portugal, particularly from 2000 to 2023. It aims to update statistical results and projections using current data to inform health planning and optimize resource allocation. The research uses data from the Hospital Morbidity Database, analysing factors such as year, age group, gender, and diagnosis codes. Poisson regression and Negative Binomial models were applied to estimate annual amputation rates and forecast future trends. The findings will help compare national trends with international standards, guiding public health policies and supporting prevention and early diagnosis programs to reduce the socio-economic impact of amputations.
- Amputations in diabetics: statistical modelling and trends in Portugal (2000-2023)Publication . Carolino, Elisabete; Matos, José Pedro; Ricardo, Diogo; Ramos, M. RosárioAmputation, whether surgical or traumatic, entails the loss of a body segment due to irreparable injury caused by trauma, vascular conditions, or other pathologies. Among individuals with diabetes, amputation remains one of the most feared and recognized outcomes. However, early diagnosis and timely intervention could prevent approximately 50% of diabetes-related amputations and ulcerations. This retrospective observational cross-sectional study draws on data from the Hospital Morbidity Database (BDGDH), provided by the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS) under the Ministry of Health. This study focuses on amputations in diabetic patients in Portugal, particularly from 2000 to 2023. It aims to update statistical results and projections using current data to inform health planning and optimize resource allocation. The research uses data from the Hospital Morbidity Database, analysing factors such as year, age group, gender, and diagnosis codes. Poisson regression and Negative Binomial models were applied to estimate annual amputation rates and forecast future trends. The findings will help compare national trends with international standards, guiding public health policies and supporting prevention and early diagnosis programs to reduce the socio-economic impact of amputations.