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- Neuromuscular activation patterns in response to windlass stimulation and biofeedback: a surface EMG studyPublication . Carrasco-Fernández, Laura; Gómez-del Pino, Álvaro; García-Sillero, Manuel; González-Cañizares, Pablo; García-Romero, Jerónimo; Tomás, Maria Teresa; Benítez-Porres, JavierBackground: Handball involves unilateral, high-demand actions that increase injury risk. The Windlass mechanism (WM) is a position-dependent plantar fascia tensioning system, activated by dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, which increases medial longitudinal arch stiffness and contributes to foot stability. WM activation can be mechanically simulated using hallux wedges to induce controlled dorsiflexion, allowing graded engagement of the mechanism under standardized conditions. The primary aim of this study was to investigate how different wedge inclinations, with and without visual biofeedback, affect foot muscle activity during squats in elite female handball players. Methods: Seventeen elite female handball players performed squats at 65% of one-repetition maximum under six conditions combining three wedge inclinations (0°, 10°, 30°) with the presence or absence of visual biofeedback. Electromyographic activity (RMS and %MVC) of intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles was recorded. Results: A significant increase in left abductor hallucis activation with the 10° wedge without biofeedback. Visual biofeedback significantly increased RMS and %MVC in intrinsic foot muscles and increased RMS in the left gastrocnemius (p < 0.05). No significant interaction was observed between wedge inclination and biofeedback. Conclusions: Controlled activation of the WM via hallux wedges and the use of visual biofeedback modulate foot muscle activity during squats. These strategies may be considered in training programs aimed at improving foot stability and reducing injury risk in elite female handball players.
- Occupational exposure to cadmium: protocol for a scoping reviewPublication . Paulo, Marília Silva; Martins, Carla; Riesenberger, Bruna; Cordeiro, João; Cervantes, Renata; Palmont, Philippe; Bhoonah, Rachna; Ndaw, Sophie; Viegas, SusanaIntroduction: Cadmium is a metal that poses significant health risks, particularly in occupational environments where exposure can happen. The main objective of this scoping review is to review the cadmium exposure levels in the different occupational settings in the European Union (EU), considering the regulatory measures currently in place. The secondary objectives, depending on the availability of data, are (a) to identify the occupational settings where higher exposure levels occur, (b) to identify any geographical and temporal differences and trends within the EU, and (c) to identify the most relevant co-exposures reported. Methods and analysis: A scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews reporting guidelines. Studies reporting quantitative occupational data on cadmium exposure obtained through human biomonitoring and/or air monitoring will be included. A descriptive analysis of the findings will be performed. Ethics and dissemination: This protocol for a scoping review does not require ethical approval as it is based on secondary data. The dissemination plan of the scoping review includes its publication in a scientific journal of reference, as it is expected that it will provide important knowledge to support ongoing and future occupational health interventions in the EU, at the technical and regulatory levels. Registration: This study is registered at the Open Science Framework (OSF), 7 April osf.f2w3h.
- A call for preregistration of in vitro research: pregistration as a tool to improve reproducibility and transparencyPublication . Heinl, Céline; Franco, Nuno H.; Bert, Bettina; Siewert, Katherina; Movia, Dania; Aruçi, Edlira; Ladeira, Carina; Sanin, Ahmed Y.; Neuhaus, Winfried; Kahlert, Ulf D.; Ghosh, Manosij; Thomas, Aurélie; Sotiropoulos, AthanassiaBiomedical research, like any other research field, is vulnerable to problems in its planning, execution, documentation, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. These issues can impede the reproducibility of research findings and hinder translation into clinical practice. In addition, there is growing societal pressure to hasten the shift to animal-free research methods. To alleviate the ethical dilemma of using animals in research, the 3Rs principle (replace, reduce, refine) calls for reducing or replacing such experiments wherever possible. Nevertheless, scientific and biomedical research, as well as safeguarding human and environmental health, continue to depend on animal experiments. To apply the 3Rs principles without compromising scientific progress and safety standards, it is imperative to ensure that in vitro methods to replace animal experiments are robust and reliable.
- Carcinogenicity of tris(chloropropyl) phosphate, butyraldehyde, and cumyl hydroperoxidePublication . Lachenmeier, Dirk W.; Arrandale, Victoria H.; DeMarini, David M.; Ruksha, Tatiana; Abdallah, Mohamed A-E; Bettini, Giuliano; Ishii, Yuji; Ladeira, Carina; Pi, Jingbo; Rossner, Pavel; Ryan, Kristen R.; Stefanska, Barbara; Van Gerwen, Maaike; Venier, Marta; Conti, Aline de; Facchin, Caterina; Kunzmann, Andrew T.; Madia, Federica; Pasqual, Elisa; Wedekind, Roland; Al Nahas, Aline; Coutaz-Repland, Seyederoya; Ohene-Agyei, Phyllis; Suonio, Eero; Mattock, Heidi; Benbrahim-Tallaa, Lamia; Schubauer-Berigan, Mary K.In March 2026, a Working Group of 12 scientists from nine countries met at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Lyon, France, to finalise their evaluation of the carcinogenicity of tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP), butyraldehyde, and cumyl hydroperoxide. TCPP was classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) based on the combination of “sufficient” evidence for cancer in experimental animals and “strong” mechanistic evidence in human primary cells. Butyraldehyde was classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) based on “sufficient” evidence for cancer in experimental animals and on “strong” mechanistic evidence in experimental systems. Cumyl hydroperoxide was classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) based on “strong” mechanistic evidence in human primary cells and experimental systems. These assessments will be published in Volume 141 of the IARC Monographs.
- The comet assay as a tool in human biomonitoring exposure to antineoplastic drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Ladeira, Carina; Azqueta, Amaya; Giovannelli, Lisa; Gajski, Goran; Gerić, Marko; Haveric, Anja; Stopper, Helga; Bankoglu, Ezgi Eyluel; Collins, Andrew; Møller, PeterAntineoplastic agents are toxic compounds, generally used in the treatment of cancers, which are recognized as carrying a cancer development risk. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of human biomonitoring studies, we have assessed the effects of exposure to antineoplastic drugs on levels of DNA strand breaks in leukocytes, measured by the comet assay. Focusing on the application of the comet assay in human biomonitoring of occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents, we have analyzed 458 original research studies that used this assay, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-ScR). The systematic review led to 23 studies, of which 20 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Using standardized mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI), the meta-analyses show increased levels of DNA strand breaks in subjects exposed to antineoplastic drugs (1.26, 95% CI: 0.78, 1.73). Results originate mainly from studies on healthcare workers, with only one study in an industrial setting. Subgroup analysis indicates that all studies combined from middle-income countries have a higher effect size (1.77, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.55) than studies from high-income countries (0.49, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.90). This difference between middle- and high-income countries may be attributable in part to differences in exposure levels or exposure assessment. Additionally, sensitivity analysis indicates that studies with moderate/high risk of comet assay measurement bias have higher effect size (2.07, 95% CI: 0.82, 3.31) than studies with low risk of bias (0.73, 95% CI: 0.34, 1.13); and that studies with high risk of exposure misclassification have higher effect size (1.47, 95% CI: 0.89, 2.06) than studies with low/moderate risk (0.13, 955 CI: -0.08, 0.33). Most studies have a low/moderate risk of bias related to the comet assay procedure (15 out of 20 studies), absence of reporting the use of assay controls (1 out of 20 studies), blinded analysis of samples (7 out of 20 studies), and exposure assessment (16 out of 20 studies). In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis show that exposure to antineoplastic drugs is associated with increased levels of DNA strand breaks in human leukocytes.
- An approach to quality control of the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay for the determination of oxidative potential of atmospheric particulate matterPublication . Vicente, Carolina; Gonçalves, Sara; Gamelas, Carla; Almeida, Susana Marta; Canha, NunoThe oxidative potential (OP) of airborne particulate matter (PM) has emerged as a promising metric to assess the capacity of particles to induce oxidative stress and related health effects. Thus, ensuring the reliability and comparability of OP measurements is essential for accurate environmental and toxicological assessment. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a quality control approach for the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay used in OP determination. The DTT assay provides an estimation of how harmful PM can be to human health through oxidative stress, relating it to the consumption of DTT during the test period. Two experiments were conducted using the Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1648–Urban Particulate Matter (NIST, USA). The first assessed the effect of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) addition order and the feasibility of using SRM 1648 as a reference material. The second evaluated the stability of the SRM solution over 63 days. Statistical analysis (Mann–Whitney test) indicated that the order of TCA addition did not significantly affect OP values (p > 0.05). SRM 1648 solution determination showed high reproducibility (mean DTTₘ = 14.6 ± 2.4 pmol·min−1·µg−1), although a gradual increase in DTT metrics was observed over time, consistent with progressive dissolution. The results support the application of SRM 1648 as a reference material for DTT assay quality control, supporting methodological harmonization in OP determination, provided that a freshly prepared solution is used.
- Factors associated with the recurrence of intermittent exotropia and reoperations in the long termPublication . Lino, Pedro; Aguiar, Pedro; Cunha, João PauloPurpose: To evaluate long-term reoperation risk after bilateral lateral rectus (BLR) recession for intermittent exotropia (IXT) in a paediatric cohort, and to identify the perioperative factors associated with recurrence and reoperation. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort of 258 children with basic or divergence-excess IXT who underwent BLR recession at CUF Cascais Hospital between 2010 and 2020 was analysed. Clinical variables included age, age at surgery, pre- and immediate postoperative deviation angles, preoperative occlusion therapy, orthoptic treatment, binocular function, and initial surgical success (residual deviation <10 prism dioptres with fusion). Bivariate analyses were performed using t-tests or χ2 tests, and variables with p < 0.10 were entered into multivariable binary logistic regression to identify the independent predictors of reoperation. Model diagnostics included variance inflation factors (VIF), Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Reoperation was required in 11% of cases. Failed initial surgery (adjusted OR = 34.7; p < 0.001), larger preoperative deviation (adjusted OR per PD = 1.143; 95% CI 1.062-1.231; p < 0.001), larger immediate postoperative deviation (adjusted OR per PD = 0.822; 95% CI 0.766-0.881; p < 0.001), and older patient age (adjusted OR per year = 1.261; 95% CI 1.032-1.542; p = 0.024) were independently associated with reoperation. Orthoptic and occlusion therapies showed non-significant trends. Conclusion: In children undergoing BLR for IXT, initial surgical failure and deviation magnitude (pre- and immediate postoperative) are the strongest predictors of reoperation, with age having a modest additional effect. These findings emphasize precise surgical planning and the need for long-term follow-up.
- Old molecules, new hope: a scoping review and bibliometric analysis of drug repurposing for lung cancerPublication . Ragassi, Wellington Martins; Alves, Fernando Miguel; Lazo, Raul Edison; Tonin, Fernanda; Pontarolo, Roberto; Sari, Marcel Henrique; Ferreira, Luana MotaDrug repurposing has gained prominence in oncology by enabling the investigation of approved drugs for new therapeutic purposes. In lung cancer, this strategy may reduce the time and costs associated with drug development. This study aimed to map the landscape of in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research on drug repurposing for lung cancer, while identifying key molecular targets and research gaps. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, following Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted the data. A total of 58 studies, published between 2010 and 2024, mainly from the United Kingdom (19%) and the United States (17%), were included. Most studies used in vitro models (53%), followed by in vivo (31%) and in silico (16%), with frequent combinations of methods. The most investigated drug classes were antibiotics (10%), antipsychotics (9%), antidiabetics (8%), anthelmintics (6%), and antihistamines (6%). Frequently studied drugs included niclosamide, metformin, atorvastatin, and doxazosin, targeting pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, apoptosis, and autophagy. Bibliometric analysis revealed increasing scientific output, with emphasis on combination therapies, cellular mechanisms, and technologies like molecular docking and nanosystems. These findings highlight the growing relevance of drug repurposing in lung cancer, especially in accelerating effective therapy discovery using approved compounds. Progress in this field depends on integrating diverse methodologies and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. As a next step, rigorous clinical trials are essential to confirm the efficacy and safety of promising repurposed agents in oncology.
- Aspergillus spp. in woodworking settings: implications for occupational health and safetyPublication . Dias, Marta; Rodriguez, Margarida; Riesenberger, Bruna; Marques, Liliana; Carolino, Elisabete; Twarużek, Magdalena; Kosicki, Robert; Gonçalves, Lídia; Caetano, Liliana Aranha; Alastruey-Izquierdo, Ana; Viegas, Susana; Viegas, CarlaWoodworkers are exposed to several potentially harmful agents, including microorganisms that grow in the wood. The most common fungal species in woodworking environments are Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium spp., with occupational exposure to Aspergillus spp. posing a significant respiratory risk. This study aimed to assess exposure to Aspergillus spp. in two Portuguese woodworking environments and to perform a thorough analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus complex isolates collected from 13 DIY stores and 6 Carpentries in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Sampling combined active and passive methods to assess microbial contamination. Aspergillus fumigatus isolates were analysed for their antifungal susceptibility, resistant mechanisms, mycotoxin production, and cytotoxic potential in lung (A459) and liver (HepG2) cell lines. The MAS-100 presented Aspergillus sections Aspergilli and Flavi with the highest prevalence in DIY stores and Carpentries, respectively. A total of 1185 Aspergillus spp. were recovered, 270 identified as Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto growing at 37 °C. None of those isolates was resistant to azoles, 99.07% of them produced gliotoxin, and 39.9% of them produced cytotoxic effects in at least one cell line. This study comprehended a multi-approach that considered not only sampling methods but also the laboratory assays to be applied in the Aspergillus section Fumigati isolates recovered from two different woodworking environments, allowing a complete and robust analysis of this specific environment and species. Overall, the findings indicate that woodworkers are exposed to A. fumigatus isolates with relevant pathogenic traits, despite the absence of azole resistance, underscoring the need for continued environmental and occupational monitoring.
- The indoor microbiome: sampling, analysis and emerging trendsPublication . Šunić, Iva; Šarac, Jelena; Auguštin, Dubravka Havaš; Pozdniakova, Sofya; Ferguson, Robert M.; Jergović, Matijana; Visentin, David; Borràs, Silvia; Archer, Elizabeth; Henderson, Drew K.; Vitko, Sandra; Ašić, Adna; Bošnjaković, Anja; Maglica, Željka; Viegas, Carla; Novokmet, Natalija; Karlović, Nina; Marjanović, Damir; Muszyński, Adam; Liu, Yuxi; Karisola, Piia; Alenius, Harri; Krych, Lukasz; Lovrić, MarioIndoor spaces contain diverse microbial communities that shape human health. These microorganisms are particularly relevant to respiratory diseases, including asthma and allergies. Despite growing recognition of the importance of indoor microbial exposures, research in this field is slowed by differences in methods. These inconsistencies make it difficult to compare results and draw conclusions. This systematic review analyses 106 studies published between 2000 and 2025 that investigated indoor microbiomes in dust, air, and other matrices across homes, schools, and other built environments. We assessed sampling strategies, DNA extraction protocols, sequencing technologies, and bioinformatic pipelines, identifying trends, inconsistencies, and areas requiring harmonisation. Passive sampling, particularly dust collection, was the most common approach, while Illumina-based 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing dominated molecular analyses. However, variations in targeted gene regions, extraction kits, and analytical tools limited cross-study comparability. Ecological findings revealed consistent detection of bacterial taxa such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Corynebacterium, and fungal taxa including Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium, with diversity shaped by building characteristics, ventilation, humidity, occupancy, and presence of pets. This review highlights the need for standardised protocols in indoor microbiome research to facilitate reproducibility, enable meta-analyses, and inform health-related guidelines for indoor environments.