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- Comparative assessment of mycotoxin contamination and cytotoxic potential in indoor environments: grocery stores and fitness centers in PortugalPublication . Monteiro, Beatriz; Figueiredo, Filipa; Dias, Marta; Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Twarużek, Magdalena; Kosicki, Robert; Soszczyńska, Ewelina; Viegas, Susana; Viegas, CarlaThe presence of mycotoxins in indoor environments is an emerging public health concern, particularly in specific indoor and occupational environments. Cytotoxicity assessment provides relevant information on the biological effects of complex environmental contaminant mixtures. Grocery stores and fitness centers represent distinct indoor environments with different exposure dynamics and contamination sources, requiring integrated evaluation approaches. This study aimed to compare mycotoxin contamination and cytotoxic potential, assessed using the HepG2 and A549 cell lines, of environmental matrices from two projects conducted in Portugal: grocery stores in 2021 and fitness centers in 2024. In grocery stores, only EDC samples were analyzed, whereas in fitness centers, a wider sampling campaign, using more sampling methods, was employed (EDCs, filters, and cleaning mops). Regarding mycotoxins, fumonisins B1, B2, and B3 were identified in EDC samples from grocery stores. In fitness centers, fumonisin B2 was detected in all matrices analyzed. Cytotoxicity assessment revealed distinct responses between settings and cell lines. In grocery stores, cytotoxic effects were limited, with only one EDC sample showing a positive response in the HepG2 cell line and one EDC sample in the A549 cell line. In fitness centers, the HepG2 cell line showed positive cytotoxic responses in filter and EDC samples, while mop samples did not induce cytotoxicity. The A549 cell line exhibited positive responses across all analyzed matrices. Overall, mycotoxins were detected in greater variety in grocery stores, while fitness centers showed higher cytotoxic potential, highlighting the need for integrated monitoring of contamination and biological effects in indoor environments.
- Fungal resistance and public health implications: the use of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge in agriculturePublication . Pimenta, Márcia; Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Sabino, Raquel; Viegas, CarlaThis study aimed to assess microbial and fungal risks of commercial fertilizers and substrates associated with waste-derived materials in Portugal, integrating antifungal resistance screening under a One Health framework.
- Integrating classical culture and molecular qPCR for a comprehensive assessment of fungal exposure in primary schools: preliminary dataPublication . Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Viegas, CarlaChildren are a particularly vulnerable population to indoor fungal exposure. School environments can harbour complex and dynamic microbiomes containing allergenic, toxigenic, and pathogenic fungi. Characterisation often relies on a single method. This may underestimate true exposure. Some species also carry azole resistance, a growing clinical concern. Dual approaches capture viable and non-cultivable fractions. Objective: To compare culture and qPCR for assessing fungal exposure in primary schools.
- A picture of health? Microorganisms in Portuguese colour photograph collections and related occupational environmentsPublication . Fernandes, Lénia Oliveira; Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Sá, Susana França de; Tavares, Emília; Roldão, Élia; Viegas, CarlaMicrobiological degradation is an issue affecting colour photograph collections, also potentially hazardous to those working with these collections, especially in the long term. After collection surveys, the photographs and occupational environments of three institutions in Portugal were assessed for comparison. This study aimed to characterise microorganisms causing deterioration of collections and their associated environments, and to assess potential health implications for cultural heritage professionals.
- O ortoptista na prevenção da saúde visual nas equipas de saúde localPublication . Lino, Pedro Miguel; Poças, Ilda Maria; Louro, SandraExiste uma grande assimetria no acesso aos cuidados de saúde entre os países desenvolvidos (PD) e os países em desenvolvimento (PED), onde se incluem as Comunidades dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP). Desta assimetria destacam-se as condições económicas dos PED, a má acessibilidade e as desigualdades no acesso aos cuidados de saúde. Portugal apresenta cerca de 70–90 oftalmologistas por milhão de habitantes, Espanha aproximadamente 71 por milhão e França cerca de 90 por milhão. Nos Estados Unidos, a densidade é também relativamente alta, rondando os 59 por milhão. Em contraste, os países africanos estudados mostram uma escassez marcada de profissionais: Cabo Verde tem cerca de 8 por milhão, a África do Sul aproximadamente 6 por milhão e Moçambique apresenta uma das densidades mais baixas do continente, com apenas cerca de 1 oftalmologista por milhão de habitantes. Numa tentativa de minimizar esta carência nos cuidados de saúde da visão, deslocam-se dos PD equipas de oftalmologistas em curtos períodos de tempo, com o objetivo de tratar os casos de cegueira evitável nas diferentes faixas etárias. Estas missões têm ainda como objetivo formar, em contexto real, equipas de saúde locais. Estudos efectuados revelam que a formação e a experiência do observador são fundamentais para o sucesso dos programas de rastreio. O ortoptista é o profissional de excelência para a realização de atividades de rastreio visual em todas as faixas etárias, dado o seu amplo conhecimento técnico-científico na área das ciências da visão.
- Avaliação motora, sensorial e torsional na parésia congénira do IV nervo craniano: relato de casoPublication . Lino, Pedro Miguel; Silva, Joana; Macedo, Martim; Sousa, Sofia; Mota, Armandina; Teixeira, FilipaA parésia do IV nervo craniano constitui uma causa frequente de diplopia vertical e estrabismo incomitante, resultante da disfunção do músculo grande oblíquo e consequente desequilíbrio da motilidade ocular. A forma congénita é particularmente relevante em idade pediátrica, podendo manifestar-se por hipertropia, diplopia vertical e torsional, posição viciosa da cabeça (PVC) e limitação da depressão em adução. O diagnóstico é essencialmente clínico, baseando-se na avaliação motora, sensorial e torsional, sendo a manobra de Bielschowsky um elemento fundamental, podendo ser complementado por exames de imagem quando necessário. A avaliação detalhada destas alterações é importante para o diagnóstico diferencial e orientação terapêutica, como a correção prismática ou intervenção cirúrgica, de acordo com a etiologia e o impacto funcional.
- The dark side of wood shavings: One Health intervention to meet the Sustainable Development Goals on sawmills and poultriesPublication . Gomes, Bianca; Dias, Marta; Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Viegas, CarlaDepending on the type of wood being processed and the manufacturing technology used, the composition of airborne microflora in sawmills varies substantially. The airborne microflora can be linked to contaminated wood shavings, which are one of the potential pollutants that have an impact on poultry production. The connection through contaminated wood shavings between sawmills and poultries is evident, such as all the adverse effects caused by it, which can influence not only animals’ health but also workers’ health and the environment. Taking into consideration the microbial profile and the toxicological potential of wood materials used by sawmills and applied in poultry pavilions as bedding material, this poster intends to promote discussion in order to achieve the SDGs through the application of a One Health intervention.
- Aspergillus fumigatus prevalence on poultry farms: health concerns in a climate change eraPublication . Gomes, Bianca; Dias, Marta; Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Viegas, CarlaThe global temperature is rising, promoting the growth of numerous pathogenic fungi that quickly adapt to the new environment, becoming more virulent and dangerous. Aspergillus fumigatus, one of the most common human pathogens, has already been observed in poultry farms. These settings have been spotted as a potential source of fungal pathogens, causing infections. Little is known about how temperature affects the spatial and temporal distributions of microbial populations, particularly human fungal pathogens. This study aims to identify variations in Aspergillus sections in air samples from poultry pavilions at different temperatures (27ºC and 37ºC to assess pathogenic potential).
- The role of wood shavings in the spread of Aspergillus section Fumigati: from carpentry environments to zoonosis risks in poultry farmsPublication . Dias, Marta; Gomes, Bianca; Viegas, Susana; Viegas, CarlaWood dust is not solely an occupational hazard for carpenters, since this material is commonly used as bedding for the poultry industry. Wood shavings are among the various contaminants affecting poultry production and may be a reservoir of pathogens. Thus, wood-based litter might contribute to a potential risk of zoonosis. Aspergillus section Fumigati is included in the fungal priority pathogens list published by the World Health Organization and has already been detected in woodworking environments. This study aims to perform a contamination assessment of Aspergillus section Fumigati in both carpentries and poultries.
- Variants of the PKLR gene are associated with rates of hospitalization in Angolan children with sickle cell anemiaPublication . Manco, Licínio; Santos, Brígida; Faustino, Paula; Ginete, Catarina; Brito, Miguel; Arez, Ana PaulaBackground: Sickle cell anemia (SCA), caused by the c.20 A > T (p.Glu6Val) mutation in the HBB gene, is one of the most prevalent hereditary diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. Patients with the HbSS genotype exhibit variable phenotypic expressions and disease severity, often reflected in hospitalization rates. Reduced activity of pyruvate kinase (PKR, gene: PKLR), a key enzyme in glycolysis, impacts SCA pathophysiology through 2,3-DPG accumulation and ATP deficit. This study analyzed the association of three PKLR variants with hospitalization and clinical parameters in Angolan children with SCA. Material and methods: Sixty-three SCA children (3–12 years) were monitored in a prospective study (2019–2022). Polymorphisms rs8177970 and rs3020781 (intron 3) and rs1052177 (3' UTR) in the PKLR gene were analyzed via PCR-RFLP. Allele frequencies and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were assessed using Arlequin 3.5, and SPSS 27 was used for statistical analyses. Association studies were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, combining heterozygous and homozygous individuals for the minor allele into a single group. Results: Minor allele frequencies for rs8177970, rs3020781, and rs1052177 were 0.214, 0.221, and 0.377, respectively, with all genotype distributions consistent with the HWE. Polymorphism rs1052177 was significantly associated with hospitalization rates (p = 0.025), while rs8177970 showed a near-significant association (p = 0.068). No associations were found with hematological parameters. Conclusion: This study, conducted in SCA children from Angola, found potential links between two PKLR SNPs and hospitalization rates. The PKLR gene may act as a genetic modifier of the clinical progression of SCA, as these SNPs can affect gene expression levels.