Percorrer por autor "Costa, Solange"
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- Air pollution: a public health approach for PortugalPublication . Torres, Pedro; Ferreira, Joana; Monteiro, Alexandra; Costa, Solange; Pereira, Maria Carmo; Madureira, Joana; Mendes, Ana; Teixeira, João PauloAt the global level, several epidemiological studies have conclusively pointed out the associations between short-term exposure to air pollution and acute health effects, and long-term exposure with adverse health effects such as premature mortality from severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This study intended to characterize exposures and their adverse health effects. Three independent sets of vectors were analyzed on a nationwide level and annual basis: air pollutant emissions, ambient air concentrations and health indicators of the period 2009 to 2015. The emissions analysis, for the studied pollutants, pointed out the main findings: (i) Lisbon Metropolitan Area presents the most problematic region with regard to the emissions of all the pollutants under study; (ii) the regions of the Alentejo and Algarve showed reduced emissions of the studied pollutants compared to other parts of the country; (iii) Northern regions PM10 concentrations decreased during the two years in analysis. Regarding the analysis of air quality, it was concluded that: (i) regarding ozone, concentration shown a decreasing trend throughout the country; (ii) nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, concentrations demonstrated an increasing trend in most of the northern part of the country; (iii) the regions of Alentejo and Lisbon Metropolitan Area showed increasing trends for sulfur dioxide and fine particles for the evaluated period. Decreasing trends in mortality associated with cardiovascular and respiratory causes are found mainly in the Alentejo and Algarve regions. In comparison, the North, Central regions, as well as, Lisbon Metropolitan Area exhibited higher mortality values related to this health indicators.
- Applicability of EU(7)-PIM criteria in cross-national studies in European countriesPublication . Fialová, Daniela; Brkić, Jovana; Laffon, Blanca; Reissigová, Jindra; Grešáková, Silvia; Dogan, Soner; Doro, Peter; Tasić, Ljiljana; Marinković, Valentina; Valdiglesias, Vanessa; Costa, Solange; Kostřiba, JanBackground: The European Union (EU)(7)-PIM (potentially inappropriate medication) list presents the most comprehensive and up-to-date tool for evaluation of PIM prescribing in Europe; however, several country-specific studies have documented lower specificity of this list on pharmaceutical markets of some countries. The aim of our study was to describe approval rates and marketing of PIMs stated by EU(7)-PIM criteria in six EU countries [in comparison with the American Geriatric Society (AGS) Beers 2015 criteria]. Methods: Research teams of six EU countries (Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Hungary and Turkey) participated in this study conducted by WG1b EU COST Action IS1402 group in the period October 2015-November 2018. Data on approval rates of PIMs and their availability on pharmaceutical markets have been obtained from databases of national drug-regulatory institutes and up-to-date drug compendia. The EU(7)-PIM list and AGS Beers 2015 Criteria (Section 1) were applied. Results: PIMs from EU(7)-PIM list were approved for clinical use more often than those from the AGS Beers 2015 criteria (Section 1). Approval rates for EU(7)-PIMs ranged from 42.8% in Serbia to 71.4% in Spain (for AGS criteria only from 36.4% to 65.1%, respectively). Higher percentages of approved PIMs were documented in Spain (71.4%), Portugal (67.1%) and Turkey (67.5%), lower in Hungary (55.5%), Czech Republic (50.2%) and Serbia (42.8%). The majority of approved PIMs were also currently marketed in all countries except in Turkey (19.8-21.7% not marketed PIMs) and less than 20% of PIMs were available as over-the-counter medications (except in Turkey, 46.4-48.1%). Conclusions: The EU(7)-PIM list was created for utilization in European studies; however, applicability of this list is still limited in some countries, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe. The EU project EUROAGEISM H2020 (2017-2021) that focuses on PIM prescribing and regulatory measures in Central and Eastern European countries must consider these limits.
- Are iron oxide nanoparticles safe? Current knowledge and future perspectivesPublication . Valdiglesias, Vanessa; Fernández-Bertólez, Natalia; Kiliç, Gözde; Costa, Carla; Costa, Solange; Fraga, Sonia; Bessa, Maria Joao; Pásaro, Eduardo; Teixeira, João Paulo; Laffon, BlancaDue to their unique physicochemical properties, including superparamagnetism, iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) have a number of interesting applications, especially in the biomedical field, that make them one of the most fascinating nanomaterials. They are used as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, in targeted drug delivery, and for induced hyperthermia cancer treatments. Together with these valuable uses, concerns regarding the onset of unexpected adverse health effects following exposure have been also raised. Nevertheless, despite the numerous ION purposes being explored, currently available information on their potential toxicity is still scarce and controversial data have been reported. Although ION have traditionally been considered as biocompatible - mainly on the basis of viability tests results - influence of nanoparticle surface coating, size, or dose, and of other experimental factors such as treatment time or cell type, has been demonstrated to be important for ION in vitro toxicity manifestation. In vivo studies have shown distribution of ION to different tissues and organs, including brain after passing the blood-brain barrier; nevertheless results from acute toxicity, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity investigations in different animal models do not provide a clear overview on ION safety yet, and epidemiological studies are almost inexistent. Much work has still to be done to fully understand how these nanomaterials interact with cellular systems and what, if any, potential adverse health consequences can derive from ION exposure.
- Assessment of DNA damage in a group of professional dancers during a 10-month dancing seasonPublication . Esteves, Filipa; Teixeira, Eduardo; Amorim, Tânia; Costa, Carla; Pereira, Cristiana Costa; Fraga, Sónia; Moraes de Andrade, Vanessa; Teixeira, João Paulo; Costa, SolangeIntroduction: Professional dance is an activity with high artistic and physical demands. Requires physical athletic attributes such as muscular strength, endurance, coordination, agility and swiftness. Regular physical activity brings a lot of positive health-related outcomes. Reduce the risk of numerous health disorders like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, bone and joint diseases and it is responsible to maintain a numerous psychosocial benefits. However, intensive physical exercise is associated with an increased production of free radicals that may overcome the antioxidant system capacity to maintain homeostasis and may react with different biomolecules, e.g. deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), inducing oxidative damage that may disturb the cell genomic integrity and cause a lot of diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate both DNA damage and oxidative stress in a group of professional dancers before and after a 10-month dancing season
- Assessment of DNA damage in a group of professional dancers during a 10-month dancing seasonPublication . Esteves, Filipa; Teixeira, Eduardo; Amorim, Tânia; Costa, Carla; Pereira, Cristiana Costa; Fraga, Sónia; Moraes de Andrade, Vanessa; Teixeira, João Paulo; Costa, SolangeDespite the numerous health benefits of physical activity, some studies reported that increased intensity and duration may induce oxidative stress in several cellular components including DNA. The aim of this study was to assess the level of basal DNA damage as well as oxidative DNA damage in a group of professional dancers before and after a 10-month dancing season. A group of individuals from general population was also assessed as a control. The alkaline version of the comet assay was the method selected to measure both basal DNA damage and oxidative stress, since this method quantifies both endpoints. In order to measure oxidative stress, the comet assay was coupled with a lesion-specific endonuclease (formamidopyrimidine glycosylase) to detect oxidized purines. The levels of oxidative DNA damage in dancers were significantly increased after the dancing season. Pre-season levels of oxidative DNA damage were lower in dancers than those obtained from the general population, suggesting an adaptation of antioxidant system in dancers. Results of the present biomonitoring study indicate the need for more effective measures to protect ballet dancers from potentially occupational health risks related to regular intensive physical exercise.
- Assessment of health benefits related to air quality improvement strategies in urban areas: An Impact Pathway ApproachPublication . Silveira, Carlos; Roebeling, Peter; Lopes, Myriam; Ferreira, Joana; Costa, Solange; Teixeira, João Paulo; Borrego, Carlos; Miranda, Ana I.Air pollution is, increasingly, a concern to our society given the threats to human health and the environment. Concerted actions to improve air quality have been taken at different levels, such as through the development of Air Quality Plans (AQPs). However, air quality impacts associated with the implementation of abatement measures included in AQPs are often neglected. In order to identify the major gaps and strengths in current knowledge, a literature review has been performed on existing methodologies to estimate air pollution-related health impacts and subsequent external costs. Based on this review, the Impact Pathway Approach was adopted and applied within the context of the MAPLIA research project to assess the health impacts and benefits (or avoided external costs) derived from improvements in air quality. Seven emission abatement scenarios, based on individual and combined abatement measures, were tested for the major activity sectors (traffic, residential and industrial combustion and production processes) of a Portuguese urban area (Grande Porto) with severe particular matter (PM10) air pollution problems. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between population density and health benefits obtained from the assessed reduction scenarios. As a consequence, potential health benefits from reduction scenarios are largest in densely populated areas with high anthropic activity and, thus, where air pollution problems are most alarming. Implementation of all measures resulted in a reduction in PM10 emissions by almost 8%, improving air quality by about 1% and contributing to a benefit of 8.8 million V/year for the entire study domain. The introduction of PM10 reduction technologies in industrial units was the most beneficial abatement measure. This study intends to contribute to policy support for decision-making on air quality management.
- Assessment of Potential Health Risks of Portuguese Wildland Firefighters’ Occupational Exposure: Biomonitoring ApproachPublication . Esteves, Filipa; Madureira, Joana; Teixeira, João Paulo; Costa, SolangeIntroduction: Worldwide, forest fires are among the most common forms of natural disasters. In the closing years of the last century, there was an increase in the burned area in some parts of the globe, including Europe. Portugal has been particularly affected by large forest fires and mega fires, which have been occurred mainly in the central and northern regions. The proximity of firefighters to fire exposes them to high levels of toxic compounds making this occupation one of the most dangerous and leading International Agency for Research on Cancer to classified occupational firefighting activity as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Up to date, the existing studies are mainly focused on environmental monitoring, existing limited information regarding biomonitoring assessments during real scenarios of wildland fires combat. This study aims to evaluate the impact of firefighting occupational exposure at molecular and cellular levels, considering personal exposure levels. Early-effect biomarkers (e.g., micronucleus, DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage) will be analyzed in order to understand the mechanisms of action through which woodsmoke may impact firefighters' health, including the risk of cancer. Methodology: This ongoing prospective longitudinal study will comprise three different stages, specifically pre-exposure, exposure, and post-exposure to fire season. Around 200 wildland northern Portuguese firefighters will be involved in this study. Characterization of the study population will be conducted via questionnaires. Firefighters' personal exposure levels will be assessed by means of metabolites in exhaled breath, using an artificial olfactory system (e-nose technology). Buccal and urine samples will be used to measure genomic instability through a micronucleus test in buccal epithelial cells and urothelial cells. DNA damage and oxidative DNA damage will be evaluated in peripheral blood lymphocytes using the comet assay. Statistical analysis will be performed to determine the relationship between personal exposure levels to toxic compounds and the early-effect biomarkers over the three different phases of the study. Expected results: The obtained results will support a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of occupational risks among wildland firefighters, crucial to prevent/reduce the associated health impacts. This work will contribute to the establishment of recommendations/good practices to improve firefighters' working conditions, allowing better definitions of policies and prevention strategies highly needed in this sector.
- Association between cognitive reserve proxies and frailty phenotype: data from UK BiobankPublication . Lorenzo-López, Laura; Cibeira, Nuria; Hemadeh, Ali; López-López, Rocío; Lema-Arranz, Carlota; Maseda, Ana; Fernández-Bertólez, Natalia; Costa, Solange; Pásaro, Eduardo; Valdiglesias, Vanessa; Millán-Calenti, José C; Laffon, BlancaA potential protective role of cognitive reserve proxies against frailty has been suggested in older adults. We explored the cross-sectional association between cognitive reserve indicators and frailty phenotype. Data were obtained from the UK Biobank. We included 31,975 dementia-free participants aged ≥ 60 years (50.7% females, 2.2% frail) who completed a web-based cognitive assessment (fluid intelligence, working memory, visuospatial attention and processing speed, and executive functioning). Frailty was defined according to the Fried's phenotype (unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slowness, and weakness). Participants meeting three or more criteria were classified as frail. Cognitive performance was compared between nonfrail and frail groups, and regression models were employed to analyze the associations between cognitive reserve proxies (education, skill level of occupation, social support, and multiple deprivation index (MDI)) and the likelihood of frailty. Frail and nonfrail groups significantly differed on cognitive function, with frail individuals demonstrating poorer performance on all cognitive functions (all p < .05) except fluid intelligence. Regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for age and sex, a lower educational level (odds ratio (OR) .797, 95% confidence interval (CI) .673-.944, p = .009), having maintained occupations with low cognitive requirements (OR .790, 95% CI .668-.936, p = .006), having less social support (OR .755, 95% CI .631-.903, p = .002), and living in a region with a high rate of multiple deprivation (OR 1.025, 95% CI 1.019-1.031, p < .001), significantly increased the probability of experiencing frailty. Our findings support the relationship between declined cognitive functions and frailty emphasizing the importance of implementing public health measures to enhance cognitive reserve.
- Association of inflammatory biomarkers with physical and cognitive frailty in a Spanish population of older adultsPublication . Lema-Arranz, Carlota; Hemadeh, Ali; Fernández-Bertólez, Natalia; Cibeira, Nuria; López-López, Rocío; Costa, Solange; Millán-Calenti, José Carlos; Lorenzo-López, Laura; Valdiglesias, Vanessa; Laffon, BlancaFrailty is a multifactorial geriatric syndrome characterized by increased vulnerability to stressors and associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been proposed as a key pathophysiological mechanism underlying physical frailty, although its role in cognitive frailty remains undefined. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the relationship between frailty status, both physical and cognitive, and plasma concentrations of six inflammatory biomarkers-C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), soluble TNF-α receptor type II (sTNF-RII), high-temperature requirement serine protease A1 (HTRA1), and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15)-in a cohort of Spanish older adults (N = 150, ≥ 65 years old), classified according to Fried's frailty phenotype and frailty index. The results showed notable differences between frailty phenotype and frailty index, and highlighted CRP, TNF-α, sTNF-RII, and GDF15 as key biomarkers significantly associated with physical frailty status, with CRP and TNF-α also discriminating pre-frail individuals. sTNF-RII stood out for its high predictive capacity, while GDF15 added value as an indicator of sustained cellular stress. Regarding cognitive frailty, CRP, TNF-α, and GDF15 displayed significant associations with this condition. sTNF-RII and HTRA1, scarcely studied in this context, showed promising and significant associations (specific for cognitive frailty in the case of HTRA1) that justify their inclusion in future research aimed at better understanding the inflammatory mechanisms involved in cognitive frailty.
- Association of inflammatory mediators with frailty status in older adults: results from a systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Marcos-Pérez, Diego; Sánchez-Flores, María; Proietti, Stefania; Bonassi, Stefano; Costa, Solange; Teixeira, Joao Paulo; Fernández-Tajes, Juan; Pásaro, Eduardo; Laffon, Blanca; Valdiglesias, VanessaFrailty is a geriatric syndrome defined as a status of extreme vulnerability to stressors, leading to a higher risk of negative health-related outcomes. "Inflammaging", an age-related state of low-grade chronic inflammation, is characterized by an increased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins. Inflammaging has been postulated as an underlying mechanism of frailty, and several studies tested the relationship between frailty and concentration of inflammatory mediators. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to test whether inflammatory mediators are overproduced in frail older adults. Among the 758 articles identified in the literature search, 50 were included in the systematic review, and 39 in the three meta-analyses, i.e., C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6), and tumor necrosis factor α. To reduce heterogeneity, meta-analyses were restricted to studies identifying frailty by the Fried et al. [1] [J. Gerontol. A. Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. 56, M146-56] phenotypic criteria. Quantitative analyses measuring the association between frailty and biomarker concentrations showed significant differences when frail subjects were compared to non-frail and pre-frail subjects for CRP and IL6. This work established strong association between inflammatory biomarkers and frailty, confirming the role of age-related chronic inflammation in frailty development.