Browsing by Author "Moreira, A."
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- Airborne bacteria and fungi in different indoor environments: levels and dose ratesPublication . Paciência, I.; Madureira, J.; Cavaleiro Rufo, J.; Aguiar, L.; Teixeira, João Paulo; Pinto, M.; Moreira, A.; de Oliveira Fernandes, E.The study aimed to: (i) quantify bacteria and fungi concentrations in 4 indoor environments; (ii) identify the recovered fungi; (iii) assess the impact of outdoor bacteria and fungi indoors; and (iv) estimate bacterial and fungal inhalation dose rates in children and elderly. Air samples were collected from 20 primary schools, 68 homes, 9 child day-care centres and 22 elderly care centres, with a microbiological air sampler using TSA and MEA culture media.
- Bacterial and fungal exposure in schools may influence asthma and allergy in childrenPublication . Cavaleiro Rufo, João; Madureira, J.; Paciência, I.; Aguiar, L.; Delgado, L.; Teixeira, J.P.; de Oliveira Fernandes, E.; Moreira, A.Development of allergic diseases may be regulated by microbial exposure. Children spend a lot of their time in schools, under an extensive diversity of biological agents, such as bacteria and fungi. This study aimed to characterize indoor air microbiological exposure in schools as a predictor of allergic sensitization and asthma in children.
- Exposure to emissions from cleaning products in primary schools: a test chamber studyPublication . Cavaleiro Rufo, João; Madureira, J.; Paciência, I.; Sousa, J.; Oliveira Fernandes, E.; Slezakova, K.; Pereira, M.C.; Aguiar, L.; Teixeira, J.P.; Pinto, M.; Delgado, L.; Moreira, A.The aim of this study was to investigate volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from floor cleaning products (FCPs) used in primary schools and compare them with emissions from a previously recognised low-emitting product (control sample). Samples of FCPs used in 3 primary schools and a control sample were collected and subsequently examined in a test chamber. Measurements were performed at t = 0, 60, 120, 240 and 480 min after application. The analysis was performed by GC-MS. The results showed that VOC emissions were higher during t = 0 than in the subsequent measurements, with the exception of benzaldehyde and benzene, being significant for toluene and m/p-xylene. VOC emissions from the control FCP were not significantly lower than the schools FCPs. To prevent the exposure of children to VOCs, the school cleaning should be performed at the end of the classes.
- How indoor air quality changed in primary schools: a 4 years follow-up studyPublication . Cavaleiro Rufo, J.; Madureira, J.; Paciência, I.; Aguiar, L.; Teixeira, J.P.; Slezakova, K.; do Carmo Pereira, M.; Pinto, M.; Moreira, A.; de Oliveira Fernandes, E.The aim of this study was to assess if IAQ in primary schools improved in 4 years as a result of adopting the SINPHONIE guideline-based recommendations.
- Hyperprolinemia as a clue in the diagnosis of a patient with a psychiatric disorderPublication . Duarte, M.; Moreira, A.; Antunes, D.; Ferreira, Cristina; Correia, Hildeberto; Sequeira, S.; Marques, M.Background: Over the last few years, microdeletions of the 22q11.2 region responsible for DiGeorge syndrome, or velocardiofacial syndrome, have been increasingly related to neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. These signs seem to be related to certain genes located in the hemideleted region as the proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and the catecholo-methyltransferase (COMT) genes. The PRODH or proline oxidase deficiency is responsible for hyperprolinemia type 1 (HPI) also causing psychiatric manifestations. Case Report: We describe a 17 year old boy with previous mild psychomotor and speech delay, mild cognitive impairment, and obsessive behaviours who started his adolescent psychiatric care presenting irritablemood and aggressive behaviour with schizophrenia symptoms that scored a “severely ill” level PANSS assessment. Symptoms got worse when he was treated with valproic acid and plasma aminoacids showing increase in alanine and proline, suggested a mitochondrial involvement of the proline metabolic pathway. Results: Mild dysmorphia suggested a possible 22q11.2 deletion genetically confirmed involving both the PRODH and COMT regions. HPI that can present with psychiatric features is however a recessive disorder and therefore the symptoms could not be solely explained by this genetic deletion. Additional investigations also showed disclosed a p.L289m (c.1865 T > A) mutation in the PRODH gene. Discussion: We believe that the association of this mutation together with the 22q11.2 deletion would lead to a decrease of functional protein. Although it may be difficult to diagnosis chromosomal abnormalities in patients with no clear malformations and mild dysmorphic features as in this patient we emphasize need to investigate the aetiology in patients with psychiatric symptoms, especially if they have other systemic manifestations such as developmental delay or psychotic symptoms, as it may be important in the management of the patients.
- Rapid response Task Force: addressing the detection of Aedes albopictus in Lisbon, PortugalPublication . Grau-Pujol, B.; Moreira, A.; Vieira Martins, J; Costa Osório, H; Ribeiro, L.; Dinis, A.; Sousa, C.; Alves, M. João; Leite, P. Pinto; Vasconcelos, P.Issue: The invasive Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are spreading in southern Europe and pose a heightened risk of mosquito-borne diseases, like Dengue and Chikungunya. On September 2023, A. albopictus was first identified in Lisbon through community-based surveillance and a multidisciplinary national Task Force (TF) was convened. Description of the problem: The TF included experts in epidemiology, entomology, environmental health, laboratory diagnosis, prevention and control and communication. The objectives were to i) confirm A.albopictus presence in Lisbon and adjust the risk assessment, ii) raise awareness and prevent mosquitoes’ spread, iii) revise national guidelines on arboviruses surveillance and control. During September-December 2023, the National Network for Vectors Surveillance (REVIVE) and the Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Institute sampled mosquito-prone habitats within 2km-radius of the detection point using QGIS software. They used snowball sampling to identify any new foci. They placed ovitraps for ongoing surveillance and conducted morphological analysis and xenomonitoring for pathogen DNA and RNA detection at the national reference laboratory. Results: By November 2023, A.albopictus was detected in two new foci. No mosquitoes tested positive for arboviruses, and no autochthonous cases of mosquito-borne diseases were identified. The TF developed national guidelines for vector prevention and control and awareness for arboviruses and trained municipality workers. To raise awareness, we communicated with experts and the public through existing channels and media. As of April 2024, no new foci have been detected. Lessons: Community-based surveillance and REVIVE approach were crucial for invasive A.albopictus detection and monitoring in Lisbon. Rapid multidisciplinary TF coordination may have been key for timely vector control.
- The impact of an acute exercise challenge on DNA damage: an human interventionPublication . Duarte, A.; Abreu, A.; Silva, D.; Carvalho, J.; Montanha, T.; Moreira, A.; Teixeira, J. P.; Costa, C.Even though it is commonly accepted that a regular physical activity along with a healthy diet brings positive health-related outcomes, it also seems to be related to several alterations in the human metabolism, organs, cells and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Indeed, there is consistent evidence supporting that above a certain level of intensity and duration, exercise may induce an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was to analyse the immediate impact of an acute exercise challenge on human’s DNA damage, taking into account their individual characteristics and fitness levels.