Browsing by Author "Pinto, Mariana"
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- Exposure of children to ultrafine particles in primary schools in PortugalPublication . Rufo, João Cavaleiro; Madureira, Joana; Paciência, Inês; Slezakova, Klara; Pereira, Maria do Carmo; Pereira, Cristiana; Teixeira, João Paulo; Pinto, Mariana; Moreira, André; Fernandes, Eduardo de OliveiraChildren spend a large part of their time at schools, which might be reflected as chronic exposure. Ultrafine particles (UFP) are generally associated with a more severe toxicity compared to fine and coarse particles, due to their ability to penetrate cell membranes. In addition, children tend to be more susceptible to UFP-mediated toxicity compared to adults, due to various factors including undeveloped immune and respiratory systems and inhalation rates. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine indoor UFP number concentrations in Portuguese primary schools. Ultrafine particles were sampled between January and March 2014 in 10 public primary schools (35 classrooms) located in Porto, Portugal. Overall, the average indoor UFP number concentrations were not significantly different from outdoor concentrations (8.69 × 10(3) vs. 9.25 × 10(3) pt/cm(3), respectively; considering 6.5 h of indoor occupancy). Classrooms with distinct characteristics showed different trends of indoor UFP concentrations. The levels of carbon dioxide were negatively correlated with indoor UFP concentrations. Occupational density was significantly and positively correlated with UFP concentrations. Although the obtained results need to be interpreted with caution since there are no guidelines for UFP levels, special attention needs to be given to source control strategies in order to reduce major particle emissions and ensure good indoor air quality.
- Implementation of Internal Quality Control in Clinical Laboratories of Portuguese Speaking CountriesPublication . Pinto, Mariana; Viegas, Silvia; Miranda, Armandina; Vieira, Cristina; Fernandes, Lília; Constantino, José; Alvim, Marta; Leal, Silvânia; dos Santos, Menilita; Rodrigues, Nádia; da Luz, Maria; Martinello, Flávia; Pimenta, Manuela; Faria, AnaProMeQuaLab (Laboratory Quality Improvement Project for Portuguese Speaking Countries) is an ongoing project started in 2015 aiming to improve the quality of laboratory results in Portuguese Speaking countries ( It focuses on training in laboratory quality control, implementation and monitoring of quality indicators, and the organisation of a biennial congress. In 2023 within the scope of ProMeQuaLab and in collaboration with the National Health Institute Doctor Ricardo Jorge ( and the Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Lisbon, the Master's thesis "Development of tools and documentation for implementation of laboratory Quality Control in Portuguese Speaking countries" is being carried out. AIMS: Development and application tools for implementation of Internal Quality Control in the areas of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, in PLP laboratories, from February to August 2023
- Meal-exercise challenge and physical activity reduction impact on immunity and inflammation (MERIIT trial)Publication . Silva, Diana; Moreira, Rita; Sokhatska, Oksana; Beltrão, Marília; Montanha, Tiago; Garcia-Larsen, Vanessa; Villegas, Rodrigo; Severo, Milton; Pizarro, Andreia; Pinto, Mariana; Martins, Carla; Duarte, Ana; Delgado, Luís; Rufo, João; Paciência, Inês; Teixeira, João Paulo; Costa, Carla; Moreira, Pedro; Carvalho, Joana; Moreira, AndréThe effect of a pre-exercise meal as countermeasure to exercise induced immunodepression is poorly known. Also, sedentary behavior is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk but studies on immune changes are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to assess: 1) the impact of a pre-exercise Mediterranean meal (MdM) compared with a fast-food type meal (FFM) on exercise-induced immunological changes and 2) the impact of an induced acute period of sedentary behavior on neuro-immune-endocrine status.
- The Impact of Indoor Exposure to Fungi and Bacteria on the Risk of Sensitization and Asthma in ChildrenPublication . Cavaleiro Rufo, João; Madureira, Joana; Paciência, Inês; Aguiar, Lívia; Padrão, Patrícia; Pinto, Mariana; Delgado, Luísa; Moreira, Pedro; Teixeira, João Paulo; Oliveira Fernandes, Eduardo; Moreira, AndréAim: To characterize indoor air microbiological exposure in schools as a predictor of allergic sensitization and asthma in children.