Browsing by Author "Silva, S."
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- 3rd HBM-PT Workshop on Human BioMonitoring in Portugal - earlyMYCO: assessing the risk associated to early-life exposure to mycotoxins: Book of abstractsPublication . Assunção, Ricardo; Alvito, Paula; Ferreira, M.; Bastos, P.; Nunes, C.; De Boevre, Marthe; Duarte, E.; Nunes, B.; Namorado, S.; Silva, S.; Pires, S.; Martins, C.Livro de resumos do 3rd HBM-PT Workshop on Human BioMonitoring in Portugal sob o tema “Risk Assessment”, abrangendo trabalhos em torno das seguintes temáticas: Exposição a produtos químicos e efeitos na saúde humana; Influência da mudança do ambiente na exposição humana a produtos químicos; Integração de dados de monitorização humana e ambiental; Tradução dos dados de biomonitorização humana em ações regulamentares sobre saúde humana e ambiental. O evento pretende reunir investigadores, representantes de instituições reguladoras e restantes stakeholders, promovendo o debate sobre a aplicação da biomonitorização humana nas políticas de saúde e ambiente, bem como na avaliação de risco para a saúde e possibilitando a apresentação de resultados, na forma de comunicações orais e/ou e-posters. Este workshop é organizado pela National Hub portuguesa em Biomonitorização Humana, constituída no âmbito do programa europeu conjunto HBM4EU - European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (https://www.hbm4eu.eu/), da qual fazem parte a FCT, a Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente, a Direção-Geral da Saúde, o Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, a Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa e a Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa.
- Biomonitoring of several toxic metal(loid)s in different biological matrices from environmentally and occupationally exposed populations from Panasqueira mine area, PortugalPublication . Coelho, P.; Costa, S.; Costa, C.; Silva, S.; Walter, A.; Ranville, J.; Pastorinho, M.R.; Harrington, C.; Taylor, A.; Dall'Armi, V.; Zoffoli, R.; Candeias, C.; da Silva, E.F.; Bonassi, S.; Laffon, B.; Teixeira, João PauloIn the Panasqueira mine area of central Portugal, some environmental media show higher metal(loid) concentrations when compared with the local geochemical background and the values proposed in the literature for these environmental media. In order to evaluate the effect of the external contamination on selected indexes of internal dose, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, S, Se, Si, and Zn were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry in blood, urine, hair and nail samples from individuals environmentally (N = 41) and occupationally exposed (N = 41). A matched control group (N = 40) was also studied, and data from the three groups were compared. Results obtained agreed with those reported by environmental studies performed in this area, pointing to populations living nearby and working in the mine being exposed to metal(loid)s originated from mining activities. Arsenic was the element with the highest increase in exposed populations. The concentration of other elements such as Cr, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, S, Se, and Zn was also increased, although at a lesser extent, specifically in the individuals environmentally exposed and in females. These findings confirm the need for competent authorities to act as soon as possible in this area and implement strategies aimed to protect exposed populations and the entire ecosystem.
- Cardiovascular risk profile of high school students: A cross-sectional studyPublication . Rocha, T.; Rocha, E.; Alves, A.C.; Medeiros, A.M.; Francisco, V.; Silva, S.; Mendes Gaspar, I.; Rato, Q.; Bourbon, M.INTRODUCTION: Disease prevention should begin in childhood and lifestyles are important risk determinants of cardiovascular disease. Awareness and monitoring of risk is essential in preventive strategies. AIM: To characterize cardiovascular risk and the relationships between certain variables in adolescents. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 854 adolescent schoolchildren were surveyed, mean age 16.3±0.9 years. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examination, charts for 10-year relative risk of mortality, and biochemical assays. In the statistical analysis continuous variables were studied by the Student's t test and categorical variables by the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, and each risk factor was entered as a dependent variable in logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Physical activity was insufficient in 81% of students. The daily consumption of soup, salad or vegetables, and fruit was, respectively, 37%, 39% and 21%. A minority (6%) took ≤3 and 77% took ≥5 meals a day. The prevalence of each risk factor was as follows: overweight 16%; smoking 13%; hypertension 11%; impaired glucose metabolism 9%; hypertriglyceridemia 9%; and hypercholesterolemia 5%. Out-of-school physical activity, hypertension and overweight were more prevalent in males (p<0.001). Females had higher levels of cholesterol (p<0.005) and triglycerides (p<0.001). A quarter of the adolescents had a relative risk score for 10-year cardiovascular mortality of ≥2. Overweight showed a positive association with blood pressure, changes in glucose metabolism and triglycerides, and a negative association with number of daily meals. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the need for action in providing and encouraging healthy choices for adolescents, with an emphasis on behavioral and lifestyle changes aimed at individuals, families and communities
- Cytogenetic and immunological effects of formaldehyde in a group of exposed workersPublication . Costa, S.; García-Lestón, J.; Coelho, M.; Coelho, P.; Costa, C.; Silva, S.; Porto, B.; Laffon, B.; Teixeira, João PauloFormaldehyde (FA) is a widely used industrial chemical for which exposure is associated with nasopharyngeal and sinonasal cancer. Based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from human investigations, supporting studies on mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis, and experimental evidence in animals, FA status was recently revised and reclassified as a human carcinogen. The highest level of exposure to FA occurs in occupational settings. Although several studies reported FA ability to induce genotoxic responses in exposed workers, not all findings were conclusive. In addition, published studies on the immunological effects of FA indicate that this compound may be able to modulate immune responses, although data in exposed subjects are still preliminary. In this study a group of pathology anatomy workers exposed to FA was evaluated for cytogenetic and immunological parameters. A control group with similar sociodemographic characteristics and without known occupational exposure to FA was also included. Genotoxicity was evaluated by means of micronucleus (MN) test, sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), and T-cell receptor (TCR) mutation assay. Percentages of different lymphocyte subpopulations were selected as immunotoxic biomarkers. The mean level of FA environmental exposure was 0.36 ± 0.03 ppm. MN and SCE frequencies were significantly increased in the exposed group. A significant decrease of the percentage of B cells in the exposed group was also found. Data obtained in this study indicate that genotoxic and immunotoxic increased risk due to FA occupational exposure cannot be excluded. Implementation of effective control measures along with hazard prevention campaigns may be crucial to decrease the risk.
- Detection of the Invasive Mosquito Species Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in PortugalPublication . Osório, H.C.; Zé-Zé, L.; Neto, M.; Silva, S.; Marques, F.; Silva, A.S.; Alves, M.J.The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito originating from the Asia-Pacific region. This species is of major concern to public and veterinary health because of its vector role in the transmission of several pathogens, such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika viruses. In Portugal, a National Vector Surveillance Network (REde de VIgilância de VEctores—REVIVE) is responsible for the surveillance of autochthonous, but also invasive, mosquito species at points of entry, such as airports, ports, storage areas, and specific border regions with Spain. At these locations, networks of mosquito traps are set and maintained under surveillance throughout the year. In September 2017, Ae. albopictus was detected for the first time in a tyre company located in the North of Portugal. Molecular typing was performed, and a preliminary phylogenetic analysis indicated a high similarity with sequences of Ae. albopictus collected in Europe. A prompt surveillance response was locally implemented to determine its dispersal and abundance, and adult mosquitoes were screened for the presence of arboviral RNA. A total of 103 specimens, 52 immatures and 51 adults, were collected. No pathogenic viruses were detected. Despite the obtained results suggest low abundance of the population locally introduced, the risk of dispersal and potential establishment of Ae. albopictus in Portugal has raised concern for autochthonous mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.
- earlyMYCO: assessing the risk associated to early-life exposure to mycotoxinsPublication . Assunção, Ricardo; Alvito, Paula; Ferreira, M.; Bastos, P.; Nunes, C.; De Boevre, Marthe; Duarte, E.; Nunes, B.; Namorado, S.; Silva, S.; Pires, S.; Martins, CarlaA number of health disorders has been associated to exposure to hazardous chemicals during the first 1000 days of life. Therefore, a proper risk assessment built on accurate data assumes particular im-portance to evaluate the potential impact that early-life exposure could represent in adulthood. Mycotox-ins are secondary fungal metabolites that might cause harmful effects in humans and animals. Recent studies showed that Portuguese young children are exposed to multiple mycotoxins through food con-sumption which could constitute a health concern. However, earlier exposure to these compounds re-mains unexplored. earlyMYCO – Early-life exposure to MYCOtoxins and its impact on health, a national funded project, intends to contribute to clarify this issue evaluating the health effects of early-life exposure of Portuguese mother-and-child pairs to mycotoxins and assessing the associated risk. The Estimated Daily Intake, using human biomonitoring data, will be compared with reference dose values. For those mycotoxins representing a health concern, an estimate of the associated probable health-impact will be performed by calculating the associated burden in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALY). Preliminary results of exposure to mycotoxins through food consumption (cereal-based foods) in young children (≤ 3 years old) revealed a potential adverse health effect for percentiles of intake of aflatoxins above or equal to P50 (corresponding to 0.041 ng/kg body weight/day or higher). Our results will contribute to reach an accurate risk assessment framework and to establish and prioritize preventive measures to reduce exposure to chemicals, especially for vulnerable population groups as pregnant women and infants.
- earlyMYCO: assessing the risk associated to the early-life exposure to mycotoxinsPublication . Assunção, R.; Martins, C.; Nunes, B.; Namorado, S.; Silva, S.; Pires, S.M.; Alvito, P.A number of health disorders, e.g. non-communicable diseases, has been associated to exposure with hazardous chemicals during the first 1000 days of life. In this context, a proper risk assessment built on accurate data assumes particular importance to evaluate the potential impact that early-life exposure could represent in adulthood. Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites that could produce harmful effects in humans and animals. These substances can be found in a variety of food products, and recent studies showed that Portuguese young children are exposed to multiple mycotoxins through food consumption which could constitute a health concern in this population group [1]. However, earlier exposure to these compounds remains unexplored. earlyMYCO – Early-life exposure to MYCOtoxins and its impact on health, a national funded project (PTDC/MED-TOX/28762/2017), intends to contribute to clarify this issue evaluating the health effects of early-life exposure of Portuguese mother-and-child pairs to mycotoxins and assessing the associated risk. The associated health risk will be characterized and the health impact assessed combining data from mother-and-child pairs, their exposure to mycotoxins and newly obtained toxicological data. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) will be compared with reference dose values. Preliminary results of exposure to mycotoxins through food consumption (cereal-based foods) in young children (≤ 3 years old) revealed a potential adverse health effect for percentiles of intake of aflatoxins above or equal to P50 (corresponding to 0.041 ng/kg body weight/day or higher). When finalized, our results will contribute to reach an accurate risk assessment framework and to establish and prioritize preventive measures to reduce exposure to chemicals and risk, especially for vulnerable population groups as pregnant women and infants. [1] R. Assunção, et. al., Food and Chemical Toxicology 118, 399–408 (2018).
- Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in human gastric epithelial cells in vitroPublication . Botelho, M.C.; Costa, C.; Silva, S.; Costa, S.; Dhawan, A.; Oliveira, P.A.; Teixeira, João PauloManufacturing or using nanomaterials may result in exposure of workers to nanoparticles. Potential routes of exposure include skin, lung and gastrointestinal tract. The lack of health-based standards for nanomaterials combined with their increasing use in many different workplaces and products emphasize the need for a reliable temporary risk assessment tool. Therefore, the aim of this work was to explore the effects of different doses of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on human gastric epithelial cells in vitro. We analyzed proliferation by MTT assay, apoptosis by Tunel, migration by injury assay, oxidative stress by determining GSH/GSSG ratio and DNA damage by Comet assay on nanoparticle-treated AGS human gastric epithelial cell line in comparison to controls. We show and discuss the tumor-like phenotypes of nanoparticles-exposed AGS cells in vitro, as increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis. Our results demonstrate for the first time that nanoparticles induce tumor-like phenotypes in human gastric epithelial cells.
- Exposure assessment of total DON in urine of Portuguese adult population under the HBM4EU aligned studiesPublication . Alvito, P.C.; Silva, M.J.; Viegas, S.; Vasco, E.; Martins, C.; Assunção, R.; Silva, S.; Gilles, L.; Govarts, E.; Schoeters, G.; Namorado, S.Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that can be found in food commodities. Exposure to mycotoxins has been associated with several adverse health effects, including hepatotoxicity. nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity.As such, from a public health perspective it is important to monitor and to assess the risk associated to mycotoxins’ exposure. In the scope of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), exposure to mycotoxins, namely to deoxynivalenol (DON) was analysed in adults from several European countries, including Portugal. Data was collected under the project “Exposure of the Portuguese Population to Environmental Chemicals: a study nested in INSEF 2015”. INSEF-ExpoQuim, was an epidemiological study nested in the first Portuguese Health Examination Survey (INSEF), that enrolled individuals aged 28–39 years, living in Portugal for more than 12 months and able to follow an interview in Portuguese. Fieldwork was developed between May 2019 and March 2020 and first morning urine samples were collected along with data on socio-demographic characteristics, living conditions and residential history, habits/ lifestyle, nutrition, health, occupation and substance specific information covering nearly all exposure pathways. Procedures followed the guidelines of HBM4EU. Total DON (sum of free DON + DONglucuronides after deconjugation) was determined in 295 urine samples by a qualified laboratory and using a harmonized analytical method. Results: showed that the Portuguese population was exposed to DON (mean = 9.8 mg/L; 95% CI: 8.7–10.9 mg/L). DON concentrations were significantly higher for samples collected in spring and summer. Individuals living in rural areas and with a lower education levels presented higher exposures to DON, as well as individuals with a higher bread consumption frequency (≥4 times per week). No differences were found regarding sex, age, occupation, income or consumption of other foods. Comparing this study’s data with the human biomonitoring guidance value (HBM-GV) determined for DON in the scope of HBM4EU (Total DON: 0.69 μg DON/kg bw/total 24 h ≈ 23 μg DON/L urine) 12.5% of the participants presented values above the HBM-GV. Overall, the results from this study showed that the Portuguese population is currently exposed to DON, with a significant proportion of individuals presenting exposures to values that warrant further assessment, including a close monitoring of exposure in the future and the development and implementation of policy measures aimed at minimizing exposure and improving the health of the population.
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia in PortugalPublication . Bourbon, M.; Alves, A.C.; Medeiros, A.M.; Silva, S.; Soutar, A.K.; Investigators of Portuguese FH StudyFamilial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is characterised clinically by an increased level of circulating LDL cholesterol that leads to lipid accumulation in tendons and arteries, premature atherosclerosis and increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Although Portugal should have about 20,000 cases, this disease is severely under-diagnosed in our country, this being the first presentation of Portuguese data on FH. A total of 602 blood samples were collected from 184 index patients and 418 relatives from several centres throughout Portugal. Fifty-three different mutations were found in 83 index patients, 79 heterozygous and 4 with two defective LDLR alleles. Additionally, 4 putative alterations were found in 8 patients but were not considered mutations causing disease, mainly because they did not co-segregate with hypercholesterolaemia in the families. Three unrelated patients were found to be heterozygous for the APOB(3500) mutation and two unrelated patients were found to be heterozygous for a novel mutation in PCSK9, predicted to cause a single amino acid substitution, D374H. Cascade screening increased the number of FH patients identified genetically to 204. The newly identified FH patients are now receiving counselling and treatment based on the genetic diagnosis. The early identification of FH patients can increase their life expectancy and quality of life by preventing the development of premature CHD if patients receive appropriate pharmacological treatment.
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