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- HBM4EU E-waste study – An untargeted metabolomics approach to characterize metabolic changes during E-waste recyclingPublication . Kozlowska, Lucyna; Viegas, Susana; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Duca, Radu C.; Godderis, Lode; Martins, Carla; Krzesimir, Ciura; Jagiello, Karolina; Silva, Maria João; Mahiout, Selma; Mārtiņsone, Inese; Matisāne, Linda; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Puzyn, Tomasz; Sijko-Szpanska, Monika; Verdonck, Jelle; Santonen, Tiina; HBM4EU E-waste Study TeamE-waste contains hazardous chemicals that may be a direct health risk for workers involved in recycling. We conducted an untargeted metabolomics analysis of urine samples collected from male e-waste processing workers to explore metabolic changes associated with chemical exposures in e-waste recycling in Belgium, Finland, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal. Questionnaire data and urine samples were obtained from workers involved in the processing of e-waste (sorting, dismantling, shredding, pre-processing, metal, and non-metal processing), as well as from controls with no known occupational exposure. Pre- and post-shift urine samples were collected and analysed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). A total of 32 endogenous urinary metabolites were annotated with a Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) above 2, indicating that e-waste recycling is mainly associated with changes in steroid hormone and neurotransmitter metabolism, energy metabolism, bile acid biosynthesis, and inflammation. The highest VIP was observed for dopamine-o-quinone, which is linked to Parkinson’s disease. These and other changes in metabolism in workers employed in the processing of e-waste need further verification in targeted studies.
- A atividade do Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge à luz dos Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável [Editorial]Publication . Dias, Carlos Matias; Almeida, Fernando deAo percorrer os 15 artigos incluídos neste trigésimo oitavo número do Boletim Epidemiológico Observações do Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), podemos, adotando uma interpretação lata da Agenda 2030 preconizada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), associar, diretamente ou indiretamente, dez daqueles artigos ao terceiro Objetivo do Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS 3: Garantir o acesso à saúde de qualidade e promover o bem-estar para todos, em todas as idades), constatação natural num Instituto público do sector da saúde como INSA. (...)
- Source attribution of human infection: a multi-country model in the European UnionPublication . Thystrup, Cecilie; Brinch, Maja Lykke; Henri, Clementine; Mughini-Gras, Lapo; Franz, Eelco; Wieczorek, Kinga; Gutierrez, Montserrat; Prendergast, Deirdre M.; Duffy, Geraldine; Burgess, Catherine M.; Bolton, Declan; Alvarez, Julio; Lopez-Chavarrias, Vicente; Rosendal, Thomas; Clemente, Lurdes; Amaro, Ana; Zomer, Aldert L.; Joensen, Katrine Grimstrup; Nielsen, Eva Møller; Scavia, Gaia; Skarżyńska, Magdalena; Pinto, Miguel; Oleastro, Mónica; Cha, Wonhee; Thépault, Amandine; Rivoal, Katell; Denis, Martine; Chemaly, Marianne; Hald, TineIntroduction: Infections caused by spp. represent a severe threat to public health worldwide. National action plans have included source attribution studies as a way to quantify the contribution of specific sources and understand the dynamic of transmission of foodborne pathogens like and . Such information is crucial for implementing targeted intervention. The aim of this study was to predict the sources of human campylobacteriosis cases across multiple countries using available whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data and explore the impact of data availability and sample size distribution in a multi-country source attribution model. Methods: We constructed a machine-learning model using -mer frequency patterns as input data to predict human campylobacteriosis cases per source. We then constructed a multi-country model based on data from all countries. Results using different sampling strategies were compared to assess the impact of unbalanced datasets on the prediction of the cases. Results: The results showed that the variety of sources sampled and the quantity of samples from each source impacted the performance of the model. Most cases were attributed to broilers or cattle for the individual and multi-country models. The proportion of cases that could be attributed with 70% probability to a source decreased when using the down-sampled data set (535 vs. 273 of 2627 cases). The baseline model showed a higher sensitivity compared to the down-sampled model, where samples per source were more evenly distributed. The proportion of cases attributed to non-domestic source was higher but varied depending on the sampling strategy. Both models showed that most cases could be attributed to domestic sources in each country (baseline: 248/273 cases, 91%; down-sampled: 361/535 cases, 67%;). Discussion: The sample sizes per source and the variety of sources included in the model influence the accuracy of the model and consequently the uncertainty of the predicted estimates. The attribution estimates for sources with a high number of samples available tend to be overestimated, whereas the estimates for source with only a few samples tend to be underestimated. Reccomendations for future sampling strategies include to aim for a more balanced sample distribution to improve the overall accuracy and utility of source attribution efforts.
- Source attribution of human Campylobacter infection: a multi-country model in the European UnionPublication . Thystrup, Cecilie; Brinch, Maja Lykke; Henri, Clementine; Mughini-Gras, Lapo; Franz, Eelco; Wieczorek, Kinga; Gutierrez, Montserrat; Prendergast, Deirdre M.; Duffy, Geraldine; Burgess, Catherine M.; Bolton, Declan; Alvarez, Julio; Lopez-Chavarrias, Vicent; Rosendal, Thomas; Clemente, Lurdes; Amaro, Ana; Aldert L. Zomer; Joensen, Katrine Grimstrup; Nielsen, Eva Møller; Scavia, Gaia; Skarżyńska, Magdalena; Pinto, Miguel; Oleastro, Mónica; Cha, Wonhee; Thépault, Amandine; Rivoal, Katell; Denis, Martine; Chemaly, Marianne; Hald, TineIntroduction: Infections caused by Campylobacter spp. represent a severe threat to public health worldwide. National action plans have included source attribution studies as a way to quantify the contribution of specific sources and understand the dynamic of transmission of foodborne pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter. Such information is crucial for implementing targeted intervention. The aim of this study was to predict the sources of human campylobacteriosis cases across multiple countries using available whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data and explore the impact of data availability and sample size distribution in a multi-country source attribution model. Methods: We constructed a machine-learning model using k-mer frequency patterns as input data to predict human campylobacteriosis cases per source. We then constructed a multi-country model based on data from all countries. Results using different sampling strategies were compared to assess the impact of unbalanced datasets on the prediction of the cases. Results: The results showed that the variety of sources sampled and the quantity of samples from each source impacted the performance of the model. Most cases were attributed to broilers or cattle for the individual and multi-country models. The proportion of cases that could be attributed with 70% probability to a source decreased when using the down-sampled data set (535 vs. 273 of 2627 cases). The baseline model showed a higher sensitivity compared to the down-sampled model, where samples per source were more evenly distributed. The proportion of cases attributed to non-domestic source was higher but varied depending on the sampling strategy. Both models showed that most cases could be attributed to domestic sources in each country (baseline: 248/273 cases, 91%; down-sampled: 361/535 cases, 67%;). Discussion: The sample sizes per source and the variety of sources included in the model influence the accuracy of the model and consequently the uncertainty of the predicted estimates. The attribution estimates for sources with a high number of samples available tend to be overestimated, whereas the estimates for source with only a few samples tend to be underestimated. Reccomendations for future sampling strategies include to aim for a more balanced sample distribution to improve the overall accuracy and utility of source attribution efforts.
- Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) ompA-subvariants of the Portuguese collection of Chlamydia trachomatis, 2007–2023Publication . Lodhia, Zohra; Cordeiro, Dora; Correia, Cristina; João, Inês; Carreira, Teresa; Nunes, Alexandra; Ferreira, Rita; Schäfer, Sandra; Aliyeva, Elzara; Portugal, Clara; Monge, Isabel; Gonçalves, Elsa; Matos, Susana; Dias, Ana Paula; Corte-Real, Rita; Vieira, Luís; Gomes, Joao Paulo; Borges, Vítor; Jose Borrego, MariaBackground: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis ompA-genotypes L1–L3, with increasing numbers of detected cases across Europe. Here, we analysed diversity and temporal distribution of the LGV ompA-subvariants detected in Portugal between 2007 and 2023, in order to better understand the dissemination and diversification landscape of LGV strains. Methods: The collection of the Portuguese National Reference Laboratory includes 1188 LGV ompA-genotyped samples between 2007 and 2023. In-depth analysis of the diversity of LGV ompA-subvariants circulating in Portugal across the years was performed, identifying newly described subvariants and integrating this data in a comprehensive compilation with all representative LGV ompA-subvariants described globally. Results: L2 ompA-variant (L2/434/Bu) was consistently the most frequently detected in our collection, with annual proportions ranging from 34.0% to 82.9%, between 2016 and 2023. L2bV5 was the second most frequent followed by L2b, ranging from 5.0% to 27.9% and 2.6% to 23.7% across the years, respectively, from 2017 to 2023. We highlighted the emergence and considerable increase in circulation of L1-like ompA-subvariants in recent years, representing 13.7% of LGV sequences in 2023. We also identified 13 novel LGV ompA-subvariants that had not been described before, differing by up to three mutations from the respective genotype reference sequences. Conclusions: This study contributes to the worldwide picture of the LGV molecular epidemiology, highlighting the importance of long-term molecular surveillance to monitor the circulation and geographical spread of LGV and to timely identify and track new strains, such as the recently emerging L1-like ompA-subvariants.
- RSV-Bacterial Co-Infection Is Associated With Increased Illness Severity in Hospitalized Children - Results From a Prospective Sentinel Surveillance StudyPublication . Torres, Ana Rita; Gaio, Vânia; Melo, Aryse; Lança, Miguel; Barreto, Marta; Lagoa Gomes, Licínia Isabel; Azevedo, Inês; Bandeira, Teresa; Lito, David; Guiomar, Raquel; Rodrigues, Ana Paula; VigiRSV groupDuring the autumn/winter respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) epidemics, bacterial co-infection is common and affects the disease severity. We aimed to understand the relationship between RSV-bacterial co-infections and clinical severity since the RSV seasonality change after COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a prospective, sentinel surveillance study at 20 sites in Portugal in children under 2 years hospitalized with RSV, between April 21 and January 23. Effect of co-infection with potentially pathogenic bacteria (PPB) on the length of hospitalization and disease severity was investigated using multivariate linear and log-binomial regression models. Among 678 RSV hospitalizations, 67.4% occurred in children under 6 months and 15.3% in preterm; 20.4% tested positive for PPB; median length of hospitalization was 5 days (IQR: 3-7days). Children coinfected with PPB had a higher rate of ICU admission (29.7% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001), resulting in more prolonged hospitalizations (7 vs. 5 days, p < 0.001) and a 13-fold risk of having severe disease (RR: 13.2, 95% CI:7.3-23.9). RSV-bacterial co-infection was associated with increased length of hospitalization and severe illness during off-season epidemics. This risk is probably overestimated, as laboratory testing for bacterial infections is usually higher in severely ill-appearing children. Measures to prevent outgrowth of pathogenic bacteria within the respiratory tract should be discussed.
- Measuring minerals in pseudocereals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry: what is the optimal digestion method?Publication . Nascimento, Ana C.; Motta, Carla; Rego, Andreia; Delgado, Inês; Santiago, Susana; Assunção, Ricardo; Matos, Ana Sofia; Santos, Mariana; Castanheira, Isabel; .Pseudocereals have gained attention due to their adaptability to different climates, high nutritional value, and suitability for gluten-free and plant-based diets. However, a challenge lies in the necessary adaptations in the diet pathways, mainly due to the lack of matrix-matching metrological tools. To address this problem, we developed a classification system to support laboratory decisions without shaped Proficiency Testing (PT) or Certified/Standard References Material. This system evaluates method performance through limit of detection (LOD), maximum uncertainty, and statistical comparison. For that matter, the mineral contents (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Mg, P, Ca, K, and Na) of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) were determined, using three different digestion methods, including dry-ashing, microwave, and graphite block acid digestion. A decision was reached concerning the optimal digestion method to be employed, with the results classified into three categories: (i) “rejected if results failed in two categories; (ii) “use with caution” if results were not satisfactory in one category; or (iii) “accepted”, if the results passed in all the categories. The system efficacy was exemplified by the effectiveness of dry-ashing and graphite block acid digestion by comparison with microwave digestion. Neither dry-ashing nor graphite block acid digestion can be recommended as an alternative method to the microwave digestion method when all the prioritized nutrient minerals are understudied. Although the microwave method is preferable for multi-elemental analysis, it is possible to obtain, with caution, comparable results from all the digestion methods if a higher relative combined uncertainty is defined (target uncertainty < 11%) under the assumption that this is suitable for the study.
- Update of the safety assessment of N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amines (FCM No 19) and N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine hydrochlorides (FCM No 20) for their use in plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodPublication . EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials (FCM); Lambré, Claude; Crebelli, Riccardo; Silva, Maria de; Grob, Konrad; Lampi, Evgenia; Milana, Maria Rosaria; Pronk, Marja; Ščetar, Mario; Theodoridis, Georgios; Van Hoeck, Els; Waegeneers, Nadia; Bolognesi, Claudia; Cariou, Ronan; Castle, Laurence; Di Consiglio, Emma; Franz, Roland; Wölfle, Detlef; Al Harraq, Zainab; Barthélémy, Eric; Comandella, Daniele; Vela, Julia Fontán; Halamoda, Blanka; Rivière, GillesThe European Commission asked EFSA to review whether the authorisation of N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine (FCM No 19) and N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine hydrochlorides (FCM No 20) is still in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, as provided for in Article 12(3). The FCM Panel concluded that some uses of the substance N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine (FCM No 19) are not in accordance with this Regulation, since the migration is likely to exceed the current SML(T) of 1.2 mg/kg food under certain conditions of use. Based on the provided data, the FCM Panel concluded that the FCM substance No 19, N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine, is not of safety concern for the consumer if (i) the substance is used at up to 0.1% w/w as polymer production aid and as processing aid to manufacture polyolefin materials and articles of thickness up to 1 mm that are intended for contact with all types of food except infant foods. This exception for infant foods and the restriction for maximum thickness do not apply to caps of bottles; (ii) the migration does not exceed 5 mg/kg food; (iii) the source of the alkyl group is either from hydrogenated vegetable oil or synthetic from ethylene oligomers with a high degree of linear structure and (iv) the impurities do not exceed 5% w/w. As they bear unsaturation, PFAEO‐coco, PFAEO‐oleyl, PFAEO‐HT, PFAEO‐T and PFAO‐C18 do not fall within the scope of the FCM substance No 19. The information related to these substances was only considered supportive for FCM substance No 19. If they were intended to be used to manufacture FCMs, a proper application following the EFSA Guidance documents should be submitted. No uses of the FCM substance No 20, N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine hydrochlorides, were claimed and no information was provided to support that the current authorisation is in accordance with the Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004.
- Update of the safety assessment of N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amines (FCM No 19) and N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine hydrochlorides (FCM No 20) for their use in plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodPublication . EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials (FCM); Lambré, Claude; Crebelli, Riccardo; Silva, Maria Joao; Grob, Konrad; Lampi, Evgenia; Milana, Maria Rosaria; Pronk, Marja; Ščetar, Mario; Theodoridis, Georgios; Van Hoeck, Els; Waegeneers, Nadia; Bolognesi, Claudia; Cariou, Ronan; Castle, Laurence; Di Consiglio, Emma; Franz, Roland; Wölfle, Detlef; Al Harraq, Zainab; Barthélémy, Eric; Comandella, Daniele; Fontán-Vela, Julia; Halamoda, Blanka; Rivière, GillesThe European Commission asked EFSA to review whether the authorisation of N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine (FCM No 19) and N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine hydrochlorides (FCM No 20) is still in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, as provided for in Article 12(3). The FCM Panel concluded that some uses of the substance N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine (FCM No 19) are not in accordance with this Regulation, since the migration is likely to exceed the current SML(T) of 1.2 mg/kg food under certain conditions of use. Based on the provided data, the FCM Panel concluded that the FCM substance No 19, N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine, is not of safety concern for the consumer if (i) the substance is used at up to 0.1% w/w as polymer production aid and as processing aid to manufacture polyolefin materials and articles of thickness up to 1 mm that are intended for contact with all types of food except infant foods. This exception for infant foods and the restriction for maximum thickness do not apply to caps of bottles; (ii) the migration does not exceed 5 mg/kg food; (iii) the source of the alkyl group is either from hydrogenated vegetable oil or synthetic from ethylene oligomers with a high degree of linear structure and (iv) the impurities do not exceed 5% w/w. As they bear unsaturation, PFAEO‐coco, PFAEO‐oleyl, PFAEO‐HT, PFAEO‐T and PFAO‐C18 do not fall within the scope of the FCM substance No 19. The information related to these substances was only considered supportive for FCM substance No 19. If they were intended to be used to manufacture FCMs, a proper application following the EFSA Guidance documents should be submitted. No uses of the FCM substance No 20, N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)alkyl(C8‐C18)amine hydrochlorides, were claimed and no information was provided to support that the current authorisation is in accordance with the Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004.
- Exploring the Implementation of Health Impact Assessment in Portuguese Public Health SystemPublication . Costa, Luciana; Costa, Alexandra; Ferreira, Ana Catarina Dias; Martin-Olmedo, Piedad; Green, LizHealth Impact Assessment (HIA) is a proactive, evidence-based approach that integrates health considerations into decision-making across sectors to prevent adverse effects and promote health equity. While global interest in HIA is growing, its implementation varies by country. In Portugal, despite existing legal frameworks and some previous capacity-building efforts, HIA is not fully institutionalized, and its practice within the Public Health System (PHS) remains largely undocumented. To address this, we conducted an online survey targeting regional and local PHS professionals to assess their awareness, experience, and perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to effective HIA implementation. The results obtained from 187 valid answers gathered from the survey revealed a strikingly low level of HIA awareness and practice within the Portuguese PHS, underscoring the urgent need for improved training and capacity building. Furthermore, the survey identified strong professional interest in HIA initiatives, suggesting significant potential for developing HIA specialized educational programs. Overall, the findings call for stronger political leadership at the governmental level to establish HIA as a key tool for achieving sustainable development goals. Finally, the study emphasizes the potential for international collaboration, particularly with Portuguese-speaking countries, to adapt these insights to their own contexts.