Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry - Clean Technologies and Processes

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Organizational Unit

Publications

Urinary biomonitoring in firefighters: baseline data of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites

Publication . Barros, B.; Oliveira, M.; Paiva, M.; Fernandes, A.; Alves, S.; Vaz, J.; Esteves, F.; Slezakova, K.; Alves, M.J.; Madureira, J.; Pereira, M.C.; Morais, S.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most relevant pollutants in the firefighting context and urine the most straightforward and interesting matrix for biomonitoring. Recent studies have found elevated levels of PAH metabolites in firefighters in comparison to the general population. Since Portuguese firefighters are poorly characterized, the aim of this study was to determine the baseline data (i.e., with no recent exposure to fire emissions) of several urinary monohydroxyl-PAHs (OHPAHs; 1-hydroxynaphthalene, 1-hydroxyacenaphthene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1- hydroxypyrene, 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene) in this occupational group. A total of 106 Portuguese firefighters were enrolled in this study and characterized through a previously validated questionnaire. Individual OHPAHs were detected with a frequency of 90-99%, except for 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene (biomarker of exposure to carcinogenic PAHs) that was not identified. The individual levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (the established biomarker for PAHs exposure) were lower than the recommended biological exposure limit proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (0.93 µmol/mol creatinine). This study characterized the baseline data of PAHs exposure in Portuguese firefighters by urinary biomonitoring, which enables comparison with occupational studies from other countries and contributes to fill a research gap in Portugal

2023-06-21Conference object

Open access

Resistome, Virulome, and Clonal Variation in Methicillin-Resistant (MRSA) in Healthy Swine Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study

Publication . Silva, Vanessa; Silva, Adriana; Barbero, Raquel; Romero, Mario; Del Campo, Rosa; Caniça, Manuela; Cordeiro, Rui; Igrejas, Gilberto; Poeta, Patricia

This cross-sectional study investigates the methicillin-resistant (MRSA): its prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular characteristics in healthy swine populations in central Portugal. A total of 213 samples were collected from pigs on twelve farms, and MRSA prevalence was assessed using selective agar plates and confirmed via molecular methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were performed to characterize resistance profiles and genetic determinants. Among the 107 MRSA-positive samples (83.1% prevalence), fattening pigs and breeding sows exhibited notably high carriage rates. The genome of 20 isolates revealed the predominance of the ST398 clonal complex, with diverse types identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, including penicillin, cefoxitin, and tetracycline. WGS analysis identified a diverse array of resistance genes, highlighting the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, virulence gene profiling revealed the presence of genes associated with pathogenicity. These findings underscore the significant prevalence of MRSA in swine populations and emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures to mitigate zoonotic transmission risks. Implementation of prudent antimicrobial use practices and targeted intervention strategies is essential to reducing MRSA prevalence and safeguarding public health. Continued research efforts are warranted to elucidate transmission dynamics and virulence potential, ultimately ensuring food safety and public health protection.

2024-04-24Journal article

Open access

Exploring the functional features of melon peel flour for healthier bakery products

Publication . Silva, M.A.; Albuquerque, T.G.; Santo, L.E.; Motta, C.; Almeida, A.; Azevedo, R.; Alves, R.C.; Oliveira, M.B.P.P.; Costa, H.S.

The use of fruit by-products to develop new food products could be an advantageous approach to meet the demand for healthy foods and reduce food waste. In this study, the amino acid and mineral profiles of melon peel flour were evaluated. Non-essential/toxic elements were also determined. Furthermore, two formulations (biscuit and muffin) were developed with 50% and 100% melon peel flour, respectively. The bioaccessibility of essential minerals in these two formulations was also determined. These innovative products presented interesting contents of amino acids and high levels of minerals, contributing significantly to daily mineral requirements, mainly magnesium (18–23%), phosphorus (13–28%), molybdenum (14–17%), and manganese (10–13%). Regarding the in vitro bioaccessibility of minerals in the developed formulations, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and phosphorus were those with the highest values (75–108%). Based on these results, melon peel has the potential to improve global food security, nutrition, economic well-being, and overall health and well-being.

2024-12-27Journal article

Open access