National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge
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Influence of migratory background on childhood overweight: COSI Portugal 2018/2019
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Social contact patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in 21 European countries - evidence from a two-year study
Get PDFCoMix Europe Working Group: Daniela Paolotti, Michele Tizzani, Ciro Cattuto, Andrea Schmidt, Gerald Gredinger, Sophie Stumpfl, Joaquin Baruch, Tanya Melillo, Henrieta Hudeckova, Jana Zibolenova, Zuzana Chladna, Magdalena Rosinska, Marta Niedzwiedzka-Stadnik, Krista Fischer, Sigrid Vorobjov, Hanna Sõnajalg, Christian Althaus, Nicola Low, Martina Reichmuth, Kari Auranen, Markku Nurhonen, Goranka Petrović, Zvjezdana Lovric Makaric, Sónia Namorado, Constantino Caetano, Ana João Santos, Gergely Röst, Beatrix Oroszi, Márton Karsai, Mario Fafangel, Petra Klepac, Natalija Kranjec, Cristina Vilaplana, Jordi Casabona.Sónia Namorado, Constantino Caetano, and Ana João Santos (Department of
Epidemiology, National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Portugal).Background: Most countries have enacted some restrictions to reduce social contacts to slow down disease transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. For nearly two years, individuals likely also adopted new behaviours to avoid pathogen exposure based on personal circumstances. We aimed to understand the way in which different factors affect social contacts - a critical step to improving future pandemic responses.
Methods: The analysis was based on repeated cross-sectional contact survey data collected in a standardized international study from 21 European countries between March 2020 and March 2022. We calculated the mean daily contacts reported using a clustered bootstrap by country and by settings (at home, at work, or in other settings). Where data were available, contact rates during the study period were compared with rates recorded prior to the pandemic. We fitted censored individual-level generalized additive mixed models to examine the effects of various factors on the number of social contacts.
Results: The survey recorded 463,336 observations from 96,456 participants. In all countries where comparison data were available, contact rates over the previous two years were substantially lower than those seen prior to the pandemic (approximately from over 10 to < 5), predominantly due to fewer contacts outside the home. Government restrictions imposed immediate effect on contacts, and these effects lingered after the restrictions were lifted. Across countries, the relationships between national policy, individual perceptions, or personal circumstances determining contacts varied.
Conclusions: Our study, coordinated at the regional level, provides important insights into the understanding of the factors associated with social contacts to support future infectious disease outbreak responses.The following funding sources are acknowledged as providing funding for the
named authors. HPRU in Modelling & Health Economics (NIHR200908: KLMW);
European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (EpiPose
101003688: AG, WJE); European Research Council under the European Union
Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (TransMID 682540: CF, PB,
NH) This research was partly funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund
(GCRF) project RECAP managed through RCUK and ESRC (ES/P010873/1: CIJ)
NIHR (PR_OD_1017_20002: WJE) UK MRC (MC_PC_19065—Covid 19: Under standing the dynamics and drivers of the COVID-19 epidemic using real-time
outbreak analytics: WJE).
In Belgium, CoMix data collection in Belgium was made possible with fnancial
support of Janssen Pharmaceuticals and the national public health institute of
Belgium, Sciensano.
In Germany, the COVIMOD project is funded by intramural funds of the
Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, and of
the Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, Martin Luther
University Halle-Wittenberg, as well as by funds provided by the Robert Koch
Institute, Berlin, the Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren
e.V. via the HZEpiAdHoc "The Helmholtz Epidemiologic Response against the
COVID-19 Pandemic" project, the Saxonian COVID-19 Research Consortium
SaxoCOV (co-fnanced with tax funds on the basis of the budget passed by
the Saxon state parliament), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research
(BMBF) as part of the Network University Medicine (NUM) via the egePan
Unimed project (funding code: 01KX2021) and the Deutsche Forschungsge meinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation, project number 458526380)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Occurrence of persistent organic pollutants at Alqueva's surface water at touristic spots
Get PDFFreshwater pollution is a huge concern. A study aiming to evaluate water quality and occurence of two groups of persistent environmental pollutants with similar chemical properties (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-PAHs and microplastics -MPs) in Alqueva’s surface water was performed during 2021. Samples were collected at three spots related to touristic activities (two beaches and one marina) once by season. In addition, we assessed and compared the presence of biofilms on plastic and natural materials. Water quality was acceptable with a low eutrophication level. PAHs concentration levels were lower than the standard limits established for surface waters. PAHs profiles showed significant differences when comparing the dry and rainy seasons, with a higher number of different compounds detected in Spring. Low molecular weight compounds, usually associated with the atmospheric deposition and petroleum contamination, were more prevalent. MPs were detected in all samples except one during Winter. Eight polymers were detected being polyethylene the most frequent. Plastics were more prone to biofilm colonization than natural materials. In addition, biofilms detected on plastics were more complex with higher microbial diversity and richer in EPS. Among microbiota were identified microorganisms previously linked to plastic and PAHs detoxification suggesting the need for further studies to evaluate the viability of using biofilms as part of a green bioremediation strategy to mitigate water pollution.This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreementNo 730872. INSA [2020DSA1756, 2020], Helmholtz- Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (Proposals No 202-10133-ST/ UR, 2020 and 212-10726-ST/UR, 2021).N/
Lithium levels in irrigation water, cabbages and potatoes from farms surrounding the C-57 mine (Gonçalo, Portugal)
No full textIntroduction: Lithium (Li) is a Critical Raw Material used in modern technology, including green energy storage technology. Its growing uses led to an increased exploration of Li's sources. Li levels in soils, waters, and foods vary depending on environmental factors and soil characteristics. This fact becomes more evident near mines with Li mineral resources. Portugal has active and prospective Li mining concessions.
Aims: This study investigates the potential effects of Li pegmatite exploitation at the C-57 mine (Gonçalo region, Portugal) on the crops grown in nearby subsistence farms (cabbages and potatoes) and irrigation water. The sampling locations were selected based on their proximity to the mine, with some located within 1.5 km (L1) and others ranging between 2 to 8.5 km (L2) from the mine.
Methodology: The sampling plan involved selecting nine subsistence farms from two locations (L1 and L2). Three cabbages and three potatoes were collected from each farm (n=54) and analyzed as laboratory pools (n=18). Irrigation water samples were also collected in each location. The analytical procedures followed the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine Li concentration in samples. Results were expressed as the average of three replicates in µg/kg fresh weight for cabbages leaves and peeled potatoes and µg/L for water samples.
Results and Conclusions: This preliminary study revealed higher Li concentration in most samples collected in L1 compared to L2. Additionally, it was observed that, in both locals, the concentration of Li in cabbages (L1: 44 – 1022 µg/kg; L2: 41 – 509 µg/kg) is higher than in potatoes (L1: 4-17 µg/kg; L2: 3-6 µg/kg), and low Li variability in irrigation waters (L1: 6-24 µg/L; L2: 2-17 µg/L). These findings demonstrate the impact of the proximity and exploitation of a hard-rock quartz-feldspath- lithium mineral resource.This work is financed by national funds through FCT Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia within the scope of the project EXPL/CTA-AMB/0977/2021.N/
Parental perceptions of research agenda in children with congenital anomalies or cerebral palsy: between families concerns and research practice
Get PDFAs anomalias congénitas (AC) e a paralisia cerebral (PC) são importantes causas de mortalidade e morbilidade infantil, bem como de
incapacidade a longo prazo. A participação das famílias e cuidadores de crianças com estas condições na investigação e no estabelecimento das suas prioridades pode ser importante para revelar questões e aspetos não considerados. No âmbito do projeto EUROlinkCAT
que pretendeu, entre outros objetivos, promover a participação das
famílias na partilha e disseminação de prioridades de investigação,
apresentam-se os resultados de um estudo sobre os aspetos que mais
preocupam os pais e a perceção destes relativamente à agenda de
investigação. O estudo descritivo, transversal, foi realizado com uma
amostra de conveniência de pais de crianças diagnosticadas com uma
AC, incluída num de quatro grandes grupos (anomalias cardíacas graves, espinha bífida, fendas orofaciais e síndrome de Down) e, ou, com
PC. Foi construído um questionário online, semiestruturado, acessível
através de uma hiperligação, destinado a ser respondido pelos pais
de crianças com AC e, ou, PC. A hiperligação foi enviada aos pontos
focais de cinco associações portuguesas, que a disseminaram junto
dos seus associados. Apresenta-se uma análise descritiva para um
conjunto de perguntas fechadas. As famílias de crianças com uma das
AC estudadas ou com PC preocupavam-se, sobretudo, com os aspetos sociais e com o desenvolvimento global das crianças. Consideraram que a investigação se centra em aspetos da saúde e não tanto na
qualidade de vida ou no desenvolvimento social das crianças e que
não há uma interação com as famílias.Congenital Anomalies (CA) and Cerebral Palsy (CP) are important
causes of infant mortality and morbidity, as well as long-term disa bility. The participation of families and caregivers of children with
these conditions in research and the definition of research priorities
can be essential to point out not considered issues. The study is de veloped, partly, within the scope of the EUROlinkCAT project, which
also aimed to promote a reciprocal relationship between families
and researchers. The study focused on aspects that most concern pa rents over their children conditions and their perception concerning
the research agenda. The cross-sectional descriptive study was con ducted with a convenience sample of parents of children diagnosed
with four groups of CA (severe heart anomalies; spina bifida; orofa cial clefts and Down syndrome) and/or CP. A semi-structured online questionnaire to be answered by parents was sent by web link to
focal points of five Portuguese associations. Descriptive analysis is
presented for the closed-ended questions. Families of children with
one of the included CA or with CP were mainly concerned with the
social aspects and global development of their children. They per ceived no interaction between research and families and believed
research focused almost solely on health and not as much on qua lity of life or social development.Parte deste trabalho foi desenvolvido no âmbito do projeto
EUROlinkCAT – Estabelecendo uma coorte europeia de Crianças
com Anomalias Congénitas, financiado pelo programa de financiamento de investigação e inovação, Horizonte 2020 (ref.ª n.º 733001)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The Effect of Nanomaterials on DNA Methylation: A Review
Get PDFReviewThis article belongs to the Special Issue Interaction of Nanomaterials with Biological Systems: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine residue in CpG dinucleotides, which are particularly abundant in gene promoter regions. Several studies have highlighted the role that modifications of DNA methylation may have on the adverse health effects caused by exposure to environmental toxicants. One group of xenobiotics that is increasingly present in our daily lives are nanomaterials, whose unique physicochemical properties make them interesting for a large number of industrial and biomedical applications. Their widespread use has raised concerns about human exposure, and several toxicological studies have been performed, although the studies focusing on nanomaterials’ effect on DNA methylation are still limited. The aim of this review is to investigate the possible impact of nanomaterials on DNA methylation. From the 70 studies found eligible for data analysis, the majority were in vitro, with about half using cell models related to the lungs. Among the in vivo studies, several animal models were used, but most were mice models. Only two studies were performed on human exposed populations. Global DNA methylation analyses was the most frequently applied approach. Although no trend towards hypo- or hyper-methylation could be observed, the importance of this epigenetic mechanism in the molecular response to nanomaterials is evident. Furthermore, methylation analysis of target genes and, particularly, the application of comprehensive DNA methylation analysis techniques, such as genome-wide sequencing, allowed identifying differentially methylated genes after nanomaterial exposure and affected molecular pathways, contributing to the understanding of their possible adverse health effects.This research received funding from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology
(FCT/MCTES) under the project ToxApp4NanoCELFI (PTDC/SAUPUB/32587/2017) and projects
UIDB/00009/2020 and UIDP/00009/2020 (ToxOmics).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Data quality based on value documentation
No full textEuroFIR Data Quality:- Quality Management Framework: Laboratory; Compilation process; Publication/data exchange; - Value quality assessment: Assessment of value quality based on; Food description; Component identification; Sampling; Analytical procedures.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Fermented melon by-products: can they contribute to the One Health approach?
No full textOne Health concept can be employed to implement an approach that contributes to increasing the use of sustainable practices and improving the overall health, as well as the well-being of humans, animals and the environment. About 42% of total food waste comes from fruits and vegetables. The application of fermentative processes can be an alternative to the valorization of fruit by-products, which can extend the shelf life of the product, as well as add economic and nutritional value, and create a more sustainable way of exploitation. The objective of this work was to subject melon by-products to two fermentation processes (lactic and alcoholic), to obtain flours that can be used by the food industry.
Samples of melon by-products were collected in a hotel in the centre of Lisbon and fermented in sealed vacuum bags at 99%, with the following formulations: addition of 2% of table salt of the total weight of melon by-products (lactic fermentation) and addition of 2% of granulated white sugar from the total weight of melon by-products (alcoholic fermentation) – the ratio of peel and seeds was equal to that present in a fresh melon (38% and 8%, respectively). Fermentation was monitored for 7 days at an average temperature of 27 ºC ± 1 ºC. After, samples were dehydrated, homogenized and sieved to obtain a product with a flour texture. The nutritional composition of the flours was analytically determined, while the energy value and carbohydrates were calculated.
Melon peel flour subjected to alcoholic fermentation had a dietary fibre content approximately 1.2 times higher than flour subjected to lactic fermentation (36 g and 29 g/100 g, respectively). On the other hand, the total ash content of the flour sample that underwent lactic fermentation was approximately 3 times higher than the alcoholic fermentation flour (20 g and 7 g/100 g, respectively). In terms of salt content, lactic fermentation flour had a content 4 times higher than alcoholic fermentation flour (4.7 and 1.0 g/100 g, respectively). Regarding the carbohydrate content, the difference between the samples was only 1.4 g/100 g. The fermentation of melon by-products, regardless of the selected fermentation process, makes it possible to obtain products with an enhanced nutritional profile, namely due to the high dietary fibre content. High dietary food intake has been shown to reduce the risk of several chronic diseases. Moreover, the approach applied in this study, revealed that the valorization of such products can be performed by a sustainable process (fermentation), contributing to a decrease in the amount of food waste, as well as reducing the social and environmental impacts of these products.This work was financially supported by Foundation for
Science and Technology (FCT) under the project
Food4DIAB (EXPL/BAA-AGR/1382/2021)N/
Boletim Epidemiológico Observações: Vol. 12, Nº 34, mai-ago 2023
No full textObservações é uma publicação científica do INSA, IP, que visa contribuir para o conhecimento da saúde da população, os fatores que a influenciam, a decisão e a intervenção em Saúde Pública, assim como a avaliação do seu impacte na população portuguesa. Através do acesso público e gratuito a resultados científicos gerados por atividades de observação em saúde, monitorização e vigilância epidemiológica nas áreas de atuação do Instituto - Alimentação e Nutrição, Doenças Infeciosas, Genética Humana, Saúde Ambiental, Promoção da Saúde e Prevenção de Doenças Não Transmissíveis, Epidemiologia, Investigação em Serviços e Políticas de Saúde - é dada especial atenção à disseminação rápida de informação relevante para a resposta a temas de relevo para a saúde da população portuguesa, tendo como principal alvo todos os profissionais, investigadores e decisores intervenientes na área da Saúde Pública em Portugal.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Pla Films Loaded with Green Tea and Rosemary Polyphenolic Extracts as an Active Packaging for Almond and Beef
No full textAna Isabel Rito, Departamento de Alimentação e Nutrição, INSA.Abstract: The antioxidant capacity and the phenolic compounds of extracts from Green Tea and Rosemary was determined. RE presented a higher antioxidant capacity and higher content of TPC and flavonoids than GTE. While the main phenolic compounds identified in RE were carnosic acid, carnosol and rosmarinic acid, in GTE were catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, rutin and gallic acid. Active PLA films were prepared by the incorporation of GTE and RE at different percentages, followed by the evaluation of their properties. Afterwards, almonds and beef were selected as model foodstuff and packaged with active PLA films.PLA with 4 % of GTE presented a higher WVP and opacity, while PLA with 4% (w/w) of RE presented the highest O2 permeability. PLA with 2 and 4 % (w/w) of GTE presented the highest DPPH inhibition percentage and the highest total content in phenolic compounds and flavonoids at the end of 10 days (at 40 °C), in contact with a fatty food simulant. Regarding the almond packaged with the active films, PLA films with 2 and 4 % of RE were the most effective in the reduction of oxidation, allowing to obtain the lowest malonaldehyde (MDA) content and the lowest peroxides, at the end of 60 days of storage at room temperature. In addition, PLA with GTE and RE inhibited the formation of MDA content in beef stored for 11 days at 4 °C. This study shows that these PLA active packages can contribute for delaying lipid oxidation in foodstuffs with high fat content.Highlights: Extracts were incorporated into PLA at different concentrations to produce active films;
Catechins, rutin and gallic acid were detected in the green tea extract; Rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol were present in the rosemary extract; PLA with rosemary extract showed ability to inhibit almond’s lipid oxidation.This paper was carried out under the MobFOOD Project (POCI-01-0247-FEDER-024524 and LISBOA-01-0247-FEDER-024524), funded by POCI (Operational Programme “Competitiveness and Internationalization”) and POR Lisboa (Lisbon Regional Operational Programme), through ANI, and by the Programa de Cooperación Interreg V-A España–Portugal (POCTEP) 2014-2020 (project 0377_IBERPHENOL_6_E). Cássia H. Barbosa is grateful for her Ph.D. Grant 2021.08154. BD funded by Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), Portugal.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio