Sampling elementary schools: a comprehensive approach for microbial indoor air quality assessment

This work is supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES/FSE/UE, 2023.01366.BD; UI/BD/153746/2022 and CE3C unit UIDB/00329/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/00329/2020); UI/BD/151431/2021 (https://doi.org/10.54499/UI/BD/151431/2021); and Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, national support through IPL/2022/InChildhealth/BI/12M; IPL/IDI&CA2023/FoodAIIEU_ESTeSL; IPL/IDI&CA2023/ASPRisk_ESTeSL; and IPL/IDI&CA2023/ARAFSawmills_ESTeSL.Indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important determinant of children’s health since children spend around 90 % of their time in the indoor environment. In schools, children may be exposed to bioaerosols (such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi), in their classrooms, libraries, canteen, gymnasiums/sports hall, and toilets. Portugal only established protection thresholds and reference conditions for indoor air pollution in commercial and service buildings and assessment methodology through Portaria n.º 138-G/2021, neglecting schools as a specific indoor environment. This project aims to apply a multi-approach protocol (sampling and assays), to assess microbial contamination (bacteria and fungi) in Portuguese elementary schools and to suggest guidance for exposure assessors from the field to the lab.Partly funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), or the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI), or the Australian National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Neither the European Union nor the granting authorities can be held responsible for them.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Characterization of microbiological contamination in Portuguese elementary schools

H&TRC authors gratefully acknowledge the FCT/MCTES national support through the UIDB/05608/2020 and UIDP/05608/2020.Ninety percent of children's time is spent in an indoor environment. Most school-age children’s exposure occurs in schools, at home, in sports halls, and commuting. IAQ is an important determinant of human health, especially for children. Project goals: characterization of air quality in children’s environments; identification of emission sources and influencing factors affecting children's exposure; estimation of associated health effects resulting from exposures; development of novel technologies to improve indoor environmental quality to reduce health effects; engaging school children, educational experts, and policymakers in the scientific process; preparation of quality standards and guidelines regarding IAQ.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Expressões emocionais faciais na percepção de crianças com síndrome de down

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Psicologia, Departamento de Processos Psicológicos Básicos, 2011.A Síndrome de Down é uma das alterações cromossômicas mais comuns. Dentre as diversas características que compõem esta síndrome o atraso no desenvolvimento cognitivo nos primeiros anos de vida é real e leva, com o passar dos anos, a quadros de deficiência intelectual, se desdobrando em diversos aspectos, sendo um deles a dificuldade no reconhecimento de expressões emocionais faciais. Os estudos são unânimes em afirmar a presença de alterações neste reconhecimento, no entanto divergem quais dentre as expressões universais descritas por Charles Darwin (1872) - alegria, tristeza, nojo, surpresa, medo e raiva - são mais afetadas e suas correlações. O presente estudo objetivou investigar os aspectos ligados ao reconhecimento das 6 expressões emocionais faciais universais em uma população de crianças de 6 a 11 anos de idade, sendo 30 crianças com Síndrome de Down e 30 do grupo controle. Para isso, utilizou-se o Teste de Percepção de Expressões Emocionais Faciais (TEPEF), software para avaliação do reconhecimento de emoções faciais. O WISC III foi usado para triagem e obtenção de dados sobre o funcionamento cognitivo geral dos participantes. Verificou-se que as crianças com Síndrome de Down apresentaram alteração no reconhecimento das expressões de nojo, surpresa e medo, mantendo o reconhecimento de alegria, tristeza e raiva em níveis compatíveis com o grupo controle. Não houve distinção no reconhecimento de emoções faciais quanto ao seu caráter positivo ou negativo. _________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTDown Syndrome is one of the most common of all chromosomal alterations. Among the several characteristics that are part of this syndrome, the delay in the cognitive development in the first years of life is real and becomes, with the passing of the years, intellectual deficiencies which unfold into several aspects, one of them being the difficulty in the recognition of emotional facial expressions. Studies are unanimous in affirming the presence of alterations in the process of recognition, but they diverge, however, on their choice of which of the universal expressions described by Charles Darwin (1872) –happiness, sadness, disgust, surprise, fear and anger are the most affected, as well as the correlations among them. The present study’s objective was to investigate aspects linked to the recognition of the six universal, facial, emotional expressions in a population of children aged from 6 to 11 divided into two groups: One of 30 children with Down Syndrome and the other, 30 children in a control group. For this purpose, the Teste de Percepção de Expressões Emocionais Faciais (TEPEF) was used to evaluate the recognition of facial emotions. The WISC III was used for the purpose of a triage and to obtain data on the general cognitive functioning of the participants. It was, therefore, verified that children with Down Syndrome presented alterations in their recognition of the expression of disgust, surprise and fear, but maintaining, however, their recognition of happiness, sadness and anger in levels compatible with the control group. There was no discernible distinction in facial expressions among the groups in the recognition of positive or negative reactions

Assessing the impact of climate change on indoor fungal contamination in Lisbon Metropolitan Area primary schools: a comprehensive study

H&TRC authors gratefully acknowledge FCT/MCTES national support through the 2023.01366.BD; UIDB/05608/2020; UIDP/05608/2020, and IPL/2022/InChildhealth/BI/12M. The ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, national support through IPL/IDI&CA2023/FoodAlleEU; IPL/IDI&CA2023/ASPRisk, and IPL/IDI&CA2023/ARAFSawmills.The increasing occurrence of severe weather events caused by global climate change raises concerns about indoor fungi. These changes can potentially alter fungal communities, promoting resistant strains, and intensifying mycotoxin production, having significant implications for human health. In educational settings, inadequate ventilation and high moisture levels amplify indoor fungal growth and mycotoxin contamination, posing a health risk that contributes to respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions in children and school staff. Our research explores the complex relationship between climate change and fungal diseases, highlighting the importance of temperature and moisture in driving fungal growth and mycotoxin production. This project focuses on the Lisbon metropolitan area and aims to assess the indoor levels of contamination and human exposure to azole-resistant fungi and mycotoxins in primary schools. The objective of this investigation is to carry out a comprehensive microbial characterization of the exposure to fungal contamination in primary educational institutions and to achieve that goal a comprehensive sampling campaign was employed, by the use of active and passive sampling methods and material collection from schools. Air samples utilizing the MAS-100 device, which collected 400L at a flow rate of 200 L/min, and the Anderson six-stage device, which collected 200L at a flow rate of 28.3 L/min were performed. Additionally, we collected samples of mops and surface swabs, and samples of settled dust through vacuuming and EDC, located in the sampling sites at 1.5 m height for 30 days, and collected during approximately 30 days. The samples will be analysed by culture-based methods, through the inoculation onto two different culture media: malt extract agar (MEA) supplemented with chloramphenicol (0.05%) incubated at 27ºC and dichloran-glycerol agar (DG18), incubated at 27ºC and 37ºC for 6 days. We will also be performing molecular detection of the selected fungal sections (Aspergillus sections Circumdati, Flavi, Fumigati, and Nidulantes). To evaluate the degree of mycotoxin contamination in school environments, we will employ high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to detect the presence of 38 different mycotoxins. The preliminary results that will be presented are specifically related to the active air sampling. The ultimate objective is to provide essential insights for the development of effective risk management strategies that safeguard the health of school children and personnel in the face of growing fungal threats.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Assessing microbial contamination and particulate matter exposure in Portuguese poultry facilities

This research was funded by Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal for funding the Projects IPL/2023/FoodAIIEU_ESTeSL, IPL/2023/ASPRisk_ESTeSL, and IPL/2023/ARAFSawmil_ESTeSL. Authors gratefully acknowledge the FCT/MCTES national support through the UIDB/05608/2020, UIDP/05608/2020, and the PhD Grant UI/BD/151431/2021 This work was also supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES/FSE/UE, UI/BD/153746/2022, UI/BD/153746/2022, and CE3C unit UIDB/00329/2020, within the scope of a PhD Grant.Introduction: In poultry farms, the combination of feathers, feces, and bedding material appears to be critical to the development of pathogens enhancing the risks associated with zoonosis and its dissemination throughout the food chain. Currently, the prevalent airborne microorganisms in animal production facilities are poorly described in terms of quantity, composition, and risk category Identification and quantification on the other hand, would be useful for determining the causative agents and performing risk assessments. Aim of the study: This study intends to characterize microbial contamination in poultry pavilions through a multi-approach protocol for sampling and analyses.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Microbial contamination of bedding material: one health in poultry production

FCT_UIDB/05608/2020. FCT_UIDP/05608/2020.In poultry farms, the mixture of bedding material, chicken excrement, and feathers seems to play an important role in pathogen development which may contribute to a potential risk of zoonosis, spreading the disease through the food chain. The purpose of this study was to analyze microbial contamination in bedding material and other matrices as well as potential antimicrobial resistances in chicken production facilities and also to identify the sampling techniques and assays used. This study evidences the available data published, following the PRISMA methodology. Among the environmental samples, surface swabs were frequently used as a passive sampling technique. Morphological identification was performed in all studies. Of all the matrices, the bedding material was the most contaminated. Most studies focused on bacterial contamination, with Salmonella sp. and Campylobacter sp. being commonly reported and three studies evidenced fungal contamination, being Penicillium sp.- and Aspergillus sp.-dominant. Mycotoxin assessment was only performed in one study, being identified in all bedding samples. The screening for bacteria resistance evidenced bacteria multidrug resistance; however, fungal susceptibility to azoles was not assessed in any of the analyzed studies. Briefly, this review evidences microbial contamination in poultry facilities, emphasizing animals’ bedding as a potential source of contamination. Additionally, this study contributes to a sampling and analysis protocol proposal to assess microbial contamination in this setting. Additionally, the knowledge gaps identified highlight the need for further research regarding microbial contamination and toxicological potential on animals’ bedding in order to mitigate exposure in poultry pavilions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Insights of Portugal’s teaching staff microbial occupational exposure

This project was supported by FCT/MCTES UIDP/05608/2020, and UIDB/05608/2020. This work is also supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES/FSE/UE, 2023.01366.BD; UI/BD/153746/2022 and CE3C unit UIDB/00329/2020; UI/BD/151431/2021; and Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, national support through IPL/2022/InChildhealth/BI/12M; IPL/IDI&CA2023/FoodAIIEU_ESTeSL; IPL/IDI&CA2023/ASPRisk_ESTeSL; and IPL/IDI&CA2023/ARAFSawmills_ESTeSL.EU strategies in education focus on risk factor awareness to promote a safe and healthy environment for the community. Health and safety promotion faces challenges due to the lack of adjusted policies for teaching staff. Teachers may be exposed to biohazards in schools, posing a health risk, which remains unexplored. Effective preventive measures and risk management actions require a thorough risk assessment. This study aims to conduct a microbial assessment regarding school staff personal exposure to bacterial and fungal loads.Partly funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2021 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101056883 and received co-founding from the author’s organizations and/or ministries. This work has received funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation (SERI) grant no. 22.00324, from the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) grant no. 10040524, and the Australian National Health & Medical Research Council (NMHRC) grant no. APP2017786 and APP2008813.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

First insights of Portuguese primary schools’ fungal assessment: is indoor air quality complying with Portuguese legal framework?

H&TRC authors gratefully acknowledge FCT/MCTES national support through the 2023.01366.BD; UIDB/05608/2020; UIDP/05608/2020, and IPL/2022/InChildhealth/BI/12M. The ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, national support through IPL/IDI&CA2023/FoodAlleEU; IPL/IDI&CA2023/ASPRisk and IPL/IDI&CA2023/ARAFSawmills.The assessment of Microbial Indoor Air Quality in elementary schools is essential to create healthier school environments and improve children's health outcomes. Portugal only established protection thresholds for microbial exposure, in commercial and service buildings through Portaria nº 138-G/2021, leaving schools neglected for such parameters. Since this legislation has already been proven insufficient for fungal parameters (based on indoor/outdoor ratio) in other critical environments such as healthcare centers, this study aims to assess fungal load compliance in different sites of schools located in the Lisbon area. An active sampling method was applied by collecting air through a MAS-100 device collecting 200L at a flow rate of 100 L/min. Of the 10 schools assessed in a summer campaign, 9 did not comply with the Portuguese legal framework in at least one site (8 out of 10 in the classrooms, 5 out of 7 in the bathroom, 4 out of 9 in the canteen, 4 out of 6 in the gymnasiums, and 3 out of 8 in the library). A critical assessment was performed to identify fungal species listed in this legislation. Although one school complies with the quantitative cut-off (I/O), critical species such as Aspergillus section Circumdati (Aspergillus ochraceus), and Aspergillus section Fumigati (Aspergillus fumigatus) present in this school do not meet the toxigenic species quantitative cut-off. The risk of exposure to pathogenic fungi poses a major public health threat for school-age children impacting not only treatable fungal infections but also students' learning conditions and outcomes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Wood shavings: from an occupational hazard in poultry facilities to a global health concern

Authors gratefully acknowledge the FCT/MCTES national support through the UIDB/05608/2020, and UIDB/05608/2020. This work is also supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES/FSE/UE, 2023.01366.BD, UI/BD/153746/2022, CE3C unit UIDB/00329/2020, UI/BD/151431/2021, and Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa through IPL/2022/InChildhealth/BI/12M, IPL/IDI&CA2023/FoodAIIEU_ESTeSL, IPL/IDI&CA2023/ASPRisk_ESTeSL, and IPL/IDI&CA2023/ARAFSawmills_ESTeSL.Poultry production has been found to constitute a serious threat to global health due to microbial contamination. Chicken bedding material may be an underestimated source of pathogens. Currently, there is a lack of information concerning the impact of the bedding material used on fungal development. We aimed to characterize fungal exposure in poultry facilities during birds growth cycle.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

One Health approach in “Do It Yourself” stores to tackle fungal contamination

H&TRC authors gratefully acknowledge the FCT/MCTES national support through the 2023.01366.BD; UIDB/05608/2020; UIDP/05608/2020, and IPL/2022/InChildhealth/BI/12M. The Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, national support through IPL/IDI&CA2023/FoodAlleEU; IPL/IDI&CA2023/ASPRisk, and IPL/IDI&CA2023/ARAFSawmil.Wood dust contamination by fungi poses health risks due to exposure by inhalation. This study aimed to assess the exposure of woodworking employees and customers to fungal load in 13 “Do It Yourself” (DIY) stores in the Lisbon metropolitan area (Portugal). An active sampling method (MAS-100 air sampler) was applied in different store areas, collecting 200L at a flow rate of 140 L/min. Regarding the occupational exposure assessment and considering the threshold suggested by the WHO of 150 CFU.m-3, the cutting area and the wood display surpass this limit in all the stores included. As for the threshold suggested by OSHA for fungi in non-industrial workplaces (1.0 x 101-1.0 x 104 CFU/m³), all the sampling sites from all the stores are within the limit, although indoor/outdoor ratio showed a higher indoor load compared to the outdoor counts in most of the stores. Regarding the Portuguese Indoor Air Quality legal framework, although the ratio I/O complied in two out of 13 stores, it was possible to identify one of these two toxigenic species with a quantitative cut-off above the legal frame. The results of this assessment raise health concerns regarding workers´ and customers ‘safety and support the need to implement measures to prevent exposure and protect workers' and customers' health. Additionally, it is known that wood dust and shavings from DIY stores may be used in animal bedding and agriculture, promoting fungal contamination in other settings. This highlights the need for a One Health approach.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio