Browsing by Author "Azevedo, Rui"
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- Assessment of cyanobacterial biomass as sustainable agricultural fertilizer: soil experiment with plants in Pot †Publication . Massa, Anabella; Azevedo, Joana; Azevedo, Rui; Pinto, Edgar; Costa, Anabela; Vasconcelos, Vitor; Campos, Alexandre; Freitas, MarisaProviding food to the growing human population in a sustainable way is one of the greatest challenges of modern society. In this context, cyanobacterial biomass (CB) can function as a source of macronutrients to increase soil productivity. These organisms can be collected from the environment in considerable amounts, since they tend to grow in large blooms. However, some of these cyanobacterial strains produce toxins that need to be carefully monitored to avoid food accumulation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the possible use of toxic and non-toxic strains of CB as fertilizer supplement in the growth of economically relevant vegetables. One-month old Raphanus sativus (radish) and Spinacia oleracea (spinach) plants were grown in pots in indoor controlled conditions. Six experimental conditions were set: (1) a control with no nutrient addition, (2) a recommended dose of a NK commercial fertilizer (CF), 0.6g of lyophilized CB of (3) a non-toxic strain of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, (4) a toxin-producing strain of C. raciborskii, (5) Microcystis aeruginosa, and (6) Anabaena sp. Several variables were estimated: in CB, this included the NPK dose addition, and in plants, the height, dry weight (dw) of the shoot and root, and the mineral content of plant edible parts. The mineral content in CB was estimated and compared with the recommended dose of CF, according to the information given by the fabricant label. We found no significative differences in N composition; nevertheless, there was a significative higher content in P and significative lower content in K in the CB. In the plants, we found no significative statistical differences between the treatments for the dw of radish root and spinach height. In spinach, the dw of the shoot in the M. aeruginosa treatment was significantly lower than the control, CF, and both the toxic and non-toxic C. raciborskii biomass. Additionally, in radish, the plant height and dw of the shoot M. aeruginosa treatment were significantly lower than in the toxic strain of C. raciborskii treatment. When analyzing mineral content in edible parts, we found that spinach treated with control and CF showed a higher content of Ca, Mo, N, P, and K, while in radish, the same two treatments plus the C. raciborskii toxic had higher Co and Fe content. M. aeruginosa amendment seems to impair shoot growth in both plant species. On the contrary, the toxic C. raciborskii CB seems to have a beneficial effect on growth and in mineral uptake on radish plants.
- Association of trace element status in COVID-19 patients with disease severityPublication . Bego, Tamer; Meseldžić, Neven; Prnjavorac, Besim; Prnjavorac, Lejla; Marjanović, Damir; Azevedo, Rui; Pinto, Edgar; Duro, Mary; Couto, Cristina; Almeida, AgostinhoCaused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) evolves with clinical symptoms that vary widely in severity, from mild symptoms to critical conditions, which can even result in the patient’s death. A critical aspect related to an individual response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is the competence of the immune system, and it is well known that several trace elements are essential for an adequate immune response and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are of particular importance in fighting infection. Thus, it is widely accepted that adequate trace element status can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity. In this study, we evaluated the serum levels of Cu, Zn, Se, Fe, I and Mg in pa- tients (n = 210) with clinical conditions of different severity (“mild”, “moderate”, “severe” and “exitus letalis”, i. e., patients who eventually died). The results showed significant differences between the four groups for Cu, Zn, Se and Fe, in particular a significant trend of Zn and Se serum levels to be decreased and Cu to be increased with the severity of symptoms. For Mg and I, no differences were observed, but I levels were shown to be increased in all groups.
- Avaliação da perceção do risco por parte dos profissionais de educação em Jardins-de-Infância do concelho da MaiaPublication . Tavares, João; Azevedo, Rui; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaChildren safety in preschool age doesn’t depend only in their actions, but also of the risk perception of kindergarten education professionals which interact continuously with these children. The present study aims to evaluate the perceived risk of kindergarten teachers and auxiliary teaching staff, and the types of accidents occurred with the children of the kindergarten. A survey, based on the Portuguese legislation and reference documentation, was applied to a sample of 34 kindergarten teachers and 34 auxiliary teaching staff. This evaluation comprised the perception of risk related to different spaces and subjects of the kindergarten (structural conditions, playground, equipment and materials, electrical hazards and emergency organization). The results obtained revealed no statistical difference between risk perception of the two professionals groups, both occupational categories answered in general according to the requirements in the Portuguese legislation. The results obtained in the analysis the surveys allow, note that the playground is the place with the greatest potential for danger in kindergartens. Risk perception for both groups of educational professionals seems to be quite similar. In this matter, communication, as well as experience sharing seems to have greater influence. It was verified that recreational time, this being the place where most accidents occur in the kindergarten.
- A detailed and comparative elemental analysis (Poland vs. Portugal) of espresso coffeePublication . Almeida, Agostinho; Cunha, Ana; Pinto, Edgar; Azevedo, Rui; Seroczynska, Kinga; Konieczynski, Pawel; Wesolowski, MarekCoffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. There are many different types of coffee, but “espresso” has become the favourite in many countries. In Portugal, 80% of people drink coffee daily and prefer to make it as an espresso. Annual per capita coffee consumption (dry beans) is estimated at 5 kg, being higher in many other Western European countries, namely the Nordic countries. In Poland, also more than 80% of adults consume coffee every day, but instant coffee still takes up the largest share. National per capita consumption (2021) is estimated at between 0.72.5 kg. Espresso coffee is prepared by passing water at high temperature (88-92 ºC) and under high pressure (8-10 bar) through ground coffee (6-8 g) for 20-30 seconds to produce around 25-40 ml of beverage. The extraction of substances existing in coffee powder is very efficient, so their concentration in coffee (beverage) is also very high. In this work, we carried out a comparative study of the elemental composition (n=34 macrominerals and trace elements) of espresso coffee from two different European origins: Northern Poland (n=60, areas of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Elbląg) and Northern Portugal (n=22, Porto Metropolitan Area). Samples (5-10 ml) were taken from the beverage as served in cafes, restaurants and gas stations. In order to better document the contribution of coffee (powder) to the final composition of the beverage, water samples were taken in parallel at the same locations. The analysis was performed by ICP-MS. In both cases, espresso coffee proved to be a concentrated source of many elements (Table 1), with levels much higher than those of water from the same location. Polish waters were globally much more mineralized than Portuguese waters, and generally Polish coffee also showed significantly higher levels of macrominerals and trace elements than the Portuguese ones.
- Employees' views about the impact of the economic crisis on occupational safety and quality of life: a pilot study in the North of PortugalPublication . Vale, Cláudia; Rodrigues, Matilde; Azevedo, Rui; Ramos, Delfina; Loureiro, IsabelThe European Union faced an economic crisis with a significant expression in Portugal. The financial unsustainability of this country led to austerity measures with negative impacts on organizations and families. The paper aims to analyse the views of the employed population about the influence of crisis on occupational safety, and workers' quality of life. A self-completed questionnaire named External Environment Questionnaire (EEQ) was applied in 2013. A total of 510 questionnaires were filled by Portuguese employees of eight cities from the North of Portugal. The results indicate that the crisis has an important impact in the financial conditions of the workers and an important effect in the job security. Moreover, companies were seen by workers to compromise their safety performance in a crisis period. A strategy to manage safety issues in a crisis context as well as improve the quality of life of workers is needed.
- Essential trace elements status in portuguese pregnant women and their association with maternal and neonatal outcomes: A prospective study from the IoMum CohortPublication . Bracchi, Isabella; Guimarães, Juliana; Rodrigues, Catarina; Azevedo, Rui; Coelho, Cláudia Matta; Pinheiro, Cátia; Morais, Juliana; Barreiros-Mota, Inês; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Pinto, Edgar; Moreira-Rosário, André; Azevedo, Luís Filipe Ribeiro de; Dias, Cláudia Camila; Lima, Jorge; Sapinho, Inês; Ramalho, Carla; Calhau, Conceição; Leite, João Costa; Almeida, Agostinho; Pestana, Diogo; Keating, ElisaCobalt (Co), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements (ETEs) important in cellular chemical reactions and antioxidant defense. Ingestion of ETEs during pregnancy is crucial but their role in specific pregnancy outcomes is largely unknown. This study aimed to quantify urinary levels of these ETEs in pregnancy and to evaluate their role in pregnancy health. First trimester pregnant women of Porto and Lisbon regions provided a urine sample, and sociodemographic and lifestyle data. Clinical data were obtained from clinical records. Urinary ETEs were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Our results show that having urinary Zn levels above the 50th percentile (P50) increases the risk of pre-eclampsia (PE). On the other hand, urinary Zn levels above the P50 decreased the risk of being born with head circumference small for gestational age but it increased the risk having length small for gestational age at birth. This study may provide valuable information for public health policies related to prenatal nutrition, while informing future efforts to de-fine urinary reference intervals for ETEs in pregnant women
- Exploring geographical influences on physicochemical characteristics of honey: the Montesinho Natural Park scenarioPublication . Soares, Sónia; Magalhães, Leandro; Moreira, Manuela M.; Rede, Diana; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Viegas, Olga; Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, Agostinho; Azevedo, Rui; Delerue-Matos, CristinaIn recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the global consumption of honey, driven by the high demand for natural products that offer health benefits. Consequently, consumers show a preference for honey, recognised for its superior quality, namely honey with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or honey produced in protected areas, as it is associated with superior attributes and characteristics. Portugal is one of the leading countries in the production of PDO honey, with Montesinho Natural Park (MNP) being an excellent example of high-quality Portuguese honey, known for its distinctive attributes. However, environmental threats pose a double challenge, leading to a decline in honey production and compromising its overall quality. This study aimed to assess the specific physicochemical parameters and nutritional characteristics of MNP honey and investigate their correlation with the different locations of apiaries. MNP honey samples (n=13) were obtained from local producers or purchased at supermarkets. Standard physicochemical parameters, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, diastase activity, moisture and ash content, free acidity, electrical conductivity and pH, were determined according to honey legislation. Additionally, colour parameters, protein, low-molecular-weight carbohydrates (mono- and disaccharides), and mineral content were determined. The results obtained were consistent with the requirements outlined in the legislation and those described in the literature. The results suggest that geographical factors within the park and boundaries do not contribute to variations in the analysed parameters. A significant level of homogeneity was evident in all parameters evaluated among the MNP honey samples. This is the first comprehensive study of the physicochemical properties of honey from various apiaries within the MNP.
- Exposure to naturally occurring metals during early-pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: results from the IoMum cohortPublication . Marques, Beatriz; Dias, Ana; Brachi, Isabella; Guimarães, Juliana; Coelho, Cláudia M.; Pinheiro, Cátia; Prucha, Carmo; Martins, Cristina; Pinto, Edgar; Azevedo, Rui; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Fernandes, Vírginia C.; Almeida, Agostinho; Ramalho, Carla; Keating, ElisaThis work aimed to characterize exposure to Aluminium (Al), Lithium (Li), Barium (Ba), and Strontium (Sr) and their association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, anthropometric parameters of the newborn and pregnancy complications. Spot urine samples (n=349) of eligible pregnant women attending the routine 1st-trimester ultrasound scan from April 2018 to April 2019 at Centro Hospitalar Universitário de S. João were analysed through ICP-MS to quantify the metals’ urinary concentrations (MUC). Inclusion criteria were: gestational age between 10 weeks and 13 weeks plus 6 days with confirmed foetal vitality and signature of the informed consent. MUCs are presented through median (IQR) in µg/L or µg/g creatinine.
- Further evidence on trace element imbalances in haemodialysis patients—paired analysis of blood and serum samplesPublication . Azevedo, Rui; Gennaro, Davide; Duro, Mary; Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, AgostinhoPrevious studies have shown that haemodialysis patients have an increased risk of trace element imbalances. Most studies have determined the concentration of trace elements in serum only, but most trace elements are not uniformly distributed between plasma and blood cells, which justifies separate analysis of the different compartments. In this study, we determined both the serum and whole blood concentration of a wide panel of trace elements (Li, B, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Pb) in haemodialysis patients and compared them with those of a control group. Whole blood and serum samples were collected during routine laboratory testing of patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis. For comparison purposes, samples from individuals with normal renal function were also analysed. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the two groups for whole blood concentrations of all analysed elements except Zn (p = 0.347). For serum, the difference between groups was statistically significant for all elements (p < 0.05). This study confirms that patients on haemodialysis tend to present significant trace element imbalances. By determining the concentration of trace elements in both whole blood and serum, it was shown that chronic haemodialysis may affect intra- and extracellular blood compartments differently.
- Is the crisis affecting the companies’ commitment on the OSH issues? (The workers’ perceptions)Publication . Vale, Cláudia; Loureiro, Isabel F.; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Azevedo, RuiPortugal is undergoing an economic crisis affecting the European Union since 2007. The financial unsustainability of the country required foreign aid and austerity measures have been implemented. In consequence, it is expected more financial difficulties to the companies at different levels, particularly in issues related with safety. In this context, Leahy et al . (2012) pointed out that, due to the crises, companies have to adjust their priorities regarding the investments namely, on the Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) issues. Even though OSH is now one of the most important and most highly developed aspects of EU’s policy on employment and social affairs, Kompier (2006) e Papadopoulos et al . (2010) confirmed that in the past few years, the work environment have suffered significantly changes. The most important ones are the workload, the schedule and worker flexibility, the extension of working hours for the weekend, the inconsistent schedules, the precarious work (Kompier 2006; Papadopoulos et al ., 2010). These changes are responsible for some effects on the workers’ wellbeing, take as example the exposure to the psychosocial risks and stress at work. Nowadays organizations need to be increasingly more competitive, in part due to the financial crises we are facing, but also due to the emergence of new competitors. In Portugal the most affected dimension was the Small and Medium enterprises (SME). This factor has a negative impact in the economic competitiveness as this type of companies is responsible for the employment of two millions people. It is authors’ believes that the effects of an economic crisis on safety and health are a challenging topic nevertheless, studies in this area, can stress new strategies to then OSH issues.