DSpace Community:http://hdl.handle.net/10174/302024-03-28T08:56:18Z2024-03-28T08:56:18ZRelationship between flame retardants and respiratory health– A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studiesCoelho, Sonia DiasMaricoto, TiagoTaborda-Barata, LuísAnnesi-Maesano, IsabellaIsobe, TomohikoSousa, Ana Catarina Ahttp://hdl.handle.net/10174/365202024-03-21T16:50:39Z2024-03-06T00:00:00ZTitle: Relationship between flame retardants and respiratory health– A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Coelho, Sonia Dias; Maricoto, Tiago; Taborda-Barata, Luís; Annesi-Maesano, Isabella; Isobe, Tomohiko; Sousa, Ana Catarina A
Abstract: Chronic respiratory diseases are a dealing cause of death and disability worldwide. Their prevalence is steadily increasing and the exposure to environmental contaminants, including Flame Retardants (FRs), is being considered as a possible risk factor. Despite the widespread and continuous exposure to FRs, the role of these contaminants in chronic respiratory diseases is yet not clear. This study aims to systematically review the association between the exposure to FRs and chronic respiratory diseases.
Searches were performed using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, SCOPUS, ISI Web of Science (Science and Social Science Index), WHO Global Health Library and CINAHL EBSCO.
Among the initial 353 articles found, only 9 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. No statistically significant increase in the risk for chronic respiratory diseases with exposure to FRs was found and therefore there is not enough evidence to support that FRs pose a significantly higher risk for the development or worsening of respiratory diseases. However, a non-significant trend for potential hazard was found for asthma and rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis, particularly considering urinary organophosphate esters (OPEs) including TNBP, TPHP, TCEP and TCIPP congeners/compounds. Most studies showed a predominance of moderate risk of bias, therefore the global strength of the evidence is low. The limitations of the studies here reviewed, and the potential hazardous effects herein identified highlights the need for good quality large-scale cohort studies in which biomarkers of exposure should be quantified in biological samples.2024-03-06T00:00:00ZEffects of pharmaceutical substances with obesogenic activity on male reproductive healthMascarenhas, CSousa, Ana Catarina A.Rato, Lhttp://hdl.handle.net/10174/365172024-03-21T16:43:43Z2024-02-15T00:00:00ZTitle: Effects of pharmaceutical substances with obesogenic activity on male reproductive health
Authors: Mascarenhas, C; Sousa, Ana Catarina A.; Rato, L
Abstract: Obesogens have been identified as a significant factor associated with increasing obesity rates, particularly in developed countries. Substances with obesogenic traits are prevalent in consumer products, including certain pharmaceuticals. Specific classes of pharmaceuticals have been recognized for their ability to induce weight gain, often accompanied by hormonal alterations that can adversely impact male fertility. Indeed, research has supplied evidence underscoring the crucial role of obesogens and therapeutic agents in the normal functioning of the male reproductive system. Notably, sperm count and various semen parameters have been closely linked to a range of environmental and nutritional factors, including chemicals and pharmacological agents exhibiting obesogenic properties. This review aimed to explore studies focused on analyzing male fertility parameters, delving into the intricacies of sperm quality, and elucidating the direct and adverse effects that pharmacological agents may have on these aspects.2024-02-15T00:00:00ZVIROLOGIA: Protocolos das Aulas Práticas, Ano letivo 2023/24. Universidade de Évora. ISBN: 978-972-778-376-2Materatski, PatrickSousa, Ana Catarina A.http://hdl.handle.net/10174/364892024-03-21T14:44:19Z2024-02-01T00:00:00ZTitle: VIROLOGIA: Protocolos das Aulas Práticas, Ano letivo 2023/24. Universidade de Évora. ISBN: 978-972-778-376-2
Authors: Materatski, Patrick; Sousa, Ana Catarina A.
Abstract: A Unidade Curricular (UC) de Virologia (BIO12418L), é uma UC obrigatória para a Licenciatura em Biologia Humana, sendo oferecida como optativa aos cursos de Biologia, Bioquímica e Biotecnologia.
Esta UC compreende, para além das aulas teóricas, uma componente teórico-prática e uma componente de prática-laboratorial, nas quais se pretende demonstrar os conceitos abordados nas teóricas, utilizando ferramentas usadas rotineiramente em virologia e aplicando os procedimentos práticos em material biológico de baixo risco de contaminação para o operador e para o ambiente. Assim, os protocolos aqui descritos recorrem à utilização de plantas e dos seus vírus. Uma vez que os protocolos usados em vírus de plantas são transversais aos restantes vírus, os estudantes apreendem de forma segura e sem riscos, as principais metodologias usadas rotineiramente num laboratório de virologia.
Este manual descreve os protocolos a realizar nas aulas práticas no ano letivo de 2023/24.2024-02-01T00:00:00ZUsing fish assemblages to assess the ecological effects of marine protection on rocky habitats in a Portuguese natural parkCastro, NPereira, TJCosta, ASertório, JFernandes, ATavares, MJCastro, JJhttp://hdl.handle.net/10174/361812024-01-23T11:14:08Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Using fish assemblages to assess the ecological effects of marine protection on rocky habitats in a Portuguese natural park
Authors: Castro, N; Pereira, TJ; Costa, A; Sertório, J; Fernandes, A; Tavares, MJ; Castro, JJ
Abstract: Intensive and regular fishing occurs in the marine area of the natural park “Parque Natural
do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina” (PNSACV; SW coast of continental Portugal). In 2011, this
area became a marine park with different protection levels (total, partial, and complementary). We
assessed in 2011 and 2012 if partial protection (PP) in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) changed the
taxa richness, abundance, size, and community composition of cryptic and non-cryptic fishes. We
also determined if these effects were observed outside PP areas in adjacent control areas. Underwater
visual censuses (UVC) of cryptic and non-cryptic fish species were conducted in rocky subtidal
habitats (~10 m deep) with band transects (25 x 2 m and 25 x 4 m, respectively) to determine
abundance and size classes. The northern half of the PNSACV was sampled at a scale of tens (site—
two sites per area; 4–6 transects per site) and hundreds (area) of meters. Two PP and six control
areas were sampled. The homogeneity and abundance of bottom habitat types were assessed at each
site. Effects of protection were not detected in the community structure or univariate analyses (i.e.,
taxa richness and total abundance) of non-cryptic and cryptic fishes. The early phase of the MPAs
may have driven the lack of significant protection effects. Replication in time within a monitoring
program is recommended to assess these conservation measures’ ecological effects.2023-01-01T00:00:00Z