E. Fernandes | Universidade do Porto (original) (raw)

Papers by E. Fernandes

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges in spintronic platforms for biomedical applications

Research paper thumbnail of 378: Relating Energy Indicators of Regulations to Passive Comfort in Residential Buildings

architecture.ucd.ie

In most European regulations the thermal performance of the buildings is expressed mainly in term... more In most European regulations the thermal performance of the buildings is expressed mainly in terms of energy needs or energy consumption. This is the case of the Portuguese regulation. However, in the Mediterranean area and in temperate climates as ...

Research paper thumbnail of E-cadherin genetic screening and clinico-pathologic characteristics of early onset gastric cancer

European Journal of Cancer, 2011

CDH1 germline alterations occur in about 40% of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) families... more CDH1 germline alterations occur in about 40% of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) families. CDH1 germline mutations are also documented in few early onset diffuse gastric cancer patients (EODGC) without family history, but the real frequency in this setting in unknown. In these patients, the advanced stage at the time of diagnosis remains a clinical burden due to the poor long term survival. The entire coding region and exon flanking sequences of the CDH1 gene was analysed by direct sequencing in 21 EODGC patients aged ≤50 years. The potential deleterious nature for a new CDH1 missense variant was assessed by cell-cell aggregation and invasion assays. Somatic CDH1 mutation, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and promoter hypermethylation was explored in the tumour from one CDH1 germline mutation carrier. Two novel CDH1 germline variants were identified in 21 EODGC cases, c.670C>T and -63C>A. Functional analysis of the c.670C>T missense variant classified this mutation as non-pathogenic. The analysis of CDH1 somatic second hits failed to demonstrate E-cadherin structural and epigenetic alterations in the tumour sample. Data from the present work and a systematic review of the literature revealed that CDH1 germline mutations occurred in 7.2% of EOGC patients invariably with diffuse of mixed histology. From these, proved CDH1 mutation pathogenicity has been assigned only to 2.3% of the cases who were recurrently diagnosed before 35 years old. Germline CDH1 mutation remain the only germline genetic defect described in this type of patients and CDH1 mutation screening should be recommended for patients with these characteristics.

Research paper thumbnail of A bacteriophage detection tool for viability assessment of Salmonella cells

Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2014

Salmonellosis, one of the most common food and water-borne diseases, has a major global health an... more Salmonellosis, one of the most common food and water-borne diseases, has a major global health and economic impact. Salmonella cells present high infection rates, persistence over inauspicious conditions and the potential to preserve virulence in dormant states when cells are viable but non-culturable (VBNC). These facts are challenging for current detection methods. Culture methods lack the capacity to detect VBNC cells, while biomolecular methods (e.g. DNA-or protein-based) hardly distinguish between dead innocuous cells and their viable lethal counterparts. This work presents and validates a novel bacteriophage (phage)-based microbial detection tool to detect and assess Salmonella viability. Salmonella Enteritidis cells in a VBNC physiological state were evaluated by cell culture, flow-cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy, and further assayed with a biosensor platform. Free PVP-SE1 phages in solution showed the ability to recognize VBNC cells, with no lysis induction, in contrast to the minor recognition of heat-killed cells. This ability was confirmed for immobilized phages on gold surfaces, where the phage detection signal follows the same trend of the concentration of viable plus VBNC cells in the sample. The phage probe was then tested in a magnetoresistive biosensor platform allowing the quantitative detection and discrimination of viable and VBNC cells from dead cells, with high sensitivity. Signals arising from 3 to 4 cells per sensor were recorded. In comparison to a polyclonal antibody that does not distinguish viable from dead cells, the phage selectivity in cell recognition minimizes falsenegative and false-positive results often associated with most detection methods.

Research paper thumbnail of Why, when and how do HVAC-systems pollute the indoor environment and what to do about it? the European AIRLESS project

Building and Environment, 2003

... No, Martikainen et al., 1990 [16]; Moritz, 1997 [17]. Humidity, Yes, Björkroth et al., 1997 [... more ... No, Martikainen et al., 1990 [16]; Moritz, 1997 [17]. Humidity, Yes, Björkroth et al., 1997 [18]; Kemp et al., 1995 [19]; Martikainen et al., 1990 [16]; Maus et al., 1996 [20]; Möritz, 1997 [17]; Möritz et al., 1999 [21]; Neumeister et al., 1997 [22]; Schleibinger et al., 1999 [23]. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Ressecção de mandíbula por osteonecrose associada aos bifosfonatos

sbccp.netpoint.com.br

Page 1. Ressecção de mandíbula por osteonecrose associada aos bifosfonatos Bruno Nifossi Prado 1 ... more Page 1. Ressecção de mandíbula por osteonecrose associada aos bifosfonatos Bruno Nifossi Prado 1 Eduardo Gonçalves Fernandes 1 Thaís Cristina Araújo 1 João Gavranich Jr 2 Resumo Introdução: Bifosfonatos são utilizados ...

Research paper thumbnail of Robotic right colonic resection. Is the robotic third arm a game-changer?

Minerva chirurgica, Jan 31, 2018

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches have produces relevant advancements in the pre/intra/... more Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches have produces relevant advancements in the pre/intra/post-operative outcomes. The conventional laparoscopic approach presents similar oncological results in comparison to laparotomic approaches. Despite these evidences, a considerable part of the colorectal operations are still being performed in an open way. This is in part because traditional laparoscopy may have some hurdles and a long learning curve to reach mastery. The robotic technology may help in increasing the MIS penetrance in colorectal surgery. The use of the R3 can potentially increase the number of surgical options available. In this retrospective case series, after a long robotic colorectal experience connected to a robotic program started by Giulianotti et al1 in October 2000, we present our results regarding a subset of colorectal patients who underwent robotic right colonic resections performed, all by a single surgeon (P.C.G.), using the R3 according to our standardized...

Research paper thumbnail of A new simplified method for evaluating the thermal behaviour of direct gain passive solar buildings

Solar Energy

A new simplified method for calculating the monthly solar heating fraction of direct gain buildin... more A new simplified method for calculating the monthly solar heating fraction of direct gain buildings is presented. Two different operating regimes have been considered: (l) thermostatically controlled temperature, typical of buildings with auxiliary heating systems; and (2) free-floating temperature, typical of buildings without auxiliary heating systems. In the latter case, to quantify the thermal behaviour of the building, a comfort solar fraction is introduced. In this method, the solar fraction is a function of three parameters: (l) the solar/load ratio; (2) the building thermal inertia; and (3) the monthly non-utilizability. Some examples of the application of the new method are presented, as well as comparisons with the results from existing methods.

Research paper thumbnail of Traumatic common hepatic artery injury causing isolated right hepatic ischemia due to a left accessory artery. A case report

International journal of surgery case reports, Jan 8, 2017

Hepatic arterial liver flow is renowned for its redundancy. Previous studies have demonstrated th... more Hepatic arterial liver flow is renowned for its redundancy. Previous studies have demonstrated that the common hepatic artery is not essential for liver survival. We present a case of a 31year-old involved in a high-speed motor vehicle accident whose liver survived thanks to the presence of an accessory hepatic artery. We present the case of a 31year-old male who sustained a traumatic injury of the proper hepatic artery following a motor vehicle accident. The patient suffered temporary right liver lobe ischemia due to the presence of an accessory left hepatic artery. This resulted in the selective formation of 'biliary lakes' distinctively within the territory of the right hepatic artery supply. Simultaneously the patient developed a pseudo-aneurysm of the proper hepatic artery which required radiology intervention. At the time of pseudo-aneurysm embolisation, a rich network of arterial collaterals had formed between the accessory left hepatic and the inferior phrenic artery...

Research paper thumbnail of Software product evolution for Intellectual Capital Management: The case of Meta4 PeopleNet

International Journal of Information Management, 2011

Software must evolve in order to adapt to new demands and scenarios. In the case of packaged soft... more Software must evolve in order to adapt to new demands and scenarios. In the case of packaged software that can be customized, this evolution implies the maintenance of both out-of-the-box and customized functionality alike. New user interface technologies provide a way to interact with applications that software vendors are forced to incorporate in order to meet new user and market requirements. Packaged software vendors are facing software evolution processes in order to attract more customers and conserve the existing ones. This case analysis describes the evolution of packaged software, Meta4 PeopleNet, towards the addiction of Rich Internet Applications features to a Human and Intellectual Capital Management tool. The findings and lessons learned presented in this case study provide useful insights for packaged software vendors facing software product evolution.

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor air quality and atopic sensitization in primary schools: A follow-up study

Porto Biomedical Journal, 2016

Background: The onset and exacerbation of allergic diseases and asthma have been associated with ... more Background: The onset and exacerbation of allergic diseases and asthma have been associated with poor indoor air quality (IAQ) inside classrooms. Objective: The aim was to investigate how IAQ changed in primary schools after applying indoor air quality recommendations, and to explore how these changes influenced allergic sensitization on children. Methods: Total volatile organic compounds, PM 2.5 , PM 10 , CO 2 , CO, temperature and relative humidity in the indoor and outdoor air of 20 primary schools were measured in 2010-2012. The school staff received instructions on how to improve IAQ in accordance with the dedicated guidelines. Atopy status was assessed in children attending the participating classrooms by skin prick tests and exhaled nitric oxide. A follow-up sampling campaign was performed in 2014-2015 in the same schools. Results: Indoor PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations were approximately 40% lower in the follow-up measurements (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences regarding outdoor PM concentrations. Nevertheless, PM levels from the follow-up campaign still exceeded the reference value established by Portuguese legislation. Moreover, there were no significant differences in atopic prevalence and FENO values between the campaigns. Conclusion: These findings suggest that adoption of the recommendations based on the SINPHONIE guidelines was particularly successful in reducing PM 2.5 and PM 10 in primary schools of Porto. Nevertheless, the schools failed to reduce the levels of other IAQ pollutants, as well as the prevalence of atopic disease.

Research paper thumbnail of Source apportionment of CO2, PM10 and VOCs levels and health risk assessment in naturally ventilated primary schools in Porto, Portugal

Building and Environment, 2015

Children are by far more susceptible to the negative effects of air pollutants than adults. Build... more Children are by far more susceptible to the negative effects of air pollutants than adults. Building-level characteristics are structural factors largely beyond the control of those who live in them. Yet, there are gaps in understanding of the relationship of school building characteristics and/or occupant behaviour and indoor air parameters with implications for health and well-being. The aims of the study were to investigate the potential sources of CO 2 , PM 10 and volatile organic compound (VOCs) in naturally ventilated primary schools and to assess the potential health hazards of PM 10 on schoolchildren. CO 2 and PM 10 levels were determined in seventy three classrooms located in Porto city over a period of 8 h using low-drift NDIR sensors and light-scattering laser photometers, respectively. The VOCs samples were collected over 5-days in Tenax TA tubes and then analysed by gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis revealed the influence of activities or building features as major sources of indoor CO 2 , PM 10 and VOCs associated to the reduced airing of the classrooms which underlines the influence of indoor sources, occupant behaviour and maintenance/cleaning activities in schools and the high density of occupants. The hazard quotient calculated based on the formula suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency is higher than the acceptable level of 1; being for children almost twelve times higher than the safe level. This indicates that the inhalation exposure to PM 10 by children and adults occupying the school environment is not negligible.

Research paper thumbnail of Health risks from indoor particulate matter (INDEX-PM)

This article illustrates the methods and findings of assessing the health risks of exposure to in... more This article illustrates the methods and findings of assessing the health risks of exposure to indoor particulate matter in the frame of the European INDEX-PM project [12]. The evaluation was performed by taking into account all sources and types of indoor particulate matter, and distinguishing it to particulate matter (PM) from outdoor origin, from indoor combustion, environmental tobacco smoke, indoor air particles of biological origin, indoor resuspended mineral dust particles, semi-volatile organic compounds, as well as secondary particles generated by indoor air chemistry. It comprises an outline of a state-of-the-art review of existing exposure and doseresponse data of indoor PM and focuses at deriving general and by-source risk characterisation and risk management options for reducing potential health effects associated with exposure to indoor PM.

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor air quality in schools and its relationship with children’s respiratory symptoms

Atmospheric Environment, 2015

Indoor air measurement campaigns in 73 classrooms from 20 public primary schools. Children health... more Indoor air measurement campaigns in 73 classrooms from 20 public primary schools. Children health information obtained using a questionnaire and clinical tests. Relationships between IAQ and children's respiratory symptoms. Even at low levels indoor air pollutants were related with the respiratory symptoms.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment and determinants of airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations in different indoor environments: Homes, child day-care centres, primary schools and elderly care centres

Atmospheric Environment, 2015

The highest bacterial and fungal concentrations obtained in school and kindergartens. Occupancy a... more The highest bacterial and fungal concentrations obtained in school and kindergartens. Occupancy and poor ventilation were associated with bacterial concentrations. Penicillium and Cladosporium were the most occurring fungi indoors. Children exhibited dose rates twice higher than adults.

Research paper thumbnail of Creating healthy and energy-efficient buildings: Lessons learned from the HOPE project

ABSTRACT Within the European research project HOPE, 97 apartment buildings and 67 office building... more ABSTRACT Within the European research project HOPE, 97 apartment buildings and 67 office buildings - of which approximately 75% have been designed to be energy-efficient, and half of them are indeed - were investigated using checklists addressing the building characteristics and ques-tionnaires to the occupants asking their perceived comfort (thermal visual, acoustical and in-door air quality) and health (sick building syndrome and allergies). The analysis of the col-lected data, together with experience gained from former projects and literature lead us to pre-sent guidelines for creating healthy and energy-efficient buildings. These guidelines are pre-sented together with the rationale and facts on which they are based.

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor environmental quality in households of families with infant twins under 1 year of age living in Porto

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor air pollution, physical and comfort parameters related to schoolchildren's health: Data from the European SINPHONIE study

Science of The Total Environment

Research paper thumbnail of Comprehensive assessment of the indoor air quality in a chlorinated Olympic-size swimming pool

Environment International

Research paper thumbnail of School environment associates with lung function and autonomic nervous system activity in children: a cross-sectional study

Scientific Reports

Children are in contact with local environments, which may affect respiratory symptoms and allerg... more Children are in contact with local environments, which may affect respiratory symptoms and allergic sensitization. We aimed to assess the effect of the environment and the walkability surrounding schools on lung function, airway inflammation and autonomic nervous system activity. Data on 701 children from 20 primary schools were analysed. Lung function, airway inflammation and pH from exhaled breath condensate were measured. Pupillometry was performed to evaluate autonomic activity. Land use composition and walkability index were quantified within a 500 m buffer zone around schools. The proportion of effects explained by the school environment was measured by mixed-effect models. We found that green school areas tended to be associated with higher lung volumes (FVC, FEV1 and FEF25–75%) compared with built areas. FVC was significantly lower in-built than in green areas. After adjustment, the school environment explained 23%, 34% and 99.9% of the school effect on FVC, FEV1, and FEF25–...

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges in spintronic platforms for biomedical applications

Research paper thumbnail of 378: Relating Energy Indicators of Regulations to Passive Comfort in Residential Buildings

architecture.ucd.ie

In most European regulations the thermal performance of the buildings is expressed mainly in term... more In most European regulations the thermal performance of the buildings is expressed mainly in terms of energy needs or energy consumption. This is the case of the Portuguese regulation. However, in the Mediterranean area and in temperate climates as ...

Research paper thumbnail of E-cadherin genetic screening and clinico-pathologic characteristics of early onset gastric cancer

European Journal of Cancer, 2011

CDH1 germline alterations occur in about 40% of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) families... more CDH1 germline alterations occur in about 40% of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) families. CDH1 germline mutations are also documented in few early onset diffuse gastric cancer patients (EODGC) without family history, but the real frequency in this setting in unknown. In these patients, the advanced stage at the time of diagnosis remains a clinical burden due to the poor long term survival. The entire coding region and exon flanking sequences of the CDH1 gene was analysed by direct sequencing in 21 EODGC patients aged ≤50 years. The potential deleterious nature for a new CDH1 missense variant was assessed by cell-cell aggregation and invasion assays. Somatic CDH1 mutation, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and promoter hypermethylation was explored in the tumour from one CDH1 germline mutation carrier. Two novel CDH1 germline variants were identified in 21 EODGC cases, c.670C&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;T and -63C&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;A. Functional analysis of the c.670C&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;T missense variant classified this mutation as non-pathogenic. The analysis of CDH1 somatic second hits failed to demonstrate E-cadherin structural and epigenetic alterations in the tumour sample. Data from the present work and a systematic review of the literature revealed that CDH1 germline mutations occurred in 7.2% of EOGC patients invariably with diffuse of mixed histology. From these, proved CDH1 mutation pathogenicity has been assigned only to 2.3% of the cases who were recurrently diagnosed before 35 years old. Germline CDH1 mutation remain the only germline genetic defect described in this type of patients and CDH1 mutation screening should be recommended for patients with these characteristics.

Research paper thumbnail of A bacteriophage detection tool for viability assessment of Salmonella cells

Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2014

Salmonellosis, one of the most common food and water-borne diseases, has a major global health an... more Salmonellosis, one of the most common food and water-borne diseases, has a major global health and economic impact. Salmonella cells present high infection rates, persistence over inauspicious conditions and the potential to preserve virulence in dormant states when cells are viable but non-culturable (VBNC). These facts are challenging for current detection methods. Culture methods lack the capacity to detect VBNC cells, while biomolecular methods (e.g. DNA-or protein-based) hardly distinguish between dead innocuous cells and their viable lethal counterparts. This work presents and validates a novel bacteriophage (phage)-based microbial detection tool to detect and assess Salmonella viability. Salmonella Enteritidis cells in a VBNC physiological state were evaluated by cell culture, flow-cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy, and further assayed with a biosensor platform. Free PVP-SE1 phages in solution showed the ability to recognize VBNC cells, with no lysis induction, in contrast to the minor recognition of heat-killed cells. This ability was confirmed for immobilized phages on gold surfaces, where the phage detection signal follows the same trend of the concentration of viable plus VBNC cells in the sample. The phage probe was then tested in a magnetoresistive biosensor platform allowing the quantitative detection and discrimination of viable and VBNC cells from dead cells, with high sensitivity. Signals arising from 3 to 4 cells per sensor were recorded. In comparison to a polyclonal antibody that does not distinguish viable from dead cells, the phage selectivity in cell recognition minimizes falsenegative and false-positive results often associated with most detection methods.

Research paper thumbnail of Why, when and how do HVAC-systems pollute the indoor environment and what to do about it? the European AIRLESS project

Building and Environment, 2003

... No, Martikainen et al., 1990 [16]; Moritz, 1997 [17]. Humidity, Yes, Björkroth et al., 1997 [... more ... No, Martikainen et al., 1990 [16]; Moritz, 1997 [17]. Humidity, Yes, Björkroth et al., 1997 [18]; Kemp et al., 1995 [19]; Martikainen et al., 1990 [16]; Maus et al., 1996 [20]; Möritz, 1997 [17]; Möritz et al., 1999 [21]; Neumeister et al., 1997 [22]; Schleibinger et al., 1999 [23]. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Ressecção de mandíbula por osteonecrose associada aos bifosfonatos

sbccp.netpoint.com.br

Page 1. Ressecção de mandíbula por osteonecrose associada aos bifosfonatos Bruno Nifossi Prado 1 ... more Page 1. Ressecção de mandíbula por osteonecrose associada aos bifosfonatos Bruno Nifossi Prado 1 Eduardo Gonçalves Fernandes 1 Thaís Cristina Araújo 1 João Gavranich Jr 2 Resumo Introdução: Bifosfonatos são utilizados ...

Research paper thumbnail of Robotic right colonic resection. Is the robotic third arm a game-changer?

Minerva chirurgica, Jan 31, 2018

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches have produces relevant advancements in the pre/intra/... more Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches have produces relevant advancements in the pre/intra/post-operative outcomes. The conventional laparoscopic approach presents similar oncological results in comparison to laparotomic approaches. Despite these evidences, a considerable part of the colorectal operations are still being performed in an open way. This is in part because traditional laparoscopy may have some hurdles and a long learning curve to reach mastery. The robotic technology may help in increasing the MIS penetrance in colorectal surgery. The use of the R3 can potentially increase the number of surgical options available. In this retrospective case series, after a long robotic colorectal experience connected to a robotic program started by Giulianotti et al1 in October 2000, we present our results regarding a subset of colorectal patients who underwent robotic right colonic resections performed, all by a single surgeon (P.C.G.), using the R3 according to our standardized...

Research paper thumbnail of A new simplified method for evaluating the thermal behaviour of direct gain passive solar buildings

Solar Energy

A new simplified method for calculating the monthly solar heating fraction of direct gain buildin... more A new simplified method for calculating the monthly solar heating fraction of direct gain buildings is presented. Two different operating regimes have been considered: (l) thermostatically controlled temperature, typical of buildings with auxiliary heating systems; and (2) free-floating temperature, typical of buildings without auxiliary heating systems. In the latter case, to quantify the thermal behaviour of the building, a comfort solar fraction is introduced. In this method, the solar fraction is a function of three parameters: (l) the solar/load ratio; (2) the building thermal inertia; and (3) the monthly non-utilizability. Some examples of the application of the new method are presented, as well as comparisons with the results from existing methods.

Research paper thumbnail of Traumatic common hepatic artery injury causing isolated right hepatic ischemia due to a left accessory artery. A case report

International journal of surgery case reports, Jan 8, 2017

Hepatic arterial liver flow is renowned for its redundancy. Previous studies have demonstrated th... more Hepatic arterial liver flow is renowned for its redundancy. Previous studies have demonstrated that the common hepatic artery is not essential for liver survival. We present a case of a 31year-old involved in a high-speed motor vehicle accident whose liver survived thanks to the presence of an accessory hepatic artery. We present the case of a 31year-old male who sustained a traumatic injury of the proper hepatic artery following a motor vehicle accident. The patient suffered temporary right liver lobe ischemia due to the presence of an accessory left hepatic artery. This resulted in the selective formation of 'biliary lakes' distinctively within the territory of the right hepatic artery supply. Simultaneously the patient developed a pseudo-aneurysm of the proper hepatic artery which required radiology intervention. At the time of pseudo-aneurysm embolisation, a rich network of arterial collaterals had formed between the accessory left hepatic and the inferior phrenic artery...

Research paper thumbnail of Software product evolution for Intellectual Capital Management: The case of Meta4 PeopleNet

International Journal of Information Management, 2011

Software must evolve in order to adapt to new demands and scenarios. In the case of packaged soft... more Software must evolve in order to adapt to new demands and scenarios. In the case of packaged software that can be customized, this evolution implies the maintenance of both out-of-the-box and customized functionality alike. New user interface technologies provide a way to interact with applications that software vendors are forced to incorporate in order to meet new user and market requirements. Packaged software vendors are facing software evolution processes in order to attract more customers and conserve the existing ones. This case analysis describes the evolution of packaged software, Meta4 PeopleNet, towards the addiction of Rich Internet Applications features to a Human and Intellectual Capital Management tool. The findings and lessons learned presented in this case study provide useful insights for packaged software vendors facing software product evolution.

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor air quality and atopic sensitization in primary schools: A follow-up study

Porto Biomedical Journal, 2016

Background: The onset and exacerbation of allergic diseases and asthma have been associated with ... more Background: The onset and exacerbation of allergic diseases and asthma have been associated with poor indoor air quality (IAQ) inside classrooms. Objective: The aim was to investigate how IAQ changed in primary schools after applying indoor air quality recommendations, and to explore how these changes influenced allergic sensitization on children. Methods: Total volatile organic compounds, PM 2.5 , PM 10 , CO 2 , CO, temperature and relative humidity in the indoor and outdoor air of 20 primary schools were measured in 2010-2012. The school staff received instructions on how to improve IAQ in accordance with the dedicated guidelines. Atopy status was assessed in children attending the participating classrooms by skin prick tests and exhaled nitric oxide. A follow-up sampling campaign was performed in 2014-2015 in the same schools. Results: Indoor PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations were approximately 40% lower in the follow-up measurements (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences regarding outdoor PM concentrations. Nevertheless, PM levels from the follow-up campaign still exceeded the reference value established by Portuguese legislation. Moreover, there were no significant differences in atopic prevalence and FENO values between the campaigns. Conclusion: These findings suggest that adoption of the recommendations based on the SINPHONIE guidelines was particularly successful in reducing PM 2.5 and PM 10 in primary schools of Porto. Nevertheless, the schools failed to reduce the levels of other IAQ pollutants, as well as the prevalence of atopic disease.

Research paper thumbnail of Source apportionment of CO2, PM10 and VOCs levels and health risk assessment in naturally ventilated primary schools in Porto, Portugal

Building and Environment, 2015

Children are by far more susceptible to the negative effects of air pollutants than adults. Build... more Children are by far more susceptible to the negative effects of air pollutants than adults. Building-level characteristics are structural factors largely beyond the control of those who live in them. Yet, there are gaps in understanding of the relationship of school building characteristics and/or occupant behaviour and indoor air parameters with implications for health and well-being. The aims of the study were to investigate the potential sources of CO 2 , PM 10 and volatile organic compound (VOCs) in naturally ventilated primary schools and to assess the potential health hazards of PM 10 on schoolchildren. CO 2 and PM 10 levels were determined in seventy three classrooms located in Porto city over a period of 8 h using low-drift NDIR sensors and light-scattering laser photometers, respectively. The VOCs samples were collected over 5-days in Tenax TA tubes and then analysed by gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis revealed the influence of activities or building features as major sources of indoor CO 2 , PM 10 and VOCs associated to the reduced airing of the classrooms which underlines the influence of indoor sources, occupant behaviour and maintenance/cleaning activities in schools and the high density of occupants. The hazard quotient calculated based on the formula suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency is higher than the acceptable level of 1; being for children almost twelve times higher than the safe level. This indicates that the inhalation exposure to PM 10 by children and adults occupying the school environment is not negligible.

Research paper thumbnail of Health risks from indoor particulate matter (INDEX-PM)

This article illustrates the methods and findings of assessing the health risks of exposure to in... more This article illustrates the methods and findings of assessing the health risks of exposure to indoor particulate matter in the frame of the European INDEX-PM project [12]. The evaluation was performed by taking into account all sources and types of indoor particulate matter, and distinguishing it to particulate matter (PM) from outdoor origin, from indoor combustion, environmental tobacco smoke, indoor air particles of biological origin, indoor resuspended mineral dust particles, semi-volatile organic compounds, as well as secondary particles generated by indoor air chemistry. It comprises an outline of a state-of-the-art review of existing exposure and doseresponse data of indoor PM and focuses at deriving general and by-source risk characterisation and risk management options for reducing potential health effects associated with exposure to indoor PM.

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor air quality in schools and its relationship with children’s respiratory symptoms

Atmospheric Environment, 2015

Indoor air measurement campaigns in 73 classrooms from 20 public primary schools. Children health... more Indoor air measurement campaigns in 73 classrooms from 20 public primary schools. Children health information obtained using a questionnaire and clinical tests. Relationships between IAQ and children's respiratory symptoms. Even at low levels indoor air pollutants were related with the respiratory symptoms.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment and determinants of airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations in different indoor environments: Homes, child day-care centres, primary schools and elderly care centres

Atmospheric Environment, 2015

The highest bacterial and fungal concentrations obtained in school and kindergartens. Occupancy a... more The highest bacterial and fungal concentrations obtained in school and kindergartens. Occupancy and poor ventilation were associated with bacterial concentrations. Penicillium and Cladosporium were the most occurring fungi indoors. Children exhibited dose rates twice higher than adults.

Research paper thumbnail of Creating healthy and energy-efficient buildings: Lessons learned from the HOPE project

ABSTRACT Within the European research project HOPE, 97 apartment buildings and 67 office building... more ABSTRACT Within the European research project HOPE, 97 apartment buildings and 67 office buildings - of which approximately 75% have been designed to be energy-efficient, and half of them are indeed - were investigated using checklists addressing the building characteristics and ques-tionnaires to the occupants asking their perceived comfort (thermal visual, acoustical and in-door air quality) and health (sick building syndrome and allergies). The analysis of the col-lected data, together with experience gained from former projects and literature lead us to pre-sent guidelines for creating healthy and energy-efficient buildings. These guidelines are pre-sented together with the rationale and facts on which they are based.

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor environmental quality in households of families with infant twins under 1 year of age living in Porto

Research paper thumbnail of Indoor air pollution, physical and comfort parameters related to schoolchildren's health: Data from the European SINPHONIE study

Science of The Total Environment

Research paper thumbnail of Comprehensive assessment of the indoor air quality in a chlorinated Olympic-size swimming pool

Environment International

Research paper thumbnail of School environment associates with lung function and autonomic nervous system activity in children: a cross-sectional study

Scientific Reports

Children are in contact with local environments, which may affect respiratory symptoms and allerg... more Children are in contact with local environments, which may affect respiratory symptoms and allergic sensitization. We aimed to assess the effect of the environment and the walkability surrounding schools on lung function, airway inflammation and autonomic nervous system activity. Data on 701 children from 20 primary schools were analysed. Lung function, airway inflammation and pH from exhaled breath condensate were measured. Pupillometry was performed to evaluate autonomic activity. Land use composition and walkability index were quantified within a 500 m buffer zone around schools. The proportion of effects explained by the school environment was measured by mixed-effect models. We found that green school areas tended to be associated with higher lung volumes (FVC, FEV1 and FEF25–75%) compared with built areas. FVC was significantly lower in-built than in green areas. After adjustment, the school environment explained 23%, 34% and 99.9% of the school effect on FVC, FEV1, and FEF25–...