Search

Around eight-out-of-ten survivors of domestic violence in Lithuania are women, and of those, eight-out-of-ten suffer violence specifically from their intimate partners (IPV). Women who experience IPV are at higher risk of having mental health conditions. This study aims to explore the perspectives of mental health and social care professionals regarding the provision of mental health support to IPV survivors in Lithuania. Four focus groups were conducted among 29 service providers from across the country. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using MAXQDA software. The five main themes derived from the analysis reveal: 1) low levels of IPV awareness among IPV survivors who seek support with their mental health; 2) a lack of specialized training among professionals as a barrier to effective support; 3) a low prioritization on the national level; 4) little inter-sectoral collaboration which undermines the complexity of needed responses; 5) broader systemic problems. The provision of mental health support to IPV survivors lacks the recognition that IPV is gender-based violence and a major public (mental) health problem. The complexity of needed services is absent. Further research needs to explore the utilization of mental health services by IPV survivors and their perceptions concerning it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing advocacy to reduce coercive practices in mental healthcare. Little research has been done on the topic in developing countries. To explore what mental health professionals in Nigeria think about coercion, why it is used, and what contextual factors influence its use in mental healthcare services. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 16 doctors and 14 nurses from two psychiatric hospitals in two regions of Nigeria. The audio-recorded interviews were analyzed thematically with the aid of MAXQDA software. Three broad categories relating to the perception of, reasons for, and barriers/facilitators to the use of coercion were derived. Coercion was viewed as being for the best interests of patients, a means to an end, and effective for achieving desired outcomes. Safety was both a reason to use a coercive measure and a deterrent to using specific coercive measures thought to be unsafe. The socio-cultural context, obsolete mental health legislation, staff shortages, and attitudes were factors influencing the use of coercion in mental healthcare. Coercion was perceived to be ultimately beneficial in mental health practice. There is need for a new mental health legislation and more resources for mental health care in Nigeria to address the problem of coercion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment gap for mental disorders remains a challenge worldwide. Identifying reasons for nontreatment may contribute to reducing this gap. To evaluate sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with use and barriers to treatment in Portugal. Data from the 2009 National Mental Health Survey were used. Participants reported 12-month treatment and reasons for nontreatment. Logistic regression models analysed the association between sociodemographic (education; employment; income; marital status) and clinical variables (mental disorder diagnosis; disability) with treatment and type of barriers (low perceived need; structural; attitudinal). The majority of participants with a mental disorder was not treated. Treatment was more common among participants with mood disorders (OR = 4.19; 95% CI: 2.72–6.46), and disability (OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.33–4.46), and less common among single participants (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.20–0.70) and those with basic/secondary education (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.24–0.73). Attitudinal barriers were more likely among participants with none/primary (OR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.42–5.90) and basic/secondary education (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.01–2.85), and less likely among those with substance use disorders (OR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.10–0.70). Low perceived need was higher among single people (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.01–3.08), and lower among those with anxiety (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28–0.90) and mood disorders (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.09–0.30). Unemployed participants had higher odds of reporting structural barriers (OR = 3.76; 95% CI: 1.29–10.92). This study identifies factors associated with nontreatment, providing useful evidence to develop policies and effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally agreed that making real-world connections in mathematics teaching increases students' motivation and interest and contributes to meaningful and permanent learning. In this paper we propose a simple and fast activity to find a rectangular hyperbola in real life and we show how to operate the data to retrieve a straight line. Since it deals with simple formulas, we believe that it can be useful in a high-school context, either in math or physics class. The activity consists of assembling a wedge with transparent plates (like glass photo frames), dipping it on a liquid and observing the rise of a hyperbola. Instructions are given on how to obtain the coordinates of the liquid/air interface and how to replot them as a straight line, using just a smartphone. For the physics class, an extension is proposed to measure the surface tension of the chosen liquid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrazine is the most common herbicide applied in crops of economic relevance, such as sugar cane, soybean, and corn. Atrazine and its derivatives desethylatrazine (DEA) and desisopropylatrazine (DIA) are toxic to the environment, affecting animal and human health. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the degradation of atrazine and its derivatives by the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus INCQS 40310, as well as the potential of the enzymes involved in this process. P. ostreatus INCQS 40310 was able to degrade atrazine (82%), DEA (71%), and DIA (56%) over 22 days of fungal cultivation. Proteomic analysis indicated the participation of hydrolases and peroxidases during the degradation process. Additionally, resting cells of the fungus were tested to verify the action of intracellular enzymes in the degradation process, suggesting the participation of cytochrome P450 enzymatic complex. Resting cells experiments promoted the degradation of 50% of atrazine, 36% of DIA, 30% of DEA. So far, this is the first work evaluating the biodegradation of DEA and DIA by fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 2008 economic recession has been shown to affect populations' mental health due to deterioration of socioeconomic and living conditions. Concurrently, mental health problems may have constituted a vulnerability to wider social inequalities during this period. Aims: To explore perceptions and experiences of primary health care users and professionals regarding the relationship between mental health and socioeconomic position during the economic recession in Portugal. Method: Data were collected in three primary health care centres in Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with users and professionals, respectively. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and underwent thematic analysis. Results: Two themes were obtained. The first comprised the relationship between changes in socioeconomic conditions (unemployment, precarious work conditions and financial hardship) and poor mental health. The second involved the consequences of experiencing mental health problems during the recession, namely disability, need of sick leave and early retirement. Conclusions: This study provided a comprehensive overview of the bidirectional relationship between socioeconomic conditions and mental health, emphasizing the need to develop policies to address the drivers of poor mental health during times of economic downturn and tackle the barriers faced by people with mental disorders to promote their full social inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the NICU, systematic exposure to sound-pressure above the recommended level can affect both neonates and staff. This study aimed to evaluate the sound pressure levels in three Portuguese NICUs and the noise perceptions of staff. The measurements were performed with a sound-level meter, considering the location of the main sources of noise and the layout of the units. A questionnaire was applied to assess noise perceptions of professionals. Among the staff, 41.1% classified the environment (regarding noise) as “slightly uncomfortable”; 48.4% considered it as “acceptable.” The majority (55.5%) considered “equipment” the most annoying source of noise. The results showed that noise levels were excessive in all the evaluated areas of the NICUs, exceeding international guidelines, with levels ranging between 48.7 dBA to 71.7 dBA. Overall, there is a need for more research to verify the effectiveness of some actions and strategies to reduce the effect of noise in the NICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports for the first time the nutritional profile, including proximate chemical composition, amino acids, fatty acids and minerals of Parastichopus regalis from the Mediterranean Sea (SE Spain). The studied species had a high moisture content, moderate protein and low lipid levels. The most abundant amino acids were glutamic acid, arginine and tyrosine. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially arachidonic acid, dominated the fatty acid profile. Iron, sodium, calcium and zinc were the most abundant mine rals. In general, P. regalis has a balanced nutritional quality suitable for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveillance of drinking water quality is extremely important to human health, assuming greater relevance in hospital environments, especially to those individuals who are immunocompromised. This study is aimed to determine the effect of increasing free chlorine (Cl) concentration in a hospital water network in regard to water quality monitoring and microbial growth control, between 2010 and 2013 in Porto. The average of free Cl concentration in the period under analysis showed some heterogeneity per floor, varying between 0.84 and 1.25 mg/L. In addition, there was a rise in proportion of samples that exceeded WHO guidelines (free Cl ≥ 0.5 mg/L), particularly in the last two years of the same period. With respect to microbial analysis, 22.4% of the samples were positive forLegionellaspp., 6.4% forPseudomonas aeruginosa, 15% and 30.4% for aerobic plate counts at 36 and 22 ºC, respectively. The proportion of positive samples decreased throughout the period under analysis, in particular forLegionellaspp. (41.7% in 2010 vs. non-detectable in 2013) andP.aeruginosa(10.8% in 2010 vs. 3.3% in 2013). These results are in accordance with the gradual rise in free Cl concentration (0.78 ± 0.94 mg/L in 2010 vs. 1.16 ± 0.51 mg/L in 2013). In conclusion, a suitable plan for drinking water quality was instituted which resulted in reducing microbiological growth in the waterwork network, improving public health protection. However, the detection of critical points associated with lower levels of free Cl were found on certain floors/points-of-use, requiring the need to improve the monitoring water treatment system and/or implementation of additional technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This work reports for the first time the nutritional profile and antioxidant potential of the edible sea cucumber Holothuria arguinensis from the North-eastern Atlantic. H. arguinensis has high levels of protein, with the amino acids profile dominated by alanine, glycine and proline and low lysine/arginine ratios. Its carbohydrate and energetic contents are also low as well as the total lipid levels, although its lipid profile is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. In addition, H. arguinensis has high levels of calcium. The water and ethanol extracts show ability to scavenge free radicals and to chelate copper and iron ions. Our results indicate that H. arguinensis has a balanced nutritional quality suitable for human consumption. In addition, it contains compounds with antioxidant potential; thus its intake can contribute for a healthy and well-balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propazine herbicide has been used worldwide in different crops of economic relevance. Due to its recalcitrance and leaching capacity, propazine is often found in water bodies in several countries above the allowed levels. Besides preventing contamination, it is crucial to improve the current degradation processes. Within this context, the aim of the present study was the evaluation of propazine degradation byPleurotus ostreatusINCQS 40310, considering the contribution of intra- and extracellular enzymes during the process. Two culture media were used, namely PMP 7 and PMP 12, which were previously optimized through factorial design for atrazine degradation. The best results for propazine degradation were obtained fromP. ostreatusINCQS 40310 cultivated in PMP 12 culture medium.Pleurotus ostreatusINCQS 40310 grown in PMP 12 degraded 90% of the propazine after 32 d. In a separate experiment that used only resting cells ofP. ostreatusINCQS 40310, which were previously washed with phosphate buffer, 37.5% propazine degradation was observed after 7 d (32 d of cultivation in PMP 12 for growth and 7 d of resting cell incubation), which indicates the participation of intracellular enzymes. However, when the same degradation test was conducted using crude supernatant obtained fromP. ostreatusINCQS 40310 cultivation, 31% of the propazine was degraded in PMP 12 after 7 d suggesting that extracellular enzymes are also involved. The highest percentage of propazine degradation, 90%, was only obtained during the full cultivation ofP. ostreatusINCQS 40310. In addition, the isolated tests with resting cells and crude supernatant showed the participation of intra- and extracellular enzymes in a complementary manner and suggested the synergistic action of both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospital facilities are normally very complex, which combined with patient requirements promote conditions for potential development of uncomfortable working conditions. Thermal discomfort is one such example. This study aimed to determine levels of thermal comfort, sensations, and preferences, from a field investigation conducted in two sterilization services (SS) of two hospitals from Porto and Aveiro, Portugal. The analytical determination and interpretation of thermal comfort was based upon assumptions of ISO 7726:1998 and ISO 7730:2005. The predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage of dissatisfaction (PPD) indices were obtained by measurement and estimation of environmental and personal variables, respectively, and calculated according to ISO 7730 equations. The subjective variables were obtained from thermal sensation (subjective PMV) and affective assessment (subjective PPD), reported by a questionnaire based upon ISO 10551:1995. Both approaches confirmed thermal discomfort in both SS (codified as SS1 and SS2). For all areas, PMV and PPD exceeded in all periods of the day the recommended range of –0.5 to +0.5 and <10%, respectively. No significant differences were found between day periods. The questionnaire results showed that SS2 workers reported a higher level of thermal discomfort. There were no significant differences between PMV and thermal sensations, as well as between PPD and affective assessment. The PMV/PPD model was found suitable to predict thermal sensations of occupants in hospital SS located in areas with a mild climate in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on microbial characterization of cold-smoked salmon and salmon trout during cold storage were performed on samples available in the Portuguese market. Samples were also classified microbiologically according to guidelines for ready-to-eat (RTE) products. Further investigations on sample variability and microbial abilities to produce tyramine and histamine were also performed. The coefficient of variation for viable counts of different groups of microorganisms of samples collected at retail market point was high in the first 2 wk of storage, mainly in the Enterobacteriaceae group and aerobic plate count (APC), suggesting that microbiological characteristics of samples were different in numbers, even within the same batch from the same producer. This variation seemed to be decreased when storage and temperature were controlled under lab conditions. The numbers of Enterobacteriaceae were influenced by storage temperature, as indicated by low microbial numbers in samples from controlled refrigeration. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Enterobacteriaceae were predominant in commercial products, a significant percentage of which were tyramine and less histamine producers. These results might be influenced by (1) the technological processes in the early stages of production, (2) contamination during the smoking process, and (3) conditions and temperature fluctuations during cold storage at retail market point of sale. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It is well recognized that professional musicians are at risk of hearing damage due to the exposure to high sound pressure levels during music playing. However, it is important to recognize that the musicians’ exposure may start early in the course of their training as students in the classroom and at home. Studies regarding sound exposure of music students and their hearing disorders are scarce and do not take into account important influencing variables. Therefore, this study aimed to describe sound level exposures of music students at different music styles, classes, and according to the instrument played. Further, this investigation attempted to analyze the perceptions of students in relation to exposure to loud music and consequent health risks, as well as to characterize preventive behaviors. The results showed that music students are exposed to high sound levels in the course of their academic activity. This exposure is potentiated by practice outside the school and other external activities. Differences were found between music style, instruments, and classes. Tinnitus, hyperacusis, diplacusis, and sound distortion were reported by the students. However, students were not entirely aware of the health risks related to exposure to high sound pressure levels. These findings reflect the importance of starting intervention in relation to noise risk reduction at an early stage, when musicians are commencing their activity as students. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Evidence indicates that exposure to high levels of noise adversely affects human health, and these effects are dependent upon various factors. In hospitals, there are many sources of noise, and high levels exert an impact on patients and staff, increasing both recovery time and stress, respectively. The goal of this pilot study was to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a training program (TP) on noise reduction in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by comparing the noise levels before and after the implementation of the program. In total, 79 health professionals participated in the study. The measurements of sound pressure levels took into account the layout of the unit and locations of the main sources of noise. General results indicated that LAeqlevels before implementation of the training program were often excessive, ranging from 48.7 ± 2.94 dBA to 71.7 ± 4.74 dBA, exceeding international guidelines. Similarly, following implementation of the training program, noise levels remained unchanged (54.5 ± 0.49 dBA to 63.9 ± 4.37 dBA), despite a decrease in some locations. There was no significant difference before and after the implementation of TP. However, a significant difference was found for Lp,Cpeak, before and after training staff, suggesting greater care by health care professionals performing their tasks. Even recognizing that a TP is quite important to change behaviors, this needs to be considered in a broader context to effectively control noise in the NICU. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A series of thermotropic hydrogen-bonded liquid crystalline structures based on 4,4′-bipyridyl and aliphatic carboxylic acids was prepared by a mechanosynthesis technique. This series was characterised by polarising optical microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and1H NMR relaxometry experimental techniques. In these complexes, the bipyridyl component, a non-mesogenic substance by itself, acts as a double H-bond acceptor, whereas the alkylbenzoic acid acts as a H-bond donor, in a 1:2 proportion. The so-formed complexes exhibit mesophases that are not observed by the single components. A characteristic phase (smectic A) is identified and shown to be affected by the alkyl chain length. The isotropisation temperature is increased by the supramolecular aggregation through the H-bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new compounds 2 and 4, along with two known compounds 1 and 3, were isolated for the first time from 95% ethanolic extract of the leaves of Ficus rumphii. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physical evidences (elemental analysis, UV, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra) and comparison with the literature compounds. Structural authentication of compound 4 was further validated by single-crystal X-ray analysis and DFT calculations. The compounds 1–4 were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity against cancer and non-cancer cells and also tested for genotoxicity (comet assay). Compounds 2 and 4 displayed significant activity against HL-60 with IC50 values of 3.3 and 2.3 μM, respectively. The results revealed that compound 4 has better prospectus to act as cancer chemotherapeutic candidate which warrants further in vivo anticancer investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrazine is a widely used herbicide on crops of major economic relevance such as corn and sugarcane. The widespread use of this herbicide could result in its accumulation in, or contamination of environmental niches. It is important to emphasize that not only atrazine but also its derivatives should be monitored. The aim of this study was to develop an appropriate methodology for simultaneous separation of atrazine (ATZ) and its derivatives, desethylatrazine (DEA), deisopropylatrazine (DIA), hydroxyatrazine (HA), desethyldeisopropylatrazine (DEDIA), desethylhydroxyatrazine (DEHA), and deisopropylhydroxyatrazine (DIHA) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HPLC analyses were performed under gradient elution mode using a Shim-pack VP ODS C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 4.6 μm) column, 5 mmol.L− 1 of sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) and acetonitrile as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL.min− 1 and 25°C. Detection was monitored at 221 nm. Some validation parameters, such as selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection and limit of quantification were evaluated for analyses of atrazine, DEA, and DEDIA. The method was successfully applied to the detection of DEA and DIA, the main degradation products observed after 15 days of incubation in the presence of Pleurotus ostreatus INCQS 40310. The formation of DEA and DIA was unequivocally confirmed by GC-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of water quality from indoor swimming pools, using chorine-based disinfection techniques, was performed during a 6-mo period to study the occurrence, distribution, and concentration factors of trihalomethanes (THM). Several parameters such as levels of water THM, water and air chloroform, water bromodichloromethane (BDCM), water dibromochloromethane (DBCM), water bromoform (BF), free residual chlorine (FrCl), pH, water and air temperature, and permanganate water oxidizability (PWO) were determined in each pool during that period. Chloroform (CFW) was the THM detected at higher concentrations in all pools, followed by BDCM, DBCM, and BF detected at 99, 34, and 6% of the samples, respectively. Water THM concentrations ranged from 10.1 to 155 μg/L, with 6.5% of the samples presenting values above 100 μg/L (parametric value established in Portuguese law DL 306/2007). In this study, air chloroform (CFAir) concentrations ranged from 45 to 373 μg/m3 with 24% of the samples presenting values above 136 μg/m3 (considered high exposure value). Several significant correlations were observed between total THM and other parameters, namely, CFW, CFAir, FrCl, water temperature (TW), and PWO. These correlations indicate that FrCl, TW and PWO are parameters that influence THM formation. The exposure criterion established for water THM enabled the inclusion of 67% of Lisbon pools in the high exposure group, which reinforces the need for an improvement in pool water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, former studies on the interactions of the natural substrate and potential inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum serine hydroxymethyltransferase (PfSHMT) were used to design five new potential selective inhibitors to this enzyme. Results of the docking energies calculations of these structures inside the active sites of PfSHMT and human SHMT were used to select a more suitable structure as a potential selective inhibitor to PfSHMT. Further molecular dynamics studies of this molecule and 5-formyl-6-hydrofolic acid (natural substrate) docked inside these enzymes' active sites revealed important features for additional refinements of this structure and also additional residues in the PfSHMT active site to be considered further for designing selective inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy type I (FAP-I) is caused by a mutant transthyretin (TTR V30M) produced by liver, and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a widely accepted treatment for stopping the major production of TTR V30M. Anemia affects 24.8% of symptomatic FAP-I patients with low erythropoietin (Epo) levels, suggesting a blockage of Epo-producing cells by local or circulating factors. To evaluate the putative toxicity effect of the mutant protein on Epo-producing cells and consequent Epo production, clinical and laboratory parameters of 20 FAP patients were collected before and after liver transplantation, analyzed and compared. Following OLT, the prevalence of anemia increased, with a significant decrease in transferrin saturation, but without significant change in ferritin. Serum Epo levels remained low after OLT and the observed to expected (O/E) Epo level ratio decreased even further after OLT (O/E < 0.8 rose to 70%). Despite the decrease in creatinine clearance (95.1 to 66.9 ml/min, p < 0.001), a similar median O/E Epo level was observed, independently of the presence of renal failure, excluding an important impact of renal failure on Epo production. The increase of anemia after OLT and the maintenance of a defective endogenous Epo production after liver transplantation excluded an inhibitory effect of the circulating TTR V30M on the Epo-producing cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical familial amyloid polyneuropathy may have a course with progressive renal impairment. We studied 62 patients (24 males, 38 females) with FAP, transthyretin variant V30M, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with hemodialysis, all referred to a single center over a period of 11 years. Clinical course, morbidity and survival after dialysis were analyzed. Patient's mean age at first dialysis was 51.5±10.7 years, and mean duration of neuropathy was 10.2±3.8 years. The most frequent form of presentation of FAP nephropathy was nephrotic proteinuria with renal dysfunction. In the year prior to dialysis, renal function declined rapidly, and fluid overload was the main indication to initiate treatment. The presence of decubitus ulcers, significant disability, venous catheter for definitive vascular access for long-term treatment, and permanent bladder catheter, were related to death during the first year of dialysis. The mean duration of renal replacement therapy was 21 months, with a 54.5% one year, and 38.4% two year treatment survival. However, when the duration of neurological symptoms at first dialysis exceeded 10 years, survival was significantly lower. Infections, (41% were decubitus ulcers with sepsis) were the cause of early, as well as late mortality. Early creation of vascular access for hemodialysis, surveillance of skin wounds, and intervention on neurogenic bladder are essential to improve the prognosis of ESRD in FAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filamentous fungi were isolated from estua-rine sediments collected from two contaminated sites. One site was contaminated mainly by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with a concentration around 407μg g[SUP-1] of different PAHs, and the other by different sources of industrial pollutants; both were compared to a pristine site. All three sites were located in the Baixada Santista, São Paulo State, Brazil. The aim of the present investigation was the isolation of filamentous fungi from pristine and industrially polluted sediments in order to assess the mycobiota present in those sites and to evaluate their tolerance to phenanthrene and pyrene. Most of the isolated fungi were mitosporic ascomycetes, including Aspergil-lus sp., Chrysosporium sp., Cyclothyrium spp., Gliocladium sp., Penicillium spp., Phoma spp., and Trichoderma spp. There were also representatives of sexual Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, and Zygomycetes. The results showed that 59% of the evaluated fungi were tolerant to pyrene and 30% to phenan-threne. Representatives of Trichoderma were the most tolerant among the filamentous fungi investigated. A representative of Penicillium simplicissimum was the only isolate tested that had a better growth in the presence of pyrene than in its absence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preface to the special issue that encompasses a selection of scientific papers presented in the 3rd International Congress on Environmental Health (ICEH2014), which was held in Porto, Portugal, in September 2014 is presented.