CBQF - Contribuições em Revistas Científicas / Contribution to Journals
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- Global, regional, and national prevalence of adult overweight and obesity, 1990-2021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021Publication . GBD 2021 Adult BMI; Ng, Marie; Gakidou, Emmanuela; Lo, Justin; Abate, Yohannes Habtegiorgis; Abbafati, Cristiana; Abbas, Nasir; Abbasian, Mohammadreza; ElHafeez, Samar Abd; Abdel-Rahman, Wael M.; Abd-Elsalam, Sherief; Abdollahi, Arash; Abdoun, Meriem; Abdulah, Deldar Morad; Abdulkader, Rizwan Suliankatchi; Abdullahi, Auwal; Abedi, Armita; Abeywickrama, Hansani Madushika; Abie, Alemwork; Aboagye, Richard Gyan; Abohashem, Shady; Abtahi, Dariush; Abualruz, Hasan; Abubakar, Bilyaminu; Farha, Rana Kamal Abu; Abukhadijah, Hana J.; Abu-Rmeileh, Niveen M. E.; Aburuz, Salahdein; Abu-Zaid, Ahmed; Adams, Lisa C.; Adane, Mesafint Molla; Addo, Isaac Yeboah; Adedokun, Kamoru Ademola; Adegoke, Nurudeen A.; Adepoju, Abiola Victor Victor; Adesola, Ridwan Olamilekan; Adeyeoluwa, Temitayo Esther; Adiga, Usha; Adnani, Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah; Afaghi, Siamak; Afzal, Saira; Afzal, Muhammad Sohail; Agampodi, Thilini Chanchala; Aghamiri, Shahin; Sobrinho, Cesar Agostinis; Agyemang-Duah, Williams; Ahlstrom, Austin J.; Ahmad, Danish; Ahmad, Sajjad; Fernandes, João C.; Ferreira, NunoBackground Overweight and obesity is a global epidemic. Forecasting future trajectories of the epidemic is crucial for providing an evidence base for policy change. In this study, we examine the historical trends of the global, regional, and national prevalence of adult overweight and obesity from 1990 to 2021 and forecast the future trajectories to 2050. Methods Leveraging established methodology from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, we estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity among individuals aged 25 years and older by age and sex for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2050. Retrospective and current prevalence trends were derived based on both self-reported and measured anthropometric data extracted from 1350 unique sources, which include survey microdata and reports, as well as published literature. Specific adjustment was applied to correct for self-report bias. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression models were used to synthesise data, leveraging both spatial and temporal correlation in epidemiological trends, to optimise the comparability of results across time and geographies. To generate forecast estimates, we used forecasts of the Socio-demographic Index and temporal correlation patterns presented as annualised rate of change to inform future trajectories. We considered a reference scenario assuming the continuation of historical trends. Findings Rates of overweight and obesity increased at the global and regional levels, and in all nations, between 1990 and 2021. In 2021, an estimated 1·00 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 0·989–1·01) adult males and 1·11 billion (1·10–1·12) adult females had overweight and obesity. China had the largest population of adults with overweight and obesity (402 million [397–407] individuals), followed by India (180 million [167–194]) and the USA (172 million [169–174]). The highest age-standardised prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in countries in Oceania and north Africa and the Middle East, with many of these countries reporting prevalence of more than 80% in adults. Compared with 1990, the global prevalence of obesity had increased by 155·1% (149·8–160·3) in males and 104·9% (95% UI 100·9–108·8) in females. The most rapid rise in obesity prevalence was observed in the north Africa and the Middle East super-region, where age-standardised prevalence rates in males more than tripled and in females more than doubled. Assuming the continuation of historical trends, by 2050, we forecast that the total number of adults living with overweight and obesity will reach 3·80 billion (95% UI 3·39–4·04), over half of the likely global adult population at that time. While China, India, and the USA will continue to constitute a large proportion of the global population with overweight and obesity, the number in the sub-Saharan Africa super-region is forecasted to increase by 254·8% (234·4–269·5). In Nigeria specifically, the number of adults with overweight and obesity is forecasted to rise to 141 million (121–162) by 2050, making it the country with the fourth-largest population with overweight and obesity. Interpretation No country to date has successfully curbed the rising rates of adult overweight and obesity. Without immediate and effective intervention, overweight and obesity will continue to increase globally. Particularly in Asia and Africa, driven by growing populations, the number of individuals with overweight and obesity is forecast to rise substantially. These regions will face a considerable increase in obesity-related disease burden. Merely acknowledging obesity as a global health issue would be negligent on the part of global health and public health practitioners; more aggressive and targeted measures are required to address this crisis, as obesity is one of the foremost avertible risks to health now and in the future and poses an unparalleled threat of premature disease and death at local, national, and global levels.
- Lipedema: from women’s hormonal changes to nutritional interventionPublication . Tomada, InêsLipedema is a chronic disease of the subcutaneous adipose tissue that mostly affects women. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is still poorly understood. Lipedema typically develops after major hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Alongside genetic susceptibility, the pathophysiological mechanism involving hormonal changes is mostly linked to aberrantly expressed estrogen receptors in adipose tissue. Lipedema has no known cure, and current therapies aim primarily to reduce symptoms, avoid complications, and slow the disease progression. Achieving or maintaining a healthy body composition, preserving or regaining mobility and functionality, preventing the progression of disease, and reducing pain and other symptoms are all possible outcomes of proper nutrition and weight management. Since nutrition may provide a long-term solution to control almost constant inflammation, it should be a major part of lipedema treatment. Despite the lack of a specific, scientifically supported diet for lipedema patients, several dietary approaches have been suggested. In this comprehensive narrative review, supported by published revisions and peer-reviewed studies following scrutiny of digital medical databases, the current state of knowledge and theories regarding the hormonal etiopathogenesis of lipedema are presented, as well as the role of nutritional intervention in reducing its symptoms and progression.
- Eucalyptus-enhanced cotton: pretreatment and bioactive coating strategies for the development of sustainable textiles with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities for skin applicationsPublication . Oliveira, Cláudia S.; Costa, Ana; Mendanha, Daniel; Macedo, Tiago; Moreira, Joana; Oliveira, Juliana A. S. A.; Bernardes, Beatriz G.; Silva, Carla J.; Tavaria, Freni K.Eucalyptus essential oils and extracts are widely recognized for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, and aromatizing properties, making them highly valuable across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and textiles. For the design of biomedical textiles, cotton is favored for its mechanical strength, porosity, and biodegradability, but its vulnerability to microbial action limits its applications. To address this issue, natural compounds like eucalyptus essential oils and extracts have been prioritized over synthetic agents to enhance their antimicrobial properties. While bioactive textiles using essential oils have been well-documented, the incorporation of eucalyptus leaf extracts with different surface modifications of cotton remains largely unexplored. In this line, this study investigated pretreatment approaches to improve the uptake and uniformity of eucalyptus extract on cotton fibers. To achieve this, chitosan (CH), a cationic agent, and alum were applied to the cotton fabric to promote stronger electrostatic interactions and improve the binding of extract’s bioactive components. The functionalized fabrics were tested for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli, antioxidant properties, and cytotoxicity using human keratinocytes. Eucalyptus-functionalized cotton, particularly with CH pretreatment, exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and enhanced antioxidant capacity in the DPPH assay. No cytotoxicity was detected with 8 h of exposure, but potential effects were observed after 24 h, indicating the need for further evaluation of long-term safety. These findings highlight the potential of eucalyptus-functionalized textiles for personalized clothing aimed at managing skin conditions linked to microbiota dysregulation, emphasizing the need for optimized functionalization and biocompatibility evaluation.
- A case study on the microbiological consequences of short supply chains in high-income countries—the consequences of good handling practices (GHPs) in vegetable outlets in PortugalPublication . Macieira, Ariana; Brandão, Teresa R. S.; Teixeira, PaulaVegetables are commodities frequently sold in local markets and have been associated with foodborne outbreaks in short and local supply outlets worldwide. These outbreaks could potentially be mitigated through the implementation of good handling practices (GHPs) at points of sale. Numerous studies have assessed microbiological contamination in small-scale vegetable outlets in developing countries. In contrast, research on these risks in developed countries is comparatively scarce. However, with the increasing demand for vegetables, along with the increasing popularity of local markets, there is potential for an increase in foodborne outbreaks in developed countries. This study aimed to perform a microbiological assessment in local and short supply chain outlets of farmers in Portugal, as a case study, and to observe behaviors regarding GHPs in these outlets. The study was performed before and after the implementation of improved GHPs. This research employed quantitative analysis to measure the microbial load on vegetables, bench surfaces, and vendors’ hands. Additionally, a qualitative analysis was conducted to understand farmers’ behavior regarding GHPs using observational methods. Microbial hazards were detected in vegetables, on surfaces, and on hands both before and after the implementation of these practices, although the implementation of GHPs reduced the number of contaminations potentially associated with the practices used at the outlets. The results of this study highlight the importance of implementing GHPs in local and short supply chain markets for vegetables and fruits in developed countries, not only to protect consumers’ health, but also the farmers’ businesses.
- Effect of high-pressure processing on proteolysis, texture and sensorial attributes of raw ewe’s cheeses throughout storagePublication . Inácio, Rita S.; Monteiro, Maria J. P.; Lopes-da-Silva, José A.; Saraiva, Jorge A.; Gomes, Ana M. P.Serra da Estrela cheese, with a Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO), is one of the most appreciated traditional raw milk Portuguese cheeses, and it is well known for its unique flavor and texture, which are derived from the use of raw ewe’s milk and its production process. In this work, 45-day-old ripened Serra da Estrela cheeses were processed by high-pressure processing (HPP) at 600 MPa/6 min (P1), 450 MPa/6 min (P2) and 450 MPa/9 min (P3) to study the effect of HPP initially and during 15 months of storage at 4 °C. The proteolysis indexes were, in general, lower in the HPP-treated cheeses than in the control cheeses. The P1 cheeses kept their ripening extension index throughout the 15 months of storage close to that of non-processed cheese at month 0. Progression of the ripening depth and free amino acids indexes was also slowed down by HPP. HPP had no immediate effect on the cheese texture parameters, and minor changes were found up to 3 months of storage; moreover, the P2 cheeses maintained their hardness and consistency levels during the 15-month storage period at values close to those of the control cheeses at month 0. Sensory evaluation by trained panelists showed that the P2 cheeses were softer than the control cheeses; furthermore, for the P3 cheeses, there were no observed treatment effects on the sensory attributes evaluated at the end of storage. Overall, the results uphold the potential of HPP in rendering Serra da Estrela cheese proteolysis levels similar to those of control cheese at 45 days of ripening with minor effects on texture.
- Dual and sequential drug delivery systems with antimicrobial and bone regenerative therapeutic effectsPublication . Rodrigues, Miguel A.; Ferreira, Carla; Borges, João P.; Bernardes, Beatriz G.; Oliveira, Ana L.; Santos, José D.; Lopes, Maria A.Bone defect healing is often compromised by infections acquired during surgery, hindering regeneration. An effective solution should first prevent infection and then promote bone repair. Localised drug-delivery systems capable of dual and sequential release of antimicrobial and bone-regenerative agents represent a promising solution; however, precisely controlling this sequential release remains an unmet challenge. To address this issue, this study explores a novel approach by developing delivery systems based on either hollow or non-hollow porous bioceramics with an alginate hydrogel matrix, resulting in cutting-edge systems with a controlled, stage-specific release of antimicrobial and bone regenerative agents that meet the clinical needs. Gentamicin served as the antimicrobial agent, while raloxifene and/or alendronate represented hydrophobic and hydrophilic bone-regenerative agents. The systems were evaluated for release profiles, kinetic modelling, and the effects of lyophilisation and sterilisation (using ethylene oxide or supercritical CO2) on drug stability and release kinetics. The release followed a precise dual-sequential pattern: gentamicin was released over 2–3 weeks, followed by another 2–3 weeks of bone-regenerative agents. Kinetic model fitting showed that gentamicin release was driven mainly by diffusion (with or without hydrogel swelling), and raloxifene/alendronate release was dominated by a mixture of diffusion and polymeric matrix swelling/erosion. Lyophilisation and sterilisation preserved release profiles, though timeframes shifted slightly, with supercritical CO2 causing minimal delay. Gentamicin retained strong antimicrobial activity post-processing, confirming the system's potential for infection control and bone repair.
- Environmental and food safety assessment of pre-harvest activities in local small-scale fruit and vegetable farms in Northwest PortugalPublication . Macieira, Ariana; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Brandão, Teresa R. S.; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Teixeira, PaulaThe popularity of small-scale and local fruit and vegetable production has increased in recent years due to perceived economic, environmental, and social benefits. However, these operations face contamination risks that both consumers and small-scale producers may underestimate. The present study aimed to assess the microbiological and chemical hazards on fruit, vegetables, soil, and water samples from small-scale farms in north-western Portugal during pre-harvest activities. Additionally, the study investigated farmers’ non-compliance with food safety regulations and good agricultural practices (GAPs), exploring how their behaviour might contribute to the identified hazards. A before-and-after analysis of non-compliant behaviours was conducted to determine the impact of training on improving food safety practices. The analysis identified the presence of pathogenic bacteria, pesticides, flame retardant residues, nitrates, and heavy metals. Lead (Pb) concentrations exceeded EU limits in organic carrots from one producer (0.156 ± 0.043 mg/kg) and in chard from another (0.450 ± 0.126 mg/kg). Cadmium (Cd) levels were also above regulatory thresholds in bell peppers (0.023 ± 0.009 mg/kg) and organic tomatoes (0.026 ± 0.015 mg/kg) from two different producers. Elevated levels of heavy metals were detected in irrigation water from two sites, with zinc (Zn) at 0.2503 ± 0.0075 mg/L and Pb at 0.0218 ± 0.0073 mg/L. Among food samples, the most prevalent microorganisms were Pseudomonas spp. (88.2%), Bacillus cereus (76.5%), and aerobic mesophilic bacteria (100%). Phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), particularly tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), were detected in all food and soil samples. Some EU-banned pesticides were detected in food and soil samples, but at levels below the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Chlorpyrifos (35.3%) and p,p’-DDD (23.5%) were the most detected pesticides in food samples. After the training, GAP behaviour improved, particularly that related to hygiene. However, issues related to record-keeping and soil and water analyses persisted, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving full compliance.
- Unravelling the potential of seven microalgae species: nutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and applicationPublication . Martins, Valter F. R.; Lopes, Ana I.; Gomes, Diana; Parreira, Celina; Badenes, Sara M.; Costa, Luís; Pintado, Manuela; Morais, Alcina M. M. B.; Morais, Rui M. S. C.Featured Application: The present study highlights the rich biochemical profiles and bioactivities of seven microalgal species and their respective extracts, emphasizing their broad and versatile range of potential applications. These microalgae serve as promising sources of valuable biomolecules, notably proteins, especially in Limnospira sp., and lipids, with Nannochloropsis sp. being particularly rich in the latter. Limnospira sp. generally exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity and demonstrated good antimicrobial properties, while Nannochloropsis sp. showed the most pronounced antimicrobial effects against the majority of tested bacterial strains. These species hold significant potential across various sectors, from sustainable nutrition (e.g., functional foods, aquafeeds) and therapeutics (e.g., pharmaceuticals, wound care), as well as in next-generation cosmetics, bio-based industrials, and environmental bioremediation—placing them at the forefront of green biotechnological innovation. A specific application explored in this work involves the development of an edible film incorporating lipid- and bioactive-rich extracts from Nannochloropsis sp. and a bioactive-rich extract from Limnospira sp., which could be used in active food packaging. The implementation of integrated biorefinery approaches is expected to enhance the commercial viability and sustainability of these microalgae. In conclusion, the seven microalgae and their extracts investigated in this study present sustainable and multifunctional solutions for the health, nutrition, cosmetic, and environmental sectors. Their inherent bioactivity and compositional versatility continue to stimulate growing interest in biotechnological development and commercial exploitation. Microalgae are a rich renewable source of a wide variety of bioactive compounds. This study focuses on seven microalgae—Limnospira sp., Dunaliella sp., Lobosphaera sp., Nannochloropsis sp., Odontella sp., Porphyridium sp., and Tetraselmis sp.— analyzing their nutritional compositions and the potential bioactivity of their hydroethanolic extracts obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC), as well as the antimicrobial activity of the extracts were determined. The protein content of the microalgae ranged from 22.9 ± 0.1 to 59.8 ± 1.6%, the fat content ranged from 5.3 ± 0.0 to 36.6 ± 0.0%, and the carbohydrates ranged from 24.0 ± 3.0 to 46.1 ± 1.0%. The highest contents of protein, fat, and carbohydrates were found in Limnospira sp., Nannochloropsis sp., and Lobosphaera sp., respectively. The TPC of the extracts varied between 0.53 ± 0.09 and 3.18 ± 0.53 mg GAE/100 mg DW. Antioxidant activity values ranged from 1.09 ± 0.15 and 2.85 ± 0.45 μmol TE/100 mg DW for ABTS, 0.25 ± 0.06 and 2.28 ± 0.06 μmol TE/100 mg DW for DPPH, and 2.37 ± 0.58 and 18.32 ± 1.00 μmol TE/100 mg DW for ORAC. The extract from Limnospira sp. exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and also showed notable antimicrobial effects. Meanwhile, the Nannochloropsis sp. extract demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial activity against most tested bacterial strains. Lipids were successfully extracted from Nannochloropsis sp. Furthermore, alginate and zein films incorporated with bioactive-rich extracts from Limnospira sp. and Nannochloropsis sp., along with the lipid-rich extract from Nannochloropsis sp., were developed. These films showed significant antioxidant activity and effective antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes.
- Sustainable synthesis and optimisation of ethyl oleate from high oleic acid waste: a pathway to valorise industrial byproductsPublication . Soares, Ana; Fontes, Ana Luiza; Teixeira, Francisca; Costa, Paula; Pimentel, Lígia; Pintado, Manuela; Rodríguez-Alcalá, Luis MiguelEthyl oleate (EO) is a versatile compound with several industrial applications, such as a vaccine adjuvant, an emollient in cosmetics, and a key component in food products as an additive used for pretreatment in preservation processes such as drying, while preserving valuable nutrients. Ethyl oleate is primarily synthesised from edible oils, which raises concerns regarding competition with food production. This study proposes the use of a high oleic acid waste (HOW) obtained from industrial pipelines as a raw material for EO production, by transesterification with ethanol and using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. The effects of the HOW : ethanol ratio and recirculated EO addition on both yield and purity levels were investigated. An HOW : ethanol ratio of 6 : 1 (w/w) and a 10% (w/w) of EO recirculated addition resulted in the highest purity (86.16 ± 0.04%) and yield (96.35 ± 0.01%). The resultant EO samples were characterized towards its composition and physicochemical properties. The study highlights the sustainable valorisation of industrial waste. This approach avoids competition with the food chain and offers an eco-friendly method to produce EO for various industrial applications, particularly in food science.
- Functional properties and safety considerations of zinc oxide nanoparticles under varying conditionsPublication . Mendes, Ana Rita; Granadeiro, Carlos M.; Leite, Andreia; Geiss, Otmar; Bianchi, Ivana; Ponti, Jessica; Mehn, Dora; Pereira, Eulália; Teixeira, Paula; Poças, FátimaZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) exhibit diverse morphologies and sizes, influencing their functional properties. However, the relationship between their morphology and behavior under varying conditions remains poorly understood. This study provides novel insights by linking ZnO NPs shape to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and to antimicrobial efficacy under varying temperatures. ROS generation was confirmed via electron paramagnetic resonance, although no antioxidant activity was observed. Antibacterial tests against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at different temperatures (4–22 °C) revealed that sheet-shaped NPs achieved complete bacterial reduction (7.5 log CFU mL−1 for E. coli at 4 and 22 °C; 6.8 log CFU mL−1 for S. aureus at 22 °C). Flower-shaped NPs were less effective due to larger size and reduced surface area. Zeta potential ranged from −44 to −58 mV, indicating high stability, with sheet-shaped particles being the most dispersed. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed closer interaction between sheet-shaped NPs and E. coli in agreement with the higher activity. Antibacterial efficacy decreased at 4 °C, highlighting implications for cold storage. The Weibull model successfully described E. coli reduction. These aspects were not previously addressed in the published work. The effect of temperature on the activity and its modeling are new insights into the morphology-dependent antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs, supporting their integration into packaging materials for food applications.