Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-06"
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- In vitro evaluation of biological properties of high-added value ingredients (date juice and date powder) obtained from date co-productsPublication . Muñoz-Bas, Clara; Vedor, Rita; Machado, Daniela; Barbosa, Joana Cristina; Gomes, Ana Maria; Pérez-Alvarez, José Angel; Fernández-Lopez, JuanaThe commercialization of fresh dates results in a significant amount of waste, with approximately 30 % of dates being discarded due to low-grade classification. To combat food waste, value-added products, such as previously dried and milled date powder and date juice, have been obtained from date co-products using environmentally friendly processes. Fresh dates contain a number of valuable nutritional components, including sugars, dietary fibre, essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition of date juice and powder, in terms of total soluble solids, total dietary fibre, sugars, proteins, moisture, ash and fats. In addition, the total phenolic compounds content was determined, and in chemico antioxidant, antidiabetic and antihypertensive activities, and prebiotic potential were evaluated. In terms of nutritional values, date juice was found to be rich in water-soluble sugars, while date powder presented high concentrations of total dietary fibre. The nutritional composition strongly influenced the total phenolic compounds content (1.575 ± 0.028 mg GAE/g in date powder vs 0.146 ± 0.004 mg GAE/mL in date juice) and bioactivities (antioxidants, antidiabetic and antihypertensive activities), with date powder showing higher values compared to date juice. Prebiotic potential was observed for both by-products for all the strains tested. In this sense, both date juice and date powder proved to be valuable by-products developed to combat food waste.
- 3DCellPol: joint detection and pairing of cell structures to compute cell polarityPublication . Narotamo, Hemaxi; Franco, Cláudio A.; Silveira, MargaridaCell polarity is essential for tissue structure and cell migration, and its dysregulation is linked to diseases such as cancer and vascular disorders. Understanding the associations between molecular mechanisms, such as genetic defects, and abnormal cell polarization can provide clinicians with valuable biomarkers for early disease diagnosis and lead to more targeted therapeutic interventions. Here, we present a deep-learning framework for cell polarity computation based on the association between pairs of objects. Our approach, named 3DCellPol, is trained to detect and group the centroids of two distinct objects. To demonstrate the potential of 3DCellPol, we use it to compute cell polarity by pairing two cell organelles: nuclei and Golgi. The vectors between nuclei and Golgi define the front-rear polarity axis in endothelial cells. 3DCellPol was evaluated on 3D microscopy images of mouse retinas. It detected 71% of the nucleus–Golgi vectors and outperformed previous methods while requiring much less supervision. Moreover, incorporating synthetic data generated by a generative adversarial network further improved detection to 78%. We additionally demonstrated our model's adaptability to 2D images by applying it to a public dataset of cervical cytology images, where polarity is defined based on the cytoplasm-nucleus vectors. In this dataset, our model detected over 90% of vectors. 3DCellPol's ability to robustly compute cell polarity is crucial for understanding mechanisms of diseases where abnormal polarity plays a key role, and it may contribute to improved diagnostics and enable targeted therapies. Hence, it is a valuable open-source tool for both biomedical research and clinical practice.
- Internal dynamics and innovation: a cross-disciplinary review and future research agendaPublication . Malisić, Bojana; Tinaj, Sandra; Popović, Jovana; Lukovac, Lidija; Vlačić, BožidarFocusing on the internal dynamics of firms, this paper examines the interplay between human resource practices, absorptive capacity, and innovation. By systematically analyzing and synthesizing 100 papers from Elsevier's Scopus and Web of Science databases, this review uncovers and interprets their interconnections. We employed Multiple Correspondence Analysis to highlight the theoretical foundations and main research themes. This methodological approach facilitates the visualization of the foundational intellectual structure and the identification of new research opportunities, thereby fostering further synthesis and advancement. Following the analysis of the selected papers and in response to the need for a framework focusing exclusively on empirical studies, we developed an Antecedents-Drivers-Outcomes (ADO) framework based on empirical evidence from a sub-sample of 88 manuscripts. Based on the results of the multiple correspondence analysis and evaluations of empirical papers, this review outlines main theoretical foundations related to resource-based views, network and learning perspectives, and dynamic capabilities. It also identifies major research themes, including organizational culture, human capital empowerment, and development processes. Furthermore, the article highlights gaps and future research opportunities within these intersecting domains, acknowledges advancements in radical and process technological innovation, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, and provides an overview of the latest developments.
- Microbial inoculants alleviate the adverse effects of Cu-contaminated soils amended with biochar on sunflower growthPublication . Godinho, Mariana; Moreira, Helena; Castro, Paula Maria Lima; Pereira, Sofia Isabel AlmeidaSoil contamination is a pressing global issue driven by various anthropogenic activities, such as mining. This study evaluated the use of biochar and microbial inoculants as phytoremediation allies in promoting sunflower growth in a Cu-contaminated mining soil. Sunflower seedlings were planted in a Cu-contaminated mining soil amended with increasing doses of biochar (0 %, 2.5 %, and 5 % w/w) under greenhouse conditions. Seedlings were singly and co-inoculated with the bacterial strain Pseudomonas reactans EDP28 and the commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Rhizophagus irregularis. The addition of 2.5 and 5 % of biochar to the Cu-contaminated mining soil significantly reduced sunflower shoot biomass by 49 % and 46 %, respectively, and root biomass by 63 and 50 %, respectively. This decrease is likely attributed to increased Cu accumulation in plant tissues, particularly in the roots (on average +38 %), driven by the enhanced availability of Cu in the soil. However, microbial inoculation, particularly the combined application of the bacterial strain and the AMF (Mix treatment), significantly supported sunflower growth and resilience under metal stress conditions. Mix treatment improved root elongation, root biomass, and shoot biomass by 48 %, 143 %, and 122 % at 2.5 % biochar, and by 45 %, 54 %, and 137 % at 5 % biochar, respectively. This was achieved by improving chlorophyll content and nutrient use efficiency. The beneficial effects were clearer in soils without biochar addition, where inoculation fully promoted sunflower growth. In contrast, in biochar-amended soils, inoculation helped to partially counteract the negative effects of biochar on plant development. This study demonstrates that sunflowers can effectively tolerate and accumulate high levels of Cu in their tissues, making them a promising candidate for phytoremediation strategies in mining areas, especially when aided by microbial inoculants, whilst the role of biochar in phytoremediation requires further investigation. Biochar can facilitate metal accumulation, but its impact on plant growth needs careful management. Future research should focus on optimizing the application rates and combinations of biochar and microbial inoculants to maximize phytoremediation efficiency and minimize any adverse effects on plant growth.
- Biohybrid dressings: integrating silk fibroin textiles with decellularized biological tissue for wound healingPublication . Sousa, Teresa; Vale, Inês; Rosadas, Marta; Silva, Inês V.; Ribeiro, Viviana P.; Oliveira, Ana L.Burns affect 11 million people globally each year with 180,000 associated fatalities. This study proposes a multilayer hybrid dressing combining a silk fibroin (SF) textile with decellularized porcine small intestine (dPSI) capable of simultaneously provide wound protection and tissue regeneration. A silk sericin (SS) hydrogel was embedded into the decellularized tissue ensuring the integration with the textile layer while promoting anti-inflammatory benefits, enhancing the hybrid dressing’s biological performance.
- Treating domestic wastewater towards freshwater quality: bacterial community and antibiotic resistance profiles highlight critical steps and improvement opportunitiesPublication . Leão, Inês; Antunes, Jorge; Baptista, Inês; Jorge, Ruben; Marinheiro, Luís; Löblich, Stefan; Vaz-Moreira, Ivone; Manaia, Célia M.Ideally, wastewater treatment aims to produce water indistinguishable from freshwater, especially for reuse. This study evaluated bacterial community and antibiotic resistance variations throughout treatment and benchmarked these with freshwater sources. Samples collected from six points of a full-scale wastewater treatment plant, pilot-scale advanced treatment options (non-thermal plasma - NTP, ultrafiltration - UF, UF followed by reverse osmosis- UF+RO), two rivers and a borehole were analyzed for quality parameters (BOD5, TSS, turbidity, Escherichia coli), antibiotic resistance genes (quantitative PCR), class 1 integron variable region composition (Oxford Nanopore sequencing), and bacterial community composition (16S rRNA Illumina sequencing). Secondary treatment followed by sand filters and coagulants caused the highest reduction (~2 log-unit/volume) of all analyzed parameters and the sharpest reduction of diversity of antibiotic resistance genes within class 1 integrons’ variable region. Ultraviolet disinfection triggered minimal bacterial or genes reduction, while among advanced treatments, UF+RO caused the highest, and NTP the lowest. Principal component analysis suggested significant associations between antibiotic resistance (n=32) and genetic recombination elements (n=12) and predominant bacterial families in raw wastewater (Aeromonadaceae, Moraxellaceae, Campylobacteraceae, Lachnospiraceae). For predominant freshwater families (Comamonadaceae, Chitinophagaceae, Flavobacteriaceae) no significant associations were observed. Freshwater differed from UF-treated water by a lower antibiotic resistance abundance, higher bacterial richness (~4000 vs.1200 operational taxonomic units) and distinct predominant families - Alcaligenaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Chitinophagaceae, and Microbacteriaceae in UF water. The findings underscore the critical role of secondary/post-secondary treatments in shaping resistance and community profiles and suggest that advanced treatment should balance water quality with bacterial diversity preservation for sustainable reuse.
- Valorization of Solanum melongena L. crop by-products: phenolic composition and in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial propertiesPublication . Añibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Dias, Maria Inês; Petrović, Jovana; Núñez, Sonia; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Costa, Eduardo M.; Machado, M.; Pintado, Manuela; Soković, Marina; Lópes, Víctor; Barros, Lillian; Pinela, JoséThis study explored the valorization of post-harvest eggplant aerial parts as a sustainable source of value-added ingredients by investigating their phenolic composition and in vitro bioactive properties. HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis identified chlorogenic acid derivatives as the predominant phenolic compounds (53 % of the phenolic fraction), followed by O-glycosylated kaempferol and quercetin. The extract displayed antioxidant activity in physiologically relevant cell-based assays and significant α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity that far exceeded that of the standard drug acarbose. It also inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), suggesting its potential to mitigate diabetes-related complications. Furthermore, the extract showed a modest pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect and capacity to suppress interleukin 6 production. Selective cytotoxicity against human gastric and colon adenocarcinoma cell lines and strong antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens were observed. Given the growing demand for natural alternatives to synthetic drugs, these findings position eggplant crop biomass as a promising, sustainable source of active compounds with potential applications in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations for managing type 2 diabetes and other oxidative stress-mediated conditions. This study not only contributes to the valorization of agricultural waste but also expands the research on by-products of Solanaceae crops, offering a pathway for sustainable resource utilization
- Exploring the potential of mealworm chitosan for hemodialysis applicationsPublication . Martingo, Maria; Baptista-Silva, Sara; Mesquita, Raquel; Ferreira, João Paulo; Borges, Sandra; Pintado, ManuelaThis study introduces a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional chitosan sources derived from crustaceans, exploring the extraction and application of insect-derived chitosan from Tenebrio molitor for hemodialysis (HD) membranes design. Efficient extraction and deacetylation methods were tested and developed between 6 h and 12 h to obtain chitosan. Chitin was isolated from T. molitor through deproteinization and demineralization, with yields of approximately 5 % (w/w). Chitosan was obtained from the extracted chitin resulting in yields of between 65.0 and 79.3 (w/w). Characterization using FTIR confirmed structural similarities with commercial chitosan and degrees of deacetylation in the 73–75 % range. The bioactive properties of chitosan obtained from T. molitor, including antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, were evaluated. All the microorganisms tested were inhibited, exhibiting minimum lethal concentrations between 2 and 8 mg/mL. In addition, chitosan showed antioxidant activity in the range of 60–65 μmol Trolox equivalent/g, suggesting its viability for various medical applications. This study additionally allowed the design of sustainable hybrid chitosan membrane (CH-M) tailored for HD applications. The permeation characteristics of CH-M for urea and albumin were studied in vitro to assess their suitability as HD membranes. Urea was permeable to values of over 70 % and albumin was retained. Also, cytotoxicity assays against L929 fibroblast cells demonstrated that the CH-M samples exhibit low metabolic inhibition (around 15 %) The application of CH-M in HD represents a significant advance, offering the potential for enhanced therapeutic outcomes for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Omega-3 and conjugated fatty acids impact on human microbiota modulation using an in vitro fecal fermentation modelPublication . Salsinha, Ana Sofia; Araújo-Rodrigues, Helena; Dias, Cindy; Cima, André; Rodríguez-Alcalá, Luís Miguel; Relvas, João B.; Pintado, ManuelaBackground& aims: Gut microbiota has been gaining increasing attention and itsimportant role in the maintenance of a general good health condition is alreadyestablished. The potential of gut microbiota modulation through diet is animportant research focus to be considered. Lipids, as omega-3 fatty acids, arewell known for their beneficial role on organs and corresponding diseases.However, their impact on gut microbiota is still poorly defined, and studies onthe role of other polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as conjugated linoleic andlinolenic acids, are even scarcer. Methods: By using an in vitro humanfermentation model, we assessed the effect of omega-3, CLA iso mers, andpunicic acid on microbiota modulation. Results: Fish oil, Omega-3, and CLAsamples positively impact Akkermansia spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. growth.Moreover, all the samples supported Roseburia spp. growth after 24 h offermentation and, importantly, they were able to maintain the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio near 1. All the bioactive fatty acid samples, exceptPomegranate oil, were able to significantly increase butyrate levels comparedto those found in the positive control (FOS) sample. Moreover, Fish oil andOmega-3 samples were able to increase the concentration of GABA, alanine,tyrosine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, and leucine between 12 and 24 h offermentation. Conclusions: The impact of the assessed polyunsaturated fattyacids in gut microbiota has been observed in its impact on key bacteria(Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Roseburia) as well as their metabolic byproducts,including butyrate and amino acids, which could potentially play a role inmodulating the gut-brain axis.
- Prebiotic potential of olive leaf by-product throughout in vitro human colon fermentationPublication . Gutiérrez, Mónica Sánchez; Gómez-García, Ricardo; Pintado, Manuela; Rodríguez, Alejandro; Carrasco, ElenaOlive leaf represents a promising source of novel ingredients with potential health benefits, being rich in dietary fiber and phenolic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the prebiotic effects of olive leaf bioactive compounds through in vitro human colonic fermentation. The phenolic compounds identified prior to fermentation included hydroxytyrosol, vanillin, oleuropein, and tyrosol. Olive ground leaf significantly promoted the fermentation of colonic microbiota with respect to positive control (FOS) by enhancing the growth of probiotic strains, such as Bifidobacterium spp. or Clostridum leptum, and producing short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate, butyrate and propionate, related to health benefits. Furthermore, olive leaf showed a lower Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio compared to FOS, resulting in a beneficial effect on gut microbiota composition. These findings support the potential of olive leaf as a functional ingredient with prebiotic properties, offering promising applications in the development of novel foods or ingredients aimed at improving human health.