Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-06-09"
Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- 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.
- 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.
- Knowledge and attitudes of dentists and dental students in the early diagnosis of oral cancer: a cross-sectional descriptive observational studyPublication . Silva, Maria Miguel; Vozzo, Lucrezia Maria; Marques, Tiago; Veiga, Nélio; Fernandes, Juliana Campos Hasse; Fernandes, Gustavo Vicentis Oliveira; Couto, PatríciaObjective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge and attitudes of dentists and dental students regarding the early diagnosis of oral cancer. Study Design: Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to students on an integrated master’s degree in dentistry and to dentists. The data were then entered into SPSS, where they were statistically processed. Results: A total of 192 responses were considered (102 from dentists and 90 from dental students). Although both groups correctly recognized the gender most affected by the pathology, as well as the most common type of oral cancer, only 22.5% of dentists and 14.4% of students knew how to identify the sites with the greatest potential for malignancy. In both cases, the majority carried out a thorough intraoral assessment. Only less than half have ever performed a biopsy during their clinical practice. Only 4.9% of dentists and 3.3% of students consider their ability to diagnose pathology to be very good. Conclusions: Some gaps were observed and should be addressed, particularly in terms of knowledge about lesions with malignant potential. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in training in this area to halt the progression of this pathology.
- Factors associated with the prevalence of apical periodontitis: an observational studyPublication . Noites, Rita; Bartolomeu, Maria; Duarte, Ana Sofia; Perez, Alejandro; Cardoso, MiguelObjectives: Apical periodontitis is a lesion of endodontic origin caused by an immune response to necrotic and infected dental pulp. Since apical periodontitis can persist after endodontic treatment, radiographic diagnosis is crucial. This study evaluates factors associated with the prevalence of apical periodontitis in a Portuguese population using the full-scale periapical index. Methods: A cross-sectional study analyzed 402 medical records and panoramic radiographs from January to May 2023. The periapical status, presence of apical periodontitis, quality of endodontic treatment, quality of coronal restoration, presence of caries lesions, and presence of retained root fragments were assessed. The correlation between these variables was examined. Results: Among 9056 teeth, 4.7% presented apical periodontitis (periapical index ≥3), and 53.3% of participants had fewer than one apical periodontitis lesion. Of 437 teeth with endodontic treatment, 300 (69.6%) did not have apical periodontitis, while 131 (30.4%) had apical periodontitis. A significant statistical relationship (p<0.05) was observed between apical periodontitis and other dental conditions, including the presence of retained root fragments, caries lesions, the quality of endodontic treatment, and the quality of restoration. The strongest correlation was found between apical periodontitis and the quality of endodontic treatment (Cramer’s V = 61%), while no consistent correlations were observed with other variables. Conclusions: The prevalence of apical periodontitis was higher in teeth with endodontic treatment, with a strong correlation with treatment quality. The presence of caries lesions, coronal restorations, and retained root fragments also influenced the occurrence of apical periodontitis, reinforcing the need for further studies.