CBQF - Contribuições em Revistas Científicas / Contribution to Journals
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- Author correction: Geographics and bacterial networks differently shape the acquired and latent global sewage resistomesPublication . Martiny, Hannah-Marie; Munk, Patrick; Fuschi, Alessandro; Becsei, Agnes; Pyrounakis, Nikiforos; Brinch, Christian; Larsson, D. G. Joakim; Koopmans, Marion; Remondini, Daniel; Csabai, Istvan; Aarestrup, Frank M.; Manaia, Célia
- Potato protein-based meat analogues fortified with upcycled fruit flours: functional, textural, and antioxidant insightsPublication . Pereira, Ana Rita; Silva, Vasco Trincão da; Torres, Duarte; Vilas-Boas, Ana A.; Campos, Débora A.; Cruz, Inês; Ferreira, Adriana; Mateus, Nuno; Freitas, Victor de; Fernandes, AnaThis study aims to evaluate potato protein (PP) as a substitute for egg white protein (EWP) in vegan formulations. Fruit flours, including orange peel, pineapple peel, and pineapple core, were incorporated to assess their effects on the techno-functional and textural properties, and on the antioxidant potential of plant-based products. Fruit flours improved the performance of PP-based emulsions. More negative zeta potential values and an increased emulsifying stability index were observed in flour-containing formulations. A significant increase in the hardness parameter of the PP-based formulations containing fruit flour was observed, correlated with the higher water-holding capacity. Although fruit flours increased the phenolic content, the enhancement of antioxidant activity was dependent on the fruit flour. Colorimetric analysis showed protein source- and flour-dependent effects, with lower CIELAB values in PP-based samples. Overall, this work highlights the potential of PP and fruit flours for developing functional and sustainable plant-based food products.
- Cork–polypropylene composites for food contact: a comprehensive study of morphology, migration, chemical safety, and sensory analysisPublication . Vieira, Tiago; Marques, Cláudia; Singh, Srishti; Teixeira, Susana Maria; Guerreiro, Patricia; Pereira, Joel; Selbourne, Maria; Moutinho, Lisete; Sousa, Clara; Poças, FátimaThe development of sustainable food contact materials (FCMs) requires not only reduced environmental impact but also demonstrated safety. Cork–polypropylene composites (CPCs), incorporating unmatured cork and waste generated in cork stopper production, represent a promising alternative; however, their safety remains insufficiently addressed. This study provides a comprehensive safety assessment of CPCs containing 15% cork granulates derived from matured and unmatured cork. A multi-analytical approach combining morphological, thermal, and chemical characterisation (SEM, FTIR-ATR, GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-OES) was integrated with migration testing under repeat-use conditions and sensory evaluation. Genotoxicity was assessed using the Ames bacterial reverse mutation test on migration extracts. Migration results showed low release of both polypropylene-related additives and cork-derived compounds, with furanic substances identified as process-related migrants but decreasing across repeated use cycles and remaining at low levels. No migration of high molecular weight cork constituents (triterpenoids, sterols) was observed in aqueous simulants. All quantified substances complied with regulatory limits. Ames test results demonstrated no mutagenic activity for any migration extract, confirming the absence of DNA-reactive hazards. Overall, CPCs exhibited stable structure, low sensory impact, and favourable chemical and toxicological profiles. This study provides new evidence supporting the safe use of cork-based composites in food-contact applications and advances the integration of bio-based materials within a circular economy framework.
- Listeriosis during pregnancy: a public health concernPublication . Mateus, Teresa; Silva, Joana; Maia, Rui L.; Teixeira, PaulaListeria was first described in 1926 by Murray, Webb, and Swann, who discovered it while investigating an epidemic infection among laboratory rabbits and guinea pigs. The role of Listeria monocytogenes as a foodborne pathogen was definitively recognized during the 1980s. This recognition was the consequence of a number of epidemic human outbreaks due to the consumption of contaminated foods, in Canada, in the USA and in Europe. Listeriosis is especially severe in immunocompromised individuals such as pregnant women. The disease has a low incidence of infection, although this is undeniably increasing, with a high fatality rate amongst those infected. In pregnant women listeriosis may cause abortion, fetal death, or neonatal morbidity in the form of septicemia and meningitis. Improved education concerning the disease, its transmission, and prevention measures for immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women has been identified as a pressing need.
- Muscle tissue remodeling following intramuscular fat grafting: structural and transcriptomic insightsPublication . Mendanha, Mário; Soares, Raquel; Luís, Carla; Pedrosa, Sílvia Santos; Ferreira, Carlos; Pedrosa, Sílvia Santos; Ferreira, Carlos; Pinto-Ribeiro, Inês; Madureira, Ana Raquel; Queirós, LaraBackground: Liposculpture with autologous fat grafting represents an advanced body contouring approach that enhances muscular definition and volume through selective extraction and anatomical redistribution of adipose tissue. While these procedures are primarily used for aesthetic refinement, emerging evidence suggests autologous fat transfer may also induce significant biological adaptations within grafted muscle. Objectives: Evaluate the biological implications of intramuscular fat grafting. Methods: A retrospective within-subject controlled study was conducted. One year postoperatively, paired biopsies were harvested from the fat-grafted muscle pectoralis major (MPM) and the untreated muscle vastus lateralis (MVL) in 7 male patients following liposculpture and intramuscular fat transfer using the Percutaneous Retrograde Intramuscular Echo-Guided Fat Grafting (PRIME-GRAFT) technique. Subsequent assessments were performed via histological and transcriptome analyses. Results: Histological evaluation comparing treated MPM to untreated MVL one year following liposculpture and intramuscular fat grafting via PRIME-GRAFT technique demonstrated significant reduction in fibrosis and elevated glycogen concentrations within treated muscles. Reduced collagen deposition and elevated glycogen content findings are biologically associated with improved tissue composition. Microarray transcriptomic profiling revealed 70 differentially expressed genes, 51 being up-regulated and 19 down-regulated. Differentially expressed genes showed upregulation of genes associated with Gene Ontology (GO) terms related to muscle structure, organization, extracellular matrix remodeling, energy metabolism, stem cell and cytoskeleton proliferation and organization. Conclusions: PRIME-GRAFT technique induces histological and transcriptional signatures suggesting improved muscle stress resilience, homeostasis, and tissue regeneration. Autologous intramuscular fat transfer provides not only aesthetic improvement but also histological and transcriptomic changes consistent with enhanced muscle integrity and regenerative potential.
- A comprehensive review on date (phoenix dactylifera l.) syrup: functional properties, innovative extraction approaches, and main applications in the food industryPublication . Noutfia, Younes; Ropelewska, Ewa; Silva, Sara; Mieszczakowska-Frąc, MonikaDate syrup is a product processed from date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) flesh through a multi-unit operation process. This nutritious liquid is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibres, polyphenols, minerals, and vitamins, and may provide functional and bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting properties. In this review, a summary of current literature related to the technological aspects of date syrup production was given with a focus on traditional, conventional, and novel extraction methods. Further, a systematic analysis of available data describing the compositional quality of date syrup based on biochemical, functional, antioxidant, and pro-healthy properties was highlighted. Finally, the potential applications of date-based syrup in several fields of food industry were discussed by highlighting the importance of using date syrup as an emerging alternative for sugar substitution in numerous food products and formulations.
- A case study about the perception of food safety in consumers of fresh produce from local and small farmers in the north of PortugalPublication . Macieira, Ariana; Teixeira, PaulaConsumption of fruit and vegetables from small and local producers has increased over the years, as a result of the benefits linked to this supply chain. As consumption has increased, there has also been a rise in foodborne outbreaks associated with this type of market. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the food they eat and how it is produced. This type of market allows consumers to access such information more easily and directly, fostering a closer connection between producers and end consumers. But is food safety one of their concerns? The aim of this study was to understand what these consumers think about food safety in general and in relation to this type of market. A survey was conducted in the North of Portugal among consumers of fresh produce from local and small farmers to assess their awareness of food safety in fresh produce and their confidence in the products they consume. Only 25% of respondents admitted to having little knowledge about food safety, 46.9% stated they had a good level of knowledge, and 25% replied that they knew a lot about it. An amount of 50% said they had obtained this information through self-education and 36.4% through professional practice. Moreover, 76.7% did not believe that the products posed a risk to their health, and 16.7% said they did not know whether the products are hazardous or not. The majority of consumers perceived that they have a general knowledge of food safety and believe that the fruit and vegetables they consume from small and local producers do not pose a risk to their health. Given that 50% of consumers have obtained information about food safety on an individual basis, is this information sufficient to help them make informed purchasing decisions? The question remains.
- Early feeding and nutritional status of Portuguese children in the first 36 months of life: EPACI Portugal 2012–a national representative cross-sectional studyPublication . Nazareth, Margarida; Pinto, Elisabete; Severo, Milton; Graça, Pedro; Lopes, Carla; Rêgo, CarlaBackground: Early feeding practices have a critical role in the future not only in health but also in modulating eating habits. This study aimed to assess breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices and the nutritional status of Portuguese toddlers aged 0–36 months. Methods: EPACI Portugal 2012 is a cross-sectional study of a national representative sample. Trained interviewers collected data about early feeding practices and anthropometrics. Body mass index was classified according to World Health Organization criteria. Frequencies and survival analysis were used to characterize variables. Results: More than 90% of children were initiated breastfeeding, around 20% were exclusively breastfed for six months, and about 20% were breastfed at 12 months while complementary feeding was taking place. Exclusive breastfeeding was determined by maternal prepregnancy body mass index (HR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00, 1.03, P=.03) and low birth weight (HR 1.61; IC 95% 1.21, 2.15, P=.001) of the infants. About 90% were initiated complementary feeding between four and six months, and almost 10% were introduced to cow's milk before 12 months. In the second year of life, 83.2% and 61.6% of toddlers have already consumed nectars and sweet desserts, respectively. About one-third of Portuguese toddlers showed a body mass index z-score >1, and 6.6% were overweight/obese (z-score >2). No association was found between the duration of breastfeeding or timing of complementary feeding and the body mass index z-score in children. Conclusions: Despite the low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at six months, Portuguese infants effectively comply with dietary recommendations during the first year of life. The transition to the family diet must be carefully made. There is a high prevalence of Portuguese toddlers at least at overweight risk. The duration of breastfeeding or timing of complementary feeding was not associated with the expression of overweight/obesity.
- Scale up coating process of PBAT with modified lignin for paper packaging: barrier properties, and screening volatile/semi-volatile compoundsPublication . Silva, Francisco A. G. Soares; Pereira, Joel; Granadeiro, Carlos; Duarte, Tomás; Poças, FátimaTo replace fossil-based plastics with circular alternatives, paper packaging requires high-performance functional barriers. This study evaluates coatings composed of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and lignin to address this performance gap from paper for food packaging applications. Specifically, paper coatings based on PBAT and esterified lignin (E.Lignin) as compatibilizer were developed and scaled up by extrusion coating. Lignin esterification with propionic acid increased compatibility with the PBAT matrix, as confirmed by FT-IR and ¹ ³C CP/MAS NMR and GC-MS. At laboratory scale, adding 1 wt% E.Lignin to PBAT reduced water and oxygen transmission rates (WVTR and OTR) relative to neat PBAT coatings by 65%. The use of lignosulfonates (LS) as alternative compatibilizer (avoiding esterification) was explored at laboratory scale. Low loadings improved lignin dispersion and comparable moisture-barrier performance was achieved as for the E.Lignin. The selected formulation (PBAT + 1 wt% E.Lignin) was validated by pilot-scale extrusion coating at grammages of 8–24 g/m², achieving WVTR values of 250–150 g/m²·day (23 °C, 50% RH) and OTR values down to 200 cc/m²·day at the highest grammage, achieving the same performance as obtained at lab scale. GC–MS screening of lignin and E.Lignin identified additional volatile/semi-volatile compounds, including Cramer Class III substances, highlighting the need for dedicated migration testing of final coated papers before food-contact use.
- Sustainable approaches to food processing: a review of green extraction technologies, natural fermentation and analytical quality validationPublication . Figurek, Aleksandra; Rocha, João MiguelThe modern food industry faces increasing pressure to reduce environmental impacts, while at the same time preserving product safety, quality, nutritional value, and industrial relevance. This review synthesizes three related pillars of sustainable food processing: green extraction technologies, natural fermentation, and analytical quality validation. Green extraction methods can reduce dependence on conventional organic solvents, shorten processing time, and support the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials and by-products of the food industry. Natural fermentation is a low-impact biotechnological approach to improve sensory quality, shelf life, nutritional value, and valorization of low-cost raw materials or residues. However, sustainability cannot be judged only through lower consumption of resources or general “green” claims. It also requires analytical confirmation of the content of bioactive compounds, oxidative stability, contaminants, authenticity, traceability, standardization, and product safety. In response to reviewers’ recommendations, the review includes a transparent literature selection protocol, a clearer distinction of challenges, research gaps, and future perspectives, as well as additional quantitative comparative tables covering extraction technologies, fermentation applications, and analytical methods. The review shows that the future of sustainable food processing depends on integrating extraction, fermentation, by-product valorization, foodomics approaches, life cycle thinking, real-time monitoring, and industrial-scale validation within the circular economy.