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- Comparative analysis of the nutritional quality of plant-based processed foods and animal-origin counterparts in the Portuguese and UK marketsPublication . Brazão, Roberto; Batista, Rita; Fernandes, Paulo; Lopes, Andreia; Dias, Maria da GraçaThe increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable foods has led to the rise of plant-based processed foods that serve as alternatives to animal-origin products. While plant-based diets are often considered healthful, these products frequently present nutritional limitations. This study aimed to compare the nutritional composition and quality of plant-based and animal-origin processed foods available in the Portuguese and UK markets. A total of 1170 plant-based and 2452 animal-origin counterparts were analysed, using two reference frameworks: the Portuguese Integrated Strategy for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (EIPAS) and the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) Label Decoder reference values. Findings indicated that 92.9 % of plant-based foods in Portugal, and 95.4 % in UK, exceeded EIPAS sugar and salt limits (evaluated together), suggesting that the perceived health benefits may not be aligned with their nutritional content. Compliance with EIPAS varied significantly by food type, for each country. Plant-based alternatives often had higher energy, carbohydrates, and fibre, but lower levels of saturates and protein compared to their counterparts. According to the DGS Label Decoder, 17.7 %, 18.1 %, and 29.0 % of plant-based alternatives in PT market, and 18.4 %, 22.6 %, and 26.7 % in UK market, had high levels of fat, saturates, and salt, respectively. These findings underscores that, despite the perceived health benefits of plant-based foods, not all present a balanced and healthy nutritional profile. Additionally, this study highlights significant nutritional variability across plant-based alternatives and markets. This reinforces the need for informed consumer choices, better product formulations, and public health actions to improve their nutritional quality.
- Bats as Hosts of Antimicrobial-Resistant Mammaliicoccus lentus and Staphylococcus epidermidis with Zoonotic RelevancePublication . Silva, Vanessa; Caniça, Manuela; de la Rivière, Rani; Barros, Paulo; Cabral, João Alexandre; Poeta, Patrícia; Igrejas, GilbertoBats are increasingly recognized as reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, playing a potential role in the dissemination of resistance genes across species and regions. In this study, 105 bats from 19 species in Portugal were sampled to investigate the presence, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic characteristics of Mammaliicoccus and Staphylococcus isolates. Thirteen Mammaliicoccus lentus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were recovered. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed multidrug resistance in three isolates, with S. epidermidis carrying mph(C), msr(A), and dfrC genes, and M. lentus harboring salB, tet(K), and str. Notably, qacA was detected in S. epidermidis, highlighting its plasmid-associated potential for horizontal gene transfer to more pathogenic bacteria. Heavy metal resistance genes (arsB and cadD) were also identified, suggesting the role of environmental factors in co-selecting antimicrobial resistance. Molecular typing revealed the S. epidermidis strain as ST297, a clone associated with both healthy humans and invasive infections. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring bats as reservoirs of resistance determinants, particularly in the context of zoonotic and environmental health. The presence of mobile genetic elements and plasmids further underscores the potential for the dissemination of resistance. This study reinforces the importance of adopting a One Health approach to mitigate the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance.
- Identifying phage Lysins through genomic analysis of prophages from Acinetobacter baumanniiPublication . Raposo, Maria Leonor; Pimentel, Ana Carolina; Manageiro, Vera; Duarte, Aida; Caniça, Manuela; Vale, Filipa F.Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, responsible for nosocomial infections worldwide. In recent years, this microorganism has acquired resistance to various antibiotics, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) a critical priority microorganism requiring urgent attention and the development of new therapeutic options. Here, we screened for prophages in 158 genomes of A. baumannii, comprising 139 complete genomes from the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC), and 19 newly sequenced clinical isolates. Additionally, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of prophages, highlighting their diversity and local clustering. The analyzed genomes harbored at least two prophage regions, resulting in the identification of a total of 950 prophage regions, of which 348 were considered complete prophages through software analysis and manual curation, while the remainder may represent prophage remnants. The complete prophages ranged from 28.6 to 103.9 kbp, with an average GC content of 39%. Based on genomic similarity, only 18 complete prophages were taxonomically classified to the genus Vieuvirus. Among all identified complete prophages, we identified 166 genes encoding for putative lysins, while prophage regions that were not considered complete could also harbor putative lysins. These findings highlight the abundance of prophage-encoded lysins in A. baumannii genomes, which are promising therapeutic agents for combating A. baumannii infections, particularly in the face of rising antibiotic resistance.
- SCCS opinion on biphenyl-2-ol and sodium 2-biphenylolate used in cosmetic products (CAS/EC No. 90–43–7/201–993–5 and 132–27–4/205–055–6)– SCCS/1669/24Publication . European Commission. Scientific Committee on Consumer SafetyThe SCCS concludes the following: 1. In light of the data provided and taking under consideration the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Benzophenone-1, does the SCCS consider Benzophenone-1 safe when used as a light stabilizer in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 2%? Having considered the data provided (including two new mutagenicity/genotoxicity studies submitted to ECHA as part of the REACH registration dossier), and the concerns relating to genotoxicity and potential endocrine disrupting properties, the SCCS considers Benzophenone-1 not safe when used as a light stabiliser in cosmetic products for the following reasons: • The available data indicate genotoxicity potential of Benzophenone-1. • The evidence assessed by the SCCS also shows that Benzophenone-1 is an endocrine-active substance due to clear demonstration of estrogenic activity and weak anti-androgenic activity both in vitro and in vivo, and potential activity against thyroid modality in vitro. A new (2023) OECD TG 422 study relating to ED effects submitted to ECHA as part of the REACH registration dossier has not been assessed by the SCCS at this stage because of the remaining concerns over genotoxicity of Benzophenone-1. The SCCS will be ready to assess the evidence in support of the safe use of Benzophenone-1 in cosmetic products when received in a new mandate. 2. Alternatively, what is according to the SCCS the maximum concentration considered safe for use of Benzophenone-1 in cosmetic products? / 3. Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of Benzophenone-1 in cosmetic products? The SCCS mandate does not address environmental aspects. Therefore, this assessment has not covered the safety of BP-1 for the environment.
- Food Choice, Nutrition, and Public HealthPublication . Santos, Mariana; Assunção, RicardoMaintaining a healthy diet throughout life helps prevent all forms of malnutrition, thereby reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and related conditions . Dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and social factors significantly influence our health. Recently, we have seen shifts in food consumption patterns driven by various factors. These include the increased availability of processed foods, rapid urbanization, and changing lifestyles. The types, amounts, and frequency of consumed foods and beverages define dietary patterns, which have been evolving in recent decades due to the emergence of new or adapted eating habits. Common examples of dietary patterns include the ‘Western dietary pattern’ and the ‘Mediterranean dietary pattern’. Other significant patterns are the ‘prudent dietary pattern’, which emphasizes a high intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, fish, and seafood, and the ‘vegetarian/plant-based dietary pattern’, which entirely omits meat and animal products. Understanding the individual motives that drive certain food choices is crucial for changing consumption habits, promoting healthier behaviors, and fostering sustainability. This Editorial introduces the Special Issue “Food Choice, Nutrition, and Public Health” and highlights key topics on this subject.
- Surveying genetic markers of antibiotic resistance and genomic background in Chlamydia trachomatis: insights from a multiplex NGS-based approach in clinical strains from PortugalPublication . Lodhia, Zohra; da Silva, Jorge Costa; Correia, Cristina; Cordeiro, Dora; João, Inês; Carreira, Teresa; Schäfer, Sandra; Aliyeva, Elzara; Portugal, Clara; Monge, Isabel; Gonçalves, Elsa; Matos, Susana; Dias, Ana Paula; Côrte-Real, Rita; Carpinteiro, Dina; Duarte, Sílvia; Vieira, Luís; Gomes, João Paulo; Borges, Vítor; Borrego, Maria JoséObjectives: To survey genetic markers of potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to macrolides and fluoroquinolones among Chlamydia trachomatis–positive samples from the collection of the Portuguese National Reference Laboratory for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and explore a multiplex PCR approach coupled with NGS to provide complementary information regarding a strain’s genomic backbone. Methods: A total of 502 C. trachomatis–positive samples, mostly anorectal exudates, were subjected to PCR and sequencing of five targets, including loci potentially driving AMR (23S rRNA, gyrA and parC) and loci potentially informative about a strain’s genomic backbone with emphasis on differentiation of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)/non-LGV and L2/L2b (a 9 bp insertion in pmpH, a 74 bp insertion upstream from CT105 and the polymorphic CT442). Results: No samples evidenced 23S rRNA mutations recognizably linked to macrolide resistance. Three samples harboured the Ser83Ile mutation in GyrA putatively driving fluoroquinolone resistance: two recombinant L2-L2b/D-Da (0.4%) and one L2 (0.2%). The screened regions in pmpH, upstream CT105 and CT442 were fully concordant with LGV/non-LGV differentiation. As expected, the pmpH L2b-specific genetic trait locus was detected in all L2b and recombinant L2-L2b/D-Da ompA genotypes, but also in 96.0% of L2 specimens, which also likely possess an L2b genomic backbone. The insertion upstream from CT105 exhibited full LGV specificity, constituting a promising target for the development of rapid LGV diagnostic assays. Conclusions: This study contributes to enhancing the knowledge of C. trachomatis molecular epidemiology, suggesting that the known genetic determinants of AMR are not disseminated in clinical C. trachomatis strains, and presents an exploratory approach that can be suitable for LGV/non-LGV and L2/L2b genomic background differentiation.
- Aligning Present and Future Agrifood Systems: Integrating Sustainability and Health for Better ChoicesPublication . Assunção, Ricardo; Bento, AlexandraThe transition to sustainable food systems is essential to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and public health crises. Current food production and consumption patterns contribute to environmental degradation, while dietary choices strongly influence health outcomes and planetary sustainability. Supporting dietary decisions with robust scientific evidence is therefore essential for meaningful and informed change. This work aims to discuss the intersection of food system transitions, dietary health impacts and sustainability, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive evidence-based approach to guide decisions at individual and systemic levels. By integrating methodologies such as Risk-Benefit Assessment (RBA) and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), this study provides an approach to evaluating foods, dietary patterns and food choices. RBA considers risks (e.g. food contaminants) and benefits (e.g. beneficial nutrients), while LCSA assesses the environmental, social and economic dimensions of food production and consumption. Inspired by the ALTERNATIVA project , the integration of these two perspectives, complemented by additional tools such as Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), will be explored and synthesised. The combination of these methodologies enables a dual-angle approach that quantifies health outcomes alongside sustainability metrics, providing a framework for balancing dietary health benefits with sustainable food systems. This approach not only informs recommendations for healthier and more sustainable diets but also supports policymakers and stakeholders in developing strategies for food system transformation. By bridging gaps between food system actors and aligning public health goals with environmental sustainability, this evidence-based framework promotes a holistic vision for the agri-food sector and empowers consumers and stakeholders to make better choices that benefit both humans and the planet.
- European guidelines for the management of tuberculosis screening procedures in migrants: A systematic reviewPublication . Pinheiro, Marina; Valente, Carolina; Cruz, Margarida; Nascimento Moreira, David; Aguiar, Ana; Duarte, RaquelBackground: This systematic review assesses the current available evidence across the WHO European region on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the different approaches used for TB screening and also explores the facilitators and barriers that migrants face during screening programmes. Methods: We conducted an extensive, comprehensive, and systematic literature search across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge, without any restrictions on publication date or language. In addition, we reviewed grey literature and reports. The data were meticulously analysed with a focus on screening of TB active disease and infection effectiveness indicators, and cost-effectiveness economic analyses as a primary objective and the comprehension of barriers and facilitators of screening as a secondary objective. Findings: Our review included 43 studies covering over 8 million migrants from 11 countries. The findings demonstrate that while screening uptake was high, coverage varied, and completion rates for preventive treatments were low. Economic analyses supported the high cost-effectiveness of the screening programmes, particularly when integrating both active TB and TBI screening strategies. Interpretation: This review underscores the cost-effectiveness and public health importance of TB screening in migrant populations within Europe. However, the disparities in screening practices highlight the urgent need for standardisation at the European level.
- Harnessing Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Sustainable Food Waste Valorisation and Pathogen BioremediationPublication . Oliveira, Joana; Ligeiro, Carolina; Fantatto, Rafaela; Souza, Clarice; Grilo, Miguel L.; Carvalho, Carina; Trindade, Alexandre; Murta, Daniel; Assunção, RicardoFood waste is a pressing challenge for public health and environmental sustainability, with an estimated 59 million tonnes generated annually in the European Union. This substantial waste compromises the resilience of agrifood systems, intensifies food insecurity, and hampers efforts toward achieving a circular economy [2]. The insect Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) present a promising and innovative approach to addressing these issues by efficiently converting organic waste into valuable outputs, such as high-protein animal feed and fertilisers. Despite the industrial valorisation of agricultural by-products, BSFL’s potential to fully utilise food waste remains subject to some legal restrictions. This study, conducted in collaboration with Ingredient Odyssey SA – EntoGreen, investigated the suitability of food waste as a substrate for BSFL production and assessed the larvae's bioremediation potential for reducing foodborne pathogens. An industrial-scale trial was performed over 14 days, using 114 test units with food waste-based substrates and 144 control units with Gainesville Diet, a standard insect feed. Two tonnes of food waste sourced from restaurants in Santarém, Portugal, were collected and prepared by removing physical contaminants such as plastic, cutlery, and cans. The food waste was then mixed with wheat bran, and its moisture was adjusted to 70% to create an optimal substrate. Measurements, including larval weight and substrate temperature, were taken every other day, while microbiological analyses followed ISO standards to detect pathogens and enumerate microorganisms. Results showed that food waste substrate significantly enhanced larval growth and bioconversion rates while bioremediating pathogens, including Bacillus cereus, Vibrio spp., and Salmonella spp. These results highlight the potential of BSFL to transform food waste into valuable resources while mitigating microbial risks, demonstrating a scalable and sustainable solution for food waste valorisation and contributing to a circular economy.
- Functional Impact Of APOB Variants In Familial HypercholesterolemiaPublication . Ferreira, Maria Simões; Ramos, Diana; Rato, Inês; Jannes, Cinthia E.; Larrea-Sebal, Asier; Martín, César; Bourbon, Mafalda; Alves, Ana CatarinaFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited condition of lipid metabolism characterized by increased levels of LDL cholesterol, and APOB variants are responsible for 5%-10% of FH cases. The majority of APOB variants are missense, but nonsense variants and small indels in exon 29 were also identified in individuals with FH phenotype and can be the cause of disease. The aim of this project was to study functionally APOB variants identified in individuals clinical diagnosed with FH in our cohort. LDL was isolated through sequential ultracentrifugation. CHO-ldlA7 cells were transfected with wt LDLR plasmid and incubated with FITC-labeled LDL to determine LDL binding and uptake by flow cytometry. ED-LDLR fragments purified from HEK293 cells were incubated with the APOB variants and antibodies, to determine apoB affinity for LDLR by ELISA assay. Recently we assessed 8 variants: p.(Gln4316*) presented reduced affinity for the LDLR, impairing the binding of apoB to LDLR; p.(Ala1393Val), p.(Asp1456Asn), p.(Met2042Thr), p.(Asp2213del), p.(Ile3374Thr), p.(Val4295Leu) and p.(Arg4519Thr) do not appear to impact apoB's binding to the LDL receptor. Functional studies are essential for assessing the pathogenicity of genetic variants and are one of the key criteria for their classification. These analyses provide crucial data for creating personalized therapeutic strategies. Our goal is to increase the number of characterized variants, beginning with 15 more variants from the Portuguese FH Study.