DAN - Artigos em revistas internacionais
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- Editorial: Advanced techniques against food fraudPublication . Lei, Hongtao; Castanheira, Isabel; Guan, TianNo abstract available
- The first harmonised total diet study in Portugal: Arsenic, cadmium and lead exposure assessmentPublication . Vasco, Elsa; Dias, Maria da Graça; Oliveira, LuísaThe aim of this study was to estimate the 18-74 years old Portuguese population's baseline exposure to inorganic arsenic, cadmium and lead and the risk of exceeding the respective Health Based Guidance Value, using a harmonised Total Diet Study (TDS) methodology. TDS food samples representative of the whole diet were prepared as consumed and analysed for total arsenic, cadmium and lead. European Food Safety Authority's conservative approach was used to estimate inorganic arsenic. Exposure was assessed using the Monte Carlo Risk Assessment software. At upper bound approach, the mean baseline exposure was estimated at 0.28 and 0.35 μg kg body weight day for inorganic arsenic and lead, respectively, and 1.36 μg kg body weight week for cadmium. Margins of exposure of below or close to one were found for inorganic arsenic and lead, whereas 5.4 % of individuals exceeded the Tolerable Weekly Intake for cadmium. These results indicate that adverse health effects cannot be ruled out. Bread was the common main contributor for the exposure to all three elements.
- Voices of youth: youth participation in the CO-CREATE ProjectPublication . Meshkovska, Biljana; Moerman, Gerben; Baillergeau, Evelyne; Bröer, Christian; Lien, Nanna; Luszczynska, Aleksandra; Rito, Ana Isabel; Knai, Cécile; Helleve, ArnfinnIntroduction: Applying youth participatory action research (YPAR) has become common practice in public health. However, there are challenges in applying YPAR and there is a need for improving the process by learning from youth that has participated in such projects. This study explores youth involvement in the CO-CREATE project which focused on developing overweight and obesity prevention policies. Methods: This is a qualitative study, based on three data sources: 1) fieldnotes taken by project staff during observation of youth (approximately 150 observations) 2) semi-structured interviews with project staff (n = 12) 3) direct feedback from participating youth through feedback forms (n = 51). Data was analyzed in NVivo, following the principles of reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were generated which showcase youth involvement in CO-CREATE: 1) an inspired and engaged youth; 2) insights through respectful interactions; 3) a strength of voice and call to action; 4) challenges in understanding project and disengagement; and 5) interpersonal conflict and pressure to participate. Conclusion: Taking the time to build trust and create a feeling of equality is important. It is also important to allow youth to take the lead when they wish so and have clear ideas of how to do so. Voices of rebelliousness can be a show of strength and help reach the goals of the project. Participation in CO-CREATE may have contributed toward individual empowerment of youth.
- Measuring minerals in pseudocereals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry: what is the optimal digestion method?Publication . Nascimento, Ana C.; Motta, Carla; Rego, Andreia; Delgado, Inês; Santiago, Susana; Assunção, Ricardo; Matos, Ana Sofia; Santos, Mariana; Castanheira, Isabel; .Pseudocereals have gained attention due to their adaptability to different climates, high nutritional value, and suitability for gluten-free and plant-based diets. However, a challenge lies in the necessary adaptations in the diet pathways, mainly due to the lack of matrix-matching metrological tools. To address this problem, we developed a classification system to support laboratory decisions without shaped Proficiency Testing (PT) or Certified/Standard References Material. This system evaluates method performance through limit of detection (LOD), maximum uncertainty, and statistical comparison. For that matter, the mineral contents (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Mg, P, Ca, K, and Na) of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) were determined, using three different digestion methods, including dry-ashing, microwave, and graphite block acid digestion. A decision was reached concerning the optimal digestion method to be employed, with the results classified into three categories: (i) “rejected if results failed in two categories; (ii) “use with caution” if results were not satisfactory in one category; or (iii) “accepted”, if the results passed in all the categories. The system efficacy was exemplified by the effectiveness of dry-ashing and graphite block acid digestion by comparison with microwave digestion. Neither dry-ashing nor graphite block acid digestion can be recommended as an alternative method to the microwave digestion method when all the prioritized nutrient minerals are understudied. Although the microwave method is preferable for multi-elemental analysis, it is possible to obtain, with caution, comparable results from all the digestion methods if a higher relative combined uncertainty is defined (target uncertainty < 11%) under the assumption that this is suitable for the study.
- Toward harmonizing protein data in food composition databases: evaluating perspectives, methods and implicationsPublication . Pferdmenges, Larissa E.; Colombani, Paolo C.; Carlsen, Monica Hauger; Pajari, Anne-Maria; Poulsen, Anders; Dias, Maria da Graça; Moller, Anders; Lisciani, Silvia; Wust, Matthias; Bonsmann, Stefan; Schweiggert-Weisz, UteProtein content in foods has historically been estimated by multiplying measured nitrogen content with a universal nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor (NCF) of 6.25. Despite scientific consensus that this approach leads to systematic overestimations due to variations in amino acid composition and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) content, no universally accepted revision has been implemented. This review critically examines diverse perspectives on protein quantification and their implications for Food Composition Databases (FCDBs). A structured definition of protein for FCDBs is proposed, including amino acid residues, free amino acids and small peptides, while explicitly excluding NPN and prosthetic groups. Furthermore, analytical methods and NCF calculations are evaluated in order to provide more accurate assessments of protein content across a range of food matrices. The review highlights the importance of selecting food-specific NCFs to reduce overestimations, ensuring both scientific accuracy and practical feasibility. By addressing methodological shortcomings and proposing a refined protein quantification framework, this work aims to facilitate the transition toward more precise and harmonized protein values in FCDBs, benefiting nutritional research, dietary guidelines, and food labeling regulations.
- TASTY trial: protocol for a study on the triad of nutrition, intestinal microbiota and rheumatoid arthritisPublication . Charneca, Sofia; Hernando, Ana; Almada-Correia, Inês; Polido-Pereira, Joaquim; Vieira, Adriana; Sousa, Joana; Almeida, Ana Santos; Motta, Carla; Barreto, Gonçalo; Eklund, Kari K.; Alonso-Pérez, Ana; Gómez, Rodolfo; Cicci, Francesco; Mauro, Daniele; Pinho, Salomé S.; Fonseca, João Eurico; Costa-Reis, Patrícia; Guerreiro, Catarina SousaBackground: The gut microbiota has been implicated in the onset and progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It has been proposed that gut dysbiosis impairs gut barrier function, leading to alterations in mucosal integrity and immunity. This disruption allows bacterial translocation, contributing to the perpetuation of the inflammatory process. Since diet is recognised as a key environmental factor influencing the gut microbiota, nutritional interventions targeting RA activity are currently being explored. This study aims to investigate whether a dietary intervention based on a typical Mediterranean Diet enriched with fermented foods (MedDiet +) can impact the gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and RA-related outcomes. Methods: One hundred RA patients are being recruited at Unidade Local de Saúde (ULS) Santa Maria in Lisbon, Portugal, and randomly assigned to either the intervention (MedDiet +) or the control group. The 12-week nutritional intervention includes a personalised dietary plan following the MedDiet + pattern, along with educational resources, food basket deliveries, and clinical culinary workshops, all developed and monitored weekly by registered dietitians. The control group receives standardised general healthy diet recommendations at baseline. The intervention's effects will be assessed by evaluating disease activity, functional status, quality of life, intestinal permeability, endotoxemia, inflammatory biomarkers, intestinal and oral microbiota, serum proteomics, and serum glycome profile characterisation. Discussion: We anticipate obtaining integrative insights into the interplay between diet, the gut, and RA, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms driving these changes. This study, conducted by a multidisciplinary research team of registered dietitians, rheumatologists, biologists, and immunologists, aims to bridge the current gap between nutrition-related knowledge and RA.
- A scoping review of the health effects of fermented foods in specific human populations and their potential role in precision nutrition: current knowledge and gapsPublication . Humblot, Christèle; Alvanoudi, Panagiota; Alves, Emilia; Assunção, Ricardo; Belovic, Miona; Bulmus-Tuccar, Tugce; Chassard, Christophe; Derrien, Muriel; Fevzi Karagöz, Mustafa; Karakaya, Sibel; Laranjo, Marta; Th Mantzouridou, Fani; Rosado, Catarina; Pracer, Smilja; Saar, Helen; Tap, Julien; Treven, Primož; Vergères, Guy; Pertziger, Eugenia; Savary-Auzeloux, IsabelleBackground: Diets and specific foods have a significant impact on health, and individual responses to nutritional factors vary. This variability among humans can be considered a basis for developing personalized or precision nutrition. Fermented foods (FF) contain a wide range of macro- and micronutrients, bioactive compounds, and live or dead microorganisms. FF represent a diverse range of products and have garnered significant interest due to their potential health benefits. However, consistent evidence remains limited, possibly due to heterogeneity in individual responses. Objectives: The objective of this review is to assess and compile existing evidence on the variable responses of populations to FF and to determine whether FF could be integrated into a precision nutrition strategy. Design: Interventional and observational human studies were systematically collected. The publication identified the main factors likely to contribute to variable responses to FF across all health outcomes. The question was systematically addressed to assess the available evidence and identify knowledge gaps, guiding future research. A pragmatic approach was employed, following EFSA health claim guidelines, which require an assessment of food characteristics and mechanisms of action, as well as conducting a systematic search of human interventional studies. A similar approach was used to analyze data extracted from observational studies. The population included all humans (healthy and non-healthy, of all ages), encompassing both observational and interventional studies. The intervention consisted of the ingestion of any FF, while the control was defined as the absence or lower consumption of FF or consumption of a corresponding non-FF. Outcomes included all markers of the population's health status. Results: The main factors contributing to variable responses to FF across all health outcomes were related to initial phenotypic characteristics (biological sex, geographical origin, hormonal status, and age), baseline health status [metabolic syndrome [MetS], chronic metabolic pathologies, cancer, and psychological disorders], and genetic background. Additionally, since the gut microbiota is person-specific and influences metabolic responses, particular attention was paid to its functions and role in the variability of population responses to FF. Conclusion: Collectively, this review represents a first step toward evaluating the feasibility of using FF in tailored nutritional strategies.
- Glyphosate in the Iberian Peninsula: Evaluating risks to Iberian wildlifePublication . Baptista, Catarina Jota; Marques, Gonçalo Nogueira; Gonçalves, Luísa Lima; Assunção, Ricardo; Martinez-Haro, MónicaGlyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] (GlyP) is an herbicide extensively used worldwide, including the Iberian Peninsula. It is mainly used in agricultural landscapes but also in urban areas, in railways, and even in water bodies. Despite glyphosate’s large use, there is a paucity of research on its exposure and its potential effects on wildlife living treated environments. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have warned about the effects of this herbicide namely, on oxidative stress, and on liver and kidney in different taxa. Additionally, some studies also suggested endocrine disruption capacity in reptiles or genotoxicity in fish. Most of these studies have been carried out on experimental animals, in laboratory conditions, so the real exposure and potential effects on wildlife is largely unknown. In this context, this review is intended to help understand the ecological consequences that glyphosate may be exerting on wildlife that inhabit the Iberian Peninsula.
- Genomic Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Profiles in Escherichia coli Linked to Sternal Bursitis in Chickens: A One Health PerspectivePublication . Ribeiro, Jessica; Silva, Vanessa; Freitas, Catarina; Pinto, Pedro; Vieira-Pinto, Madalena; Batista, Rita; Nunes, Alexandra; Gomes, João Paulo; Pereira, José Eduardo; Igrejas, Gilberto; Barros, Lillian; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Reis, Filipa S.; Poeta, PatríciaAbstract: Sternal bursitis is an underexplored lesion in poultry, often overlooked in microbiological diagnostics. In this study, we characterized 36 Escherichia coli isolates recovered from sternal bursitis in broiler chickens, combining phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCRbased screening, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The genetic analysis revealed a diverse population spanning 15 sequence types, including ST155, ST201, and ST58. Resistance to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin was common, and several isolates carried genes encoding β-lactamases, including blaTEM-1B. Chromosomal mutations associated with quinolone and fosfomycin resistance (e.g., gyrA p.S83L, glpT_E448K) were also identified. WGS revealed a high number of virulence-associated genes per isolate (58–96), notably those linked to adhesion (fim, ecp clusters), secretion systems (T6SS), and iron acquisition (ent, fep, fes), suggesting strong pathogenic potential. Many isolates harbored virulence markers typical of ExPEC/APEC, such as iss, ompT, and traT, even in the absence of multidrug resistance. Our findings suggest that E. coli from sternal bursitis may act as reservoirs of resistance and virulence traits relevant to animal and public health. This highlights the need for including such lesions in genomic surveillance programs and reinforces the importance of integrated One Health approaches.
- Preliminary characterization of Vibrio cholerae strains isolated from seafood samples marketed in PortugalPublication . Lopes, Teresa; Lopes, David; Moura, Isabel Bastos; Sousa, Isabel; Rodrigues, João; Fernandes, Camila; Barreira, Maria João; Maia, Carla; Correia, Cristina Belo; Pintado, Cristina; Saraiva, Margarida; Batista, Rita; ElsevierVibrio cholerae, a natural inhabitant of aquatic ecosystems, has been related with gastrointestinal infections, particularly those associated with seafood consumption. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the presence and characteristics of Vibrio cholerae, in seafood marketed in Portugal, given its potential role as a foodborne pathogen. Thus, the occurrence of Vibrio cholerae in 129 seafood raw samples (105 of shrimp and 24 of oysters), marketed in Portugal, was assessed. Isolates’ characterization regarding the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and of pathogenicity-specific genetic traits was attained by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Core-genome Multi Locus Sequence Typing (cgMLST) analyses to evaluate the genetic relatedness among the isolates, and with other V. cholerae strains isolated in the world, as well as phenotypic AMR (performed by disc diffusion), were also attained. Overall, 43/129 (33.3 %) of the samples tested positive for V. cholerae (41/105 (39.1 %) of the shrimp and 2/24 (8.3 %) of the oysters’ samples). WGS analyses classified the studied strains as non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae (NOVC), lacking the main cholerae virulence factors encoded by the CTX phage. However, they carry diverse virulence factors similar to those found in O1 and O139 strains and/or in NOVC clinical strains. Furthermore, eight strains were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). The cg-MLST analyses revealed six genetic clusters among the 43 isolates (three identified sequence types - ST829, ST833, ST1085). Although it was not possible to find a close genetic relatedness between the studied V. cholerae strains and other deposited in PuBMLST database, a high genetic proximity among some strains isolated in different countries and from different sources (environmental and human) was observed, reinforcing the importance of a One Health approach. Assessing occurrence, pathogenic potential and genetic relatedness of Vibrio cholerae strains in the Portuguese food supply chain, this study contributes to understand their public health significance and supports a One Health approach to prevent foodborne outbreaks, contributing to food safety.