Browsing by Author "Saraiva, Ariana"
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- Development and Rapid Sensory Descriptive Characterization of Cereal Bars Made with Brazilian Licuri Nut (Syagrus coronata)Publication . Sommo, Maximiliano; de Aguiar, Lorena Andrade; Raposo, António; Saraiva, Ariana; Lemos, Edite Teixeira de; Margarida Correia Balula Chaves, Cláudia; Romão, BernardoLicuri (Syagrus coronata) is an oilseed fruit common in the Brazilian caatinga and cerrado biomes. This fruit has high socioeconomic importance in the regions where it grows, being incorporated into exported animal feed and also into gastronomic preparations. Cereal bars are ready-to-eat highly consumed products with increased demand, commonly made with cereals and oilseeds such as licuri. In this sense, the incorporation of licuri in cereal bars may increase its socioeconomic value and expand its potential use. Thus, the objective of the study was to analyze acceptance and describe the sensory characteristics of cereal bars incorporated with licuri nuts. This study was conducted in four stages: (1) development of samples; (2) chemical composition analysis; (3) sensory analysis; and (4) statistical analysis. Cereal bars with licuri presented proportionally lower carbohydrate and protein content as the incorporation of licuri nut increased. However, the dietary fiber content increased. Further, 122 untrained panelists participated in the analysis. The results showed that samples with all proportions of incorporation of licuri nuts were acceptable. Furthermore, the sensory descriptors related to the presence of licuri were positively associated with product acceptance. In this way, this study demonstrates yet another possibility for use of the fruit, increasing its socioeconomic potential.
- From Validation to Assessment of e-Health Literacy: A Study among Higher Education Students in PortugalPublication . Oliveira, Leandro; Zandonadi, Renata Puppin; Nakano, Eduardo Yoshio; Almutairi, Sulaiman; Alzghaibi, Haitham; Lima, M. J. Reis; Teixeira-Lemos, Edite; Saraiva, Ariana; Raposo, AntónioDespite their familiarity with technology, higher education students often lack the critical skills needed to assess the credibility of online health information, potentially impacting their health decisions and well-being. This study aims to validate and assess the e-Health Literacy Scale among those in Portuguese higher education. In addition, this study focused on measuring their e-health literacy levels and investigating how these skills relate to different sociodemographic variables. This cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases. Initially, the test–retest reliability and reproducibility of measured e-health literacy were assessed with a convenience sample of 20 participants. Subsequently, the e-health scale was applied to a group of 245 Portuguese higher education students. The research took place from January 2023 to April 2024. The scale exhibited robust internal consistency and reproducibility. Male gender consistently correlates with higher levels of e-health literacy. Students demonstrate good levels of e-health literacy (24/40), reflecting their ability to effectively navigate and utilize health information online. By integrating strategies to further enhance this literacy into university health programs, students can develop essential skills necessary for making informed decisions about their health. This proactive approach not only empowers students to access reliable health resources but also fosters a culture of health literacy that can positively impact their well-being both during their academic journey and beyond graduation.
- Mechanisms and Potential Benefits of Neuroprotective Agents in Neurological HealthPublication . Pekdemir, Burcu; Raposo, António; Saraiva, Ariana; Lima, M. J. Reis; Alsharari, Zayed D.; BinMowyna, Mona N.; Karav, SercanAbstract: The brain contains many interconnected and complex cellular and molecular mechanisms. Injury to the brain causes permanent dysfunctions in these mechanisms. So, it continues to be an area where surgical intervention cannot be performed except for the removal of tumors and the repair of some aneurysms. Some agents that can cross the blood–brain barrier and reach neurons show neuroprotective effects in the brain due to their anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In particular, some agents act by reducing or modulating the accumulation of protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion disease) caused by protein accumulation. Substrate accumulation causes increased oxidative stress and stimulates the brain’s immune cells, microglia, and astrocytes, to secrete proinflammatory cytokines. Long-term or chronic neuroinflammatory response triggers apoptosis. Brain damage is observed with neuronal apoptosis and brain functions are impaired. This situation negatively affects processes such as motor movements, memory, perception, and learning. Neuroprotective agents prevent apoptosis by modulating molecules that play a role in apoptosis. In addition, they can improve impaired brain functions by supporting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Due to the important roles that these agents play in central nervous system damage or neurodegenerative diseases, it is important to elucidate many mechanisms. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms of flavonoids, which constitute a large part of the agents with neuroprotective effects, as well as vitamins, neurotransmitters, hormones, amino acids, and their derivatives. It is thought that understanding these mechanisms will enable the development of new therapeutic agents and different treatment strategies.
- Mediterranean Food Pattern Adherence in a Female-Dominated Sample of Health and Social Sciences University Students: Analysis from a Perspective of SustainabilityPublication . Oliveira, Leandro; Saraiva, Ariana; Lima, M. J. Reis; Teixeira-Lemos, Edite; Alhaji, Jwaher Haji; Carrascosa, Conrado; Raposo, AntónioBackground/Objectives: The goal of this pilot study is to evaluate adherence to the Mediter- ranean Food Pattern (MFP) in a self-selected sample of university students, addressing a perspective of food sustainability. In addition, it seeks to relate adherence to MFP with sociodemographic charac- teristics and nutritional status. Methods: This is a cross-sectional pilot study whose data collection was carried out by an online questionnaire between January and April 2023. Results: Two hundred and forty-eight students participated—most of them were female (78.2%), had a median of 22 ( 20; 30 ) years, resided in the central region of Portugal (42.3%), and were pursuing a degree (73.4%) in a public higher education institution (66.5%). The prevalence of overweight (overweight and obesity) found was 33.1%. Females predominantly used olive oil as their main source of fat (95.9%, p = 0.009) and had a higher consumption of sugary drinks (81.4%, p = 0.004) compared to males, who reported usage rates of 85.2% and 63.0%, The median score of the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener was 7 points, presented with an interquartile range (Q1: 6, Q3: 8), indicating moderate adherence. The analysis showed no differences between the sexes (p = 0.087). There was also a negative correlation between adherence to the MFP and the body mass index (p = 0.007; r = −0.171). In addition, adher- ence to the MFP was associated with the area of study and the course attended, with students in health-related fields showing higher adherence. Conclusions: These findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions aimed at promoting adherence to the MFP among university students, which could contribute to improved health outcomes and enhanced environmental sustainability.
- Prevalence and Predictors of Diabetic Retinopathy in Saudi Arabia: Insights from a Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisPublication . Alshahrani, Ali Mohammed; Alshahrani, Alaa Mohammed; Al-Boqami, Beshayer Abdullah H.; Alqahtani, Alwaleed Abdulhadi; Alzahrani, Bassam; Bassi, Yousef; Almohaimeed, Mohammed Yousef; Alalmaai, Abeer Mohammed; Saraiva, Ariana; Alhumaidi, Bandar Naffaa; Albaridi, Najla A.; Lima, M. J. Reis; Carrascosa, Conrado; Raposo, AntónioAbstract: Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness among diabetic patients, particularly in areas with an increase in diabetes epidemics, such as Saudi Arabia. Notwithstanding the significant public health implications, data on the prevalence and risk factors of DR in Saudi Arabia are few and scattered, limited to certain geographic areas. Our study objective is to conduct a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the prevalence and predictors for DR in Saudi Arabia, within both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were constructed according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar electronic databases for studies published from 2000–2023. Any study related to the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in T1DM or T2DM among adult patients aged ≥18 years that was conducted in Saudi Arabia was included. Pooling prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity across the studies was tested by the I2 statistic and Cochran’s Q test. Results: A total of 11 studies published between 2006 and 2019 met the inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 99 to over 50,000 participants. The overall pooled prevalence of DR was estimated to be 31% (95% CI: 24–39%), with substantial heterogeneity observed across studies (I2 = 99%). Prevalence estimates ranged from 16.7% to 69.8% and were influenced by variables such as study design, duration of diabetes, and glycemic control. Among individuals with type 2 diabetes, the pooled prevalence was 24% (95% CI: 20–28%). Poor glycemic control and longer diabetes duration were consistently identified as significant predictors of DR, while other factors, such as obesity and hypertension, were also associated with an increased risk of DR. Conclusions: The high prevalence of DR in Saudi Arabia highlights the critical need for focused public health initiatives, especially among those with type 2 diabetes. To minimize the effects of DR, early intervention, routine DR screening programs, and optimal diabetes control are essential. The increasing prevalence of DR in Saudi Arabia requires careful consideration of healthcare policy and resource allocation, which is made possible by our results.