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- Assessing Serra da Estrela PDO cheeses’ origin-production date using fatty acids profilesPublication . Lima, M. J. Reis; Bahri, Hamdi; Morais, Jorge Sá; Veloso, Ana CA; Fontes, Luísa; Lemos, Edite Teixeira de; Peres, AntónioSerra da Estrela is a Portuguese traditional cheese produced with raw ewe’s milk from “Churra Mondegueira” and “Bordaleira” autochthonous breeds and the wild thistle flower (Cynara cardunculus L.), which benefits from the status of Protected Designation of Origin. Cheese chemical composition, namely the fatty acids profile, depends on milk composition and on manufacturing practices. Thus, the identification of possible chemical biomarkers capable of classifying Serra da Estrela cheeses according to the dairy manufacturing plant, geographical origin or production date would be of utmost relevance for producers and consumers. A typical fatty acids profile, including 23 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, was identified for the studied cheeses, being butyric, caproic, caprilic, capric, lauric, miristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and its trans-isomer and α-linolenic acids the most abundant ones (relative mean abundances ranging from 1.4% ± 0.5% to 23.9% ± 1.9%). Linear discriminant models were established based on the most discriminative fatty acids (namely, caproic, caprilic, undecanoic, lauric, pentadecanoic, palmitic, palmitoleic, heptadecanoic, oleic, linoleic trans-isomer, heneicosanoic and arachidonic acids) that included less abundant fatty acids, which were selected using the simulated annealing algorithm. The established models enabled assessing cheeses’ origin (models based on 10–12 fatty acids) and/or production date (model based on 20 fatty acids) with predictive sensitivities of 71–88%. Therefore, fatty acids profiles coupled with chemometric techniques, could be foreseen as a fingerprint of cheese’s genuineness, enhancing the consumers’ confidence when purchasing this high-value cheese.
- The Role of Social Media Advertisement and Physical Activity on Eating Behaviors among the General Population in Saudi ArabiaPublication . Alshahrani, Najim Z.; Branca Carvalho, Ana; J. Reis Lima, M.; Teixeira-Lemos, Edite; Raposo, AntónioAbstract: Over the past few decades, people in Saudi Arabia have become less inclined to adopt active lifestyles and healthy eating habits due to the increasing use of digital technologies such as social media. The objective of this online-based cross-sectional study was to assess the role of social media food advertisements and physical activity on eating behaviors among the general population in Saudi Arabia (n = 471). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, which consisted of four parts: (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) attitude towards social media, (iii) eating behaviorsrelated information, and (iv) exposure to and engagement with social media advertisements. The study’s outcome variable, eating behaviors (healthy vs. unhealthy), was assessed using the following question: “Are you on a healthy diet (such as a balanced diet, keto, or low carb)?” A multiple binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors that influence unhealthy eating behaviors. Approximately 79.6% of the participants had unhealthy eating behaviors. Participants who were not involved in daily physical activity were more likely to have unhealthy eating behaviors compared to their counterparts (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 4.86). Participants who watched food ads on social media channels 1–3 times a week (AOR = 2.58) or daily (AOR = 3.49) were more likely to have unhealthy eating behaviors than their counterparts. Participants whose appetite to try foods increases always (AOR = 1.42) or usually (AOR = 2.88) after viewing ads on social media were more likely to have unhealthy eating behaviors. These findings suggest that policymakers should take immediate action to regulate food advertising policy to promote a healthy food environment across the country. Saudis should be encouraged to engage in more physical activity, which could support the maintenance of healthy eating patterns and lifestyles.
- 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.
- Study of the drying kinetics and calculation of mass transfer properties in hot air drying of Cynara cardunculusPublication . Guiné, Raquel; Lima, M. J. ReisIn the present work, mass transfer properties of thistle flower (Cynara cardunculus L.) were evaluated for the convective drying carried out at temperatures between 35 and 65°C, with an air flow of 0.5 m/s. The calculations followed two different algorithms, based on mathematical models derived from the thin layer drying equation and Fick’s second law of diffusion. The results obtained indicated that different methodologies resulted in different values of mass transfer properties, which is an alert that care must be taken when choosing which calculation method might be more appropriate in a specific practical application. In all cases, the values of moisture diffusion and mass transfer coefficient were found to increase with increasing operating temperature. The values of diffusivity increased from 2.7866 × 10−9 to 1.4027 × 10−8 m2/s for the thin layer model-based algorithm and from 1.9256 × 10−10 to 1.2033 × 10−9 m2/s for Fick’s equation model. The values of the mass transfer coefficient increased from 8.4335 × 10−8 to 8.4400 × 10−7 m/s and from 5.8277 × 10−9 to 7.2398 × 10−8 m/s, respectively, for the thin layer and Fick’s law-based models.
- Fruit and vegetable consumption: Study involving Portuguese and French consumersPublication . LE TURC, Nolwenn; Silva, Ana Isabel; Florença, Sofia De Guiné E; C. Goncalves, J.; Lemos, Edite Teixeira de; Lima, M. J. Reis; Guiné, RaquelThe regular consumption of vegetables and fruits has been indicated as part of a healthy diet. They are considered healthy foods because they are sources of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Adequate intake of these foods can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and various types of cancer. The objective of the present study was to determine the consumption habits of vegetables and fruits in two different countries, Portugal and France. For this descriptive study, it was used a questionnaire survey, applied to individuals over 18 years old and carried out through the internet, being disseminated on social networks and by email. The sample was constituted by 640 participants (257 from Portugal and 383 from France). Statistical tools were used for the treatment of data, like the T-Test and chi-square test utilised to compare the results between Portuguese and French consumers. The results showed that the Portuguese eat out more often than the French. Portuguese and French like vegetables equally but the French eat more vegetables and fruit per week on average than the Portuguese. The French like soup as much as the Portuguese but the Portuguese eat soup more regularly than the French and prefer soup with cut pieces, unlike the French which prefer soup with grounded vegetables. The global consumption of vegetables and fruits is low in both countries and should be increased, most especially in Portugal, where the consumption is lower. In conclusion, despite some differences found across consumers according to country, the consumption of these foods is still below the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, and therefore, some more actions are necessary to incentivise a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy lifestyle.
- Dietary Patterns among Smokers and Non-Smokers: Findings from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018Publication . Lin, Wenxue; Alfheeaid, Hani A.; Alasqah, Ibrahim; Alqarawi, Nada; Alotaibi, Saad Abdullah; Alribdi, Fatmah Fahad; Almutairi, Sulaiman; Lima, M. J. Reis; Teixeira-Lemos, Edite; Raposo, AntónioDiet behavior and nutrition are critical for maintaining health and improving quality of life. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Poor dietary choices, such as excessively frequenting restaurants, consuming ready-to-eat foods from grocery stores, and ingesting ultra-processed foods (like frozen meals and pizzas), can adversely impact health. Despite this, research comparing dietary behaviors between smokers and non-smokers is limited. Using data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2017–2018, we analyzed diet behavior based on smoking status. Our findings reveal that smokers had a significant increase (90%) in the frequency of consuming frozen meals/pizzas in the past 30 days compared to non-smokers (coefficient: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.6; p-value < 0.001). Additionally, over 70% of participants, regardless of their smoking status, were unaware of MyPlate, a nutritional guide created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage Americans to make healthier food choices. There is an urgent need to increase public awareness of MyPlate and promote a better understanding of healthy dietary behaviors.
- Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of extracts obtained form cherry seeds.Publication . Dulyanska, Y.; Cruz-Lopes, Luísa; Esteves, Bruno; Ferreira, José; Domingos, Idalina; Lima, M. J. Reis; Correia, Paula; Ferreira, Manuela; Fragata, Anabela; Barroca, Maria João; Silva, A. M.; Guiné, Raquel P. F.Annual cherry production in Portugal is around 19,000 tonnes, in an area of about 6,450 ha and covering about 11,100 farms, concentrated in some northern and central interior territories. It is also in these regions that in recent decades there has been a significant increase in farms specialized in the production of cherry, using new cultivars and new technologies in a business production model. Apart from being consumed in fresh form, cherries are used for many food preparations, like sweets, jellies or confectionary. In the plants that transform cherries, a significant amount of cherry seeds (also called cherry pits) is generated as residue or waste. The possible usage of these residues as raw material for extraction of compounds with antioxidant properties is beneficial in term of economic value as well as environmental impact. Hence, the objective of this work was to obtain extract rich in compounds with antioxidant activity from cherry seeds. The cherry seeds were obtained from a local waste management company, Nutrofertil, located in Tondela, in the district of Viseu (Portugal). They were grinded and then submitted to extraction procedures testing different operating conditions: magnetic stirrer versus ultrasound, different solvents (methanol, ethanol, water) and temperatures (from 35 ºC to 80 ºC). For the obtained extracts antioxidant activity was evaluated through spectrophotometric methods, using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonic acid)) radicals, and also the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP). All measurements were replicated at least trice, and were expressed as mg Trolox equivalents per gram (mg TE/g). The results obtained for the different experimental conditions indicated that least efficient extractions at ambient temperature were obtained with methanol using magnetic stirrer and with water using ultrasounds, for which the antioxidant activities measured by the DPPH method were 0.26 and 0.33 mg TE/g and by the ABTS method were 0.82 and 0.86 mg TE/g, respectively. Most efficient methods were water:ethanol (at 50% concentration) and water (100%), using magnetic stirrer in both cases. Highest antioxidant activity was obtained for water:ethanol by the DPPH method (0.72 mg TE/g) and for water (100%) by the ABTS method (1.25 mg TE/g). Tests with different concentrations for the aqueous solutions of ethanol and at different temperatures revealed that with increasing concentration of water the antioxidant diminished, from 0.62 to 0.27 mg TE/g at 35 ºC using the DPPH method. Additionally, the variation in temperature allowed reaching a maximum extraction of compounds with antioxidant activity at 70 ºC and decreasing thereafter. The maximum values obtained were registered at 70 ºC for all cases and were 0.74 mg TE/g for the water:ethanol 50:50 (v/v) by the DPPH method, 2.16 mg TE/g for the water:ethanol 60:40 (v/v) by the ABTS method and 3.43 mg TE/g for the water:ethanol 60:40 (v/v) by the FRAP method. The results obtained by the different methods were concordant in terms of the observed trends but giving different values of the measured antioxidant activity, which is a common characteristic observed in these types of evaluation techniques. This research allowed establishing some operational conditions that should be selected in order to maximize the extraction of compounds with antioxidant activity from cherry seeds. The use of ultrasounds was not found beneficial and the magnetic stirrer technique revealed to be more useful. Also the use of methanol was not found suitable, which is a good point given that this solvent is more pollutant and has more problems of toxicity. With respect to temperature, it was found that temperatures higher than 70 ºC are not beneficial because they induce the degradation of some bioactive compounds thus reducing the antioxidant activity of thee extracts.
- Goat System Productions: Advantages and Disadvantages to the Animal, Environment and FarmerPublication . Monteiro, António; Costa, José; Lima, M. J. ReisGoats have always been considered very useful animals. Goats success is related to its excellent adaptability to the difficult mountain conditions, extreme weather and low value feed acceptance, versatile habits and high production considering their size. These are some reasons because goats are among the first animals to be domesticated. In terms of evolution, goats could be separated by their dispersion area in three large groups: the European, the Asian, and the African. Global goat populations, mainly in Africa and in Asia, have increased for centuries but very strongly in the past decades, well above the world population growth. They are also used for forest grazing, an integrated and alternative production system, very useful to control weed growth reducing fire risk. Despite some exceptions, no large‐scale effort to professionalize this industry has been made so far. There are consumers for goat dairy products and there is enough global production, but misses a professional network between both. Regarding goat meat, the world leadership also stays in Africa and Asia, namely in China, and there is a new phenomenon, the spreading of goat meat tradition through Europe due to migrants from Africa and other places with strong goat meat consumption
- 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.
- Exploring prebiotic properties and its probiotic potential of new formulations of soy milk-derived beveragesPublication . Rana, Ananya; Taneja, Neetu Kumra; Raposo, António; Alarifi, Sehad N.; Teixeira-Lemos, Edite; Lima, M. J. Reis; C. Goncalves, J.; Dhewa, Tejpal