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- Valorization of cork stoppers, coffee-grounds and walnut shells in the development and characterization of Pectin-Based composite films: Physical, barrier, antioxidant, genotoxic, and biodegradation propertiesPublication . Cruz, Rui; Rainer, Bernhard; Wagner, Isabella; Krauter, Victoria; Janalíková, Magda; Vicente, António A.; Vieira, Jorge M.The development of sustainable materials from the valorization of waste is a good alternative to reducing the negative environmental impact of plastic packaging. The objectives of this study were to develop and characterize pectin-based composite films incorporated with cork or cork with either coffee grounds or walnut shells, as well as to test the films’ genotoxicity, antioxidant properties, and biodegradation capacity in soil and seawater. The addition of cork, coffee grounds, or walnut shells modified the films’ characteristics. The results showed that those films were thicker (0.487 ± 0.014 mm to 0.572 ± 0.014 mm), more opaque (around 100%), darker (L* = 25.30 ± 0.78 to 33.93 ± 0.84), and had a higher total phenolic content (3.17 ± 0.01 mg GA/g to 4.24 ± 0.02 mg GA/g). On the other hand, the films incorporated only with cork showed higher values of elongation at break (32.24 ± 1.88% to 36.30 ± 3.25%) but lower tensile strength (0.91 ± 0.19 MPa to 1.09 ± 0.08 MPa). All the films presented more heterogeneous and rougher microstructures than the pectin film. This study also revealed that the developed films do not contain DNA-reactive substances and that they are biodegradable in soil and seawater. These positive properties could subsequently make the developed films an interesting eco-friendly food packaging solution that contributes to the valorization of organic waste and by-products, thus promoting the circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of plastic materials.
- Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults with chronic diseasesPublication . Nascimento, Tânia; Andrade, Amanda de Oliveira; Cabrita, Catarina; Pais, Sandra; De la Puerta, RocioOlder adults often consume high amounts of medicines, some of which may not be suitable for their age. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on elderly people (>60 years) diagnosed with chronic diseases and taking at least one medication. The consumption of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) was analyzed using the EU(7)-PIM List. Of the 65 elderly included, the majority were women (83.1%), diagnosed with hypertension (60.0%), and took 4.09 ± 2.104 medicines. More than 58% consumed at least one PIM. Nervous system PIMs were the most prevalent (29.2%, n = 19). There is a high prevalence of PIM use among the elderly, necessitating regular evaluation for safer medication use.
- Perceptions of insects and algae as alternative protein sourcesPublication . Linares, Diego; Francisco, Joice; Nogueira, Lyvia; Caetano, Melissa; Pinto, Ezequiel; Palma Mateus, MariaAlgae and insects are commercially available food products that can be alternative protein sources to meat, fish, and eggs, even if consumers find them less appealing. This study analyzed the opinions of a non-random sample of Portuguese adults, using an online, self-fulfillment questionnaire. We collected valid questionnaires from 188 participants. Previous intake history was low for insectbased products (11%) but not for algae (61%). Protein bars with insect flour or algae were considered the most appealing products based on alternative protein sources. Consumer education is needed to promote insects as alternative protein sources.
- Chemical and health risks of swimming pool maintenance workersPublication . Silva, Adriana; Pinto, Ezequiel; Braz, Nídia Maria Dias Azinheira RebeloSwimming pool maintenance workers are exposed to occupational hazards, as it involves the regular handling of toxic chemicals. These exposures can result in acute reactions or chronic complications. The present study, still in the design phase, aims to describe the chemical and biological exposure of workers of a swimming pool maintenance company and to verify its compliance with the safety standards in force. A quantitative questionnaire will identify the use of personal protective equipment, chemical agents, and handling procedures, particularly regarding the time and frequency of use.
- The immune tumor microenvironment in gliomas: may CITED2 play a role?Publication . Teotónio Fernandes, Mónica AlexandraGliomas are the most common brain cancers, resulting from transformed glial cells. CITED2 is a co-transcriptional regulator previously implicated in several types of cancer, affecting both cellintrinsic processes and the microenvironment. Because in breast cancer it was shown to contribute to the recruitment of macrophages and their polarization to an immunosuppressive phenotype, a potential similar role was explored in gliomas. By analyzing publicly available databases using a set of bioinformatics tools, it was found that CITED2 is overexpressed in higher-grade gliomas and contributes to an adverse prognosis. In addition, CITED2 expression correlates with macrophage infiltration and a M2 phenotype.