Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jose P. Castelao-Baptista, Ana Barros, Tania Martins, Eduardo Rosa, Vilma A. Sardao
Summary: A large amount of waste is generated in the food supply chain, causing significant loss to natural resources, plant material, and economic value. Obesity is a growing concern in the Western world linked to increased oxidative stress, and the use of Brassica by-products with antioxidant activity shows potential in mitigating these issues.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Christos Eliopoulos, Giorgos Markou, Ioanna Langousi, Dimitrios Arapoglou
Summary: Fruits and vegetables are significant sources of bioactive compounds, with their by-products showing high antioxidant activity. However, intense industrialization leads to large volumes of by-products and serious environmental issues. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new strategies for the utilization of these wastes in order to create high-added-value products.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hang Li, Yu Xia, Hong-Yan Liu, Huan Guo, Xiao-Qin He, Yi Liu, Ding-Tao Wu, Ying-Hui Mai, Hua-Bin Li, Liang Zou, Ren-You Gan
Summary: This review summarizes the main nutrients and phytochemicals in different parts of broccoli and discusses its beneficial properties and potential molecular mechanisms. The study also suggests future research directions on how to better utilize broccoli.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bayi Lang, Yanqiang Zhao, Rong Yang, Aizhong Liu, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Lixin Yang
Summary: The traditional fermented Rosa (TFR) is a popular food and medicinal product among the Dali Bai people, with studies revealing its medicinal benefits, traditional processing procedures, and functional food properties. Through field sample collection and lab synthesis, the dominant microbial strain TFR-1 in TFR was identified to enhance antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities. TFR exhibited strong antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties, suggesting its potential use in skincare and nutrition as a cosmetic or nutraceutical product.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Adriano Didonna, Massimiliano Renna, Pietro Santamaria
Summary: The Italian Traditional Agri-food Product (TAP) denomination has potential in promoting local and traditional Italian products, especially in the category of vegetable products and landraces. However, the TAP denomination needs improvement in terms of commercial protection and promotion, and efforts should be made to increase consumer awareness, allocate more financial support, and integrate with regional and private labels to protect the unique characteristics of Italian traditional agri-food products.
Article
Food Science & Technology
R. Calderon, P. Palma, M. Godoy, M. Vidal, A. Rivera
Summary: This study evaluated the presence of total aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in various agri-food products consumed daily in Chile. The contamination by AFs occurred mainly in nutmeg, pepper, and ginger in 2018 but was not detected in 2020. OTA was mainly present in turmeric, ginger, and pepper, with a higher detection frequency compared to AFs. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of AFs and OTA in nutmeg did not exceed the tolerable intake levels proposed by international bodies.
Article
Food Science & Technology
John A. Bouranis, Carmen P. Wong, Laura M. Beaver, Sandra L. Uesugi, Ethan M. Papenhausen, Jaewoo Choi, Edward W. Davis, Adilson Nunes Da Silva, Newton Kalengamaliro, Rekha Chaudhary, Jordan Kharofa, Vinita Takiar, Thomas J. Herzog, William Barrett, Emily Ho
Summary: This study examined the bioavailability of sulforaphane (SFN) and the microbiome profile in subjects fed a single serving of fresh broccoli microgreens. The results showed that broccoli microgreens are a significant source of SFN and do not significantly alter microbiome composition.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Neha Thakur, Antonio Raposo
Summary: In recent years, there has been a growing concern about foodborne outbreaks and the accumulation of food plastic waste in the environment. This has led to the search for new and innovative food packaging interventions that are sustainable and effective in addressing microbial contamination and ensuring food quality and safety. The use of fruit and vegetable waste-based green films for food packaging has emerged as a potential solution. These biofilms not only provide dynamic barrier properties, but also have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to the incorporation of bioactive additives such as essential oils. With the use of advanced technologies, these films can achieve high performance and meet the principles of sustainability. This review also explores the potential application of fruit and vegetable based green films in livestock products, discussing bio-additives, technological interventions, properties, and potential applications. (c) 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Nicola Bianco, Alfonso William Mauro, Gerardo Maria Mauro, Antonio Marco Pantaleo, Luca Viscito
Summary: This paper introduces a semi-empirical model for mass and heat transfer in the de-watering and cooling of fresh leafy vegetables, aiming to optimize their moisture content and temperature for proper storage and preservation by interacting with conditioned airflows. The calibrated model shows satisfactory reliability and potential application in improving quality and productivity in the agri-food industry.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ashish Kumar, Sunil Agrawal
Summary: Due to the lack of effective supply chain management practices in India, a significant amount of Agri-fresh products is wasted each year. This work aims to identify the challenges in the supply chain drivers and propose opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Indian Agri-fresh food supply chains. The paper presents the existing structure of these supply chains and identifies 34 challenges across various drivers. Based on a literature review, it is observed that challenges related to facilities and information have received more attention, while challenges related to perishable nature have been widely explored. A conceptual framework is developed to map each challenge to corresponding opportunities and provide recommendations for restructuring the supply chains.
COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Business
Mujahid Siddiqui, Debarun Chakraborty, Aaliyah Siddiqui
Summary: This study identifies the factors influencing consumer purchasing behavior in the agri-food context. The proposed model explains purchasing behavior using environmental factors and cognitive processes. A mixed method approach was adopted, with qualitative analysis extracting constructs and quantitative analysis using CB-SEM on 891 survey responses. The findings highlight the positive relationships between health consciousness, food safety concerns, and agri-food image, label, and benefits, as well as trust and ethnocentrism. The study has important implications for marketers and strategists.
JOURNAL OF RETAILING AND CONSUMER SERVICES
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Gita Addelia Nevara, Shafa'atu Giwa Ibrahim, Sharifah Kharidah Syed Muhammad, Norhasnida Zawawi, Nor Afizah Mustapha, Roselina Karim
Summary: The use of oilseed meals as by-products of oil extraction has increased due to their excellent health benefits and potential applications in value-added food products. Research on these by-products contributes to sustainability and the zero-waste concept, while also providing health beneficial compounds.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Prandi, Maura Ferri, Stefania Monari, Chiara Zurlini, Ilaria Cigognini, Stefanie Verstringe, Dennis Schaller, Martha Walter, Luciano Navarini, Annalisa Tassoni, Stefano Sforza, Tullia Tedeschi
Summary: This study conducted a detailed chemical analysis of non-compliant green coffee beans and coffee silverskins, revealing that green coffee beans contain higher levels of polyphenols, flavanols, flavonoids, and caffeine, while silver skins are richer in tannins. Enzyme-assisted extraction yielded extracts with good protein content and consistent polyphenol quantities, showing antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antityrosinase activities. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of green coffee bean extracts were superior to those of coffee silver skin extracts, with comparable antityrosinase activity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. D. Perez-Murcia, E. Martinez-Sabater, M. A. Domene, A. Gonzalez-Cespedes, M. A. Bustamante, F. C. Marhuenda-Egea, X. Barber, D. B. Lopez-Lluch, R. Moral
Summary: The study found that the degradation of peptides and proteins during composting can affect the biodegradation of remaining organic matter, while thermogravimetric analysis revealed that more recalcitrant compounds become predominant as the composting process progresses.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Deepika Kathuria, Anju K. K. Dhiman, Surekha Attri
Summary: Sous vide is a low-temperature long-time cooking technique that preserves the nutritional content of food and enhances tenderness and juiciness. It is commonly used for meat, seafood, and vegetables, and promotes the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Fisheries
Luis Felix, Raquel Vieira, Sandra M. Monteiro, Carlos Venancio
Summary: The use of anaesthetic agents, including natural substances such as clove oil, as alternatives to the commonly used synthetic anaesthetic MS-222, has been investigated for fish anaesthesia. A meta-analysis of 30 English reports found that 10 different monoterpenes showed high effectiveness in inducing anaesthesia and recovery in fish. The findings also revealed an inverse linear association between anaesthesia induction and recovery time and water bath temperature.
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco Pereira, Adriana Pereira, Sandra M. Monteiro, Carlos Venancio, Luis Felix
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of a natural plant hormone, 24-epibrassinolide, against the teratogenic effects of nicotine on zebrafish embryos. The results showed that 24-epibrassinolide reduced nicotine-induced deformities in zebrafish embryos, while improving oxidative stress and metabolic changes. It also alleviated nicotine-induced cognitive dysfunction.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Manyou Yu, Irene Gouvinhas, Maria J. Pires, Maria J. Neuparth, Rui M. Gil da Costa, Rui Medeiros, Margarida M. S. M. Bastos, Helena Vala, Luis Felix, Carlos Venancio, Ana I. R. N. A. Barros, Paula A. Oliveira
Summary: A study found that pomegranate leaf infusion has anti-neoplastic and toxicological properties in transgenic mice carrying HPV16 oncogenes. It can reduce lesions in the liver, kidney, and skin. This suggests that pomegranate leaf infusion may have potential in preventing and treating HPV16-induced lesions, but further research is needed for confirmation.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jose P. Castelao-Baptista, Sara A. Valente, Sara Canario, David Oppolzer, Ana Barros, Carlos Venancio, Tania Martins, Luis Antunes, Vilma A. Sardao, Eduardo Rosa, Paulo J. Oliveira
Summary: Obesity, a rising concern in the Eastern world, is often accompanied by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Researchers are investigating potential natural interventions to reduce obesity complications. This study focuses on Brassica by-products (BBPs) as an example of edible plant waste and examines the effects of different extracts from broccoli by-products on an in vitro model of fatty acid-induced liver toxicity. The extracts showed a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability of HepG2 cells, but did not compromise mitochondrial function or lipid accumulation. They effectively reduced lipid accumulation induced by fatty acids in HepG2 cells. The extracts' ability to prevent decrease in catalase activity may explain the observed effects.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Germano A. B. Lanzarin, Luis M. Felix, Antonio Fontainhas-Fernandes, Sandra Mariza Monteiro, Carlos Venancio
Summary: A critical review was conducted to investigate the toxicity of glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides on zebrafish. The results showed that both substances can cause damage to zebrafish, compromising their survival, reproduction, and maintenance. These findings may be applicable to other fish species and aquatic ecosystems.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Catarina Baptista, Fernanda Seixas, Jose M. Gonzalo-Orden, Carla Patinha, Pedro Pato, Eduardo Ferreira da Silva, Maria Casero, Erica Brazio, Ricardo Brandao, Daniela Costa, Teresa Letra Mateus, Paula A. Oliveira
Summary: Heavy metal(loid)s, including arsenic, can cause liver lesions in hedgehogs, leading to biliary hyperplasia. The concentrations of these substances were found to be higher in animals with biliary hyperplasia, except for arsenic. Further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms behind these hepatic lesions.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rita Silva-Reis, Ana I. I. Faustino-Rocha, Jessica Silva, Abigael Valada, Tiago Azevedo, Lara Anjos, Lio Goncalves, Maria de Lurdes Pinto, Rita Ferreira, Artur M. S. Silva, Susana M. M. Cardoso, Paula A. A. Oliveira
Summary: This study assessed a humane endpoint scoring system to detect animal suffering in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. Results showed that weight loss, polyuria, polyphagia, abnormal posture, abdominal distension, and abnormal stool appearance were the most effective parameters to evaluate humane endpoints in this rat model. This study is important for defining humane endpoints in a rat model of type 2 diabetes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rita Silva-Reis, Artur M. S. Silva, Paula A. Oliveira, Susana M. Cardoso
Summary: Cannabis sativa has been used in medicine for centuries and recent research has focused on its bioactive compounds, particularly cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds have shown antitumor effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) through various mechanisms such as apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis, inflammation, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. Terpenes like β-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene also have potential antitumor effects on CRC through apoptosis induction, inhibition of cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. The synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes is believed to be important in CRC treatment. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and safety of these compounds.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Germano A. B. Lanzarin, Luis M. Felix, Sandra M. Monteiro, Jorge M. Ferreira, Paula A. Oliveira, Carlos Venancio
Summary: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects of the plant-based products Thymol (THY) and 24-epibrassinolide (24-EPI). Using zebrafish larvae as a model, the researchers found that both compounds reduced neutrophil recruitment, exhibited antioxidant effects by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and displayed anti-apoptotic effects. Furthermore, the compounds also decreased the levels of nitric oxide (NO). These findings suggest that THY and 24-EPI have potential as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andreia F. R. Silva, Rita Silva-Reis, Rita Ferreira, Paula A. Oliveira, Ana I. Faustino-Rocha, Maria de Lurdes Pinto, Manuel A. Coimbra, Artur M. S. Silva, Susana M. Cardoso
Summary: The World Health Organization aims to prevent diabetes through diet, and incorporating resveratrol (RSV) into bread is a suitable way to make it more accessible. This study evaluated the effect of RSV-enriched bread in preventing early type 2 diabetes cardiomyopathy. The results showed that an RSV bread diet can decrease polydipsia and body weight loss in the early stages of the disease.
Review
Microbiology
Catarina Jota Baptista, Paula A. A. Oliveira, Jose M. Gonzalo-Orden, Fernanda Seixas
Summary: Urban fauna refers to animal species that can survive in urban environments. Hedgehogs, such as the western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), have been identified as part of the urban fauna and are permanent residents in parks and gardens across Europe. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of zoonotic diseases in hedgehogs in urban and rural areas. A systematic review and meta-analysis of twelve studies were conducted, revealing differences in the prevalence of zoonotic diseases between urban and rural locations. Further research and standardized monitoring of hedgehog populations are necessary to understand the epidemiology of zoonotic pathogens and prevent disease outbreaks.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Ana Ines Pereira, Pedro Franco-Goncalo, Pedro Leite, Alexandrine Ribeiro, Maria Sofia Alves-Pimenta, Bruno Colaco, Catia Loureiro, Lio Goncalves, Vitor Filipe, Mario Ginja
Summary: Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been increasingly used in the medical imaging field in the past few years. This article offers veterinary professionals an overview of their applications in imaging diagnosis and provides a review of existing literature.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Leandro Lima da Silva, Amanda Mara Teles, Joana M. O. Santos, Marcelo Souza de Andrade, Rui Medeiros, Ana I. Faustino-Rocha, Paula A. Oliveira, Ana Paula Azevedo dos Santos, Fernanda Ferreira Lopes, Geraldo Braz, Haissa O. Brito, Rui M. Gil da Costa
Summary: High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical cancer, other anogenital cancers, and oropharyngeal carcinomas. Low-risk HPV, especially HPV6 and HPV11, can cause genital warts and laryngeal papillomas. However, there is evidence suggesting that HPV6 and HPV11 may also cause malignant lesions at non-cervical anatomic sites.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Patricia Pinto-Pinho, Ana F. Ferreira, Rosario Pinto-Leite, Margarida Fardilha, Bruno Colaco, Inmaculada Parrilla Riera, Athina Basioura, Junwei Li
Summary: This review article provides an overview of current and future developments in rabbit sperm sexing technologies, as well as the implications and challenges of implementing these methods in the cuniculture industry.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Patricia Pinto-Pinho, Maria de Lurdes Pinto, Jose Monteiro, Margarida Fardilha, Rosario Pinto-Leite, Bruno Colaco
Summary: Rabbit production is important in modern agriculture due to its potential as a sustainable source of high-quality protein. However, studies on feto-maternal monitoring in rabbits are uncommon. This review gathers research on factors affecting rabbit gestation and provides insights into the potential impacts on reproduction and maternal and fetal health.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
