Percorrer por autor "Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz"
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- Association between Elevated Iodine Intake and IQ among School Children in PortugalPublication . Carvalho, Irene P.; Peixoto, Bruno; Caldas, José Carlos; Costa, Ana; Silva, Sofia; Moreira, Bárbara; Almeida, Agostinho; Moreira-Rosário, André; Guerra, António; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Sintra, Diana; Pestana, Diogo; Pinto, Edgar; Mendes, Francisca Castro; Martins, Inês; Leite, João Costa; Fontoura, Manuel; Maia, Maria Luz; Queirós, Pedro; Moreira, Roxana; Leal, Sandra; Norberto, Sónia; Costa, Vera; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Keating, Elisa; Azevedo, Luís; Calhau, ConceiçãoThe goal of this work was to examine whether elevated iodine intake was associated with adverse effects on IQ among school-age children in Portugal. In a representative sample of children from the north of the country, IQ percentiles by age (assessed with Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices) were dichotomized to <50 (“below-average” IQs) and ≥50. Morning urine iodine concentrations, corrected for creatinine, were dichotomized to <250 µg/g and ≥250 µg/g, according to the European Commission/Scientific Committee on Food’s tolerable upper level of daily iodine intake for young children. Data were examined with Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and GLM univariate analysis. The sample (N = 1965) was classified as generally iodine-adequate (median urinary iodine concentration = 129 µg/L; median iodine-to-creatinine ratio = 126 µg/g) according to the WHO’s criteria. A greater proportion of children in the ≥250 µg/g group had below-average IQs, compared to children with less than 250 µg/g (p = 0.037), despite a sizable (though non-significant) proportion of children in the less-than-250 µg/g group also presenting below-average IQs, at the bottom of the iodine distribution (<50 µg/g). The proportion of below-average IQs increased with increasingly elevated iodine concentrations (p = 0.047). The association remained significant after the adjustment for confounders, with the elevated iodine group showing increased odds of having below-average IQs when compared with the non-elevated iodine group (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.11–2.17; p = 0.011). Consistently, the former group presented a lower mean IQ than the latter (p = 0.006). High iodine intake was associated with lower IQs even in a population classified as iodine-adequate. These results bear on child cognition and on initiatives involving iodine supplementation
- Association between elevated iodine intake and IQ among school children in PortugalPublication . Carvalho, Irene P.; Peixoto, Bruno; Caldas, José Carlos; Costa, Ana; Silva, Sofia; Moreira, Bárbara; Almeida, Agostinho; Moreira-Rosário, André; Guerra, António; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Sintra, Diana; Pestana, Diogo; Pinto, Edgar; Mendes, Francisca Castro; Martins, Inês; Leite, João Costa; Fontoura, Manuel; Maia, Maria Luz; Queirós, Pedro; Moreira, Roxana; Leal, Sandra; Norberto, Sónia; Costa, Vera; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Keating, Elisa; Azevedo, Luís; Calhau, ConceiçãoThe goal of this work was to examine whether elevated iodine intake was associated with adverse effects on IQ among school-age children in Portugal. In a representative sample of children from the north of the country, IQ percentiles by age (assessed with Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices) were dichotomized to <50 (“below-average” IQs) and ≥50. Morning urine iodine concentrations, corrected for creatinine, were dichotomized to <250 µg/g and ≥250 µg/g, according to the European Commission/Scientific Committee on Food’s tolerable upper level of daily iodine intake for young children. Data were examined with Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and GLM univariate analysis. The sample (N = 1965) was classified as generally iodine-adequate (median urinary iodine concentration = 129 µg/L; median iodine-to-creatinine ratio = 126 µg/g) according to the WHO’s criteria. A greater proportion of children in the ≥250 µg/g group had below-average IQs, compared to children with less than 250 µg/g (p = 0.037), despite a sizable (though non-significant) proportion of children in the less-than-250 µg/g group also presenting below-average IQs, at the bottom of the iodine distribution (<50 µg/g). The proportion of below-average IQs increased withncreasingly elevated iodine concentrations (p = .047). The association remained significant after the adjustment for confounders, with the elevated iodine group showing increased odds of having below-average IQs when compared with the non-elevated iodine group (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.11–2.17; p = 0.011). Consistently, the former group presented a lower mean IQ than the latter (p = 0.006). High iodine intake was associated with lower IQs even in a population classified as iodine-adequate. These results bear on child cognition and on initiatives involving iodine supplementation.
- Association of 3-Phenoxybenzoic Acid Exposure during Pregnancy with Maternal Outcomes and Newborn Anthropometric Measures: Results from the IoMum Cohort StudyPublication . Guimarães, Juliana; Bracchi, Isabella; Pinheiro, Cátia; Moreira, Nara Xavier; Coelho, Cláudia Matta; Pestana, Diogo; Prucha, Maria do Carmo; Martins, Cristina; Domingues, Valentina F.; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Dias, Cláudia C.; Azevedo, Luís Filipe R.; Calhau, Conceição; Leite, João Costa; Ramalho, Carla; Keating, Elisa; Fernandes, Virgínia CruzThe aims of this study were to characterize the exposure of pregnant women living in Portugal to 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) and to evaluate the association of this exposure with maternal outcomes and newborn anthropometric measures. We also aimed to compare exposure in summer with exposure in winter. Pregnant women attending ultrasound scans from April 2018 to April 2019 at a central hospital in Porto, Portugal, were invited to participate. Inclusion criteria were: gestational week between 10 and 13, confirmed fetal vitality, and a signature of informed consent. 3-PBA was measured in spot urine samples by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The median 3-PBA concentration was 0.263 (0.167; 0.458) μg/g creatinine (n = 145). 3-PBA excretion was negatively associated with maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.049), and it was higher during the summer when compared to winter (p < 0.001). The frequency of fish or yogurt consumption was associated positively with 3-PBA excretion, particularly during the winter (p = 0.002 and p = 0.015, respectively), when environmental exposure is low. Moreover, 3-PBA was associated with levothyroxine use (p = 0.01), a proxy for hypothyroidism, which could be due to a putative 3-PBA—thyroid hormone antagonistic effect. 3-PBA levels were not associated with the anthropometric measures of the newborn. In conclusion, pregnant women living in Portugal are exposed to 3-PBA, particularly during summer, and this exposure may be associated with maternal clinical features.
- Deciphering the potential of orange peel polysaccharides for modulating black tea astringencyPublication . Vieira, Joana; Silva, Inês E.; Guerreiro, Carlos; Bravo, Carlo; Rinaldi, Alessandra; Ramos, Rui M.; Fernandes, Pedro A. R.; Coimbra, Manuel A.; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Freitas, Victor de; Brandão, Elsa; Soares, Susana; Fernandes, VirgíniaAstringency: a complex oral sensation described as dryness, puckering, or tightening - limit consumer acceptance of polyphenol-rich products like black tea, with recognized health benefits. Traditional strategies, such as sugar addition or polyphenol removal, often compromise nutritional quality, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to modulate astringency. One promising strategy involves the use of pectic polysaccharides as modulators of polyphenol-oral constituents interactions. This study explored two pectic polysaccharides fractions (PPFs) from orange peels with different composition on the interactions between black tea polyphenols and oral constituents, using an advanced oral cell-based quaternary model and trained sensory panel. PPF1 had a high degree of methylesterification (88 %) and high molecular weight (1.004 kDa), while PPF2 had a low degree of methylesterification and low molecular weight (226 kDa). Both fractions exhibited high uronic acid content, 72–80 mol%, respectively. Results: showed that PPFs decreased black tea polyphenols-oral constituents interactions, particularly in the HSC- 3-Mu-SP model (HSC-3 tongue-derived cell line, mucosal pellicle, salivary proteins). Notably, PPF2 showed a greater effect (53 % reduction) of total polyphenols adsorbed (UV–Vis colorimetric assay) and decreased the adsorption of all individual polyphenols, with the stronger effect on theasinensin C (56 % reduction) (HPLC analysis). PPF2 also decreased cystatins–oral component interactions (64 % reduction). Conversely, PPF1 showed a reducing effect on theaflavin-3,3′-digallate adsorption (24 %) and on gRPPs/aPRPs precipitation (33–38 %). Sensory analysis corroborated that both PPFs reduced astringency perception of black tea and contributed to positive astringency subqualities: silkiness associated with high molecular weight and mouthcoating associated with high uronic acid content.
- Environmental and food safety assessment of pre-harvest activities in local small-scale fruit and vegetable farms in northwest Portugal: Hazard identification and compliance with good agricultural practices (GAPs)Publication . Macieira, Ariana; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Brandão, Teresa R. S.; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Teixeira, Paula; Fernandes, VirgíniaThe popularity of small-scale and local fruit and vegetable production has increased in recent years due to perceived economic, environmental, and social benefits. However, these operations face contamination risks that both consumers and small-scale producers may underestimate. The present study aimed to assess the microbiological and chemical hazards on fruit, vegetables, soil, and water samples from small-scale farms in north-western Portugal during pre-harvest activities. Additionally, the study investigated farmers’ non-compliance with food safety regulations and good agricultural practices (GAPs), exploring how their behaviour might contribute to the identified hazards. A before-and-after analysis of non-compliant behaviours was conducted to determine the impact of training on improving food safety practices. The analysis identified the presence of pathogenic bacteria, pesticides, flame retardant residues, nitrates, and heavy metals. Lead (Pb) concentrations exceeded EU limits in organic carrots from one producer (0.156 ± 0.043 mg/kg) and in chard from another (0.450 ± 0.126 mg/kg). Cadmium (Cd) levels were also above regulatory thresholds in bell peppers (0.023 ± 0.009 mg/kg) and organic tomatoes (0.026 ± 0.015 mg/kg) from two different producers. Elevated levels of heavy metals were detected in irrigation water from two sites, with zinc (Zn) at 0.2503 ± 0.0075 mg/L and Pb at 0.0218 ± 0.0073 mg/L. Among food samples, the most prevalent microorganisms were Pseudomonas spp. (88.2%), Bacillus cereus (76.5%), and aerobic mesophilic bacteria (100%). Phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), particularly tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), were detected in all food and soil samples. Some EU-banned pesticides were detected in food and soil samples, but at levels below the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Chlorpyrifos (35.3%) and p,p’-DDD (23.5%) were the most detected pesticides in food samples. After the training, GAP behaviour improved, particularly that related to hygiene. However, issues related to record-keeping and soil and water analyses persisted, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving full compliance.
- Essential trace elements status in portuguese pregnant women and their association with maternal and neonatal outcomes: A prospective study from the IoMum CohortPublication . Bracchi, Isabella; Guimarães, Juliana; Rodrigues, Catarina; Azevedo, Rui; Coelho, Cláudia Matta; Pinheiro, Cátia; Morais, Juliana; Barreiros-Mota, Inês; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Pinto, Edgar; Moreira-Rosário, André; Azevedo, Luís Filipe Ribeiro de; Dias, Cláudia Camila; Lima, Jorge; Sapinho, Inês; Ramalho, Carla; Calhau, Conceição; Leite, João Costa; Almeida, Agostinho; Pestana, Diogo; Keating, ElisaCobalt (Co), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements (ETEs) important in cellular chemical reactions and antioxidant defense. Ingestion of ETEs during pregnancy is crucial but their role in specific pregnancy outcomes is largely unknown. This study aimed to quantify urinary levels of these ETEs in pregnancy and to evaluate their role in pregnancy health. First trimester pregnant women of Porto and Lisbon regions provided a urine sample, and sociodemographic and lifestyle data. Clinical data were obtained from clinical records. Urinary ETEs were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Our results show that having urinary Zn levels above the 50th percentile (P50) increases the risk of pre-eclampsia (PE). On the other hand, urinary Zn levels above the P50 decreased the risk of being born with head circumference small for gestational age but it increased the risk having length small for gestational age at birth. This study may provide valuable information for public health policies related to prenatal nutrition, while informing future efforts to de-fine urinary reference intervals for ETEs in pregnant women
- Evaluation of the Biological Potential of Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray and Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell Subcritical Water ExtractsPublication . Gomes, Inês; Rodrigues, Helena; Rodrigues, Carla; Oliveira, Marta Marques; Paíga, Paula; Paiva, Alexandre; Simões, Pedro; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Vieira, Mónica; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Soares, Cristina; Grosso, ClaraNeuroprotection is a need that remains unmet in treating chronic neurodegenerative disorders, despite decades of extensive research. To find new neuroprotective compounds, extracts of Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray and of Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell were obtained through subcritical water extraction applying a four-step temperature gradient. The fractions obtained were screened against brain enzymes involved in neurodegenerative etiology, namely in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, all contributing factors to the progression of neurodegeneration. Results showed no significant enzyme inhibition but strong radical scavenging activities, particularly in the fourth fraction, extracted at the highest temperature (250 °C), highlighting their ability to retard oxidative and nitrosative stresses. At higher temperatures, fractions were composed of phenolic compounds and Maillard reaction products, a combination that contributed to their antioxidant activity and, consequently, their neuroprotective properties. All fractions were evaluated for the presence of iodine, 14 organochlorine and 7 organophosphorus pesticides, and pharmaceuticals used in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (14), psychiatric drugs (8), and metabolites (8). The fractions studied did not present any of the screened contaminants, and only fraction 1 of E. bicyclis should be used with caution due to iodine content.
- Exploring geographical influences on physicochemical characteristics of honey: the Montesinho Natural Park scenarioPublication . Soares, Sónia; Magalhães, Leandro; Moreira, Manuela M.; Rede, Diana; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Viegas, Olga; Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, Agostinho; Azevedo, Rui; Delerue-Matos, CristinaIn recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the global consumption of honey, driven by the high demand for natural products that offer health benefits. Consequently, consumers show a preference for honey, recognised for its superior quality, namely honey with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or honey produced in protected areas, as it is associated with superior attributes and characteristics. Portugal is one of the leading countries in the production of PDO honey, with Montesinho Natural Park (MNP) being an excellent example of high-quality Portuguese honey, known for its distinctive attributes. However, environmental threats pose a double challenge, leading to a decline in honey production and compromising its overall quality. This study aimed to assess the specific physicochemical parameters and nutritional characteristics of MNP honey and investigate their correlation with the different locations of apiaries. MNP honey samples (n=13) were obtained from local producers or purchased at supermarkets. Standard physicochemical parameters, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, diastase activity, moisture and ash content, free acidity, electrical conductivity and pH, were determined according to honey legislation. Additionally, colour parameters, protein, low-molecular-weight carbohydrates (mono- and disaccharides), and mineral content were determined. The results obtained were consistent with the requirements outlined in the legislation and those described in the literature. The results suggest that geographical factors within the park and boundaries do not contribute to variations in the analysed parameters. A significant level of homogeneity was evident in all parameters evaluated among the MNP honey samples. This is the first comprehensive study of the physicochemical properties of honey from various apiaries within the MNP.
- Iodine knowledge is associated with iodine status in Portuguese pregnant women: results from the IoMum cohort studyPublication . Pinheiro, Cátia; Moreira, Nara Xavier; Ferreira, Pedro; Coelho, Cláudia Matta; Guimarães, Juliana; Pereira, Gonçalo; Cortez, Alice; Bracchi, Isabella; Pestana, Diogo; Mota, Inês Barreiros; Prucha, Carmo; Martins, Cristina; Ribeiro, Célia Alves; Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, Agostinho; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Montenegro, Nuno; Dias, Cláudia Camila; Moreira-Rosário, André; Azevedo, Luís Filipe; Brantsæter, Anne-Lise; Ramalho, Carla; Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Leite, João Costa; Calhau, Conceição; Keating, ElisaLack of knowledge about iodine has been suggested as a risk factor for iodine deficiency in pregnant women, but no studies have addressed this issue in Portugal. So, the aim of this study was to investigate iodine knowledge among Portuguese pregnant women and its association with iodine status. IoMum, a prospective observational study, included 485 pregnant women recruited at Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de S. João, Porto, between the 10th and 13th gestational weeks. Partial scores for knowledge on iodine importance, on iodine food sources or on iodised salt were obtained through the application of a structured questionnaire. Then, a total iodine knowledge score was calculated and grouped into low, medium and high knowledge categories. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured in spot urine samples by inductively coupled plasma MS. Of the pregnant women, 54 % correctly recognised iodine as important to neurocognitive development, 32 % were unable to identify any iodine-rich food and 71 % presented lack of knowledge regarding iodised salt. Of the women, 61 % had a medium total score of iodine knowledge. Knowledge on iodine importance during pregnancy was positively associated with iodine supplementation and also with UIC. Nevertheless, median UIC in women who correctly recognised the importance of iodine was below the cut-off for adequacy in pregnancy (150 µg/l). In conclusion, knowledge on iodine importance is positively associated with iodine status. Despite this, recognising iodine importance during pregnancy may not be sufficient to ensure iodine adequacy. Literacy-promoting actions are urgently needed to improve iodine status in pregnancy.
- Magnetic dispersive micro solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography determination of organophosphorus pesticides in strawberriesPublication . Fernandes, Virgínia Cruz; Freitas, Maria; Pacheco, João; Oliveira, José Maria; Domingues, Valentina; Delerue-Matos, CristinaMagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with different sizes and characteristics were synthesized to be used as a QuEChERS sorbents for the determination of seven organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in strawberries by gas chromatography analysis with flame photometric and mass spectrometry detection. To achieve the optimum conditions of modified QuEChERS procedure several parameters affecting the cleanup efficiency including the amount of the sorbents and cleanup time were investigated. The results were compared with classical QuEChERS methodologies and the modified QuEChERS procedure using MNPs showed the better performance. Under the optimum conditions of the new methodology, three spiking levels (25, 50 and 100 μg kg-1) were evaluated in a strawberry sample. The results showed that the average recovery was 93% and the relative standard deviation was less than 12%. The enrichment factor ranged from 111 to 145%. The good linearity with coefficients of determination of 0.9904-0.9991 was obtained over the range of 25-250 μg kg-1 for 7 OPPs. It was determined that the MNPs have an excellent function as sorbent when purified even using less amount of sorbents and the magnetic properties allowed non-use of the centrifugation in cleanup step. The new methodology was applied in strawberry samples from conventional and organic farming. The new sorbents were successfully applied for extraction and determination of OPPs in strawberries.