DSpace Collection:

Acrylamide daily dietary exposure and cardiometabolic outcomes: longitudinal approach from childhood to adolescence

2026-07-17T06:45:29Z

Title: Acrylamide daily dietary exposure and cardiometabolic outcomes: longitudinal approach from childhood to adolescence Abstract: Acrylamide is a food contaminant formed via the Maillard reaction that may impair cardiometabolic health. Considering its role in oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and adipogenesis, acrylamide may compromise lipid and glucose profiles. The present study aims to assess acrylamide dietary exposure and test longitudinal associations with cardiometabolic outcomes from childhood to adolescence. From G21-birth-cohort, 3138 participants with at least 2 consecutive follow-ups from 4 to 13 years of age were included. Acrylamide dietary exposure was estimated using 3-day food diaries and occurrence data of acrylamide in food. Children presented a higher dietary acrylamide exposure than adolescents. The median exposure was, respectively, 0.79 & micro;g/kg/d at 4 years and 0.44 & micro;g/kg/d at 13 years. Both children (MOE = 215) and adolescents (MOE = 386) exposure levels presented health concerns regarding neoplastic effects. Cross-sectional and longitudinally, acrylamide dietary exposure was positively associated with blood glucose, waist circumference, and fat mass percentage. A negative association was found between dietary acrylamide exposure and z-BMI and cholesterol. This variability suggests that the effects of dietary acrylamide exposure on cardiometabolic health are complex and multifactorial. It was not possible to conclude, without uncertainty, that dietary acrylamide exposure is responsible for abnormalities in cardiometabolic outcomes from childhood to adolescence.

Potato protein-based meat analogues fortified with upcycled fruit flours: Functional, textural, and antioxidant insights

2026-07-17T06:45:22Z

Title: Potato protein-based meat analogues fortified with upcycled fruit flours: Functional, textural, and antioxidant insights Abstract: This study aims to evaluate potato protein (PP) as a substitute for egg white protein (EWP) in vegan formulations. Fruit flours, including orange peel, pineapple peel, and pineapple core, were incorporated to assess their effects on the techno-functional and textural properties, and on the antioxidant potential of plant-based products. Fruit flours improved the performance of PP-based emulsions. More negative zeta potential values and an increased emulsifying stability index were observed in flour-containing formulations. A significant increase in the hardness parameter of the PP-based formulations containing fruit flour was observed, correlated with the higher water-holding capacity. Although fruit flours increased the phenolic content, the enhancement of antioxidant activity was dependent on the fruit flour. Colorimetric analysis showed protein source- and flour-dependent effects, with lower CIELAB values in PP-based samples. Overall, this work highlights the potential of PP and fruit flours for developing functional and sustainable plant-based food products. (c) 2026 The Authors.

Understanding sugar-sweetened beverage tax implementation globally: a 34-year, population-based observational study in 183 countries

2026-07-17T06:45:09Z

Title: Understanding sugar-sweetened beverage tax implementation globally: a 34-year, population-based observational study in 183 countries Abstract: Background: Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages can improve public health. We aimed to characterise the extent and types of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes implemented worldwide and the national characteristics predicting implementation, such as sugar-sweetened beverage intake amounts, disease rates, or economic development. Methods: This longitudinal analysis aggregated serial global datasets (including the Global Dietary Database, Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factor Collaboration, Global Burden of Disease study, and World Bank data) from 1990 to 2024 in 183 countries to assess sugar-sweetened beverage tax characteristics and national predictors of policy adoption. Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes for public health purposes were identified and characterised, including amounts, fiscal instruments, structures, and covered beverages. Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, obesity and diabetes prevalence, gross domestic product (GDP), and sociodemographic index (SDI) were assessed as predictors of tax implementation using Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates. Findings: From 1990 to 2024, 64 countries implemented sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, accelerating over time and covering 3·5 billion people globally. South Asia led in adoption (50% of countries; median tax rate 7·5%), followed by southeast and east Asia (47·8%; 5·0%), the Middle East and North Africa (30·0%; 17·0%), and Latin America and the Caribbean (31·3%; 7·0%). Taxes were ad valorem (ie, based on price; 45%), volume-based (44%), sugar-content-based (5%), or mixed (6%), and 13% of countries earmarked revenue for public health. Multivariable-adjusted predictors of tax implementation included diabetes prevalence (hazard ratio [HR]=1·22 [95% CI 1·051·43]), obesity prevalence (1·14 [1·001·29]), GDP per capita (HR per $10000: 1·19 [1·061·34]), and SDI (0·70 [0·570·86]), but not sugar-sweetened beverage intake (0·77 [0·421·39]). Interpretation: Global adoption of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes has rapidly accelerated since 1990; however, there is important heterogeneity by region and tax structure, and the taxes are shaped by a country's economic capacity, social development, and health conditions. Funding: This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01HL115189).

Associating Dietary Sustainability with Health: A Focus on General and Central Adiposity

2026-07-17T06:43:53Z

Title: Associating Dietary Sustainability with Health: A Focus on General and Central Adiposity Abstract: This study aims to explore the relationship between the Diet Sustainability Score (DSS) and health outcomes, specifically body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Using data from 2287 Portuguese adults in the National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 20152016), DSS was calculated based on four dimensions: health-related nutritional attributes, environmental impact, economic affordability, and sociocultural acceptability. Logistic regression models were used to analyse associations between DSS and general adiposity (BMI classes: under/normal weight vs. overweight/obesity) and central adiposity (WHtR classes: healthy vs. unhealthy central adiposity). Models were adjusted for sex, age, education and physical activity level to control for potential confounders. Higher DSS is associated with reduced odds of overweight/obesity (OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.88, 0.94), and unhealthy central adiposity (OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.87, 0.95), suggesting that more sustainable dietary patterns are associated with more favourable adiposity profiles. This study highlights the importance of promoting sustainable diets as part of public health strategies aimed at addressing obesity and integrating health, environmental, economic, and sociocultural dimensions for more comprehensive, long-term population health improvements. (c) 2026 by the authors.

Tracking Changes in Body Composition in Athletes: Are Rapid Four-Compartment Models Valid?

2026-07-15T06:11:07Z

Title: Tracking Changes in Body Composition in Athletes: Are Rapid Four-Compartment Models Valid? Abstract: While rapid four-compartment (4C) models have demonstrated cross-sectional validity in diverse populations, including athletes, their longitudinal validity remains unverified. This study aims to evaluate the longitudinal validity of utilizing Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) derived estimates of body volume (BV) and bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) derived total body water (TBW) in rapid 4C models in athletes. Criterion 4C used DXA for bone mineral content, air displacement plethysmography for BV, and deuterium dilution for TBW. Analyses of longitudinal changes in fat mass (FM), in both kilograms and percentage, were performed in participants who experienced changes greater than 1% (n = 60) and in a subgroup exceeding the least significant change (1.97 kg, n = 25). All alternative estimates underestimated changes relative to criterion 4C, with 4C TBWBIS providing the smaller mean difference (0.41 kg) and DXA the larger (0.94 kg). The mean differences for 4C BVSilvaTBWBIS and 4C BVHeymsfieldTBWBIS were 0.48 kg and 0.50 kg, respectively. Bland-Altman analyses showed wide limits of agreement (LOA) for all methods. Even the alternative with the smaller 95% LOA had a wide LOA (4C TBWBIS: -2.9% to 4.0%, n = 60). This investigation demonstrates that these rapid 4C models exhibit precision superior to or equivalent to DXA alone, while offering reduced assessment times and broader accessibility than the criterion 4C. Regarding accuracy for evaluating changes over time, despite acceptable results at the group level, interpretation should be careful at the individual level. (c) The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society.

Reputation, Co-Regulation, and "Soft Capture": Corporate Political Activity of the Portuguese Food Industry

2026-07-14T06:43:13Z

Title: Reputation, Co-Regulation, and "Soft Capture": Corporate Political Activity of the Portuguese Food Industry Abstract: Background: Corporate political activity (CPA) refers to practices through which commercial actors seek to influence public policy and prioritise their commercial interests. While extensively documented internationally, little empirical evidence exists for Portugal. This study provides the first systematic analysis of the CPA of the food industry in Portugal. Methods: We conducted a systematic document analysis, following a protocol developed by INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-Communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support), a network that monitors food environments. This was triangulated with semi-structured interviews and illustrated through two policy examples. Twenty-five food industry actors were selected based on market share, trade association membership, and relevance to policy debates. Publicly available materials (January 2022December 2023) were collected and coded using Ulucanlars CPA framework, distinguishing framing and action strategies. Data were triangulated with 18 interviews conducted between July and December 2024 with informants from academia, government, industry, civil society, public health, and the media. Results: We identified 534 examples of framing and 799 examples of action strategies. Framing was dominated by portrayals of corporations as "good actors" aligned with health, sustainability, and national development. Action strategies focused on reputational management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the displacement of public health roles. Legal obstruction and overtly adversarial tactics were absent. Large multinational manufacturers and major retailers accounted for the highest number of coded CPA examples, with trade associations also represented among actors engaging in policy-related activities. Interviewees confirmed these patterns and expressed concerns over informal access to policy-makers, weak state capacity, and reliance on corporate-led initiatives. Conclusions: The food industry in Portugal primarily relies on reputational and co-regulatory strategies, with limited evidence of overtly confrontational tactics. These findings are consistent with a form of institutionalised influence in which corporate actors engage closely with public authorities and participate in governance processes in ways that may shape the direction and scope of public health policy.

Dietary intake and body composition of military in garrison: A systematic review

2026-07-14T06:19:11Z

Title: Dietary intake and body composition of military in garrison: A systematic review Abstract: Introduction: Despite the importance of military health, there is a notable lack of comprehensive research on its general health status. The nature of military life, with its structured mealtimes and reliance on institutional dining facilities, influences food consumption patterns among active duty members. This paper characterizes the dietary intake and body composition of military personnel in garrison, associating it with healthy lifestyle recommendations. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement via three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) for searches. The study inclusion criteria were established using the Participants, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) framework. Results: A total of 25 studies (cross-sectional, longitudinal, and randomized trial) filled the inclusion criteria and were incorporated in the qualitative synthesis. The setting for data collection was generally through created questionnaires specific for that purpose, and anthropometric data were self-reported or assessed by examiners. Dietary outcomes were markedly different based on the scale used, but most measurement scales revealed moderate results similar to the general population. Discussion: There is a need to modify eating and habits patterns, such as increasing the consumption of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as improving daily physical activity for achieving a healthy weight and promoting health. More research should be done in order to improve the understanding of specific dietary intake associated with ability to meet high-performing standards in order to promote health and readiness of service members.

Front-of-pack nutrition labels on ready-to-eat meals

2026-07-14T06:47:47Z

Title: Front-of-pack nutrition labels on ready-to-eat meals Abstract: The consumption of ready-to-eat meals has been increasing in Europe, with relevant implications for public health, including in Portugal. In this context, front-of-pack nutrition labelling emerges as a widely recognized measure to empower consumers to make healthier and more informed food choices. However, there is still no consensus regarding the most effective labelling system, which raises challenges for its harmonized implementation. The present study aimed to evaluate the agreement between the classifications attributed by the systems - Nordic Keyhole and Nutri-Score - in ready-to-eat meals, based on the values declared on the label and the analytical values. The data related to 11 meals were collected between March and May, 2025, through the internal computer system of a national meal production unit. An agreement of 73% was found between the two systems based on the declared values and 64% based on the analytical values. In both cases, most of the discrepancies occurred in meals classified with Nutri-Score B but not eligible for the Keyhole.

Nutritional information approaches for consumers in menus: An exploratory study to understand consumer perceptions

2026-07-14T06:26:21Z

Title: Nutritional information approaches for consumers in menus: An exploratory study to understand consumer perceptions Abstract: Nutritional labelling, mandatory for pre-packed foods in the European Union, is one of public health's main tools to inform consumers and promote healthier choices. However, limited nutrition literacy remains a major barrier to its effectiveness, especially in food service settings where information is less standardised. To address this, Viegas and Rocha proposed an infographic (IFG) labelling format, which is designed according to the Mediterranean Diet and portion sizes of the Portuguese Food Guide. This study compared the IFG to the Nutritional Declaration (ND) among Portuguese adults using institutional food service. The ND scored higher in perceived meal balance and completeness. The IFG was also considered useful, and many respondents expressed interest in combining both formats. These findings suggest that the infographic format may serve as a promising complementary tool in food service settings and help policy makers to include a more effective labelling of food service menus to promote healthier choices.

Oral fluid intake during labor and delivery outcomes: a cross-sectional study

2026-07-14T06:47:45Z

Title: Oral fluid intake during labor and delivery outcomes: a cross-sectional study

Environmental and Nutritional Sustainability of Diets: Exploring Food Consumption Patterns Between Different Sustainability Groups

2026-07-14T06:26:21Z

Title: Environmental and Nutritional Sustainability of Diets: Exploring Food Consumption Patterns Between Different Sustainability Groups Abstract: Food sustainability is a vital global challenge, as dietary choices affect both human health and the environment. This study evaluates Portuguese dietary patterns' environmental and nutritional sustainability dimensions using data from the National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF) 2015-2016. Environmental indicators (carbon footprint, water footprint, and land use) and a nutritional quality index (NRD9.3) were analysed. Sustainability scores were calculated based on deviations from population medians, with the environmental score estimated from a weighted mean of the three indicators. A quadrant analysis classified individuals into four sustainability segments: better environmental and better nutritional scores (reference group); worse environmental and worse nutritional scores; worse environmental and better nutritional scores; and better environmental and worse nutritional scores. The reference group, with higher plant-based food consumption, had the lowest environmental impacts, 33% lower carbon footprint, 36% lower water footprint, and 50% lower land use, while exhibiting 87% better nutritional quality. In contrast, the worse environmental and worse nutritional scores group, with a diet rich in red and processed meats, sweets, and alcohol, showed higher environmental impacts and poorer nutritional quality. The group with worse environmental and better nutritional scores favored dairy and seafood, whereas the group with better environmental and worse nutritional scores had higher intakes of white meat, sweets, and alcohol. Sociodemographic factors, including sex, age, and education, show to influence the sustainability dimensions. These findings highlight the need for tailored dietary strategies that consider differing environmental and nutritional profiles, supporting more effective and practical public health interventions.

Markers of metabolic syndrome in obese children before and after 1-year lifestyle intervention program

2026-05-19T06:50:09Z

Title: Markers of metabolic syndrome in obese children before and after 1-year lifestyle intervention program Abstract: Excess weight may be related to the development of adverse cardiometabolic risk factors in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a lifestyle intervention program (nutrition and exercise counseling) on anthropometric parameters and metabolic syndrome (MS) components in Portuguese overweight/obese children. A total of 83 overweight/obese children aged 7-9 years were assigned to a 1-year individual or group-based treatment (GT); 61 children (z-score BMI (zBMI): 1.93 +/- A 0.28; 27 boys and 34 girls) completed the program. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline, at 6 months and at 1 year. The overweight/obese children, compared to normal-weight ones, presented significantly higher blood pressure, total-cholesterol, total-cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) ratio, triglycerides, Apolipoprotein B and C-reactive protein levels, while HDL and Apolipoprotein A-I were significantly lower. At baseline, the prevalence of MS was 16.4% in overweight/obese and 0% in normal-weight children. The number of components of MS was significantly higher in children with higher zBMI. Lifestyle intervention led to a significant improvement in zBMI, waist circumference/height ratio, HDL, triglycerides, Apolipoprotein A-I, and Apolipoprotein B levels. The prevalence of MS decreased to 14.8%. The GT intervention seems to be more successful, with a significant decrease in zBMI and an increase in HDL and a lower drop-out rate. Overweight/obese children have multiple risk factors associated with the MS. Lifestyle intervention, both individual and group-based treatment, led to an improvement in the degree of overweight/obesity and in MS components. Description: Excess weight may be related to the development of adverse cardiometabolic risk factors in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a lifestyle intervention program (nutrition and exercise counseling) on anthropometric parameters and metabolic syndrome (MS) components in Portuguese overweight/obese children. A total of 83 overweight/obese children aged 7-9 years were assigned to a 1-year individual or group-based treatment (GT); 61 children (z-score BMI (zBMI): 1.93 +/- A 0.28; 27 boys and 34 girls) completed the program. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline, at 6 months and at 1 year. The overweight/obese children, compared to normal-weight ones, presented significantly higher blood pressure, total-cholesterol, total-cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) ratio, triglycerides, Apolipoprotein B and C-reactive protein levels, while HDL and Apolipoprotein A-I were significantly lower. At baseline, the prevalence of MS was 16.4% in overweight/obese and 0% in normal-weight children. The number of components of MS was significantly higher in children with higher zBMI. Lifestyle intervention led to a significant improvement in zBMI, waist circumference/height ratio, HDL, triglycerides, Apolipoprotein A-I, and Apolipoprotein B levels. The prevalence of MS decreased to 14.8%. The GT intervention seems to be more successful, with a significant decrease in zBMI and an increase in HDL and a lower drop-out rate. Overweight/obese children have multiple risk factors associated with the MS. Lifestyle intervention, both individual and group-based treatment, led to an improvement in the degree of overweight/obesity and in MS components.

In vitro bioaccessibility and intestinal transport of retinoic acid in ethyl cellulose-based microparticles and impact of meal co-ingestion

2026-04-15T06:37:51Z

Title: In vitro bioaccessibility and intestinal transport of retinoic acid in ethyl cellulose-based microparticles and impact of meal co-ingestion Abstract: The development of carrier-based delivery systems for oral administration of retinoic acid (RA), that provides its release and absorption at intestinal level, is of major relevance in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. The aim of this work was to evaluate RA bioaccessibility and intestinal transport on ethyl cellulose (EC)- and EC + polyethylene glycol (ECP)-based microparticles and to understand the impact of meal co-ingestion by applying in vitro assays. RA-loaded microparticles were produced by spray-drying with an encapsulation efficiency higher than 90 % for both formulations. The gastric bioaccessibility of RA (after in vitro static digestion of RA-loaded particles) was lower than 3 % for both types of microparticles, with and without meal co-ingestion. Whereas after intestinal digestion, RA bioaccessibility was significantly higher and affected by the type of microparticles and the presence of meal. The digestion of EC- and ECP-based microparticles without diet enabled a significantly higher bioaccessibility of RA when compared to the one recorded for the co-digestion of these microparticles with diet. Herein, RA bioaccessibility decreased from 84 ± 1 to 24 ± 6 % (p < 0.0001) for microparticles EC and 54 ± 4 to 25 ± 5 % (p < 0.001) for microparticles ECP. Moreover, comparing both types of microparticles, RA bioaccessibility was significantly higher for EC-based microparticles digested without diet (p < 0.0001). At last, the bioaccessibility of RA was similar among EC- and ECP-based microparticles when co-digested with diet. Intestinal transport experiments performed in Caco-2 monolayers evidenced that after 2 h of transport the amount of RA retained in the apical compartment was higher than the amount that reached the basolateral compartment evidencing a slow transport at intestinal level that was higher when RA is spiked in the blank of digestion and the meal digestion samples compared to RA dissolved in HBSS (44 ± 6 (p < 0.01) and 38 ± 1 (p < 0.05) vs 26 ± 2 %, respectively). (c) 2023

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Social Network-Based Intervention for Adolescents Undergoing Weight Loss Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2026-03-21T07:45:29Z

Title: Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Social Network-Based Intervention for Adolescents Undergoing Weight Loss Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial Abstract: Background/Objectives: Digital interventions can have a positive effect on the health-related behaviors of adolescents. However, it is unclear if social network-based interventions using Facebook can help to optimize medical treatment as usual (TAU) for adolescent obesity in public health care centers. We examined the feasibility, usability, and effectiveness of APOLO-Teens, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Facebook-based intervention as a supplement to TAU on changing eating habits/behaviors, physical activity levels, and psychological functioning of adolescents with overweight/obesity. Methods: This was a Randomized Controlled Trial (Trial registration number: NCT04642222). One-hundred and thirty-five adolescents aged 13 to 18 years (67.5% females) were randomly assigned to the TAU control group (n = 66) and the APOLO-Teens intervention group (n = 69). Intervention outcomes were measured at baseline and the end of the intervention (6 months later). Using per-protocol analysis, the sample size retained for final analysis included 77 participants (Control group = 39; Intervention group = 38). Two-way mixed ANOVAs were used to test within-and between-group changes. Results: The APOLO-Teens social network-based intervention was feasible (adherence rate: 85.5%) and the intervention group had a significant increase in fruit consumption (F (1,35) = 6.99, p = 0.012; significant group-by-time interaction). Both groups increased vegetables on the plate consumption and decreased pastries/cakes intake, depressive symptomatology, grazing eating pattern, and BMI z-score (p < 0.05; significant time interaction). Conclusions: The APOLO-Teens social network-based intervention was feasible, and the effectiveness results suggest that it can be a beneficial supplementary intervention to TAU in adolescent obesity.

Insights towards the impact of subinhibitory chlorhexidine on antimicrobial susceptibility and horizontal gene transfer in Enterococcus faecium

2026-03-20T07:42:43Z

Title: Insights towards the impact of subinhibitory chlorhexidine on antimicrobial susceptibility and horizontal gene transfer in Enterococcus faecium Abstract: Enterococcus faecium, a human and animal commensal broadly distributed in the environment, is currently one of the most challenging multidrug-resistant (MDR) healthcare-associated pathogens worldwide. It is often exposed to chlorhexidine (CHX), a broad-spectrum antiseptic, extensively used in healthcare, domestic, and food production settings, and a diffused polluter. However, the impact of gradients of CHX concentrations, including at subinhibitory levels, on E. faecium adaptation to various antimicrobials remains unclear. Our study aimed to explore the effects of subinhibitory CHX concentrations on biocides and antibiotics susceptibility as well as in the transfer of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes among E. faecium (n = 11) from diverse sources and clonal backgrounds. Serial exposure to increasing CHX concentrations resulted in strain-specific MICCHX and MBCCHX changes among six E. faecium studied. These strains presented different CHX genotypes, namely the P102H mutation in DNA-binding response regulator ChtR in two strains showing twofold increased MICCHX and/or MBCCHX, and an absent EfrEF transporter in a strain exhibiting increased CHX susceptibility after exposure. Whole-genome comparison between parental and CHX-adapted strains found no alterations in genes with a recognized role in CHX reduced susceptibility. Additionally, in a different assay, subinhibitory CHX exposure enhanced the transfer (up to 12.5-fold) of vancomycin or linezolid resistance genes among most E. faecium strains tested, except one lacking a functional EfrEF transporter. Our data suggest that subinhibitory CHX concentrations could have a role in Enterococcus adaptation to CHX and in the spread of antibiotic resistance through horizontal transfer events. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these phenomena in E. faecium, ensuring the continued effectiveness of both CHX and antibiotics, and safeguarding Public Health. (c) 2025 The Authors

Trihydroxylated Anthocyanins Potentiate Effects of Docetaxel in Mesenchymal Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells

2026-03-19T07:47:32Z

Title: Trihydroxylated Anthocyanins Potentiate Effects of Docetaxel in Mesenchymal Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells Abstract: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to its poor prognosis and limited treatment options. While anthocyanins, a group of flavonoids, exhibit promising anticancer potential, their structureactivity relationship and adjuvant properties in TNBC remain underexplored. This study evaluated the anti-proliferative effects of five structurally distinct anthocyani(di)nscyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), delphinidin-3-O-glucoside (D3G), delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside (D3R), malvidin-3-O-glucoside (M3G), and luteolinidin (LT)on mesenchymal TNBC cells. Combination assays of docetaxel (DT), a first-line chemotherapeutic agent, with the most potent anthocyani(di)ns were conducted with TNBC and MCF-12A non-cancerous cells. Trihydroxylated anthocyanins (D3G and D3R), particularly those with a monosaccharide at C3, demonstrated the strongest anti-proliferative effects, reducing MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation by 95% and 70%, respectively, at 400 M (IC50: 253.28 and 341.33 M) without affecting MCF-12A cells. These were followed by 3-deoxy (LT), dihydroxylated (C3G), and O-methylated (M3G) anthocyani(di)ns. In Hs 578T mesenchymal TNBC cells, the trihydroxylated anthocyanins tested also induced strong anti-proliferative effects. Synergistic effects (combination index < 0.9) were observed for binary (D3G + DT or D3R + DT) and ternary (D3G + D3R + DT) combinations, reducing DT concentrations by up to 37-fold and anthocyanin concentrations by up to 21.9-fold to achieve similar inhibition. The ternary combination was the most effective, requiring the lowest concentrations of DT and anthocyanins. These results underscore the critical role of the ortho-trihydroxylated structure in the anti-proliferative effects of anthocyani(di)ns, highlighting trihydroxylated anthocyanins as promising adjuvants in TNBC treatment, with the potential to lower DT dosage, minimize side effects, delay resistance, and reduce treatment costs while maintaining efficacy. (c) 2025 The Author(s). BioFactors published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Psychological aspects of grazing in adolescents: psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Rep(eat)‑Q in community and clinical samples

2026-03-18T07:37:07Z

Title: Psychological aspects of grazing in adolescents: psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Rep(eat)‑Q in community and clinical samples

Accuracy of Assessing Weight Status in Adults by Structured Observation

2026-03-18T07:36:44Z

Title: Accuracy of Assessing Weight Status in Adults by Structured Observation Abstract: The assessment of weight status is important in many epidemiological studies, but its direct measurement is not always possible. Self-reported weight and height are often used, although previous research reported low accuracy. This study aimed to test the ability of trained observers to accurately estimate weight status in adults using structured observation. A cross-sectional study was conducted. For each participant, height and weight were estimated in categories, and weight status was recorded using Stunkards body figures, by two trained observers. Height and weight were also measured, using standardized procedures. Subjects were classified according to World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) cut-offs from objective measurements and from the BMI assigned to each body figure. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated to assess the accuracy of estimating weight status by observation. Kappa was used to test inter-observer reliability. A total of 127 participants were assessed, 70 women and 57 men, aged between 19 and 89 years (mean ± standard deviation: 50.3 ± 16.3 years). Most participants were overweight or obese (64.3% women; 78.9% men). The sensitivity and specificity of overweight/obesity status identification were 72.8% and 78.4%, respectively. Observers gender, participants gender, and participants age were significantly associated with the estimation of overweight/obesity. The agreement between observers was moderate for BMI estimates ( = 0.52) but substantial when distinguishing normal weight from overweight/obesity ( = 0.67). Trained observers were able to distinguish normal weight from overweight/obesity with high sensitivity and specificity, and substantial interrater reliability. This innovative methodology showed potential for improvement through enhanced training techniques. The use of structured observation may be a useful and accurate alternative to self-reported weight status assessment, whenever anthropometric measurement is not achievable.

Street food in Maputo, Mozambique: Availability and nutritional value of homemade foods

2026-03-17T07:45:31Z

Title: Street food in Maputo, Mozambique: Availability and nutritional value of homemade foods Abstract: Background: A nutrition transition is occurring in the urban areas of developing countries, where street food makes an important contribution to daily food intake. Aim: We aimed to characterise street food offer in Maputo, Mozambique, and to evaluate the nutritional composition of the most common homemade foods. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014. Streets in the surroundings (500 m buffer) of randomly selected public transport stops in KaMpfumu district, Maputo, were canvassed to identify all street food vending sites (n = 968). Information regarding vending site characteristics and the food offered was gathered through interview and observation. Samples (n = 80) of the most common homemade foods were collected for laboratorial analysis. Results: Most street food vending sites identified were stationary (77.4%) and sold exclusively industrial food (51.9%). Frequency of fruit, beverages and food other than fruit was 24.5%, 32.5% and 73.9%, respectively. Fried cakes were the most energy-dense (430 kcal/100 g), and richest in fats (21.0g/100 g) and carbohydrates (53.4 g/100 g). The richest sources of protein were the stewed meat/fish/liver dishes (10.711.6 g/100 g). Fried cakes showed the lowest sodium and potassium content (90 mg/100 g and 81 mg/100 g, respectively) whereas hamburgers exhibited the highest content of those micronutrients (455 mg/100 g and 183 mg/100 g, respectively). Stewed liver dishes presented the highest sodium/potassium ratio (11.95). Fried snacks presented the highest trans-fatty acid content (0.20 g/100 g). Conclusions: Street food in Maputo is abundant and scattered throughout the urban district, exhibiting high variability in the nutritional composition of homemade foods. Public health policies should be targeted to improve the street food offer, promoting nutrient-dense foods and the reduction of added salt. (c) The Author(s) 2018.

Methodological approaches for the assessment of bisphenol A exposure

2026-02-26T07:13:17Z

Title: Methodological approaches for the assessment of bisphenol A exposure