Relationship Among Body Mass Index, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Blood Pressure in Portuguese Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study examined the associations between age, adiposity, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and elevated blood pressure (BP) in 2901 Portuguese children and adolescents aged 2-18. BP, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), physical activity, and sedentary behavior were measured. Elevated BP was defined as a BP above the 90th percentile for age, sex, and height.

The Effects of CrossFit Practice on Physical Fitness and Overall Quality of Life.

We have examined the impact of CrossFit workout sessions on physical fitness, comparing the obtained outcomes with the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine. In addition, we provide suggestions to improve training monitoring, as well as practical applications for researchers, coaches and practitioners. CrossFit imposes high cardiorespiratory and metabolic demands, promoting improvements in circulatory capacity, oxidative metabolism and muscular endurance.

Health Outcomes of Construction Workers Building Infrastructure for Mega-Sporting Events: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Migrant construction workers involved in building infrastructure for mega-sporting events face elevated risks of illness and death. However, specific health outcomes for these workers have not been systematically reviewed, limiting opportunities to identify and address their challenges.

Methods: This study systematically reviewed health outcomes among migrant construction workers involved in mega-sporting events.

Genetic Variants Related to Increased CKD Progression-A Systematic Review.

The incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are increasing worldwide. CKD is associated with high morbidity, premature mortality, and high healthcare costs. Genetic variants may influence CKD development and progression.

Microbial Contamination and Food Safety (Volume I).

Food safety is a global concern driven by the constant need to find innovative solutions to mitigate contamination risks by pathogenic microorganisms [...

The History of the Brazilian Sardine () Between Two Fishery Collapses: An Ecosystem Modeling Approach to Study Its Life Cycle.

The inter-annual fluctuations of abundance of the Brazilian sardine () during the last decades have deeply modified the purse seine fishery dynamics. This study evaluates the trophic relationships of the main species exploited by this fishery and the importance of its biomass for the southeast-south Brazil marine ecosystem (22° S-34° S). Data were analyzed using a mass balance model (ECOPATH) between the two fishery collapses: 2000 and 2017.

Physical Exercise Interventions Using Virtual Reality in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: Systematic Review.

Background/objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects movement and posture. Physical activity (PA) is safe and crucial for healthy development; however, this population faces barriers that hinder its implementation. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging and promising technology that promotes PA in young people with CP.

Dealing with Childhood Externalizing Behavior: Protocol for a Feasibility RCT of the Being a Parent Program.

Concerning numbers of childhood behavior problems have been reported worldwide. Parenting interventions are considered one of the most effective early strategies to intervene with externalizing conduct. This protocol outlines a feasibility RCT that aims to implement a parenting intervention in Portugal and (a) test key feasibility parameters, (b) assess the fidelity and acceptability of the program, and (c) explore its effectiveness in childhood behavior problems, parenting skills, parental concern, and parental sense of competence.

Exploring Literacy and Knowledge Gaps and Disparities in Genetics and Oncogenomics Among Cancer Patients and the General Population: A Scoping Review.

Background: Genetic and genomic literacy is pivotal in empowering cancer patients and citizens to navigate the complexities of omics sciences, resolve misconceptions surrounding clinical research and genetic/genomic testing, and make informed decisions about their health. In a fast-evolving scenario where routine testing has become widespread in healthcare, this scoping review sought to pinpoint existing gaps in literacy and understanding among cancer patients and the general public regarding genetics and genomics.

Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA framework, the review included 43 studies published between January 2018 and June 2024, which evaluated the understanding of genetics and genomics among cancer patients, caregivers, and citizens.

Voices from the Rainbow: Exploring Participants' Experiences in an Online LGBTIQ+-Affirmative Psychoeducation Program.

: This article highlights the importance of addressing the mental health of LGBTQ people, specifically through psychoeducation/intervention programs. The primary objective was to understand the effects of participating in an online affirmative program. The theoretical frameworks of the minority stress model and the concept of decompensation were used to understand and address disparities with the general population.

Wellbeing and Retirement in Europe: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

: Given the observed increase in life expectancy within Europe, it is anticipated that there will be a growing number of retirees and a lengthening of the retirement phase for individuals. This has brought attention to the examination of how the disengagement from professional endeavors influences overall wellbeing. The objective of this investigation was to conduct a comprehensive literature review spanning the period from 1998 to 2024, focusing on the intersection of retirement and wellbeing.

Clinical Dental Midline Shift Is Not a Predictor of the Side of Shorter Hemimandible: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Diagnostic Study.

: Interincisive midline deviation is frequent. Determining the cause (dental versus skeletal) is crucial for treatment planning. This study assessed the null hypothesis that neither clinical dental midline shift nor the temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-affected side correlate with maxillary/mandibular asymmetry.

PET-CT Imaging in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Narrative Review on Risk Stratification and Prognosis.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heterogeneous cardiac disease and one of its major challenges is the limited accuracy in stratifying the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Positron emission tomography (PET), through the evaluation of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and metabolism using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake, can reveal microvascular dysfunction, ischemia, and increased metabolic demands in the hypertrophied myocardium. These abnormalities are linked to several factors influencing disease progression, including arrhythmia development, ventricular dilation, and myocardial fibrosis.

Coffee Pulp from Azores: A Novel Phytochemical-Rich Food with Potential Anti-Diabetic Properties.

Coffee pulp, a by-product of wet coffee processing, shows significant potential in the food and health domains, but its real applications remain underexplored. This work investigated the chemical composition and bioactive properties of coffee pulp from São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal). The studied coffee pulp exhibited high fiber content (52% dw), mostly insoluble; notable mineral levels (10.

Oil Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Safflower ( L.) Germplasm.

Safflower ( L.) is a promising oilseed crop with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. Understanding the oil content and fatty acid composition of safflower germplasm is crucial for breeding programs aimed at enhancing its agronomic and nutritional traits.

Effects of Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato Lyophilized Powder on the Physicochemical Properties, Lactic Acid Bacteria Viability, Microstructure, and Textural Properties of Stirred Yogurt.

This study proposes the use of lyophilized powder of purple-fleshed sweet potato (LP) as a new multifunctional ingredient to improve the identity and quality parameters of stirred yogurts. The physical and chemical properties, color, monomeric anthocyanin content, lactic acid bacteria viability, water retention capacity, microstructure, and texture were evaluated for yogurts enriched with LP at the levels of 2% (YLP2), 4% (YLP4), and 6% (YPL6), stored for 30 days under refrigeration (4 °C). The results indicated that LP provided different intensities and shades of pink coloration to yogurt, in addition to increasing ( < 0.

Nutritional, Chemical, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Screening of L. and L. Different Morphological Parts.

The chemical composition and biological activity of and are scarcely investigated. In this study, the nutritional and chemical profiles of and , considering their different morphological parts (leaves, fruits and roots), were assessed together with their antioxidant and antibacterial potential. Our results showed that carbohydrates are the major macronutrients in both species (above 62 g/100 g dry weight-DW).

Green and Innovative Extraction: Phenolic Profiles and Biological Activities of Underutilized Plant Extracts Using Pulsed Electric Fields and Maceration.

Underutilized plant species such as (Forssk.) Less., Pomel, and L.

Edible Alginate-Fungal Chitosan Coatings as Carriers for LC03 and Their Impact on Quality Parameters of Strawberries During Cold Storage.

This study investigated the efficacy of an innovative edible coating, composed of fungal chitosan and alginate, functionalized with LC03, in both free and microencapsulated forms, to extend the shelf life and enhance the nutritional value of strawberries. LC03 cells were successfully encapsulated in alginate microparticles (MAL) and further coated with chitosan (MALC), resulting in enhanced protection (cell reduction below 1.4 CFU/mL), viability (8.

Natural Food Colorant Obtained from Wild L. by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction: Optimization and Characterization.

In this study, a novel natural food colorant based on anthocyanins was developed from wild barberry ( L.) fruits using ultrasound-assisted extraction, which was optimized through RSM. Four extraction variables (ultrasound power, time, S/L ratio, and extraction solvent pH) were evaluated in combination.

Wheat Germ as Partial or Total Substitutive of Lean Meat in Low-Fat Cooked Sausages.

Wheat germ is a byproduct of the cereal industry that contains high levels of protein, fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and other functional microcomponents. However, so far, few applications have been found in the meat industry despite the growing interest in replacing meat with vegetable proteins. Therefore, the use of wheat germ for the production of low-fat frankfurters was considered.

Quality Preservation and Shelf-Life Extension of Prickly Pear ( L. ) Using Edible Coatings.

Prickly pear consumption is increasing across the world due to its rich variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Yet, it is a seasonal and highly perishable fruit, and the application of edible coatings emerges as an alternative to extend its shelf life. In this work, the effects of alginate, starch, chitosan, and pectin as coatings on the physicochemical, bioactive, microbiological, and textural properties of two prickly pear varieties (orange and red), kept under refrigeration (5 ± 2 °C) were evaluated for 6 weeks.

Co-Creating Snacks: A Cross-Cultural Study with Mediterranean Children Within the DELICIOUS Project.

Mediterranean diet adherence has been decreasing during the last few decades, and non-appropriate snacking habits have also been identified among Mediterranean children and adolescents. To co-create new snacks and to explore children's interests and preferences, a multi-method approach was used in the present study, including some qualitative and quantitative research phases. Conducted in collaboration with schools in Lebanon, Egypt, Portugal, Italy, and Spain, different snack prototypes were designed and tested in a Mediterranean cross-cultural context.

Enhancing Meat Quality and Nutritional Value in Monogastric Livestock Using Sustainable Novel Feed Ingredients.

This study explores the potential of novel feed ingredients for monogastric animals, such as pigs and poultry, to enhance meat quality and nutritional value while reducing the environmental footprint of production. Innovative feed options like black soldier fly larvae, microalga, seaweed, fermented soybean hulls, fortified flaxseed and grape pomace have significantly improved meat quality and nutritional traits. Results indicate that these ingredients enrich meat with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, enhancing nutritional value while improving sensory traits such as flavour, tenderness and colour.