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Azithromycin (AZY) is among the antibiotics with the highest concentrations in aqueous matrices. Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) do not fully remove this compound and it has been found in the environment. The health effects of AZY on humans and the environment are not yet understood. Therefore, the development of sensitive and selective analytical methods for AZY determination is important. In this work, an electrochemical molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor was developed for the quantification of AZY. The selection of the functional monomer was performed by molecular modelling using quantum mechanics calculations. The MIP was electropolymerized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) using a solution containing 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) in the presence of AZY as a template molecule. The characterisation of the sensor was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), CV and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The analysis of AZY was performed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in the linear range between 0.5 and 10.0 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.08 μM (S/N = 3) and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.3 μM (S/N = 10). The MIP sensor was found to have selectivity to recognise AZY molecules and was successfully applied in the analysis of tap water and water samples collected upstream of a WWTP output in the Ave River. The proposed sensor presents a simple, selective and environmentally friendly strategy for AZY determination in environmental water.

One of the main challenges in both the design of new wastewater treatment plants and the expansion and improvement of existing ones is the removal of emerging pollutants. Therefore, the search for economic and sustainable treatments is needed to enhance the removal of pharmaceuticals. The potential of a lignocellulosic substrate colonized by Pleurotus ostreatus, a waste from mushroom production, to remove fluoxetine from aqueous solutions was studied. Batch assays were performed to remove 600 µg∙L−1 fluoxetine from aqueous solutions using the colonized mushroom substrate (CMS) and crude enzyme extracts. The removal efficiencies achieved were, respectively, ≥83.1% and 19.6% in 10 min. Batch assays with sterilized CMS and 1-aminobenzotriazole (to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes) showed that the higher removal efficiencies achieved in the CMS assays may be attributed to the synergistic contribution of biosorption onto the CMS and lignin modifying enzymes activity, namely laccase activity. A column assay was performed with the CMS, fed with 750 µg∙L−1 fluoxetine aqueous solution. The removal efficiency was 100% during 30 min, decreasing to a final value of 70% after 8 h of operation. The results suggested that CMS can be a promising eco-friendly alternative to remove fluoxetine from aqueous solutions.

Atorvastatin (ATV) is a statin member consumed in high quantities worldwide. In response to that, the occurrence of ATV in environmental waters has become a reality, highlighting the need of rapid and sensitive analytical devices for its monitoring. In this work, the first electrochemical molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor for the detection of ATV in water samples is presented. Computational studies were conducted based on quantum mechanical (QM) calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for rational selection of a suitable functional monomer and to study in detail the template-monomer interaction, respectively. The sensor was prepared by electropolymerisation of the selected 4-aminobenzoic acid (ABA) monomer with ATV, acting as template, on screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were applied to characterise the modified electrode surfaces. The quantitative measurements were carried out with differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH = 7). After investigation and optimisation of important experimental parameters, a linear working range down to 0.05 μmol L−1 was determined with a correlation coefficient of 0.9996 and a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.049 μmol L−1 (S/N = 3). High sensitivity and selectivity of the prepared sensor were demonstrated with the ability to recognise ATV molecules over its closer structural analogues. Moreover, the sensor was quickly and successfully applied in spiked water samples, proving its potential for future on-site monitoring of ATV in environmental waters., Patrícia Rebelo (SFRH/BD/132384/2017) and João Pacheco (SFRH/BPD/101419/2014) are grateful to Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) and European Union (EU) for their grants, financed by POPH-QREN-Tipologia 4.1-Formação Avançada, funded by Fundo Social Europeu (FSE) and Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (MCTES). The work was supported by the project Farmasense(39957) that was funded by Sistema de Incentivos à Investigação e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico de Portugal 2020, through the Programa Operacional do Norte (NORTE 2020) and the Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER). This work was further supported by UID/QUI/50006/2020 (LAQV-REQUIMTE) with funding from FCT/MCTES through national funds. The authors would like to thank the EU and FCT/UEFISCDI/FORMAS for funding, in the frame of the collaborative international consortium REWATER financed under the ERA-NET Cofund WaterWorks 2015 Call. This ERA-NET is an integral part of the 2016 Joint Activities developed by the Water Challenges for a Changing World Joint Programme Initiative (Water JPI).

Honey is a natural product widely consumed all over the world due to its relationship with healthy benefits. Additionally, environmental and ethical issues have a higher weight in the consumer’s choice to buy honey as a natural product. Following the high demand of this product, several approaches have been suggested and developed aiming at the assessment of honey’s quality and authenticity. Target approaches, such as pollen analysis, phenolic compounds, sugars, volatile compounds, organic acids, proteins, amino acids, minerals, and trace elements, showed an efficacy, particularly concerning the honey origin. However, a special highlight is given to DNA markers, due to their useful applicability in environmental and biodiversity studies, besides the geographical, botanical, and entomological origins. Different DNA target genes were already explored for addressing diverse sources of honey DNA, with DNA metabarcoding attaining a relevant importance. This review aims to describe the latest advances on DNA-based methods applied in honey related studies, identifying the research needs for the development of new and additional required methodologies, and to select the most adequate tools for future research projects.

Grilling activities release large amounts of hazardous pollutants, but information on restaurant grill workers&rsquo, exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is almost inexistent. This study assessed the impact of grilling emissions on total workers&rsquo, exposure to PAHs by evaluating the concentrations of six urinary biomarkers of exposure (OHPAHs): naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, pyrene, and benzo(a)pyrene. Individual levels and excretion profiles of urinary OHPAHs were determined during working and nonworking periods. Urinary OHPAHs were quantified by high-performance liquid-chromatography with fluorescence detection. Levels of total OHPAHs (&sum, OHPAHs) were significantly increased (about nine times, p &le, 0.001) during working comparatively with nonworking days. Urinary 1-hydroxynaphthalene + 1-hydroxyacenapthene and 2-hydroxyfluorene presented the highest increments (ca. 23- and 6-fold increase, respectively), followed by 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (ca. 2.3 times) and 1-hydroxypyrene (ca. 1.8 times). Additionally, 1-hydroxypyrene levels were higher than the benchmark, 0.5 &micro, mol/mol creatinine, in 5% of exposed workers. Moreover, 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene, biomarker of exposure to carcinogenic PAHs, was detected in 13% of exposed workers. Individual excretion profiles showed a cumulative increase in &sum, OHPAHs during consecutive working days. A principal component analysis model partially discriminated workers&rsquo, exposure during working and nonworking periods showing the impact of grilling activities. Urinary OHPAHs were increased in grill workers during working days.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the fishing location on yellowfin tuna’s (YFT, Thunnus albacares) white muscle total lipid (TL) content and fatty acid profile. The comparison included 45 YFT loins, equally divided between the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. The ocean had no significant influence on YFT TL content, total PUFA and total n-3 PUFA (p &gt, 0.05), averaging 1.09 g/100 g of muscle, 229.2 and 192.8 mg/100 g of muscle, respectively. On the other hand, the YFT harvested on the Indian Ocean displayed significantly higher contents of both SFA and MUFA totals than the Atlantic Ocean counterparts (p &lt, 0.05), while the YFT harvested in the Pacific Ocean presented intermediate values, not differing significantly from the other two origins. The YFT from the Indian and Pacific oceans held twice the n-6 PUFA content recorded in the Atlantic YFT (44.1 versus 21.1 mg/100 g of muscle). Considering the recommended daily intake of EPA plus DHA is 250 mg, the consumption of 100 g of YFT from the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans would provide 149.2 mg, 191.8 mg or 229.6 mg of EPA plus DHA, representing 59.7%, 76.7% or 91.8% of the recommended daily intake, respectively.

Funding Information: Funding: This work was supported by UIDB/50006/2020 by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (MCTES) through national funds. The authors also thank FCT and the European Union’s H2020 Research and Innovation Program for funding through the project Systemic—An integrated approach to the challenge of sustainable food systems: adaptive and mitigatory strategies to address climate change and malnutrition. Maria Luz Maia is grateful to FCT) and ESF (European Social Fund) through POCH (Programa Operacional Capital Humano) for the PhD grant SFRH/BD/128817/2017. Funding Information: This work was supported by UIDB/50006/2020 by the Funda??o para a Ci?ncia e a Tecnologia (FCT)/Minist?rio da Ci?ncia, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (MCTES) through national funds. The authors also thank FCT and the European Union?s H2020 Research and Innovation Program for funding through the project Systemic?An integrated approach to the challenge of sustainable food systems: adaptive and mitigatory strategies to address climate change and malnutrition. Maria Luz Maia is grateful to FCT) and ESF (European Social Fund) through POCH (Programa Operacional Capital Humano) for the PhD grant SFRH/BD/128817/2017. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. The development of coastal regions has contributed to the intensification of environmental contamination, which can accumulate in aquatic biota, such as shrimps. These crustaceans, besides being delicious and being a good source of nutrients, can also accumulate environmental pollutants. Amongst others, these include organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and synthetic musks (SMs). These pollutants, classified as endocrine disruptors, are related to adverse effects in humans and since one of the major routes of exposition is ingestion, this is a cause for concern regarding their presence in food. The aim of the present study was to quantify the presence of environmental pollutants in shrimp samples and in the water from their habitat along the northwest Portuguese coast. In seawater samples, only two OCPs (lindane and DDD) and one BFR (BTBPE) were detected, and in shrimp samples, one OCP (DDD) and three SMs (HHCB, AHTN and ketone) were found. Bioaccumulation and the risk assessment of dietary exposure of SMs in shrimp samples were investigated. It was observed that all shrimp samples analyzed significantly presented bioaccumulation of the three SMs found. Concentrations of SMs detected in shrimp samples do not present a health risk for the adult Portuguese population. publishersversion published

To meet the consumer demand for functional drinks with bioactive compounds, this study aimed to evaluate the addition of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP299V, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus acidophilus in mate tea. The viability of the probiotic bacteria, microbiological and physicochemical characteristics, the in vitro resistance to the gastrointestinal tract and the antioxidant capacity of the mate teas were evaluated during 28 days. Unlike L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus did not remain viable in the product. The physicochemical characteristics of the teas with L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus were maintained over time. Phenolic compounds of mate tea containing L. plantarum were identified by HPLC. There was stability of phenolic compounds and flavonoid content in teas over time. At the end of the gastrointestinal assay, there was 4.52 Log CFU/mL of L. plantarum, suggesting that consumption of 100 mL of tea may provide > 6.0 Log CFU/mL of the probiotic. Mate tea can carrier L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum. There is an increase in the search by consumers for health drinks and at the same time, there is a growing demand for alternatives carriers of probiotics, due to individuals with intolerance and allergy to dairy products, vegetarians and others. This study confirms the possibility of using mate tea, widely consumed in Brazil, as a positive carrier of of L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus, making it an attractive alternative beverage to the dairy matrix. Para satisfacer la demanda de los consumidores de bebidas funcionales con compuestos bioactivos, este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la adición de Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP299V, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG y Lactobacillus acidophilus en el té mate. La viabilidad de las bacterias probióticas, las características microbiológicas y fisicoquímicas, la resistencia in vitro al tracto gastrointestinal y la capacidad antioxidante de los tés de mate se evaluaron durante 28 días. A diferencia de L. plantarum y L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus no permaneció viable en el producto. Las características fisicoquímicas de los tés con L. plantarum y L. rhamnosus se mantuvieron en el tiempo. Los compuestos fenólicos del té mate que contienen L. plantarum fueron identificados por HPLC. Hubo estabilidad de los compuestos fenólicos y el contenido de flavonoides en los tés a lo largo del tiempo. Al final del ensayo gastrointestinal, hubo 4,52 Log CFU/ml de L. plantarum, lo que sugiere que el consumo de 100 ml de té puede proporcionar > 6,0 Log CFU/ml del probiótico. Mate té puede portador L. rhamnosus y L. plantarum. Existe un aumento en la búsqueda por parte de los consumidores de bebidas saludables y, al mismo tiempo, existe una creciente demanda de alternativas portadoras de probióticos, debido a personas con intolerancia y alergia a los productos lácteos, vegetarianos y otros. Este estudio confirma la posibilidad de utilizar el té mate, ampliamente consumido en Brasil, como portador positivo de L. plantarum y L. rhamnosus, convirtiéndolo en una atractiva bebida alternativa a la matriz láctea. Para atender a demanda do consumidor por bebidas funcionais com compostos bioativos, este estudo objetivou avaliar a adição de Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP299V, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG e Lactobacillus acidophilus em chá mate. A viabilidade das bactérias probióticas, características microbiológicas e físico-químicas, a resistência in vitro ao trato gastrointestinal e a capacidade antioxidante dos chás mate foram avaliadas durante 28 dias. Ao contrário de L. plantarum e L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus não permaneceu viável no produto. As características físico-químicas dos chás com L. plantarum e L. rhamnosus foram mantidas ao longo do tempo. Os compostos fenólicos do chá mate contendo L. plantarum foram identificados por HPLC. Houve estabilidade dos compostos fenólicos e do teor de flavonoides nos chás ao longo do tempo. Ao final do ensaio gastrointestinal, havia 4,52 Log UFC/ml de L. plantarum, sugerindo que o consumo de 100 ml de chá pode fornecer > 6,0 Log UFC/ml do probiótico. O chá mate pode transportar L. rhamnosus e L. plantarum. Há um aumento na busca por parte dos consumidores por bebidas saudáveis ​​e, ao mesmo tempo, há uma demanda crescente por alternativas carreadoras de probióticos, devido a indivíduos com intolerância e alergia a laticínios, vegetarianos e outros. Este estudo confirma a possibilidade de utilização do chá mate, amplamente consumido no Brasil, como carreador positivo de L. plantarum e L. rhamnosus, tornando-se uma bebida alternativa atrativa à matriz láctea.

Occupational exposure as a firefighter is a complex activity that continuously exposes subjects to several health hazards including fire emissions during firefighting. Firefighters are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), known as toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic compounds, by inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion. In this work, a literature overview of firefighters’ dermal exposure to PAHs after firefighting and data retrieved from skin in vitro/in vivo studies related to their dermal absorption, bioavailability, and associated toxicological and carcinogenic effects are reviewed. The evidence demonstrates the contamination of firefighters’ skin with PAHs, mainly on the neck (2.23–62.50 ng/cm2), wrists (0.37–8.30 ng/cm2), face (2.50–4.82 ng/cm2), and hands (1.59–4.69 ng/cm2). Concentrations of possible/probable carcinogens (0.82–33.69 ng/cm2), including benzopyrene isomers, were found on firefighters’ skin. PAHs penetrate the skin tissues, even at low concentrations, by absorption and/or diffusion, and are locally metabolized and distributed by the blood route to other tissues/organs. Lighter PAHs presented increased dermal permeabilities and absorption rates than heavier compounds. Topical PAHs activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and promote the enzymatic generation of reactive intermediates that may cause protein and/or DNA adducts. Future research should include in vitro/in vivo assays to perform a more realistic health risk assessment and to explore the contribution of dermal exposure to PAHs total internal dose, This work received support by UIDB/50006/2020, UIDP/50006/2020, LA/P/0008/2020, and PCIF/SSO/0017/2018 by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior. M. Oliveira and F. Rodrigues are thankful to the scientific contracts CEECIND/03666/2017 and CEECIND/01886/2020, respectively. G. Sousa thanks the PhD grant 2021.08526.BD supported by national funds of the FCT and community European Union funding through Fundo Social Europeu and the Program Por_Norte.

Algae are an underexploited source of natural bioactive compounds in Western countries, so an increasing interest in the valorization of these marine organisms has emerged in recent years. In this work, the effect of extracting solvent on the extraction yield, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity of nine brown macroalgae species (Ascophyllum nodosum, Himanthalia elongata, Undaria pinnatifida, Pelvetia canaliculata, Saccharina latissima, Bifurcaria bifurcata, Laminaria ochroleuca, Sargassum muticum, and Fucus spiralis) was assessed. Total phenolic content (TPC) and the antioxidant properties of extracts by different assays: radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were performed. The antimicrobial activity of extracts was studied against six different foodborne microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The highest extraction yield was achieved in ethanolic extracts. However, the highest TPC and FRAP values were obtained on the ethyl acetate extracts, especially from A. nodosum. Concerning algal species, the highest TPC and FRAP values were found in A. nodosum, while the highest DPPH-RSA values were achieved in the hexane extracts of B. bifurcata. The antimicrobial activity of algal extracts varied according to the solvent and alga selected, suggesting the species- and solvent-dependent behavior of this property, with B. bifurcata extracts showing the highest results for a wide range of bacteria. Our results provide insight on the characterization of widespread brown algae in the coasts of the North-Western region of the Iberian Peninsula, reflecting multiple health-enhancing properties which may lead to their exploitation in food, pharmacological, and cosmetic industries. European Commission | Ref. UP4HEALTH (H2020-BBI-JTI-2019) n. 888003 Programa Iberoamericano de Ciencia y Tecnología | Ref. CYTED— AQUA-CIBUS, P317RT0003 European Commission | Ref. ERA-NET ERA-HDHL (H2020) (n 696295) Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia | Ref. PTDC / OCE-ETA / 30240 / 2017 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia | Ref. POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030240 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia | Ref. UIDB / 50016/2020 Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. RYC-2017-22891 Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431F 2020/12 Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED481A- 2019/295

Efficiently detecting peanut traces in food products can prevent severe allergic reactions and serious health implications. This work presents the development of an electrochemical dual immunosensor for the simultaneous analysis of two major peanut allergens, Ara h 1 and Ara h 6, in food matrices. A sandwich immunoassay was performed on a dual working screen-printed carbon electrode using monoclonal antibodies. The antibody–antigen interaction was detected by linear sweep voltammetry through the oxidation of enzymatically deposited silver, which was formed by using detection antibodies labeled with alkaline phosphatase and a 3-indoxyl phosphate/silver nitrate mixture as the enzymatic substrate. The assay time was 2 h 20 min, with a hands-on time of 30 min, and precise results and low limits of detection were obtained (Ara h 1: 5.2 ng·mL−1, Ara h 6: 0.017 ng·mL−1). The selectivity of the method was confirmed through the analysis of other food allergens and ingredients (e.g., hazelnut, soybean and lupin). The dual sensor was successfully applied to the analysis of several food products and was able to quantify the presence of peanuts down to 0.05% (w/w). The accuracy of the results was confirmed through recovery studies and by comparison with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tracking food allergens is of utmost importance and can be performed using the present biosensor in a suitable and practical way.

Groundnuts, like peanuts, are commonly integrated into the Mediterranean dietary pattern, and their consumption has been recommended worldwide. However, reported cases of peanut allergy have increased and, therefore, commercial food tracking is essential, since in extreme cases peanut intake causes anaphylaxis. Efficient detection of peanut traces in food samples can be achieved using electrochemical immunosensors that benefit from their advantageous features such as high selectivity and sensitivity, low cost, and rapid detection. Because disposable screen-printed electrodes can be connected to portable devices, they can be used for in situ allergen analysis. In the present work, a voltammetric immunosensor was developed to quantify a major peanut allergen, Ara h 1, using screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) as transducers. Distinct carbon-based nanomaterials were tested, and nanodiamonds were selected for the nanostructuration of the transducer’s surface. A sandwich-type immunoassay was performed on the nanodiamond-coated SPCEs using an alkaline phosphatase-labelled detection antibody and a mixture containing an enzymatic substrate (3-indoxyl phosphate) and silver nitrate. The immunological interaction was detected through the (linear sweep) voltammetric stripping of the enzymatically deposited silver. A linear concentration range was established between 25 and 500 ng·mL−1 (ip = (0.027 ± 0.001) [Ara h 1] + (1.41 ± 0.31), r = 0.994, n = 5), with a sensitivity of 0.342 µA·mL·ng-1·cm-2. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.78 and 2.6 ng·mL−1, respectively. Other allergens, non-target proteins and food product ingredients were tested to assess the selectivity of the immunosensor. Its applicability was evaluated by analysing a set of breakfast cereals, cookies, and energetic and cereal bars.

This study describes the possibilities of valorising a waste stream that originates from apple wood by mapping the reducing capacity and phenolic profile from extracts derived from apple tree (Malus domestica). This study evaluated the efficiency of warm solvent extraction (WSE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) techniques for extracting antioxidant phenolic compounds from the bark and core wood of an apple tree cultivated in the north-eastern part of Belgium. Furthermore, the influence of the pre-treatment technique, namely, fresh, oven-dried, and freeze-dried samples, respectively, on the yield of polyphenols was studied. Fresh bark extract obtained by UAE—the most efficient extraction technique—employing acetone 60% v/v contains the highest levels of phenolic compounds as well as the highest antioxidant activity. High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis shows that phloridzin is the major compound of the identified polyphenol markers present in bark and core wood extracts. Based on the obtained results, it may be possible to produce a polyphenolic extract from apple wood at an industrial scale without extensive costs or altering the antioxidant properties. This study reveals the potential of apple tree wood residues valorisation through the recovery of phenolic compounds for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications., Annick Boeykens is a beneficiary of a PWO (‘Projectmatig Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek’) Grant, provided to Odisee by the Flem-ish Government, for the investigation project ‘Phenolic compounds in by-products’. Manuela M. Moreira (SFRH/BPD/97049/2013) wishes to acknowledge Fundo Social Europeu and Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior for funding her postdoctoral fellowship by means of a POPH-QREN—Tipologia 4.1—Formação Avançada. The financial support from FCT/MEC through national funds and cofi-nanced by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020 through the project UID/QUI/50006/2013—POCI/01/0145/FEDER/007265 and the project 6818—Transnational Cooperation, Agreement between Por-tugal (FCT) and Serbia (MSTD) are also acknowledged.

Specific monitoring of cystatin C (CysC) levels in biological fluids is critical for diagnosis, treatment and mechanistic understanding of a spectrum of diseases, particularly chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite evidences that CysC correlates with the high risk and/or progression of CKD, its use in clinical practice is still scarce. In this context, we report the development of a simple and sensitive immunosensor for the detection of CysC. The biosensor combines the technology of cost-effective screen-printed electrodes with the high specificity of a sandwich immunoassay. Optimized conditions showed that the sensor operates in a linear range between 10 and 100 ng mL-1, with a detection limit and a sensitivity of 6.0 ng mL-1 and 6.4 ± 0.3 μA ng mL-1 cm-2, respectively. Moreover, the sensor provided precise results (RSD ≤ 6.2%) and the quantification of CysC in CKD serum samples revealed to be in agreement with the values obtained by a particle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay. In this light, the proposed immunosensor qualifies for clinical application, constituting a step forward in the development of fast, sensitive and cost-effective diagnostic tools that can improve the current medical care settings of CKD patients., This work was supported by European Union through projects Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000024 and Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000011, co-funded by FEDER in the scope of CCDR-N and NORTE2020 Partnership Agreement. This work also received financial support from the European Union (FEDER funds through COMPETE) and National Funds (FCT, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia) through project UID/QUI/50006/2013.

Copper nanoparticles stabilized with cashew (CG-CuNPs) were synthesized by reduction reaction using ascorbic acid and sodium borohydride, using the cashew gum (CG) as a natural polymer stabilizer. Dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and x-ray diffraction were used to characterize the nanoparticles (CG-CuNPs), and copper was quantified by electrochemical measurement. The UV-vis spectra of the CG-CuNPs confirmed the formation of nanoparticles by appearance of a surface plasmon band at 580 nm after 24 h of reaction. The Fourier-transform infrared spectrum of CG-CuNPs showed the peak at 1704 cm−1 from cashew gum, confirming the presence of the gum in the nanoparticles. The average size of CG-CuNPs by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy was around 10 nm, indicating small, approximately spherical particles. Antimicrobial assays showed that CG-CuNPs had activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.64 mM. The cytotoxicity assay on BALB/c murine macrophages showed lower cytotoxic effects for CG-CuNPs than CuSO4·5H2O. Viability cell assays for CG-CuNPs at (0.250 mM) inhibited by 70% the growth of 4T1 LUC (4T1 mouse mammary tumor cell line) and NIH 3T3 cells (murine fibroblast cells) over a 24-h period. Therefore, CG-CuNPs can be used as an antimicrobial agent with lower cytotoxic effects than the CuSO4·5H2O precursor., The author would like to thank at UCM for performingDPV, USP by X-ray diffraction experiment, REQUIMTE/LAQV for FTIR, UnB and UFPI for the cytotoxicityassays, as well as at UFPI for help with DLS, UV-Vis,AFM, and microbiological experiments. This work was supported by Project 400398/2014-1—Desenvolvimento de Nanopartículas Estabilizadas com Goma de Cajueiro para Aplicações Biotecnologicas, financed by CNPq. AlexandraPlácido is grateful to FCT by her grant SFRH/BD/97995/2013, financed by POPH-QREN-Tipologia 4.1-Formação Avançada, subsidized by Fundo Social Europeu and Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior.

Synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) are one of the most common pesticides used worldwide. Their use has greatly increased in the last decades and its' continuous application lead to added pesticides concentration in soil. Consequently, SPs may enter the food chain, affecting the environment and human health. The degradation over time of the pyrethroid pesticide deltamethrin applied to cabbages was monitored. The evolution was followed both on cabbages and the surrounding soils, and the soil microbial community characterized by next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The main shift in the microbial community structure was observed during the first 30 days after pesticides' application. The modification in the microbial community composition, where an increased abundance of Nocardioides sp. and Sphingomonas sp. were observed, was correlated respectively with the conversions of deltamethrin and its metabolite, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA). Although deltamethrin was not found in any of the tested samples (soil and cabbage) after 180 days, it caused an environmental impact much further than the 7 days security interval. These findings suggest that deltamethrin application can disturb soil microbial community and that natural biodegradation can have an important part in pesticides soil decontamination.

Children, an important vulnerable group, spend most of their time at schools (up to 10 h per day, mostly indoors) and the respective air quality may significantly impact on children health. Thus, this work reviews the published studies on children biomonitoring and environmental exposure to particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at school microenvironments (indoors and outdoors), major sources and potential health risks. A total of 28, 35, and 31% of the studies reported levels that exceeded the international outdoor ambient air guidelines for PM10, PM2.5, and benzo(a)pyrene, respectively. Indoor and outdoor concentrations of PM10 at European schools, the most characterized continent, ranged between 7.5 and 229 μg/m3 and 21–166 μg/m3, respectively; levels of PM2.5 varied between 4 and 100 μg/m3 indoors and 6.1–115 μg/m3 outdoors. Despite scarce information in some geographical regions (America, Oceania and Africa), the collected data clearly show that Asian children are exposed to the highest concentrations of PM and PAHs at school environments, which were associated with increased carcinogenic risks and with the highest values of urinary total monohydroxyl PAH metabolites (PAH biomarkers of exposure). Additionally, children attending schools in polluted urban and industrial areas are exposed to higher levels of PM and PAHs with increased concentrations of urinary PAH metabolites in comparison with children from rural areas. Strong evidences demonstrated associations between environmental exposure to PM and PAHs with several health outcomes, including increased risk of asthma, pulmonary infections, skin diseases, and allergies. Nevertheless, there is a scientific gap on studies that include the characterization of PM fine fraction and the levels of PAHs in the total air (particulate and gas phases) of indoor and outdoor air of school environments and the associated risks for the health of children. There is a clear need to improve indoor air quality in schools and to establish international guidelines for exposure limits in these environments. Keywords: Biomarkers, Children exposure, Health effects, Particulate matter (PM), Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Understanding the direct electron transfer processes between redox proteins and electrode surface is fundamental to understand the proteins mechanistic properties and for development of novel biosensors. In this study, nitric oxide reductase (NOR) extracted from Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus bacteria was adsorbed onto a pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE) to develop an unmediated enzymatic biosensor (PGE/NOR)) for characterization of NOR direct electrochemical behaviour and NOR electroanalytical features towards NO and O2. Square-wave voltammetry showed the reduction potential of all the four NOR redox centers: 0.095 ± 0.002, -0.108 ± 0.008, -0.328 ± 0.001 and -0.635 ± 0.004 V vs. SCE for heme c, heme b, heme b3 and non-heme FeB, respectively. The determined sensitivity (-4.00 × 10-8 ± 1.84 × 10-9 A/μM and - 2.71 × 10-8 ± 1.44 × 10-9 A/μM for NO and O2, respectively), limit of detection (0.5 μM for NO and 1.0 μM for O2) and the Michaelis Menten constant (2.1 and 7.0 μM for NO and O2, respectively) corroborated the higher affinity of NOR for its natural substrate (NO). No significant interference on sensitivity towards NO was perceived in the presence of O2, while the O2 reduction was markedly and negatively impacted (3.6 times lower sensitivity) by the presence of NO. These results clearly demonstrate the high potential of NOR for the design of innovative NO biosensors., FG and LBM thank FCT/MCTES for the fellowship grants SFRH/BD/52502/2014 and SFRH/BPD/111404/2015, respectively, which are financed by national funds and co-financed by FSE. CMC acknowledges FCT-MCTES funding through project PTDC/BBB-BQB/0129/2014 (FCT/MCTES). This work was supported by the REQUIMTE, which is financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UID/QUI/50006/2013 and UID/Multi/04378/2013) and co-financed by the ERDF under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007265 and POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007728), and also by the PTDC/BB-BQB/0129/2014 project (FCT/MCTES). Funding through REQUIMTE project entitled “NOR-based biosensor for nitric oxide detection in biological and environmental samples” is also acknowledged.

Recently, the value of wood residues has received increasing attention due to the presence of pharmacologically active compounds. In the present study, apple bark was treated with subcritical water (SWE) with the aim of bioactivity determination and chemical analysis by GC–MS applying two different sample preparation protocols and by HPLC. Extracts were screened for their total antioxidant capacity by means of total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH-radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA). Anti-microbial and anti-proliferative activities of the apple bark subcritical water extracts were also examined. Different lignin and cellulose degradation products were identified by GC–MS, as well as naturally present compounds. Identified compounds encompassed organic and fatty acids, alcohols, sugars, phenol, benzaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde and azulene derivatives, as well as other organic compounds. Phenolic profiles of apple bark extracts defined by HPLC–PDA analysis revealed that the main contributors were gallic acid (9.4 ± 0.5 mg/g DW) and catechin (8.3 ± 0.4 mg/g DW). The diversity of the extracts composition supports the fact that this medium is able to extract compounds of different polarities, simultaneously acting as catalyst and reactant. The characterized apple bark extracts demonstrated good antioxidant (TPC = 31.47 ± 1.86 mg GAE/g; TFC = 17.40 ± 1.89 mg EE/g; FRAP = 22.45 ± 2.22 mg AAE/g; DPPH-RSA = 22.57 ± 2.24 mg Trolox E/g DW), antimicrobial (MIC = 19.53–156.25 μg/mL) and anti-proliferative activity (IC50 = 19.88–47.44 μg/mL). The findings of this study showed that SWE can be used as an environmentally friendly and safe technique for the valorization of apple tree wood residues, applicable in food and pharmaceutical industries., The authors are grateful to the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development (451-03-68/2020-14/200134), Provincial Secretariat for High Education and Scientific Research AP Vojvodina, Serbia (Project No. 142-451-3240/2020-03), Provincial Secretariat for Science and Technological Development and Portuguese Ministry of Science (FCT/Servia 2015/2016 proc. 441.00 SERVIA). Financial support from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Spanish Government) through the Grant CTQ2016-77155-R is also gratefully acknowledged. R. Suárez thanks to the Conselleria d’Educació, Cultura i Universitats from the Government of the Balearic Islands for a PhD stipend co-financed by Fondo Social Europeo (FPI/1444/2012). S. Clavijo acknowledges to Torres Quevedo Program of the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO) co-financed by European Funds, for the financial support through the PTQ 15-08038. This work was also supported by UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020 by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (MCTES) through national funds. Manuela M. Moreira (project CEECIND/02702/2017) is grateful for the financial support financed by national funds through FCT and to REQUIMTE/LAQV. Manuela M. Moreira (SFRH/BPD/97049/2013) and M. F. Barroso (SFRH/BPD/78845/2011) are grateful for the postdoctoral fellowships financed by POPH-QREN—Tipologia 4.1—Formação Avançada, subsidized by Fundo Social Europeu and Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior. The financial support from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (FCT/MEC) through national funds and co-financed by European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), under the Partnership Agreement PT2020 through the project UID/ QUI/50006/2013—POCI/01/0145/FERDER/007265 is also acknowledged. Annick Boeykens wishes to acknowledge Odisee for funding by means of a PWO grant (Flemish Government; Belgium).

Salicornia ramosissima J.Woods is an edible halophyte, widely distributed in the Portuguese salt marsh that has been under valorized. The aim of this study is to expand the knowledge regarding S. ramosissima bioactive composition and safety, highlighting its potential use as nutraceutical ingredient. Therefore, extracts obtained by conventional (CE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were characterized regarding phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, radical scavenging capacity and intestinal cell effects. Moreover, organic pesticides were screened to guarantee the consumers safety. The highest phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed for the CE, as well as the scavenging capacity of O2•− (IC50 = 979.36 µg/mL) and HOCl (IC50 = 90.28 µg/mL). In contrast, the best antioxidant and antiradical activities were achieved by MAE (65.56 µmol FSE/g dw and 17.74 µg AAE/g dw for FRAP and ABTS assays, respectively). The phenolic composition was similar for both extracts, being characterized by the presence of phenolic acids, flavonols, flavanols, flavones and flavanones. The predominant compound for both extracts was myricetin. None of the extracts were cytotoxic in intestinal cell lines. Vestigial levels of β-endosulfan and p,p’-DDE were identified in MAE. These results support that S. ramosissima could be a source of bioactive compounds for nutraceutic industry.

Mental health and active aging are two of the main concerns in the 21st century. To search for new neuroprotective compounds, extracts of Codium tomentosum Stackhouse and Fucus vesiculosus L. were obtained through multi-step (four step) subcritical water extraction using a temperature gradient. The safety assessment of the extracts was performed by screening pharmaceutical compounds and pesticides by UHPLC-MS/MS, and iodine and arsenic levels by ICP-MS. Although the extracts were free of pharmaceutical compounds and pesticides, the presence of arsenic and high iodine contents were found in the first two extraction steps. Thus, the health-benefits were only evaluated for the fractions obtained in steps 3 and 4 from the extraction process. These fractions were tested against five brain enzymes implicated in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and major depression etiology as well as against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, having been observed a strong enzyme inhibition and radical scavenging activities for the step 4 fractions from both seaweed species. Regarding the variation of the chemical composition during the extraction, step 1 fractions were the richest in phenolic compounds. With the increase in temperature, Maillard reaction, caramelization and thermo-oxidation occurred, and the resulting products positively affected the antioxidant capacity and the neuroprotective effects.

This study aimed to devise innovative, tailor-made, appealing, tasty and semi-industrialized dishes, using sustainable and under-utilized seafood species (bib, common dab, common carp, blue mussel and blue whiting), that can meet the specific nutritional and functional needs of children (8-10-years), pregnant women (20-40-years) and seniors (≥60-years). Hence, contests were organised among cooking schools from 6 European countries and the best recipes/dishes were reformulated, semi-industrially produced and chemically and microbiologically evaluated. The dishes intended for: (i) children and pregnant women had EPA + DHA and I levels that reached the target quantities, supporting the claim as "high in I"; and (ii) seniors were "high in protein" (24.8%-Soup_S and 34.0%-Balls_S of the energy was provided by proteins), "high in vitamin B12", and had Na contents (≤0.4%) below the defined limit. All dishes reached the vitamin D target value. Sausages_C, Roulade_P, Fillet_P and Balls_S had a well-balanced protein/fat ratio. Roulade_P presented the highest n-3 PUFA/n-6 PUFA ratio (3.3), while Sausages_C the lowest SFA/UNS ratio (0.2). Dishes were considered safe based on different parameters (e.g. Hg-T, PBDEs, Escherichia coli). All represent dietary sources contributing to meet the reference intakes of target nutrients (33->100%), providing valuable options to overcome nutritional and functional imbalances of the three groups., This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement no. 773400 (SEAFOODTOMORROW). This work was also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Project CEX 2018-000794-S), the Generalitat de Catalunya (Consolidated Research Group Water and Soil Quality Unit 2017 SGR 1404) and Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (MCTES) through national funds (UID/QUI/50006/2019, UIDB/50006/2020, UIDP/50006/2020, UIDB/04423/2020 and UIDP/04423/2020). The authors also thank FCT and the European Union's H2020 Research and Innovation Programme for funding through the project Systemic - An integrated approach to the challenge of sustainable food systems: adaptive and mitigatory strategies to address climate change and malnutrition. Sara Cunha also acknowledges FCT for the IF/01616/2015 contract. Biotage is acknowledged for providing SPE cartridges and Bekolut for the QuEChERS kits. This output reflects the views only of the author(s), and the European Union cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Several pesticides and pharmaceuticals (PP) have been detected in the effluent of a full-scale Portuguese Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Their presence contributed to the environmental burdens associated with the existing treatment of the Municipal Wastewater (MWW) in the impact categories of Human Carcinogenicity, Non-Carcinogenicity, and Freshwater toxicities on average by 85%, 60%, and 90%, respectively (ReciPe2016 and USEtox methods). The environmental and economic assessment of the installation of an Anodic Oxidation (AO) unit for PPs’ removal was performed through Life Cycle and Economic Analysis, considering two types of anodes, the Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) and the Mixed Metal Oxides (MMO). The operation of the AO unit increased the environmental burdens of the system by 95% on average (USEtox), but these impacts can be partially compensated by the avoided the production of non-renewable energy in the Portuguese electricity mix by biogas cogeneration at the WWTP. If the construction of the AO unit and the manufacturing of the electrodes are considered, the Human and Freshwater Toxicities are often higher than the environmental benefits derived from the PPs’ removal. On the economic side, the MMO configuration is clearly more advantageous, whereas BDD is environmentally more favorable. The issue of the presence of PP in MWW effluents has to be addressed as an integrated solution both improving upstream PP’s management and adopting PP’s removal technologies strongly supported by renewable energies. Further insights are needed for the assessment of fate and of the environmental effects of PP in the sludge. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia | Ref. UIDB / 50006/2020 European Commission | Ref. WaterJPI / 0007/2016

Three sampling campaigns were performed in the Lis River (Leiria, Portugal) in February of 2018, November of 2018, and May of 2019. River water and wastewater (influent and effluent) samples of two wastewater treatment plants were target of the study. A total of 25 samples were collected and 50 pesticides were monitored, including organochlorines, triazines, pyrethroids, and organophosphorus, among others. Most of the detected pesticides were insecticides and mainly organochlorines. Concentrations between 1.29 and 2134 ng/L were found. Aldrin, γ-HCH, and cypermethrin were detected in some samples in μg/L, being γ-HCH the pesticide most frequently detected with concentration in μg/L level. The pesticides with the highest detection frequency were (i) cypermethrin, HCB, methoxychlor, and ζ-HCH in river waters; (ii) isoproturon, cypermethrin, methoxychlor, pyrimethanil, γ-HCH, dieldrin, diuron, α-HCH, and α-endosulfan in effluents; and (iii) diuron and isoproturon in influents. The detection of the organochlorides and their degradation products is a consequence of their persistence in the environment, as their usage has long been prohibited in the European Union. Pesticides were grouped by their types in herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides and the detection and concentration for each type were discussed with the climatic conditions. Pesticide toxicity index was determined in the samples collected in the river.

Every year, after grape harvesting, high quantities of vine-canes are generated. Due to the high amount of bioactive compounds present in this woody material, several studies reported their potential to be used in different sustainable applications. However, before employing vine-canes in this kind of products, their safety needs to be assessed. A robust method for identification and quantification of 30 environmental contaminants (12 organochloride pesticides (OCPs), 6 organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), 5 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 7 brominated flame retardants (BFRs)) in vine-canes was developed. For that, the extraction and clean-up procedures were optimized, namely the vine-canes size, the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) composition and the amount of carbon used in the dispersive-solid phase extraction (d-SPE). Suitable analytical parameters were obtained: linearity (r2) >0.99 for all the studied compounds and for the solvent and matrix-matched standards; relative standard deviation (RSD) below 14%; and mean recoveries for two spiking levels (10 and 20 μg/kg) between 75 and 103%, excepting for the PCBs that ranged between 59 and 105%. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) ranged between 0.38 and 1.09 and 1.26 to 3.64 μg/kg, respectively. Regarding the analysis of 19 vine-cane samples, corresponding to four different varieties (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alvarinho, and Loureiro) collected in four different years in the North of Portugal, five contaminants (aldrin, 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH), 2,4,4'-trichlorobiphenyl (PCB28), and 2,2',4,5,5'-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB101)) were detected. However, only α-HCH (5.85 ± 0.32 to 5.99 ± 0.25 μg/kg) and aldrin (2.44 ± 0.15 μg/kg) were quantified above the LOQ. The screening of environmental contaminants in vine-canes is essential to waste valorization, especially if the goal is to apply them in products for human consumption.

In this work, a disposable electrochemical (voltammetric) molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor for the selective determination of diclofenac (DCF) was constructed. The proposed MIP-sensor permits fast (30 min) analysis, is cheap, easy to prepare and has the potential to be integrated with portable devices. Due to its simplicity and efficiency, surface imprinting by electropolymerization was used to prepare a MIP on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). MIP preparation was achieved by cyclic voltammetry (CV), using dopamine (DA) as a monomer in the presence of DCF. The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) detection of DCF at MIP/SPCE and non-imprinted control sensors (NIP) showed an imprinting factor of 2.5. Several experimental preparation parameters were studied and optimized. CV and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiments were performed to evaluate the electrode surface modifications. The MIP sensor showed adequate selectivity (in comparison with other drug molecules), intra-day repeatability of 7.5%, inter-day repeatability of 11.5%, a linear range between 0.1 and 10 μM (r2 = 0.9963) and a limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 70 and 200 nM, respectively. Its applicability was successfully demonstrated by the determination of DCF in spiked water samples (river and tap water).

Olea europaea cultivar, native in the Mediterranean basin, has expanded worldwide, mainly due to the olive oil industry. This expansion is attributed to the benefits of olive oil consumption, since this product is rich in nutritional and bioactive compounds. However, the olive industry generates high amounts of wastes, which could be related to polluting effects on soil and water. To minimize the environmental impact, different strategies of revalorization have been proposed. In this sense, the aim of this work was to develop high cosmetic value added oleuropein-enriched extracts (O20 and O30), a bioactive compound from olive byproducts, performing a comprehensive characterization using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and evaluate their bioactivity by in vitro assays. A total of 49 compounds were detected, with oleuropein and its derivatives widely found in O30 extract, whereas iridoids were mainly detected in O20 extract. Moreover, 10 compounds were detected for the first time in olive leaves. Both extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant and antiradical activities, although O30 showed higher values. In addition, radical oxygen and nitrogen species scavenging and enzyme inhibition values were higher in O30, with the exception of HOCl and hyaluronidase inhibition assays. Regarding cell viability, olive byproduct extracts did not lead to a decrease in keratinocytes viability until 100 µg/mL. All data reported by the present study reflect the potential of industrial byproducts as cosmetic ingredients.

The biggest obstacle to the treatment of diseases that affect the central nervous system (CNS) is the passage of drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a physical barrier that regulates the entry of substances into the brain and ensures the homeostasis of the CNS. This review summarizes current research on lipid-based nanoparticles for the nanoencapsulation of neuroprotective compounds. A survey of studies on nanoemulsions (NEs), nanoliposomes/nanophytosomes and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)/nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) was carried out and is discussed herein, with particular emphasis upon their unique characteristics, the most important parameters influencing the formulation of each one, and examples of neuroprotective compounds/extracts nanoencapsulated using these nanoparticles. Gastrointestinal absorption is also discussed, as it may pose some obstacles for the absorption of free and nanoencapsulated neuroprotective compounds into the bloodstream, consequently hampering drug concentration in the brain. The transport mechanisms through which compounds or nanoparticles may cross BBB into the brain parenchyma, and the potential to increase drug bioavailability, are also discussed. Additionally, factors contributing to BBB disruption and neurodegeneration are described. Finally, the advantages of, and obstacles to, conventional and unconventional routes of administration to deliver nanoencapsulated neuroprotective drugs to the brain are also discussed, taking into account the avoidance of first-pass metabolism, onset of action, ability to bypass the BBB and concentration of the drug in the brain.

The role of milk and dairy products in supplying iodine to pregnant women is unknown in Portugal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between milk and dairy product consumption and the iodine status of pregnant women in the IoMum cohort of the Oporto region. Pregnant women were recruited between 10 and 13 weeks of gestation, when they provided a spot urine sample and information on lifestyle and intake of iodine-rich foods. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was determined by inductively coupled plasma MS. A total of 468 pregnant women (269 iodine supplement users and 199 non-supplement users) were considered eligible for analysis. Milk (but not yogurt or cheese) intake was positively associated with UIC, in the whole population (P = 0·02) and in the non-supplement users (P = 0·002), but not in the supplement users (P = 0·29). In non-supplement users, adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that milk consumption

Lack 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. This work was supported by National Funds through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/MCTES within CINTESIS, R&D Unit (reference UID/IC/4255/2019) and REQUIMTE (reference UIDB/info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/6817 - DCRRNI ID/UIDB/50006/2020/PT) and through FCT postdoctoral fellowship (V. C. F., grant number SFRH/BPD/109153/2015).

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are synthetic compounds less used nowadays due to their toxicity combined with slow degradation which leads to accumulation in the environment. Gas-diffusion microextraction (GDME) was employed prior to gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For the first time, the low-cost, eco-friendly GDME system was used to extract the OCPs directly from milk samples and associated with GC-ECD. Parameters that affect GDME's performance (extract volume, extraction time, and temperature) were optimized. The calibration curves of all OCPs (α- and β-hexachlorocyclohexane, lindane, hexachlorobenzene, p,p'-DDE, aldrin, dieldrin, and α-endosulfan) had coefficients of determination (r2) ranging from 0.991 to 0.995, and limits of detection (LODs) values ranging from 3.7 to 4.8 µg L-1. This method also provided satisfactory values for precision with relative standard deviations (RSDs) lower than 10% and recoveries above 90%. As a proof-of-concept, several commercial milk samples were analyzed, aldrin was found in one of them but below the maximum residue limits.

In this work, a series of novel -SO3H functionalized biochar materials were prepared and investigated for the first time as catalysts for the production of fuel additive ethyl levulinate (EL) from biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The employed biochar was directly produced from vineyard pruning wastes by a simple hydrothermal treatment using water in subcritical conditions followed by 3 different one-step sulfonation processes. The effects of sulfonating agent, reaction temperature, reaction time and alcohol solvent were examined. Full HMF conversion together with outstanding EL yields (over 84%) were achieved at 130 °C and after 6 h over the biochar functionalized with the organosilane 2-(4-chlorosulphonylphenyl)ethyltrimetoxysilane (BioC-S3). Catalyst characterization suggested that the high acid strength (0.983 mmol H+·g−1) derived from the anchoring of arylsulfonic groups were responsible for the promotion of acid-driven etherification and ethanolysis steps. The BioC-S3 catalyst can be recycled without a significant loss of catalytic activity, indicating the stability of – SO3H organosilane group structure in the porous biochar. The obtained results offer a competitive alternative for the production of fuel additives, such as alkyl levulinates, using low-cost and easy-to-prepare biochar-based catalysts, all from lignocellulose resources, as an example to support a future exploitation of a potential biorefinery.

The demand for the valorization and reuse of by-products is stronger than ever and is considered a serious challenge to the worldwide economy and society. In the field of food, processing by-products represents a major environmental issue that urgently needs to be solved. A panoply of studies has been carried out on food residues, particularly on fruit and vegetable wastes, in order to identify and quantify the phytochemicals present and evaluate its biological safety and efficacy for humans. The bioactive compounds present are mainly polyphenols, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Especially, the cosmetic field may benefit from high-added value ingredients. This chapter aims to revise the potential applications of bioactive compounds extracted from fruit, vegetable, and cereal by-products as active ingredients for skincare products. Their potential emollient, antiwrinkle, or antioxidant activity is critically reviewed and discussed.

Abrasion of tire wear is one of the largest sources of microplastics to the environment. Although most tire particles settle into soils, studies on their ecotoxicological impacts on the terrestrial environment are scarce. Here, the effects of tire particles (, We thank Rudo Verweij (VU Amsterdam) and Valentina Perc (University of Ljubljana) for their technical assistance. This study has been conducted within the framework of the international project IMPASSE – Impacts of MicroPlastics on AgrosyStems and Stream Environments, which is financed under the ERA-NET waterworks2015 co-funded call. This ERA-NET is an integral part of the 2016 joint activities developed by the water challenges for a changing world joint programme initiative (water JPI).

The ever-increasing presence of contaminants in environmental waters is an alarming issue, not only because of their harmful effects in the environment but also because of their risk to human health. Pharmaceuticals and pesticides, among other compounds of daily use, such as personal care products or plasticisers, are being released into water bodies. This release mainly occurs through wastewater since the treatments applied in many wastewater treatment plants are not able to completely remove these substances. Therefore, the analysis of these contaminants is essential but this is difficult due to the great variety of contaminating substances. Facing this analytical challenge, electrochemical sensing based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) has become an interesting field for environmental monitoring. Benefiting from their superior chemical and physical stability, low-cost production, high selectivity and rapid response, MIPs combined with miniaturized electrochemical transducers offer the possibility to detect target analytes in-situ. In most reports, the construction of these sensors include nanomaterials to improve their analytical characteristics, especially their sensitivity. Moreover, these sensors have been successfully applied in real water samples without the need of laborious pre-treatment steps. This review provides a general overview of electrochemical MIP-based sensors that have been reported for the detection of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, heavy metals and other contaminants in water samples in the past decade. Special attention is given to the construction of the sensors, including different functional monomers, sensing platforms and materials employed to achieve the best sensitivity. Additionally, several parameters, such as the limit of detection, the linear concentration range and the type of water samples that were analysed are compiled.

Sustainability arises as a challenge in the last decades and the cosmetic field is not an exception. The search for new cosmetic active principles extracted from food byproducts through eco-innovative technologies has emerged as a novel concept. However, the European Regulation is very restrictive and different assays should be performed to guarantee the products' efficacy and safety. Considering a multidisciplinary approach, this paper aims to compare chestnut shell extracts prepared by three different green techniques – Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE), Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) and Supercritical Fluids Extraction (SFE) – regarding antimicrobial activity, hyaluronidase and elastase inhibitory activities, in-vitro cytotoxicity on dermal cells (HaCaT and HFF-1) and skin permeation (using Franz cells coupled to human skin). The best extract was tested on skin and ocular 3D models and through an in-vivo patch test to evaluate its irritancy and safety. The results demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of the extracts (particularly against Staphylococcus aureus) as well as the capacity to inhibit the hyaluronidase (IC50 = 0.76–54.36 mg/mL) and elastase (33.56–82.70% at 0.4 mg/mL) activities. Regarding in-vitro cell assays, UAE and SWE extracts revealed the best outcomes. Between 0.1 and 100 μg/mL, none of the extracts conducted to a decrease of cell viability in both cell lines (HaCaT and HFF-1). The ex-vivo assay proved that SWE extract led to a higher polyphenol's permeation (1061.6 μg/g dw), being selected for further assays. Ellagic acid was the major polyphenol that permeated the human skin (732.1–847.0 μg/g dw). The 3D skin and ocular models evidenced absence of irritation by SWE extract, without decreasing cell viability and releasing IL-1α. Finally, an in-vivo patch test confirmed the absence of irritation in humans based on the acute irritation index of 0.50 achieved 24 h after the patch removal. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that validated by in-vitro and in-vivo assays, and in accordance with the European Regulation 1223/2009, a new cosmetic ingredient extracted from chestnut shells., The authors' kindly thanks to Sortegel (Sortes, Portugal) for the samples. This research was funded by FCT/MCTES through national funds (UIDB/50006/2020) and project PTDC/ASP-AGR/29277/2017 - Castanea sativa shells as a new source of active ingredients for Functional Food and Cosmetic applications: a sustainable approach, financially supported by national funds by FCT/MCTES and co-supported by Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) throughout COMPETE 2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029277). This work was also supported by Project UIDB/04033/2020 (CITAB-Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences). Diana Pinto (SFRH/BD/144534/2019) is grateful for the PhD grant financed by FCT/MCTES and POPH-QREN and supported by funds from UE and Fundo Social Europeu (FSE) through Programa Operacional Regional Norte. Francisca Rodrigues is thankful for her contract (CEECIND/01886/2020) financed by FCT/MCTES—CEEC Individual 2020 Program Contract.

This study proposed an integrated valorisation system, by combining adsorption and electro-Fenton processes for fast and effective micropollutant remediation of a complex pharmaceutical mixture. The pharmaceuticals venlafaxine, fluoxetine and trazodone, commonly detected in the environment (river water and sediment), were selected in this study as target pollutants. Initially, the electro-Fenton degradation process of the ternary mixture was optimised. For this, a Box-Behnken experimental design was used and the degradation of each pollutant, as a response function, was evaluated using three key operational process parameters (iron concentration, current intensity and solution pH). The pharmaceutical mixture was removed by total adsorption onto the biochar, the regeneration of which was then carried out under the optimal electro-Fenton conditions (0.24 mA, 0.33 mM Fe2+ and pH 3.2). In addition, different options in relation to the presence of iron were considered: i) iron dissolved in aqueous solution; ii) iron supported on the biochar; iii) no addition of iron (“self-cleaning”). The results confirmed that the natural content of iron in the biochar was enough to catalyse the electro-Fenton regeneration. The adsorption-electro-Fenton regeneration process was repeated over several cycles with no reduction in the efficiency of either process. Finally, this combination (adsorption and electro-Fenton process) was tested using an aqueous matrix from a wastewater treatment plant., This research has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and ERDF Funds (Grant N°CTM2017-87326-R) and ERA-NET Cofund WaterWorks2015 Call (funded by the EU and FCT/UEFISCDI/FORMAS) for financial support through the REWATER International Research project. This work was also supported by UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020 by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT Portugal)/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (MCTES Portugal) through national funds. Manuela M. Moreira (project CEECIND/02702/2017) also acknowledge for her financial support financed by national funds through FCT and to REQUIMTE/LAQV. The authors are also grateful to ERASMUS+ program by founding the research stay of Anton Puga. The invitation by the E3TECH Spanish Network of Excellence (CTQ2017-90659-REDT (MEIC/AEI)) is kindly acknowledged.

Castanea sativa is an outstanding species that represents a valuable natural resource for rural populations. C. sativa shells (CSS), an abundant agro-industrial by-product generated during chestnut peeling process, is commonly discarded or used as fuel. Nevertheless, CSS produced are not depleted by this application and huge amounts are still available, being particularly rich in bioactive compounds (polyphenols, vitamin E, lignin and oligosaccharides) with health benefits. Phytochemical studies reported not only antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, but also anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic and neuroprotective activities. The application of a suitable extraction technique is required for the isolation of bioactive compounds, being green extraction technologies outstanding for the industrial recovery of chestnut shells' bioactive compounds. CSS were highlighted as remarkable sources of functional ingredients with promising applications in food and nutraceutical fields, mainly as natural antioxidants and effective prebiotics. This review aims to summarize the phytochemical composition and pro-healthy properties of CSS, emphasizing the sustainable extraction techniques employed in the recovery of bioactive compounds and their potential applications in food and nutraceutical industries., This work received financial support from project PTDC/ASP-AGR/29277/2017- Castanea sativa shells as a new source of active ingredients for Functional Food and Cosmetic applications: A sustainable approach, supported by national funds by FCT / MCTES and co-supported by Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) throughout COMPETE 2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029277). This work was also supported by UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020 by FCT / MCTES through national funds. Diana Pinto (SFRH/BD/144534/2019) is thankful for the PhD grant financed by FCT/MCTES and POPH-QREN and supported by funds from UE and Fundo Social Europeu (FSE) through Programa Operacional Regional Norte. María de la Luz Cádiz-Gurrea is also grateful to the University of Granada for a “Perfeccionamiento de Doctores” postdoctoral contract. Anna Vallverdú-Queralt thanks the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades for the Ramon y Cajal contract (RYC-2016-19355). Francisca Rodrigues is thankful for her contract (CEECIND/01886/2020) financed by FCT/MCTES—CEEC Individual 2020 Program Contract.

Pyrethroids are a class of extensively used insecticides for human and animal health protection. Concern has been growing about the possible human health effects from environmental exposure, e.g. chronic exposure to low levels, to pyrethroids. Several metabolites, specific or common to different pyrethroids, can be used for the assessment of pyrethroids exposure. 3-Phenoxybenzoic acid is a major urinary biomarker for numerous pyrethroids used nowadays and has been extensively analyzed and reported. Biomonitoring pyrethroids in human samples is undoubtedly necessary in order to support the clarification of potential correlations between exposure and adverse health effects.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:35:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-12-01 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia This work assessed the concentrations of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in edible tissues of whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) and meagre (Argyrosomus regius) captured in different Atlantic Ocean fishing areas and available to Brazilian and Portuguese consumers. Total PAH (∑PAHs) levels ranged from 1.32 to 5.41 μg/kg ww in wild-caught croaker and 2.66 (wild)-18.0 (farmed) μg/kg ww in meagre. Compounds with 2- and 3-rings represented 54–86% of ∑PAHs in the muscle tissues of wild-caught species (croaker and meagre) being naphthalene, fluorene, and phenanthrene the predominant compounds. ∑PAHs in farmed meagre were 4–7 times higher than in wild-caught meagre, with 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-ring compounds representing 15, 18, 44, 22, and 1% of ∑PAHs, respectively. Benzo(a)pyrene levels in farmed meagre varied between 0.06 and 0.34 μg/kg ww. Crude oil refining and combustion sources were identified as the major sources of PAHs in FAO 27, 34 and 41 Atlantic Ocean fishing areas. The biometric characteristics (length, weight, moisture, and fat content) and ∑PAHs allowed to discriminate between wild-caught and farmed meagre samples and between meagre and croaker. Assessment of carcinogenic risks suggested that a diet exclusive on farmed meagre may pose additional risks for the health of European top consumers fish. REQUIMTE-LAQV Instituto Superior de Engenharia Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431 UNESP Centro de Aquicultura (CAUNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal UNESP Centro de Aquicultura (CAUNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia: CEECIND/03666/2017

The importance of food quality has become a crucial issue due to the widespread use of pesticides in agriculture. The frequent use of pesticides has resulted in contamination of the environmental, fruit crops and also caused potential risk to human health. Strawberries are at the top of the list of fruits with the highest concentration of pesticides. To date, several analytical techniques have been used for the extraction and detection of pesticides in strawberries, from classic to advanced analysis methodologies.

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are persistent environmental pollutants, allowing a constant human exposure which carries several health risks, including the occurrence of breast cancer and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D inhibits cell growth and is negatively associated with breast cancer risk. The effect of BFRs in breast cancer and vitamin D pathway is still poorly understood. MCF-7 cells were treated with hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), hexabromobenzene (HBB) and pentabromotoluene (PBT) using short and long-term exposure protocols. Viability, proliferation, migration, cell cycle and gene expression were assessed. Gene expression of hVDBP and hCYP2R1 was also evaluated in hepatocytes. Long-term exposure of MCF-7 cells to HBB increased cell proliferation and migration, consequently increasing MMP-9 expression. The vitamin D pathway was also altered by BFRs: cells appeared less prepared to activate and transport vitamin D and the signaling, action and inactivation mechanisms were diminished in the presence of BFRs. Untreated MCF-7 cells showed cell cycle arrest in phase G0/G1 in the presence of activated vitamin D. However, when MCF-7 cells were exposed to BFRs, cell cycle was arrested in phase G2/M, possibly due to DNA damage. Nonetheless, calcitriol seems to be able to mitigate the effect of some BFRs exposure, e.g. PBT, Sara Sousa and Maria Luz Maia are grateful to FCT and ESF (European Social Fund) through POCH (Programa Operacional Capital Humano) for the Ph.D. grants (SFRH/BD/137516/2018 and SFRH/BD/128817/2017, respectively). The work was supported by UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020, CHRC (UIDB/04923/2020 and UIDP/04923/2020) with funding from FCT/MCTES through PT national funds.

Hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) is a highly appreciated exotic fruit endowed with outstanding bioactive compounds. The present work proposes to characterize the pulp from A. arguta organic fruits, emphasizing its radicals scavenging capacity and effects on intestinal cells (Caco-2 and HT29-MTX). The physicochemical properties and phenolic profile were also screened. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC, respectively) of pulp were 12.21 mg GAE/g on dry weight (DW) and 5.92 mg CE/g DW, respectively. A high antioxidant activity was observed (FRAP: 151.41 μmol FSE/g DW; DPPH: 12.17 mg TE/g DW). Furthermore, the pulp did not induce a toxic effect on Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells viability up to 1000 μg/mL. Regarding in vitro scavenging capacity, the pulp revealed the highest scavenging power against NO. (IC50 =3.45 μg/mL) and HOCl (IC50 =12.77 μg/mL). These results emphasize the richness of A. arguta fruit pulp to be used in different food products.