Biblioteca Digital do IPB

Publications Repository of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança

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The Digital Library of IPB (Biblioteca Digital do IPB), promotes and provides open access to scientific literature produced by the IPB academic community, promoting integration, visibility and sharing of scientific information granting the preservation of intellectual memory of the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança.

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Recent Submissions

Potential use of the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as an almond cultivar recognition tool: impact of sample and spectral pre-treatments

Publication . Lamas, Sandra; Rodrigues, Nuno; Santamaria-Echart, Arantzazu; Palu, Igor; Manhique, Jocyla; Herrero, Baudilio; López-Cortés, Isabel; Pereira, José Alberto; Peres, António M.

Three almond cultivars (Lauranne, Marinada, and Vairo) were studied, considering morphological parameters that showed statistical cultivar-dependence but not enabled accurate cultivar recognition. Alternatively, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was applied to whole endocarp, kernel, and ground almonds. Both transmittance spectra and respective derivatives (3400–2800 and 1900–600 cm of the three matrices were used to establish multivariate linear discriminant models, based on subsets of selected wavenumbers (6–33), allowing 90.5–99.7% of correct cultivar classification for repeated K-fold cross-validation. Ground almonds yielded the best results regardless of spectrum pre-treatment. While epicarp analysis offers less invasiveness, the use of raw transmittance spectra of ground almonds resulted into the most practical approach due to the need of fewer independent variables (less complex models), proving effective for cultivar identification via ATR-FTIR -chemometric tools. Overall, the findings point out that ATR-FTIR is a reliable tool for almond cultivar traceability.

2025Journal article

Embargoed access

Effects of Ladder-Climbing Exercise on Mammary Cancer: Data from a Chemically Induced Rat Model

Publication . Silva, Jessica; Azevedo, Tiago; Aires, Inês; Medeiros, Catarina; Neuparth, Maria J.; Seixas, Fernanda; Ferreira, Rita; Faustino-Rocha, Ana I.; Oliveira, Paula A.; Duarte, José Alberto

Breast cancer remains a significant global health issue, affecting both humans and companion animals, particularly female dogs and cats, where mammary tumors are among the most common cancers. Strategies to minimize the impact of this disease on patients, pet owners, and veterinary medicine are essential. This study analyses the effects of resistance training on the development of chemically induced mammary cancer in female Wistar rats, divided into four groups: sedentary control (CTR), sedentary induced (CTR+N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)), exercised control (EX), and exercised induced (EX+MNU). The exercise protocol involved ladder climbing three times a week for 18 weeks with the load progressively increasing. At the study’s end, blood and histopathological samples were collected and analyzed. Although tumor onset occurred two weeks earlier and incidence was slightly higher in the exercised group (EX+MNU) compared to the control group (CTR+MNU), the mortality rate was lower, and the malignancy was not as aggressive. No systemic inflammation was observed, as the levels of albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the MNU groups remained similar to the controls. Exercise has been shown to promote overall health by increasing physical fitness, boosting immunological function, and improving metabolic health. These findings may offer valuable insights into the potential role of resistance training in managing mammary cancer in companion animals. However, further research is required to assess clinical applicability and to establish safe and effective exercise protocols for veterinary oncology.

2025Journal article

Open access

Effect of melatonin implants on carcass characteristics and meat quality of slow-growing chickens

Publication . Nieto, Jaime; Leite, Ana; Vasconcelos, Lia; Plaza, Javier; Abecia, José-Alfonso; Revilla, Isabel; Palacios, Carlos; Teixeira, Alfredo

This study evaluated the effect of melatonin implants on carcass characteristics and meat quality of slow-growing broilers slaughtered at 43 and 97 days (d) of age. A total of 128 one day-old male broilers (Coloryeld) were randomly divided into two groups, which in turn were divided into 8 groups (replicates) of 8 broilers each one. One group (64 animals) was the control group (C) and the other received a melatonin implant (18 mg melatonin per animal) at 8 d of age (M). The animals were reared for 97 d. For the first 42 d they were kept in an enclosed facility and then allowed access to the outside. Two culls were performed: one at 43 d and one at 97 d, randomly selecting 8 chicks from each group at each time (N = 8 × 2 × 2= 32). Carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated on these samples. Chickens slaughtered at older ages had higher dead-plucked, leg and carcass weights (P < 0.05). In terms of meat quality, chickens slaughtered at 97 days had higher L* (P < 0.001), lower a*, b* and chroma values (P < 0.01), as well as lower pH (P = 0.006), higher shear strength (P < 0.001), water holding capacity (P < 0.001) and water activity (P = 0.036). The melatonin implants did not influence carcass characteristics (P>0.05). Luminosity, tone and water activity decreased with melatonin implants at 43 d of age (P <0.001), whereas pH increased (P = 0.004). At 97 d after slaughter, meat yellowness was lower (P = 0.028) and firmness increased (P = 0.029). At both time points, melatonin caused reddening of the meat (P < 0.001). Lipid oxidisability tended to be reduced, extending the shelf life of the meat (P = 0.068). The fatty acid profile was little affected by the placement of the implants. Age and melatonin have different effects on the meat quality of slow-growing chickens. While age affects several factors such as texture and fatty acid profile, melatonin improves colour, water activity and lipid oxidation. Its use could improve preservation and extend the shelf life of meat

2025Journal article

Open access

Exploring cardiovascular risk and plasma ghrelin levels in older adults: a preliminary study

Publication . Alves, Sara; Capristano, Jeovana; Sá, Leandro Moreira de; Mendes, Eugénia; Fernandes, Hélder; Vaz, Josiana A.

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of illness and mortality worldwide, with ageing as a key risk factor. As people age, heightened inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction increase their cardiovascular disease risk. Ghrelin, known as "the hunger hormone," is essential for energy regulation and metabolism. It offers cardiovascular benefits by promoting vasodilation and enhancing endothelial function. With anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, ghrelin aids vascular health, making it particularly significant for ageing populations where these processes are often disrupted. Imbalanced ghrelin levels may increase the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications. Understanding these variations in plasma ghrelin levels can offer insights into individual susceptibility to cardiovascular disease and highlight the hormone's role in metabolic and cardiovascular health. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate cardiovascular risk and plasma ghrelin levels in a community of 16 older adults aged 60 or above

2025Conference object

Open access

Sleep quality and hormonal levels of ghrelin and leptin in the elderly: a cross-sectional study

Publication . Alves, Sara; Capristano, Jeovana; Sá, Leandro Moreira de; Mendes, Eugénia; Fernandes, Hélder; Vaz, Josiana A.

The increase in life expectancy prompts a critical examination of the quality of aging in contemporary societies. Ageing causes alterations in the circadian sleep-wake cycle, which are closely linked to cellular senescence. Research indicates that insufficient sleep can accelerate inflammation and oxidative stress, highlighting the importance of good sleep hygiene for overall health and reducing the effects of ageing. Sleep quality is closely connected to hormonal balance, particularly ghrelin, leptin, melatonin, and serotonin. These hormones play significant roles in regulating appetite, metabolism, sleep patterns, and emotional well-being. This study aimed to evaluate sleep quality in a group of elderly individuals (N=25) and its relationship with serum levels of ghrelin and leptin. Sleep quality was assessed using the Portuguese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Blood collection for laboratory tests was performed according to WHO guidelines

2025Conference object

Open access