About

Isabel Almeida is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chicano/Latino Studies at the University of California, Irvine, with an affiliation in the Department of Psychological Science in the School of Social Ecology. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master's and Ph.D. in Health Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her research program examines how biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors influence women’s reproductive health, with a particular focus on Latinas. She employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore perinatal processes, aiming to understand how psychological experiences during pregnancy relate to outcomes such as gestational length, postpartum mental health, and pregnancy loss. Her work investigates neuroendocrine pathways, including placental corticotropin-releasing hormone, as mechanisms linking maternal stress and anxiety to adverse outcomes like preterm birth and postpartum depression. Additionally, her qualitative research explores lived experiences of pregnancy, cultural meanings, and interpersonal dynamics among Latina women, including their emotional responses to pregnancy loss and interactions with healthcare systems. Her overarching goal is to identify mechanisms that shape risks and protections against adverse perinatal outcomes and to inform interventions that enhance the well-being of pregnant women and their babies.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Family medicine
• Biochemistry
• Food science
• Traditional medicine
• Intensive care medicine
• Nursing
• Chemistry
• Botany
• Biology
• Pharmacology

Selected publications

• Food pantry organizational features, nutrition environments, and partnerships: a community-engaged study in Southern California

  BMC Public Health · 2026-03-02

  articleOpen access

  Charitable food organizations are critical community hubs for promoting food security and nutrition. Few studies have examined whether food pantry organizational features (e.g., setting and size) are associated with the use of health promotion strategies. This cross-sectional study used a validated survey instrument (Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool+, NEFPAT+) in partnership with a southern California regional food bank to examine pantry consumer nutrition environments, including client choice models, marketing, and partnership/referral practices. Eligible pantries were: food bank partners, open at least 1/week for public distribution, and in high-poverty cities. We collected surveys from 27 of 35 eligible sites in 2024. We used descriptive statistics to summarize NEFPAT+ objective outcomes and conducted exploratory analyses to assess differences for specific objective results. Mann‒Whitney U tests and Kruskal‒Wallis tests were used to compare NEFPAT+ scores and objective results by pantry setting and size, respectively. Surveyed food pantries served a median of 450 households per month (range: 50 − 3,000). 52% were located in faith-based settings and 48% in other community settings. The median NEFPAT+ score was 39 out of 95 points (range: 8–61), indicating most pantries were classified as Silver (37%) or Gold (33%). Overall, 81% of pantries made nutritious foods easy to reach/identify, and 63% used client choice. Only 33% reported using certain marketing strategies. Few used local food sourcing or point-of-decision signage. Most pantries (78%) reported having external partnerships, and 74% referred clients to a local resource. Pantries located in other community settings used nutrition-focused strategies (i.e., client choice, healthy eating signage/recipes) and referred/partnered with community organizations (i.e., food, healthcare, employment assistance) at a significantly higher rate compared to pantries in faith-based settings. We did not find statistically significant differences by pantry size. This community-engaged study reveals how food pantries may function as multifaceted community health hubs for health promotion interventions. Results show both significant organizational strengths and targeted opportunities for improvement, with strategy use varying by food pantry setting type. Future research should evaluate whether pantries in faith-based settings need additional support, engagement, or technical assistance to promote community health in marginalized communities.

  PublisherDOI

• Food pantry organizational features, nutrition environments, and partnerships: a community-engaged study in Southern California

  Figshare · 2026-03-02

  otherOpen access

  Abstract Background Charitable food organizations are critical community hubs for promoting food security and nutrition. Few studies have examined whether food pantry organizational features (e.g., setting and size) are associated with the use of health promotion strategies. Methods This cross-sectional study used a validated survey instrument (Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool+, NEFPAT+) in partnership with a southern California regional food bank to examine pantry consumer nutrition environments, including client choice models, marketing, and partnership/referral practices. Eligible pantries were: food bank partners, open at least 1/week for public distribution, and in high-poverty cities. We collected surveys from 27 of 35 eligible sites in 2024. We used descriptive statistics to summarize NEFPAT+ objective outcomes and conducted exploratory analyses to assess differences for specific objective results. Mann‒Whitney U tests and Kruskal‒Wallis tests were used to compare NEFPAT+ scores and objective results by pantry setting and size, respectively. Results Surveyed food pantries served a median of 450 households per month (range: 50 − 3,000). 52% were located in faith-based settings and 48% in other community settings. The median NEFPAT+ score was 39 out of 95 points (range: 8–61), indicating most pantries were classified as Silver (37%) or Gold (33%). Overall, 81% of pantries made nutritious foods easy to reach/identify, and 63% used client choice. Only 33% reported using certain marketing strategies. Few used local food sourcing or point-of-decision signage. Most pantries (78%) reported having external partnerships, and 74% referred clients to a local resource. Pantries located in other community settings used nutrition-focused strategies (i.e., client choice, healthy eating signage/recipes) and referred/partnered with community organizations (i.e., food, healthcare, employment assistance) at a significantly higher rate compared to pantries in faith-based settings. We did not find statistically significant differences by pantry size. Conclusions This community-engaged study reveals how food pantries may function as multifaceted community health hubs for health promotion interventions. Results show both significant organizational strengths and targeted opportunities for improvement, with strategy use varying by food pantry setting type. Future research should evaluate whether pantries in faith-based settings need additional support, engagement, or technical assistance to promote community health in marginalized communities.

  PublisherDOI

• Additional file 2 of Food pantry organizational features, nutrition environments, and partnerships: a community-engaged study in Southern California

  Figshare · 2026-03-02

  articleOpen access

  Additional File 2: Table S1. NEFPAT+ results for client choice, marketing strategies, and community partnerships by pantry size (N=27). Word document (Additional File_2.docx) showing client choice, marketing strategies, and community partnership results for small (<500 households), medium (500-1000 households), and large (>1000 households) food pantries (N=27).

  PublisherDOI

• Advancing Understanding of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Folic Acid Supplementation via National Institutes of Health All of Us Data

  Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare · 2026-05-08

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital anomalies caused by failure of neural tube closure during pregnancy and contribute to childhood morbidity and mortality. Folic acid supplementation reduces NTDs risk, yet adherence remains low, particularly among Hispanic women and non-Hispanic Black women. This study examines folic acid supplementation by race/ethnicity, nativity, and social determinants of health (SDOH). METHODS: Data came from the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program (Registered Tier Dataset v7), a large, diverse biomedical dataset that includes underrepresented populations. Analyses were restricted to participants enrolled between May 2018-June 2022. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression models assessed for differences in folic acid supplementation, controlling for age, income, education, insurance, and pregnancy. RESULTS: Among pregnant and non-pregnant women of childbearing age (18-49 years; N = 85,874), older age was associated with higher odds of folic acid supplementation (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03-1.04, p < 0.001). Lack of insurance was associated with lower odds of supplementation (aOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.34-0.56, p 0 < 0.001), while pregnancy was associated with higher odds (aOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.90-2.71, p < 0.001). Non-Hispanic Black women had higher odds compared to non-Hispanic White women (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.88-2.40, p < 0.001). Among Hispanic women, age and pregnancy were associated with higher odds, lack of insurance with lower odds, and nativity was not associated with supplementation. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the role of SDOH and the need for equitable interventions across the reproductive lifespan.

  PublisherDOI

• Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation of Pyrazino[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-dione Derivatives Inspired by Fiscalin B

  Pharmaceuticals · 2026-05-15

  articleOpen access

  Background/Objectives: Chronic inflammatory skin diseases are frequently associated with pruritus, in which the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) and its ligand substance P (SP) play a central role. The development of compounds combining anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects represents a promising therapeutic strategy. This study aims to identify fiscalin B derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents with high affinity to NK1R using an integrated in silico and in vitro approach. Methods: A library of fiscalin B derivatives was screened through molecular docking against NK1R to identify high-affinity ligands. Selected compounds were further evaluated using in silico ADMET and toxicity predictions. In vitro assays were conducted in HaCaT keratinocytes, RAW264.7 macrophages, and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts to assess cytotoxicity, nitric oxide production, inflammatory proteins expression, and cell migration. Results: Docking studies identified several derivatives with predicted binding affinities comparable to or exceeding those of aprepitant, a well-established NK1R antagonist. Several compounds, particularly 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production to 41–51% without relevant cytotoxicity. This effect was associated with reduced iNOS protein levels, suggesting modulation of inflammatory pathways rather than direct nitric oxide scavenging. Most compounds showed positive safety profiles, although in silico analysis indicated limited biodegradability and potential aquatic toxicity. Conclusions: The fiscalin B derivatives, 2, 3, and 4, demonstrate potential as anti-inflammatory agents, in vitro, and as NK1R high affinity ligands, in silico. These findings support their potential as lead compounds for topical therapies for inflammatory skin disorders associated with pruritus, although further optimization and validation are required.

  PublisherDOI

• Additional file 1 of Food pantry organizational features, nutrition environments, and partnerships: a community-engaged study in Southern California

  Figshare · 2026-03-02

  articleOpen access

  Additional File 1: Sample Food Pantry Assessment Report. PDF document (Additional File_1.pdf) showing an example of the individualized feedback reports we provided to participating food pantries, including their NEFPAT+ scores, classification, and tailored recommendations based on the nutrition environment assessment we completed.

  PublisherDOI

• Additional file 1 of Food pantry organizational features, nutrition environments, and partnerships: a community-engaged study in Southern California

  Figshare · 2026-03-02

  articleOpen access

  Additional File 1: Sample Food Pantry Assessment Report. PDF document (Additional File_1.pdf) showing an example of the individualized feedback reports we provided to participating food pantries, including their NEFPAT+ scores, classification, and tailored recommendations based on the nutrition environment assessment we completed.

  PublisherDOI

• Food pantry organizational features, nutrition environments, and partnerships: a community-engaged study in Southern California

  Figshare · 2026-03-02

  otherOpen access

  Abstract Background Charitable food organizations are critical community hubs for promoting food security and nutrition. Few studies have examined whether food pantry organizational features (e.g., setting and size) are associated with the use of health promotion strategies. Methods This cross-sectional study used a validated survey instrument (Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool+, NEFPAT+) in partnership with a southern California regional food bank to examine pantry consumer nutrition environments, including client choice models, marketing, and partnership/referral practices. Eligible pantries were: food bank partners, open at least 1/week for public distribution, and in high-poverty cities. We collected surveys from 27 of 35 eligible sites in 2024. We used descriptive statistics to summarize NEFPAT+ objective outcomes and conducted exploratory analyses to assess differences for specific objective results. Mann‒Whitney U tests and Kruskal‒Wallis tests were used to compare NEFPAT+ scores and objective results by pantry setting and size, respectively. Results Surveyed food pantries served a median of 450 households per month (range: 50 − 3,000). 52% were located in faith-based settings and 48% in other community settings. The median NEFPAT+ score was 39 out of 95 points (range: 8–61), indicating most pantries were classified as Silver (37%) or Gold (33%). Overall, 81% of pantries made nutritious foods easy to reach/identify, and 63% used client choice. Only 33% reported using certain marketing strategies. Few used local food sourcing or point-of-decision signage. Most pantries (78%) reported having external partnerships, and 74% referred clients to a local resource. Pantries located in other community settings used nutrition-focused strategies (i.e., client choice, healthy eating signage/recipes) and referred/partnered with community organizations (i.e., food, healthcare, employment assistance) at a significantly higher rate compared to pantries in faith-based settings. We did not find statistically significant differences by pantry size. Conclusions This community-engaged study reveals how food pantries may function as multifaceted community health hubs for health promotion interventions. Results show both significant organizational strengths and targeted opportunities for improvement, with strategy use varying by food pantry setting type. Future research should evaluate whether pantries in faith-based settings need additional support, engagement, or technical assistance to promote community health in marginalized communities.

  PublisherDOI

• Additional file 2 of Food pantry organizational features, nutrition environments, and partnerships: a community-engaged study in Southern California

  Figshare · 2026-03-02

  articleOpen access

  Additional File 2: Table S1. NEFPAT+ results for client choice, marketing strategies, and community partnerships by pantry size (N=27). Word document (Additional File_2.docx) showing client choice, marketing strategies, and community partnership results for small (&lt;500 households), medium (500-1000 households), and large (&gt;1000 households) food pantries (N=27).

  PublisherDOI

• Human photoaging skin models for the efficacy evaluation of anti-aging ingredients: Advances on clinical and ex vivo studies

  European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics · 2026-03-20

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Solar radiation impacts the skin's biological processes, leading to premature aging. Accurately identifying and evaluating these effects in humans through tissue-based models is essential for advancing anti-aging research and validating cosmetic ingredients claims. However, the existing literature remains highly fragmented, hindering the identification of suitable photoaging skin models and knowledge gaps. This work provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of human (clinical and ex vivo) photoaging skin models used to assess the anti-aging efficacy of cosmetic ingredients, paving the way for the development of more advanced models for this purpose. A total of 43 studies using human skin (24 clinical and 19 ex vivo studies) were identified and curated. Clinical studies capture integrated physiological responses, in their majority associated with the improvement of clinical manifestations, whereas ex vivo models enable controlled mechanistic assessments of cellular and molecular changes. The key biomarkers evaluated in these studies encompass the main hallmarks of skin aging, including inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and structural alterations. In recent years, the assessment of photo-induced alterations in skin fibers and oxidation products has improved considerably due to the advances in the spectroscopic techniques in clinical studies. Despite these advances, variability in exposure conditions, biomarker selection, and phototype representation thwarts deeply cross-study comparisons. Future progress should focus on incorporating a broader range of Fitzpatrick phototypes, optimising irradiation conditions to approximate to the chronic solar exposure and integrating new biomarkers such as advanced glycation end-products and immunosuppressive indicators. The implementation of emerging technologies, such as skin-on-a-chip systems, and microfluidics, could enhance physiological relevance and reproducibility. Overall, this review identifies the key findings, highlighting strengths and limitations of the models, and future priorities towards the development and implementation of accurate human skin models for assessing anti-aging efficacy.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• José Manuel Sousa Lobo

  Universidade do Porto

  102 shared

• Paulo Costa

  Universidade do Porto

  76 shared

• Ana Teixeira

  Unidade em Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas

  67 shared

• Vera Almeida

  Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário

  64 shared

• Emı́lia Sousa

  Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental

  51 shared

• Maria Fernanda Bahia

  American College of Surgeons

  46 shared

• Maribel Teixeira

  40 shared

• Honorina Cidade

  Universidade do Porto

  27 shared

Education

• PhD

  Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto

  2009

• PharmD

  Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto

  1997

Awards & honors

• 2026 UC Regents