Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2022-09-17"
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Antioxidant potential of extracts of Chromochloris zofingiensis cultivated in pilot-scale outdoor tubular photobioreactors under nitrogen limitationPublication . Corrêa, Priscila S.; M. Júnior, Wilson G. de; Caetano, NídiaChromochloris zofingiensis is known to be able to produce large amounts of astaxanthin and also to coproduce other molecules with antioxidant properties. Outdoor cultivation is the cheapest way for large-scale production; however, the unstable weather conditions can hinder the productivity of the biomass and the target product. The final biomass (0.92 g·L−1) and total carotenoids (0.55 mg·g−1) concentration achieved in outdoor cultivation (i.e., during autumn in Porto, Portugal) had no statistically significant difference compared to control cultivation (i.e., constant temperature, 18 °C, and light intensity, 4000 lx) (1.36 g·L−1 and 0.56 mg·g−1, respectively), however the biomass productivity was about threefold lower. Regarding the antioxidant potential, methanolic extracts from outdoor cultivation presented one of the highest values for radical scavenging ability (44.2 %) and ferrous-ion chelating ability (59.1 %), similarly to the results obtained by ethanolic extracts from indoor cultivation under nitrogen limitation. Highest total antioxidant capacities were observed in ethanolic extracts varying from 120.0 to 185.2 mg GAE·g−1.
- Neuroinflammation and Parkinson’s disease—from neurodegeneration to therapeutic opportunitiesPublication . Araújo, Bruna; Caridade-Silva, Rita; Soares-Guedes, Carla; Martins-Macedo, Joana; Gomes, Eduardo D.; Monteiro, Susana; Teixeira, Fábio G.Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder world wide. Clinically, it is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (DAn), resulting in severe motor complications. Preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that neuroin flammation can play a role in PD pathophysiology, being associated with its onset and progression. Nevertheless, several key points concerning the neuroinflammatory process in PD remain to be answered. Bearing this in mind, in the present review, we cover the impact of neuroinflammation on PD by exploring the role of inflammatory cells (i.e., microglia and astrocytes) and the interconnections between the brain and the peripheral system. Furthermore, we discuss both the innate and adaptive immune responses regarding PD pathology and explore the gut–brain axis communication and its influence on the progression of the disease.
- Semi-quantitative methods for assessing the risk of occupational accidents: A literature reviewPublication . Noronha, Ana R.; Costa, Sónia L.; Ferreira, Adriana S.; Faria, Brígida Mónica; Vieira da Silva, Manuela; Rodrigues, MatildeThis study reviewed the existing literature on the application of semi-quantitative methods to assess the risk of occupational accidents. The main goal was to identify and describe the methods used in practical applications. PRISMA methodology was applied in this systematic literature review. Scientific articles were searched in Science Direct, PubMed and B-on (from 2010 until March 2022). After defining and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 3 articles were analyzed. It should be noted the limited availability of articles that describe the application of semi-quantitative methods to assess the risk of occupational accidents. Given its advantages in decision-making about risk acceptance and the need of control measures, we highlight the importance of future developments of these methods and the need to expand their practical applicability.