University of Madeira

About: University of Madeira is a education organization based out in Funchal, Portugal. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Dendrimer. The organization has 1014 authors who have published 2759 publications receiving 59457 citations.

Biochemical composition, nutritional value, and antioxidant properties of seven seaweed species from the Madeira Archipelago

Abstract: Biochemical composition and antioxidant activity were assessed in seven seaweeds from Madeira Archipelago, namely, the chlorophyte (Ulva lactuca), the rhodophytes (Asparagopsis taxiformis, Chondrus crispus, Galaxaura rugosa, Grateloupia lanceola and Nemalion elminthoides), and the phaeophyte (Zonaria tournefortii). Seaweed mineral content varied from 16.60 to 84.16 g (100 g)-1 dry weight (dw). Organic matter, composed by fiber and matrix polysaccharides (8.33 to 54.04 g (100 g)-1 dw), starch (1.95 to 25.41 g (100 g)-1 dw), protein (2.80 to 17.55 g (100 g)-1 dw), and fat (1.46 to 12.04 g (100 g)-1 dw), was also determined. Asparagopsis taxiformis was found to have substantial quantities of protein, fat, fiber, and matricial polysaccharides, compared to the other analyzed seaweeds. Analysis of antioxidant components included the measurement of chlorophyll a (28.81 to 244.3 g (100 g)-1 dw), total carotenoids (0 to 297.8 g (100 g)-1 dw), total phenolic compounds (0 to 2154 mg GAE (100 g)-1 dw), and total flavonols (7.27 to 604.8 mg QE (100 g)-1 dw). Zonaria tournefortii was found to possess the highest contents of chlorophyll a, total carotenoids, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity, determined through ferric reduction antioxidant potential (FRAP), ferrous ion chelating (FIC), free radical-scavenging assay (FRSA), and β-carotene bleaching (β-CB). Statistical analysis showed 38 significant correlations between various biochemical and antioxidant parameters or activity and determined that fat content showed the highest number of correlations. Overall, this study gives a better understanding of Madeira autochthonous seaweeds in their potential of being introduced as a raw material for nutrient supplementation in various food products or to produce functional foods using seaweed natural properties.

Targeted Combination of Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis using Multifunctional Dendrimer-Entrapped Gold Nanoparticles as a Platform.

Abstract: Abundant reactive oxygen species and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) cytokine supply of M1-type macrophages boost rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathological process. For efficient RA therapy, here a multifunctional nanoplatform is presented based on generation 5 (G5) poly(amidoamine) dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles (Au DENPs) to achieve co-delivery of antioxidant alpha-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS) and anti-inflammatory anti-TNF-α siRNA to macrophage cells. G5 dendrimers with amine termini are sequentially functionalized with 1,3-propane sultone (1,3-PS), α-TOS through a polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer, and PEGylated folic acid (FA), and subsequently entrapped with Au NPs. The generated functional Au DENPs exhibit desired cytocompatibility, zwitterion-rendered antifouling property, and FA-mediated targeting specificity, enabling serum-enhanced siRNA delivery to M1-type macrophage cells. Meanwhile, the attached α-TOS affords enhanced oxidation resistance of macrophage cells. In vivo investigation shows that the treatment of a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model using α-TOS-modified Au DENPs/TNF-α siRNA polyplexes can achieve excellent combination therapy effect in inflammatory cytokines downregulation of RA lesion and bone erosions. The therapeutic efficacy is also supported by 3D micro-computed tomography analysis and TNF-α cytokine reduction of RA lesion joints in the mRNA, protein, and histology levels. The created multifunctional nanoplatform may be employed in antioxidative and anti-inflammatory combination therapy of RA.

First report of Ciguatoxins in two starfish species: Ophidiaster ophidianus and Marthasterias glacialis

Abstract: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a syndrome caused by the ingestion of fish contaminated with Ciguatoxins (CTXs). These phycotoxins are produced mainly by dinoflagellates that belong to the genus Gambierdiscus that are transformed in more toxic forms in predatory fish guts, and are more present in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean areas. It is estimated that CFP causes per year more than 10,000 intoxications worldwide. With the rise of water temperature and anthropogenic intervention, it is important to study the prevalence of CFP in more temperate waters. Through inter- and subtidal sampling, 22 species of organisms were collected, in Madeira and Azores archipelagos and in the northwestern Moroccan coast, during September of 2012 and June and July of 2013. A total of 94 samples of 22 different species of bivalves, gastropods, echinoderms and crustaceans where analyzed by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectometry-Ion Trap-Time of Flight (UPLC-MS-IT-TOF) and Ultra Performance Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Our main aim was to detect new vectors and ascertain if there were some geographical differences. We detected for the first time putative CTXs in echinoderms, in two starfish species—M. glacialis and O. ophidianus. We detected differences regarding uptake values by organisms and geographical location. Toxin amounts were significant, showing the importance and the need for continuity of these studies to gain more knowledge about the prevalence of these toxins, in order to better access human health risk. In addition, we suggest monitoring of these toxins should be extended to other vectors, starfish being a good alternative for protecting and accessing human health risk.

Tracking of fatness during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood: a 7-year follow-up study in Madeira Island, Portugal.

Abstract: Aims: Investigating tracking of fatness from childhood to adolescence, early adolescence to young adulthood and late adolescence to young adulthood.Subjects and methods: Participants from the Madeira Growth Study were followed during an average period of 7.2 years. Height, body mass, skin-folds and circumferences were measured, nine health- and performance-related tests were administered and the Baecke questionnaire was used to assess physical activity. Skeletal maturity was estimated using the TW3 method.Results: The prevalence of overweight plus obesity ranged from 8.2–20.0% at baseline and from 20.4–40.0% at follow-up, in boys. Corresponding percentages for girls were 10.6–12.0% and 13.2–18.0%. Inter-age correlations for fatness indicators ranged from 0.43–0.77. BMI, waist circumference and sum of skin-folds at 8, 12 and 16-years old were the main predictors of these variables at 15, 19 and 23-years old, respectively. Strength, muscular endurance and aerobic fitness were negatively related to body fatn...