Proximate composition, physicochemical and microbiological characterization of edible seaweeds available in the Portuguese market

The aim of this work was the study of the proximate composition and profile of fatty acids, minerals, and some microbiological aspects of four edible seaweed species (Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Porphyra sp., and Ulva sp.) available in the Portuguese market for food consumption, and produced in a national Integrated Multi-Trophic System (IMTA). Methods: Moisture, ash, and total lipids were determined gravimetrically. Crude protein was analysed by Duma’s combustion procedures. The total carbohydrate content was assayed by the phenol/sulphuric acid method. The assessment of the fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs) was determined through GC-MS. Characterization of elemental analysis was performed by ICP-AES. Different standard microbiological methods were applied for microorganisms. Statistics were performed using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test to assess significant differences between samples. Results: Lipid contents (n = 3) were very low (1.6–2.3%), particularly in Palmaria palmata, and Chondrus crispus (1.6–1.7%). The protein content (n = 4) varied from 14.4% in P. palmata to 23.7% in Porphyra sp. Carbohydrates (n = 3) were the major constituent of most seaweeds (31–34%), except in Porphyra sp., with higher content in proteins than carbohydrates. Regarding the fatty acid content (n = 4), in general, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were the most abundant followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Among macro and trace elements (n = 3), Chondrus crispus shows the highest average content in Zn (71.1 mg·kg−1 D.W.), Palmaria palmata the highest average content in K (124.8 g·kg−1 D.W.), Porphyra sp. the highest average content in P (2.1 g·kg−1 D.W.), and Ulva sp. the highest average content of Ca (5.5 g·kg−1 D.W.), Mg (55.8 g·kg−1 D.W.), and Fe (336.3 mg·kg−1 D.W.). In general, Na and K were the most abundant elements among analysed seaweed. Additionally, the microbiological results (n = 4) comply with the Portuguese guidelines (subgroup 2D) on the application of general principles of food hygiene in ready-to-eat foods. Conclusions: Overall, the results highlight the potential of using these seaweeds as an alternative and sustainable source of elements and bioactive compounds to produce enriched food products with a beneficial potential for human nutrition.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Proximate Composition, Physicochemical and Microbiological Characterization of Edible Seaweeds Available in the Portuguese Market

This research was performed under the Alga4food project funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and co-financed by the Operational Program MAR2020 in the field of Sustainable Development of Aquaculture in the domains of Innovation, Advice and Productive Investment – Innovation and knowledge Action, grant number MAR-01.03.01-FEAMP-0016 – Alga4Food. This research was also supported by the Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit (UCIBIO) and the Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV), both funded by national funds and 11 (UID/50006/2020), respectively, and co-financed by the ERDF under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement (POCI-01-0145-FEDER - 007265).Background: The aim of this work was the study of the proximate composition and profile of fatty acids, minerals, and some microbiological aspects of four edible seaweed species (Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Porphyra sp., and Ulva sp.) available in the Portuguese market for food consumption, and produced in a national Integrated Multi-Trophic System (IMTA). Methods: Moisture, ash, and total lipids were determined gravimetrically. Crude protein was analysed by Duma’s combustion procedures. The total carbohydrate content was assayed by the phenol/sulphuric acid method. The assessment of the fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs) was determined through GC-MS. Characterization of elemental analysis was performed by ICP-AES. Different standard microbiological methods were applied for microorganisms. Statistics were performed using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test to assess significant differences between samples. Results: Lipid contents (n = 3) were very low (1.6–2.3%), particularly in Palmaria palmata, and Chondrus crispus (1.6–1.7%). The protein content (n = 4) varied from 14.4% in P. palmata to 23.7% in Porphyra sp. Carbohydrates (n = 3) were the major constituent of most seaweeds (31–34%), except in Porphyra sp., with higher content in proteins than carbohydrates. Regarding the fatty acid content (n = 4), in general, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were the most abundant followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Among macro and trace elements (n = 3), Chondrus crispus shows the highest average content in Zn (71.1 mg ⋅kg −1.D.W.), Palmaria palmata the highest average content in K (124.8 g ⋅kg −1 D.W.), Porphyra sp. the highest average content in P (2.1 g ⋅kg −1 D.W.), and Ulva sp. the highest average content of Ca (5.5 g ⋅ kg −1D.W.), Mg (55.8 g ⋅kg −1 D.W.), and Fe (336.3 mg ⋅kg −1 D.W.). In general, Na and K were the most abundant elements among analysed seaweed. Additionally, the microbiological results (n = 4) comply with the Portuguese guidelines (subgroup 2D) on the application of general principles of food hygiene in ready-to-eat foods. Conclusions: Overall, the results highlight the potential of using these seaweeds as an alternative and sustainable source of elements and bioactive compounds to produce enriched food products with a beneficial potential for human nutrition.publishersversionpublishe

The cone snails of Cape Verde: marine endemism at a terrestrial scale : marine endemism at a terrestrial scale

Cape Verde in the Eastern Atlantic is typical of many island groups in supporting a wealth of endemic species both terrestrial and marine. Marine gastropod molluscs of the genus Conus, commonly known as cone snails, occur in coastal tropical waters throughout the globe, but in Cape Verde their endemism reaches its apogee with 53 out of 56 species occurring nowhere else, the majority of which are restricted to single islands and frequently to single bays. However, Cape Verde is rapidly moving to a tourism-based economy with a projected boom in infrastructure development often coincidental with the shallow-water habitat of many range-restricted Conus. The conservation assessment of Conus to standards of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species, found that 45.3% of 53 species assessed from Cape Verde are threatened or near-threatened with extinction compared to 7.4% of 579 species in the rest of the world. The only three Conus species globally assessed as Critically Endangered and on the cusp of extinction are all endemic to Cape Verde. Our analysis of Conus species distribution, together with spatial data of coastal protected areas and tourism development zones, identify important areas for future research and new marine protection. Our findings show that endemism with its associated risks for Conus in Cape Verde has worldwide parallels with many non-marine taxa, while our proposed strategy for Conus conservation extends beyond the confines of the country and this taxonomic group

Pioderma gangrenoso pós-mamoplastia redutora / Pyoderma gangrenosum after reduction mammaplasty

Introdução: O pioderma gangrenoso (PG) é uma doença inflamatória e neutrofílica rara, ligada ao fenômeno de patergia ou a doenças sistêmicas. É de etiologia indeterminada. Complicação pós-operatória rara, cujas manifestações são lesões ulceradas e dolorosas com evolução rápida e progressiva. Método: Relato e revisão sobre PG, incluindo as repercussões na cirurgia plástica. Resultados: Com diagnóstico firmado de PG e início do tratamento com drogas imunossupressoras houve reversão do quadro. Passado dezoito meses, há nível satisfatório de aceitação pela paciente. Conclusão: Este relato elucida uma patologia pouco frequente, ocorrida pós- mamoplastia redutora e sua abordagem para a resolução desta doença. O cirurgião plástico deve conhecer tal distúrbio, pois aumenta seu arsenal terapêutico em caso de ocorrência pós-cirúrgica

Proteases of haematophagous arthropod vectors are involved in blood-feeding, yolk formation and immunity : a review

Ticks, triatomines, mosquitoes and sand flies comprise a large number of haematophagous arthropods considered vectors of human infectious diseases. While consuming blood to obtain the nutrients necessary to carry on life functions, these insects can transmit pathogenic microorganisms to the vertebrate host. Among the molecules related to the blood-feeding habit, proteases play an essential role. In this review, we provide a panorama of proteases from arthropod vectors involved in haematophagy, in digestion, in egg development and in immunity. As these molecules act in central biological processes, proteases from haematophagous vectors of infectious diseases may influence vector competence to transmit pathogens to their prey, and thus could be valuable targets for vectorial control

Peralkaline Felsic Magmatism of the Atlantic Islands

The oceanic-island magmatic systems of the Atlantic Ocean exhibit significant diversity in their respective sizes, ages, and the compositional ranges of their eruptive products. Nevertheless, almost all of the Atlantic islands and island groups have produced peralkaline felsic magmas, implying that similar petrogenetic regimes may be operating throughout the Atlantic Ocean, and arguably elsewhere. The origins of peralkaline magmas are frequently linked to low-degree partial melting of enriched mantle, followed by protracted differentiation in the shallow crust. However, additional petrogenetic processes such as magma mixing, crustal melting, and contamination have been identified at numerous peralkaline centers. The onset of peralkalinity leads to magma viscosities lower than those typical for metaluminous felsic magmas, which has profound implications for processes such as crystal settling. This study represents a compilation of published and original data which demonstrates trends that suggest that the peralkaline magmas of the Atlantic Ocean islands are generated primarily via extended (up to ∼ 95%), open system fractional crystallization of mantle-derived mafic magmas. Crustal assimilation is likely to become more significant as the system matures and fusible material accumulates in the crust. Magma mixing may occur between various compositional end-members and may be recognized via hybridized intermediate magmas. The peralkaline magmas are hydrous, and frequently zoned in composition, temperature, and/or water content. They are typically stored in shallow crustal magma reservoirs (∼ 2–5 km), maintained by mafic replenishment. Low melt viscosities (1 × 101.77 to 1 × 104.77 Pa s) facilitate two-phase flow, promoting the formation of alkali-feldspar crystal mush. This mush may then contribute melt to an overlying melt lens via filter pressing or partial melting. We utilize a three-stage model to account for the establishment, development, and termination of peralkaline magmatism in the ocean island magmatic systems of the Atlantic. We suggest that the overall control on peralkaline magmatism in the Atlantic is magma flux rate, which controls the stability of upper crustal magma reservoirs. The abundance of peralkaline magmas in the Atlantic suggests that their development must be a common, but not inevitable, stage in the evolution of ocean islands

Application of macroalgae from the Portuguese coast in functional foods: biochemical and chemical characterization

Seaweeds are an important marine resource used for millennia, with applications in many sectors such as food, cosmetic, pharmaceutic, agriculture, among others. They can be classified as: red algae (Rhodophyta), brown algae (Phaeophyta) and green algae (Chlorophyta). The addition of seaweeds or their extracts to food products should enrich these products with bioactive compounds, substances that help improving health. Thus, this study aims to: i) characterize chemically and biochemically four seaweed species Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Himanthalia elongata and Ulva sp.; ii) develop dairy products, incorporating seaweed; iii) assessment of Ulva sp. and C. crispus maintenance under laboratory conditions, without losing their properties and freshness. The results showed that the highest amounts of protein were found in C. crispus and P. palmata. The analysis of antioxidant enzymes showed higher SOD (U/mg total protein) in C. crispus, while the highest catalase activities were found in H. elongata and Ulva sp. Furthermore, the highest antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenolic content (TPC) were determined in H. elongata. Regarding total lipids and sugars, low levels were measured in all species. Two dairy products (cheese curd and yogurt) were developed with Ulva sp. and C. crispus. After developing the algae-enriched products, a sensory analysis was performed to find the best formulation. Then, protein content, AC, TPC and fatty acid profile were assessed. Significant differences were found in protein content and in some fatty acids, when comparing enriched with non-enriched dairy products. Thus, depending on seaweed species, it was possible to enrich the dairy products with some functional compounds. Moreover, the maintenance of the algae in the laboratory was promising, showing potential to grow under controlled conditions. This work highlights the great potential of marine algae for enriching food products with bioactive compounds, with benefits for a healthy diet and providing health benefits.As macroalgas são um importante recurso marinho utilizado há milénios, com aplicações em diversos setores como o alimentar, cosmético, farmacêutico, agrícola, entre outros. Podem ser classificados em: algas vermelhas (Rhodophyta), algas castanhas (Phaeophyta) e algas verdes (Chlorophyta). A adição de algas marinhas ou dos seus extratos aos produtos alimentares pode enriquecer esses produtos com compostos bioativos, substâncias que trazem benefícios à saúde. Assim, este estudo tem como objetivos: i) caracterizar química e bioquimicamente quatro espécies de macroalgas: Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Himanthalia elongata e Ulva sp.; ii) desenvolver produtos lácteos, incorporando algas marinhas; iii) avaliar a capacidade da Ulva. sp. e C. crispus sobreviverem em condições laboratoriais e não perderem as suas propriedades. Os resultados mostraram que as maiores quantidades de proteína foram encontradas na C. crispus e P. palmata. A análise das enzimas antioxidantes mostrou maior atividade de SOD (U/mg proteína total) na C. crispus, enquanto as maiores atividades de catalase foram encontradas em H. elongata e Ulva. sp. Além disso, a maior capacidade antioxidante (AC) e conteúdo fenólico total (TPC) foram determinados em H. elongata. Em relação aos lípidos e açúcares totais, níveis baixos foram medidos em todas as espécies. Dois produtos lácteos (requeijão e iogurte) foram desenvolvidos com Ulva. sp. e C. crispus respetivamente. Após desenvolver os produtos enriquecidos com algas, foi realizada uma análise sensorial para encontrar a melhor formulação. Em seguida, o conteúdo de proteína, AC, TPC e perfil de ácidos gordos foram avaliados. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas no teor de proteína e em alguns ácidos gordos, quando comparados os laticínios enriquecidos com os não enriquecidos. Assim, dependendo das espécies de algas marinhas, foi possível enriquecer os laticínios com alguns compostos funcionais. Além disso, a manutenção das algas em laboratório foi promissora, apresentando potencial de crescimento em condições controladas. Este trabalho destaca o grande potencial das algas marinhas para o enriquecimento de produtos alimentares com compostos bioativos, criando assim uma alimentação saudável e proporcionando benefícios à saúde

β-Cyclodextrin-modified zeolite from fly ash: Synthesis, characterization, and use as cadmium, lead and zinc adsorbent

The ISWA - Solid Waste World Congress 2014. Sao Paulo, Br. PósterCoal Combustion Products (CCPs) are the solid inorganic materials that remain after coal is burned to generated electricity in power plants. The major solid residues included in CCPs are fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag and FGD materials. With nearly 70% of the total amount fly ash is the most important CCP. Every year a crude estimation of 600 million tons of fly ash generated worldwide and about 4 million tons in Brazil. In this work, zeolite from coal fly ash (ZFA) was prepared by conventional alkaline hydrothermal treatment and modified with β-Cyclodextrin (CD). CD is a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of seven α-D-glucose units connected through α-(1,4) linkages with an internal hydrophobic cavity. CD is the most accessible environmental friendly “safe agent” for material modification due to its low-price and harmless properties. Modified zeolites with CD (CDZFA) were prepared at different modification conditions, such as contact time, ratio of zeolite from coal fly ash mass/volume of CD and different CD concentration . Preliminary adsorption experiments using the crystal violet dye as a model compound indicated that CDZFA-1 was the most effective adsorbent. Zeolitic materials, ZFA and CDZFA-1, were examined for the adsorption of toxic metals Pb+2, Cd+2 and Zn+2 from water in a batch technique. The effects of metal ion concentration and pH on the adsorption were investigated. The zeolitic materials before and after adsorption of metal ions were characterized using thermo analysis (TG/DTG; DSC), FTIR spectroscopy and zeta potential. The metal ion adsorption efficiencies for zeolite from coal fly ash and modified zeolite were compared and both adsorbents exhibited strong affinity for the ions. The reduction of metal ions from water by modified zeolite reached up to 99.49% for Cd2+, 99.88% for Pb2+ and 99.93 % for Zn2+. According to the obtained results, β-Cyclodextrin-modified zeolite from fly ash developed in this study has the potential to be a promising low-cost adsorbent for the removal of toxic metal ions from industrial wastewater.N