Browsing by Author "Teixeira, J.P."
Now showing 1 - 10 of 36
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Analysis of cellular damage induced by silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles on neuronal cellsPublication . Laffon, Blanca; Kiliç, G.; Fernandez Bertólez, N.; Costa, C.; Costa, S.; Teixeira, J.P.; Pásaro, E.; Valdiglesias, V.The objective of this work was to evaluate toxicity induced by silica-coated ION on a human neuronal cell line (SHSY5Y).
- Assessment of DNA damage on a group of professional dancersPublication . Esteves, F.; Teixeira, E.; Amorim, T.; Teixeira, J.P.Despite the numerous health benefits of physical activity, it is known that the induction of oxidative stress, on the cells and tissues metabolism, is a direct consequence of this practice and may contribute for various diseases. Cellular damage induced by oxidative stress can be represented through the modifications of several macromolecules such proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Genotoxicity evaluation is a crucial tool for studying important occupational hazards. The aim of the present study was to evaluate both DNA damage and oxidative stress in blood of a group of professional dancers before and after the season, comparing the first moment with general population.
- Assessment of indoor environmental quality in elderly care centersPublication . Cano, M.; Nogueira, S.; Alves, M.; Papoila, A.L.; Aguiar, F.; Rosa, N.; Brás, M.C.; Quintas, M.C.; Pinhal, H.; Nogueira, Ana; Proença, C.; Teixeira, J.P.The aim of this study was to characterize indoor environmental quality in a representative sample of Elderly Care Centers (ECC) in order to associate it with ventilation, health and comfort of elderly people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters and thermal comfort were measured twice, during winter and spring/summer seasons, from 18 Elderly Care Centers (ECC) located in Lisbon, with a total of 116 rooms evaluated.
- Bacterial and fungal exposure in schools may influence asthma and allergy in childrenPublication . Cavaleiro Rufo, João; Madureira, J.; Paciência, I.; Aguiar, L.; Delgado, L.; Teixeira, J.P.; de Oliveira Fernandes, E.; Moreira, A.Development of allergic diseases may be regulated by microbial exposure. Children spend a lot of their time in schools, under an extensive diversity of biological agents, such as bacteria and fungi. This study aimed to characterize indoor air microbiological exposure in schools as a predictor of allergic sensitization and asthma in children.
- A cost-efficiency and health benefit approach to improve urban air qualityPublication . Miranda, A.I.; Ferreira, J.; Silveira, C.; Relvas, H.; Duque, L.; Roebeling, P.; Lopes, M.; Costa, S.; Monteiro, A.; Gama, C.; Sá, E.; Borrego, C.; Teixeira, J.P.When ambient air quality standards established in the EU Directive 2008/50/EC are exceeded, Member States are obliged to develop and implement Air Quality Plans (AQP) to improve air quality and health. Notwithstanding the achievements in emission reductions and air quality improvement, additional efforts need to be undertaken to improve air quality in a sustainable way - i.e. through a cost-efficiency approach. This work was developed in the scope of the recently concluded MAPLIA project "Moving from Air Pollution to Local Integrated Assessment", and focuses on the definition and assessment of emission abatement measures and their associated costs, air quality and health impacts and benefits by means of air quality modelling tools, health impact functions and cost-efficiency analysis. The MAPLIA system was applied to the Grande Porto urban area (Portugal), addressing PM10 and NOx as the most important pollutants in the region. Four different measures to reduce PM10 and NOx emissions were defined and characterized in terms of emissions and implementation costs, and combined into 15 emission scenarios, simulated by the TAPM air quality modelling tool. Air pollutant concentration fields were then used to estimate health benefits in terms of avoided costs (external costs), using dose-response health impact functions. Results revealed that, among the 15 scenarios analysed, the scenario including all 4 measures lead to a total net benefit of 0.3M€·y(-1). The largest net benefit is obtained for the scenario considering the conversion of 50% of open fire places into heat recovery wood stoves. Although the implementation costs of this measure are high, the benefits outweigh the costs. Research outcomes confirm that the MAPLIA system is useful for policy decision support on air quality improvement strategies, and could be applied to other urban areas where AQP need to be implemented and monitored.
- Cytotoxic effects of hydro-ethanolic extracts from Coleostephus myconis (L.) rchb.f. flowers and green partsPublication . Bessada, Silvia; Barreira, J.C.M.; Costa, C.; Bessa, M.J.; Teixeira, J.P.; Oliveira, M.B.P.P.The species Coleostephus myconis (L.) Rchb.f. is considered as being a harmful and persistent weed, with constant presence in abandoned farmland. Prevailing in the Portuguese flora, C. myconis belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is recognized for its global medicinal value and high antioxidant power, as described in different research works. Nevertheless, before considering incorporating this species in food of pharmaceutical applications, it is imperative to evaluate their potential toxicity.
- Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of polar extracts obtained from saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Floral bio-residuesPublication . Barreira, João; Costa, C.; Branquinho, R.; Rebelo, J.M.; Bessa, M.J.; Peixe, L.; Teixeira, J.P.; Oliveira, M.B.P.P.Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) flower comprises six purple tepals, three yellow stamens and a white filiform style ending in a stigma with three threads, which represents less than 10% (w/w) of the flower weight. However, the stigma is the dominant reason to farm/harvest saffron, since it represents the most valued spice (after being dried). Interesting large amounts of floral bio-residues are produced and wasted from this action, considering that a single kg of saffron spice generates ~63 kg of floral bioresidues. This scenario creates opportunities for the extended use of this discarded material, particularly owing to its important bioactive compounds and related health promoting properties, such as antioxidant, antityrosinase, antidepressant, antifungal, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and arterial pressure reduction.
- DNA damage and oxidative DNA damage in Inflammatory Bowel DiseasePublication . Pereira, C.; Coelho, R.; Grácio, G.; Dias, C.; Silva, M.; Peixoto, A.; Lopes, P.; Costa, C.; Teixeira, J.P.; Macedo, G.; Magro, F.
- Effect of individual's characteristics on volatile organic compoounds profile analysed by an electronic nosePublication . Slezakova, Klara; Cavaleiro-Rufo, J.; Esteves, F.; Costa, D.; Pereira, M.C.; Teixeira, J.P.; Madureira, J.Breath analysis using an electronic nose (eNose) is a technology for exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that has shown potential in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases. However, the effect of an individual’s characteristics in the exhaled VOCs profile is far from fully understood. This pilot study aimed to identify the relevant characteristics of participants that may influence the VOCs profiles by the eNose. The study population consisted of 91 volunteers (57.1% males) with an average age of 38 years, randomly recruited among nonexposed individuals to VOCs in Porto, Portugal. Exhaled breath air samples were analysed using the Cyranose® 320. Physiological (e.g. height, weight) and sociodemographic characteristics, behavioural patterns, and occupational/environmental exposures were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Other data (e.g. type of consumed food, liquids and oral hygiene) was recorded via face-to-face interviews. Results showed that exhaled VOCs profiles are influenced by water intake prior to breath sample air collection. It is suggested that individuals should abstain from drinking water for 2.5 h before VOC analysis. This work will support other ongoing research in occupational exposure scenarios, such as forest firefighters’, to further the understanding of this under-explored scientific area, since we hypothesise that VOCs patterns will differ between persons occupationally exposed to VOCs and those unexposed.
- Evaluation of isoflavone content and cytotoxic activity of two new mexican alfalfa-based foodstuffsPublication . Soto-Zarazúa, M.G.; Rodrigues, F.; Costa, C.; Pimentel, F.; Teixeira, J.P.; Bah, M.; Barreira, F.; Oliveira, M.B.P.P.Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has been used as traditional medicine for the treatment of some diseases, being a source of phytoestrogens (mainly isoflavones), with beneficial properties for humans. Furthermore, this plant is widely consumed, either directly ingested as a fresh food or as in the form of derived foodstuffs. Therefore, the comprehensive chemical characterization and the evaluation of different types of bioactivity is of utmost importance.