Browsing by Author "Ventura, M."
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- Bronchoalveolar lavage proteomics in patients with suspected lung cancerPublication . Carvalho, A.S.; Cuco, C.M.; Lavareda, C.; Miguel, F.; Ventura, M.; Almeida, S.; Pinto, P.; de Abreu, T.T.; Rodrigues, L.V.; Seixas, S.; Bárbara, C.; Azkargorta, M.; Elortza, F.; Semedo, J.; Field, J.K.; Mota, L.; Matthiesen, R.Lung cancer configures as one of the deadliest types of cancer. The future implementation of early screening methods such as exhaled breath condensate analysis and low dose computed tomography (CT) as an alternative to current chest imaging based screening will lead to an increased burden on bronchoscopy units. New approaches for improvement of diagnosis in bronchoscopy units, regarding patient management, are likely to have clinical impact in the future. Diagnostic approaches to address mortality of lung cancer include improved early detection and stratification of the cancers according to its prognosis and further response to drug treatment. In this study, we performed a detailed mass spectrometry based proteome analysis of acellular bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples on an observational prospective cohort consisting of 90 suspected lung cancer cases which were followed during two years. The thirteen new lung cancer cases diagnosed during the follow up time period clustered, based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data, with lung cancer cases at the time of BAL collection. Hundred and thirty-tree potential biomarkers were identified showing significantly differential expression when comparing lung cancer versus non-lung cancer. The regulated biomarkers showed a large overlap with biomarkers detected in tissue samples.
- Characterization of food from burnt areas in the Central Region of PortugalPublication . Gueifão, S.; Moreira, T.; Ventura, M.; Delgado, I.; Coelho, I.; Castanheira, I.AIM: Forest fires constitute an environmental problem with adverse and diversified impacts on atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems, with economic and social repercussions, and a significant impact on flora. Fire mineralizes soil nutrients and returns plant-locked nutrients to the soil. Nutrients are lost from the ecosystem through the release of particulates and volatile compounds during the fire, and later through surface transport and leaching by rains1. Wildfires can play an important role in the environmental distribution of major and trace elements, including through their mobilization by fire-induced runoff and associated transport of soil and ash particles. Also, wildfires have been found to release and deposit contaminants on the soil surface, either directly by combustion of vegetation and mineralization of soil organic matter or indirectly through interactions of ashes. This fact can lead to the addition of potentially significant amounts of these elements in the soil and, thereby, can alter its chemical properties2. This study aims to evaluate the content of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) in cabbage, potatoes, eggs and fruit samples cultivated in recently burnt areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 24 pools composed of 3 samples each was analysed at three different harvest periods. Cabbage samples from burnt zones were compared with a designated control sample from a non-burnt zone. Analytical determinations were performed by Inductive Plasma Coupled Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Previously, samples underwent a heating block acid digestion with a validated time and temperature program. Speciation analysis was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ICP-MS. Before analysis, samples were extracted using nitric acid. Analyses were performed in accordance with ISO 17025:2005. RESULTS: The concentrations of As in fruits and Cd in eggs were below the limit of quantification (2.2 µg/kg and 3.1 µg/kg, respectively). The variation of Cr content between matrices was as follows: fruits > eggs > cabbages > potatoes. On the other hand, As contents was verified as: cabbage > eggs > potatoes > fruit. Cabbage presented the highest Cd content, while eggs had the lowest values for this element. When compared to the control sample, the most pronounced rise was observed for As. Speciation studies show that the predominant arsenic species in cabbages are also the most toxic ones, that is, arsenite (As (III)) and arsenate (As (V)). CONCLUSIONS: The values of the inorganic elements present in this study are not yet properly legislated so it is important to performed studies able to support future legal references. Monitoring studies based on accredited methods are a powerful aid in assessing the risk exposure of affected populations.
- Mackerel seasonality effect on Se contentPublication . Rego, A.; Ventura, M.; Gueifão, S.; Coelho, I.; Cardoso, C.; Afonso, C.; Bandarra, N.; Castanheira, I.Selenium is an essential micronutrient that can become toxic when ingested in high concentrations The human being can obtain Se through the consumption of food, dietary supplements, water and exposure to ambient air The food source is the most abundant and the main contributor to the daily intake of Se in Fish is one of the best sources of Se, and the Portuguese Mackerel is one of the most important and abundant species in Portugal It is rich in several vitamins and Se, due to being a predator The work presented integrates part of the first task of the project Newfood 4 thought that aims at the prevention of cognitive decline through nutrient combination. The aim is to study of the influence of seasonality in the levels of Se in Mackerel samples collected throughout the year. With the exception of May, Se content in mackerel remained constant throughout the year The high Se content found in May samples may be related to mackerel ´ s spawning season and feeding habits However, further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary conclusions, namely studying the Se content monthly for several years
- Resultados Minerais TDS Na, K, Ca, P, Fe , MgPublication . Nascimento, A.; Santiago, S.; Coelho, I.; Ventura, M.; Gueifão, S.; Coelho, M.Foram analisadas 229 amostras, por ICP-OES para a determinação dos teores de minerais: Na, K, Ca, P, Fe, Mg.