124 research outputs found

    Desafíos y transformación en la era digital: el programa de formación en alfabetización informacional de la Biblioteca Central UNSAM.

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    En este artículo las autoras reflexionan sobre la transformación de los servicios bibliotecarios en apoyo a las nuevas necesidades y expectativas de la comunidad universitaria, con especial mención al servicio de referencia y el rol educativo de las bibliotecas. Se destaca la contribución de la biblioteca para el desarrollo de las actividades sustantivas de la institución y se presenta el caso de la Biblioteca Central de la Universidad Nacional de San Martín, que desde su creación y puesta en marcha en 2010 diseñó e implementó un programa de formación en Alfabetización Informacional (ALFIN) que continúa en crecimiento. Se expone la evolución del programa ALFIN, sus inicios y adaptaciones a los contextos vividos, manteniendo siempre la premisa de mejorar en pos de las necesidades de los usuarios. Se concluye enfatizando la importancia del trabajo colaborativo con las distintas áreas de la universidad para lograr un servicio transversal e integrador.In this article the authors reflect on the transformation of library services in support of the new needs and expectations of the university community, with special mention to the reference service and the educational role of libraries. The contribution of the library to the development of the substantive activities of the institution is highlighted and the case of the Central Library of the National University of San Martín is presented, which since its creation and launch in 2010 designed and implemented a training in Information Literacy (ALFIN) that continues to grow. The evolution of the ALFIN program is explained, its beginnings and adaptations to the contexts experienced, always maintaining the premise of improving in pursuit of the needs of the users. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of collaborative work with the different areas of the university to achieve a transversal and integrative service.Fil: Provenzano, Florencia Noemí. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Biblioteca Central; Buenos Aires, Argentina.Fil: More, Sabrina Fernanda. Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Biblioteca Central; Buenos Aires, Argentina.Fil: Messina, Lara Amalia. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Escuela de Humanidades. Centro de Estudios del Lenguaje en Sociedad; Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Effectiveness of Mp-3 microperimetric biofeedback fixation training for low vision rehabilitation in patients treated with corticosteroid Ivt in retinal vein occlusions

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    Background: The success of fixation training using microperimetric biofeedback (MP-3 MBFT) in the realm of visual rehabilitation for patients with central vision loss caused by macular pathologies is well established. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of visual rehabilitation with microperimetric biofeedback in consolidating the benefits obtained, with the goal of reducing the need for repeated intravitreal injections (IVT). Specifically, the focus is on the eyes of patients with central vision loss treated with slow-release corticosteroid IVT following retinal venous thrombosis (RVO), aiming to enhance and maintain postoperative efficacy. Methods: This retrospective review involved the examination of 44 eyes affected by macular edema due to RVO associated with central vision loss. Patients were divided into two groups, with only one undergoing ten sessions of 10-minute visual rehabilitation with a microperimeter (MP-3 MBFT) after IVT over a period of 20 weeks. Results: All the treated patients demonstrated good tolerance to the procedure, with no reported complications. A comparison of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal sensitivity recorded with a microperimeter, and pre-IVT fixation stability revealed statistically significant improvements at the end of the first month after IVT. However, the treatment group continued to exhibit superior and more enduring results at four months post-IV. Conclusion: The synergistic use of MP-3 MBFT rehabilitation after IVT with slow-release corticosteroids has proven particularly effective in improving BCVA and long-term fixation stability. This led to a significant reduction in the number of required IVTs, with no related adverse events. The authors argue that biofeedback utilization represents a noninvasive therapeutic option devoid of contraindications and easy to implement and that it positively contributes to the overall patient experience regarding quality of life in advanced stages of macular diseases

    Habitat and food preferences of European rabbits in core and edge populations along the invasion front Patagonia-Monte, Argentina

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    The European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus is an exotic herbivorous mammal undergoing an active phase of geographical expansion in arid ecosystems of Argentina. The Adaptive Flexibility Hypothesis states that populations at the range edge (new populations) will exhibit greater flexibility in use of resources compared to populations located in the range core (older populations). The objective of this work was to compare the rabbit use of spatial and trophic resources in relation to establishment time of their populations. The sampling was carried out for 2 years (2017, 2018) in sites with different establishment times for rabbit populations. Random sampling stratified by type of habitat was applied using 115 fixed strip transects of 1,000 m 2 laid out across the study areas. Fresh rabbit signs were recorded in each transect, and environmental and anthropic variables were measured. Our results show that the individuals from the range edge are more selective in the use of habitat than those from the range core. At the microhabitat level, we observed a pattern in the particular components of habitat use by rabbits mainly linked to food availability and proximity to water. From a trophic perspective, rabbits could show flexible adjustment to novel conditions environments in the range edge. The variability in resource use by the European rabbit confirms its ecological flexibility, pivotal for their advance toward new environments in Argentina.Fil: Bobadilla, Sabrina Yasmin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Dacar, María Ana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Jaksic, Fabián M. Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas; ChileFil: Ojeda, Ricardo Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Cuevas, Maria Fernanda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; Argentin

    Practical class to evaluate the adsorption of Al(III) ions from aqueous solutions using non-viable bacterial biomass trapped in an agar-agar matrix

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    The contamination of wastewater with metals and the use of biotechnologies to remove them is commonly discussed in theoretical biology, microbiology and biotechnology classes aimed at undergraduate students. This work introduces an easy, economical and safe practical laboratory class related to this topic. The practice consists in performing batch assays to remove Al(III) from aqueous solutions by using non-viable bacterial biomass trapped in agar-agar beads. Students prepare these beads and analyse Al(III) adsorption on the basis of: pH, time of contact, and Al(III) concentration. Free Al(III) is quantified spectrophotometrically through a simple colorimetric method. The data obtained are used to calculate and graphically represent the amount of metal adsorbed to the beads. Finally, students analyse and discuss the results to determine the optimal adsorption conditions. Moreover, since Al(III) becomes much more attached to beads with trapped biomass than to beads without microorganisms, the class serves to demonstrate one of the advantages of using immobilised microbial cells in adsorption processes. This class was satisfactorily implemented in an upper-level course for undergraduate students of biological sciences. They were able to properly execute all the experiments and calculations proposed and to become acquainted with useful experimental design to remove a metal.Fil: Boeris, Paola Sabrina. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Biotecnologia Ambiental y Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Biotecnologia Ambiental y Salud.; ArgentinaFil: Bergero, Maria Fernanda. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Biotecnologia Ambiental y Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Biotecnologia Ambiental y Salud.; ArgentinaFil: Heredia, Romina Marisa. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Biotecnologia Ambiental y Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Biotecnologia Ambiental y Salud.; ArgentinaFil: Liffourrena, Andres Sebastian. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Biotecnologia Ambiental y Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Biotecnologia Ambiental y Salud.; ArgentinaFil: Lucchesi, Gloria Ines. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Cs.exactas Fisicoquimicas y Naturales. Instituto de Biotecnologia Ambiental y Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto de Biotecnologia Ambiental y Salud.; Argentin

    Alfabetización informacional, virtualidad e inteligencia artificial: nuevos desafíos y oportunidades

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    The implementation of information literacy activities and programs occupies a central place in libraries in order to provide information and training on available services and resources, to promote the development of skills in the use and management of information and to strengthen the link with the user community. The return to post-pandemic presence in educational institutions was faced with the challenge of adopting the hybrid format with the design of didactic proposals according to user’ s needs and expectations. Likewise, the latest advances in artificial intelligence applied to research and learning present a new challenge and the need to strengthen the collaborative alliance with teachers and researchers to think of creative proposals together. The case of the Central Library of the National University of San Martín will be presented, which in recent years has built different in-person, virtual and hybrid spaces for information literacy

    Chemical composition and omega 3 human health benefits of two sea cucumber species of North Atlantic

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    The author, Sabrina Sales, wish to acknowledge the individual Doctoral Grant (Ref. SFRH/BD/128813/2017) funded by the “Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia” (FCT) and the Project MAR-02.01.01-FEAMP-0052 “Newcumber - Avanços para o cultivo sustentável de pepinos-do-mar”, funded by the Operational Program Mar2020.The main goal of this study was to investigate the seasonal chemical changes of two sea cucumber species caught from Portugal. The potential contribution to human health of lipids was also evaluated. For this, the chemical composition (protein, ash, and fat) and lipids composition of Holothuria arguinensis and Holothuria forskali was followed in summer and winter. Both species presented adequate levels of protein and ash and low content of total lipids, although their lipid profile showed a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was abundant in all samples, and a favorable and similar n-3/n-6 ratio was found for both species. The atherogenic and thrombogenicity indices and ypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio suggests a high-quality for H. arguinensis and H. forskali. In general, significant differences were observed between species but not between summer and winter. Some significant variations were observed between summer and winter in the lipid profile of both species and in the chemical composition of H. forskali. Results indicate that these species have adequate nutritional quality for human consumption and may be suitable for the development of reliable fatty acid guides in sea cucumbers.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Desafíos y transformación en la era digital : El programa de formación en alfabetización informacional de la Biblioteca Central UNSAM

    No full text
    In this article the authors reflect on the transformation of library services in support of the new needs and expectations of the university community, with special mention to the reference service and the educational role of libraries. The contribution of the library to the development of the substantive activities of the institution is highlighted and the case of the Central Library of the National University of San Martín is presented, which since its creation and launch in 2010 designed and implemented a training in Information Literacy (ALFIN) that continues to grow. The evolution of the ALFIN program is explained, its beginnings and adaptations to the contexts experienced, always maintaining the premise of improving in pursuit of the needs of the users. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of collaborative work with the different areas of the university to achieve a transversal and integrative service

    Evaluation of the participation of the endocannabinoid system in the extinction of conditioned fear memory of mice

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    O transtorno do estresse pós-traumático (TEPT), uma doença psiquiátrica debilitante, pode se desenvolver após exposição a eventos traumáticos. Os tratamentos aprovados possuem baixa eficácia, longa latência para ação e inúmeros efeitos adversos. Portanto, estudos sobre os mecanismos envolvidos no TEPT são importantes para prover novas perspectivas terapêuticas com mais eficácia. Dentre inúmeros sistemas possivelmente envolvidos na fisiopatologia do TEPT está o endocanabinoide (eCB). Inicialmente, o presente projeto testaria a hipótese de que uma disfunção na sinalização eCB induzida pelo estresse de derrota social repetida (EDSR) estaria envolvida em alterações comportamentais relacionadas ao TEPT. Para isso, foram realizados experimentos para padronização dos protocolos de EDSR e de medo condicionado contextual (MCC), empregando diferentes testes comportamentais após o estresse (Estudo 1). Para realização do EDSR, um camundongo CD-1 foi introduzido na caixa-moradia dos camundongos C57Bl/6 a fim de causar perturbações na hierarquia social e ataques físicos nos animais residentes (6 dias consecutivos, 2h por dia). Em um dos experimentos, a AA-5HT (antagonista TRPV1 e inibidor da FAAH; 0,1, 0,3 e 1,0 mg/kg, i.p.) foi administrada 1 hora antes de cada sessão de estresse. Após uma semana, o protocolo de MCC foi realizado. Os animais foram colocados em uma caixa de condicionamento por 7 minutos e 30 segundos, onde receberam 3 choques elétricos (0,75mA, 2 s cada), randômicos, nas patas. Após 24h, foram reexpostos à caixa, sem choques, por 20 minutos (sessão de evocação e aquisição de extinção; Dia 2). Após outras 24h, foram novamente reexpostos à caixa (10 minutos) para a evocação da memória de extinção (Dia 3). Foi observado que o protocolo de EDSR não induziu efeito ansiogênico consistente ou déficits de extinção da memória de MCC, conforme esperado e previamente reportado. No experimento com a AA-5HT, embora o EDSR também não tenha induzido alterações no MCC, os efeitos da droga são inconclusivos devido ao baixo número de animais utilizado. Devido à ineficácia do estresse e ao fato do protocolo de MCC produzir resultados consistentes, o objetivo do trabalho foi alterado, e passou a ser testar a hipótese de que os receptores CB2 modulariam a extinção do MCC. Para isso, no protocolo de MCC explicado acima, um agonista de receptores CB2 (JWH133) e um antagonista/agonista inverso CB2 (AM630), ambos nas doses de 0,5, 1,0, 2,0 ou 4,0 mg/kg, i.p., foram administrados 30 minutos antes da reexposição à caixa no Dia 2. O JWH133 (2,0 mg/kg) facilitou a aquisição da extinção sem, no entanto, interferir na evocação desta memória, ao menos a curto prazo. O AM630 (2,0 mg/kg) também apresentou um possível e discreto efeito facilitador da extinção (Dia 2). Uma possibilidade poderia ser por ação dos eCBs em CB1, portanto foi feita a administração de dose inefetiva de AM251 30 minutos antes do AM630. Não foi observado o efeito esperado. Considerando a importância dos eCBs em situações mais aversivas, realizou-se um experimento com protocolo de choques mais intensos (3x1,5 mA, 2s) com o JWH133 (2,0 e 4,0 mg/kg). O JWH133 (2,0 mg/kg) apresentou efeito facilitador mais robusto na aquisição da memória de extinção, sem interferir na evocação desta memória. Já a maior dose (4,0 mg/kg) não interferiu na aquisição da memória de extinção, mas prejudicou a evocação desta memória no dia seguinte, evidenciado uma resposta dual. Estes resultados sugerem que os receptores CB2 podem estar envolvidos no processo de extinção do MCC, mas de forma complexa, provavelmente envolvendo equilíbrio de ação dos eCBs em diferentes receptores e em receptores com diferentes localizações celulares. Mais estudos, portanto, são necessários para elucidar estas questões.Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a debilitating psychiatric disorder, can develop after exposure to traumatic events. The approved treatments are little effective, have long latency period to start the action, and numerous adverse effects. Therefore, studies that investigate mechanisms involved in PTSD are importante to provide new therapeutic perspectives more effectively. The endocanabinoid (eCB) system is among the biological systems that can possibly be involved in the PTSD pathophysiology. Initially, the objective was to test the hypothesis that a repeated social defeat stress (RSDS)-induced dysfunction in the eCB signaling would be involved in PTSD-related behavioral changes. For this purpose, we performed experiments aiming at standardizing RSDS and contextual fear conditioning (CFC) protocols, using different behavioral tests after stress (Study 1). To perform the RSDS, a CD-1 mouse was introduced into the homecage of the C57Bl/6 mice, in order to disturb the social hierarchy and attack the residente animals (6 consecutive days, 2 hours a day). In one of the experiments, AA-5HT (TRPV1 antagonist and FAAH inhibitor; 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 1 hour before each stress session. After 1 week, the CFC protocol was performed, in which the mice were placed in a conditioning chamber for 7 minutes and 30 seconds, where They received 3 random electric footshocks (0.75 mA, 2s each). After 24 hours, They were re-exposed to the chamber, without footshocks, for 20 minutes (session of evocation and acquisition of extinction; day 2). After another 24 hours, They were re-exposed again to the chamber (10 minutes) to test the evocation of extinction memory (day 3). RSDS protocol did not induce consistente anxiogenic effect or CFC memory extinction déficits, as expected and previously reported. In the experimente with AA-5HT, althought RSDS also did not induce changes in the CFC, the effects of the drug are inconclusive due to the low number of animals used. Due to the lack of efficacy of RSDS and the fact that the MCC protocol produced consistent results, the objective of this work was changed to: test the hypothesis that CB2 receptors would modulate CFC memory extinction. For this purpose, in the same CFC protocol explained before, a CB2 receptor agonist (JWH133) and a CB2 antagonist/inverse agonist (AM630), both at doses of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0 mg/kg, i.p., were administered 30 minutes prior to box re-exposure on Day 2. JWH133 (2.0 mg/kg) facilitated the acquisition of extinction memory without, however, interfering with the evocation of this memory, at least in short term. AM630 (2.0 mg/kg) also had a slight possible effect facilitating extinction (Day 2). One possibility could be the action of eCBs on CB1, so an ineffective dose of AM251 was administered 30 minutes before AM630. The expected effect was not observed. Considering the importance of eCBs in more aversive situations, an experiment was carried out with a protocol involving more intense shocks (3x1.5 mA, 2s) with JWH133 (2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg). JWH133 (2.0 mg/kg) had a more robust facilitating effect on the acquisition of extinction memory, without interfering with the evocation of this memory. The highest dose (4.0 mg/kg) did not interfere with the acquisition of extinction memory, but impaired the evocation of this memory on the following day, evidencing a dual response. These results suggest that CB2 receptors may be involved in the CFC memory extinction process, but in a complex way, probably involving balance of action of eCBs in different receptors and in receptors with different cellular locations. Therefore, more studies are needed to elucidate these questions

    Educação e o exercício da cidadania no Brasil: o debate sobre a inclusão da disciplina Ciência Política na grade curricular obrigatória do ensino médio

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    A população brasileira, em geral, pouco demonstra interesse por assuntos políticos e que envolvam o exercício da cidadania, fator que reflete diretamente um contexto social, com pouca consciência coletiva. Pensando neste quadro e nas possibilidades de mudanças, a educação e o direito à educação aparecem como suportes para isso, inclusive para o reconhecimento da soberania popular, da democracia e do exercício dos direitos. Além disso, a construção de cidadãos ativos, críticos e mais engajados são condições para se alcançar uma mudança daquela realidade. Busca-se discutir o cenário da educação para o exercício da cidadania no Brasil, com recorte ao debate da inserção da disciplina ciência política na grade curricular obrigatória do ensino médio no Brasil. A problemática reside na identificação da lacuna na educação formal do ensino médio, no que toca à temas vinculados ao exercício da cidadania dos jovens e questiona-se, se a inclusão de uma nova disciplina poderá trabalhar na perspectiva de uma mudança futura. Identifica-se a falta de informação e acesso à elaboração do conhecimento como barreiras ao pretenso alcance, sendo as escolas o lócus ideal para a construção do senso crítico dos jovensThis study aims to demonstrate that education for citizenship in Brazil, despite being one of the main objectives of compulsory education, has not been observed by the current Brazilian compulsory curriculum. The Brazilian population, in general, is not interested in political issues, and does not have a socially active position to change the social context in which it is inserted. This framework needs to be modified, considering that popular sovereignty is one of the foundations of the Brazilian Republic. Thus, it is of paramount importance that the Brazilian population become more politically active, more engaged and more critical of those in power. This work aims to demonstrate that through the inclusion of the discipline Political Science in the compulsory curriculum of high school, this framework can be modified in the long term. One of the reasons for the indifference of the Brazilian with the political situation is the lack of information, and the school is an ideal lócus for the construction of critical sense and promote knowledge in this are

    Sea Cucumber of north Atlantic: Approach to the potential of new sea resource

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    Sea cucumber is a marine resource that is little or not used in portuguese and European diet, in contrast to what happens in asia, where these animals play an important role as a food resource (high nutritional value) and also in traditional medicine (as a nutraceutical important source). So, sea cucumbers have been subjected to more extensive research all over the world. The value of the sea cucumber as a potential marine resource in Portugal and Europe, was the main goal of this thesis, as a contribution to generate initial data on the nutritional and nutra- ceutical quality of the species present on the portuguese coast. It is repported four species with commercial value existing in Portugal, namely Holothuria arguinensis, Holothutia forskali, Ho- lothuria mammata and Parastichopus regalis. This thesis evaluated all of them distributed along Sesimbra coast (blue coast) using scuba diving to collect the samples. In general, the results showed relevant data similar to the Asian species. The level of protein, carbohydrate, ash, mi- nerals and total lipids showed an important source of proteins, high mineral content (high amount of ash) and with a low lipid content (prevailing PUFA) both in summer and winter seasons. Bioaccessibility of mineral nutrients and contaminants was carried out using an in vitro simulation of human digestion. This was carried out summer and winter to verify whet- her the absorption is influenced by seasonality. The first step to evaluate bioactive compounds (antioxidant and anti-inflammatorycompounds with special focus on polyphenolic substan- ces) was to analyze the best extraction method using different types of solvents. The second step was to compare the bioactive activity of sea cucumbers with another group of animals (tunicates). The third step was to test the same extracts for their ability to promote bone for- mation and mineralization in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Once the best method of extraction and the bioactive compounds present had been identified, the fourth and final step was to assess whether there is variation in these compounds across different types of tissue (muscle band, body wall, respiratory tree, intestine and gonads). As for the risks associated with the consumption of sea cucumber, the content of contaminating elements present in each species in the different types of tissue and throughout the year (spring, summer, autumn and winter) was evaluated. The results of the different chapters provide a significant contribution to the nutrition and nutraceutical value of these four Portuguese sea cucumbers as a future functio- nal food for the Portuguese population in a sustainable way.O pepino-do-mar é um recurso marinho pouco ou nada utilizado na alimentação por- tuguesa e europeia, ao contrário do que acontece na Ásia, onde estes animais desempenham um papel importante como recurso alimentar (alto valor nutritivo) e também na medicina tra- dicional (como importante fonte nutracêutica). Assim, os pepinos-do-mar foram submetidos a pesquisas mais extensas em todo o mundo. A valorização do pepino-do-mar como potencial recurso marinho em Portugal e na Europa, foi o principal objetivo desta tese, como contributo para a geração de dados iniciais sobre a qualidade nutricional e nutracêutica das espécies pre- sentes na costa portuguesa. São reportadas quatro espécies com valor comercial existentes em Portugal, nomeadamente Holothuria arguinensis, Holothutia forskali, Holothuria mammata e Pa- rastichopus regalis. Esta tese avaliou todas essas espécies distribuídas ao longo da costa de Se- simbra (blue coast) utilizando mergulho para recolher as amostras. Em geral, os resultados mostraram dados relevantes semelhantes às espécies asiáticas. Todas as espécies analisadas são importantes fontes de proteínas, possuem elevado teor de minerais (elevada quantidade de cinzas) e baixo teor de lipídios (PUFA predominante) tanto no verão quanto no inverno. A bioacessibilidade de nutrientes minerais e contaminantes foi realizada usando uma simulação in vitro da digestão humana. Essa etapa foi realizada no verão e inverno para verificar se a absorção é influenciada pela sazonalidade. O primeiro passo para avaliar compostos bioativos (compostos antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórios com foco especial em substâncias polifenólicas) foi analisar o melhor método de extração usando diferentes tipos de solventes. O segundo passo foi comparar a atividade bioativa dos pepinos-do-mar com outro grupo de animais (tu- nicados). A terceira etapa foi testar os mesmos extratos quanto à sua capacidade de promover a formação e mineralização óssea em zebrafish (Danio rerio). Uma vez identificado o melhor método de extração e os compostos bioativos presentes, a quarta e última etapa foi avaliar se há variação desses compostos em diferentes tipos de tecidos (banda muscular, parede corporal, árvore respiratória, intestino e gônadas). Quanto aos riscos associados ao consumo de pepino-do-mar, o teor de elementos contaminantes presentes em cada espécie nos diferen- tes tipos de tecido e ao longo do ano (primavera, verão, outono e inverno) foi avaliado. Os resultados dos diferentes capítulos fornecem um contributo significativo para a nutrição e va- lor nutracêutico destas quatro espécies de pepinos-do-mar como futuro alimento funcional para a população portuguesa de forma sustentável
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