Sapientia
Repositório Científico da UAlg
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Genomic footprints of selfing, introduction history, and long-distance dispersal in an invasive alien plant
Publication . Sánchez-García, Raúl; Green, Andy J; Ortiz, María A; García, Cristina; Hortas, Francisco; Reynolds, Chevonne; Rowntree, Jennifer; Serrao, Ester A.; Tomasson, Lina; Tremetsberger, Karin; Leeuwen, Casper H A van; Ortego, Joaquín; Sangeet Lamichhaney
Biological invasions are natural experiments for studying the evolutionary and ecological processes underlying colonization success and range expansion. Using genome-wide data—generated via genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) from 30 populations spanning Europe and South Africa—we investigated the colonization history and successful spread of the invasive buttonweed Cotula coronopifolia, an annual plant introduced into Europe from South Africa about 300 years ago. Our analyses identified three major lineages in Europe distributed across the continent, often co-occurring without evidence of admixture. Phylogenomic dating revealed that these lineages diverged > 2,000 years ago—well before the earliest European records—suggesting divergence within the native range and either multiple introductions or a single introduction with multiple lineages. Mating-system inference shows that reproduction occurs primarily via self-fertilization (∼70% on average), although outcrossing predominates in some populations, revealing a facultative mating system. This high selfing rate has led to extremely low heterozygosity in most populations and a strong genetic structure. Genetic clustering also revealed admixed individuals resulting from rare inter-lineage outcrossing; comparisons of empirical and simulated data indicate that increased diversity after sporadic admixture events decays rapidly under subsequent selfing. Both the introduction history and long-distance dispersal facilitated by waterbirds likely explain the scattered distribution of lineages across Europe. Altogether, these results illustrate Baker’s “ideal weed” concept, highlighting the role of a flexible mating system in providing reproductive assurance during colonization and showing how predominant selfing can shape the genomic landscape of an invasive species.
Preclinical evaluation of asparagus stipularis in a rat model of metabolic syndrome and development of its nanoencapsulated form
Publication . Adouni, Khaoula; Zouaoui, Olfa; Brandão, Pedro; Rijo, Patrícia; Lima, Sofia A. Costa; Reis, Salette; Achour, Lotfi; Fonte, Pedro
Context: Asparagus stipularis Forssk decoction (ASD) has shown potential metabolic and antioxidant benefits, yet its effects on pancreatic dysfunction associated with metabolic syndrome remain insufficiently explored. Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the pancreatic protective properties of ASD in high-fructose diet (HFrD)-fed rats and to characterize ASD-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) as a delivery system to enhance its therapeutic potential. Methods: Rats were fed an HFrD and treated with ASD at two dose levels. Serum α-amylase and lipase activities were measured to assess digestive enzyme modulation. Pancreatic lipid peroxidation was quantified using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), while antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, were determined. Histopathological examination was performed to evaluate structural alterations in pancreatic tissues. ASD was encapsulated into PLGA NPs, and particle size, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential (ZP), and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were analyzed. Results: ASD significantly reduced serum α-amylase activity to 2285.3 ± 256.6U/L (low dose) and 1846.4 ± 82.8U/L (high dose) compared to HFrD controls. Serum lipase activity decreased by 13% and 18% at the respective doses. TBARS levels were markedly reduced, and antioxidant enzyme activities were restored to near-control levels. Histological analysis revealed improved β-cell morphology and reduced acinar degeneration. ASD-loaded PLGA NPs exhibited a mean size of 248 ± 5nm, PdI of 0.13 ± 0.01, ZP of −24.7 ± 1.3mV, and an EE of 75.5 ± 3.2%. Conclusion: ASD demonstrates significant pancreatic protective effects, and nanoencapsulation enhances its therapeutic promise for metabolic disorders.
Unlocking the past: dental calculus as key to understanding ancient health and disease through a one health framework
Publication . Neves, Dulce; Cristiani, Emanuela; Carvalho, António Manuel Faustino de; Silva, Ana Maria
Objective: Ancient dental calculus (DC) serves as a critical biomolecular repository, preserving dietary and extra-dietary residues related to past health and disease. This review examines DC as a potential 'One Paleopathology' resource, highlighting the interconnectedness of past human-animal-environmental health. Through a One Health lens, it critically assesses current research and opportunities for the next 50 years of study. Results: By synthesizing the available literature and the current state of the art, we critically evaluate how DC research bridges paleopathology, bioarchaeology, and modern health sciences, providing a unique lens for assessing health and disease within ecological and evolutionary contexts. We highlight methodological advances and limitations, while identifying critical gaps and opportunities for interdisciplinary integration, standardization, and forward-looking research to expand the field over the next 50 years. Conclusions: DC research effectively integrates paleopathology, bioarchaeology, and modern health sciences enabling the reconstruction of health and disease within ecological and evolutionary contexts and highlights the interdependence of humans, animals, and the environment. Significance: From a One Health perspective, dental calculus analysis provides a long-term perspective on interactions among humans, animals, microbes, and environments, informing past and contemporary health research. Limitations: Interpretation is constrained by preservation biases, variability in analytical methods, and the destructive nature of sampling dental calculus. Further Research: Future investigations should prioritize sustainable sampling, methodological standardization, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Emerging technologies and integrative approaches will place DC research at the forefront of 'One Paleopathology'.
Microplastic distribution and risk assessment in soil environment across Asian regions
Publication . Rehman, Zia Ur; Song, Jing; Wang, Chunhui; Nunes, Luís; Kazmi, Syed Shabi Ul Hassan; Azeem, Muhammad; Fu, Linxuan; Zhang, Yu; Li, Gang
Plastic pollution has emerged as a growing global environmental problem in recent years. As a major region for plastic production and consumption, Asia is at the forefront of this challenge. Although multiple studies have focused on microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic systems in the region, understanding of their distribution characteristics and ecological impacts in terrestrial ecosystems remains limited, particularly at an intercontinental scale. In addition, standardized ecological risk assessment methods and predictive frameworks for soil microplastics (MPs) remain lacking. This study investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of MP pollution in Asian countries, focusing on the differences between various regions in terms of quantity density, morphological characteristics (shape, size, and color), and land-use types. By integrating data from 128 studies published between 2018 and 2025, totaling 3370 sampling points, a comprehensive database was constructed to reveal the MP distribution patterns and potential risks. The analysis found significant spatial heterogeneity in Asian regions, with higher concentrations found in South Eastern Asia (8227.55 items/kg), Eastern Asia (3122.73 items/kg), and Southern Asia (2407.07 items/kg). The highest quantity densities of MPs were found in industrial and urban soils (4995.2 and 4359.6 items/kg), followed by agricultural soils (2812.8 items/kg), shedding light on the influence of intensive human activities and plastic inputs. In terms of morphological characteristics, fragments, fibers, and films shaped MPs predominated in most soils, with white, transparent, and black particles being the most common. Moreover, the analysis suggested possible vertical migration and gradual accumulation of MPs within soil profiles. Based on spatial distribution and morphological characteristics, this study evaluated the ecological risk using pollution load index and potential ecological risk index suggesting that certain regions may exhibit comparatively higher reported risk levels under the present assessment framework, particularly in Viet Nam, Indonesia, India, Iran, Bangladesh, and China, based on the currently available dataset. Lastly, machine learning models were applied for preliminary classification of soil MP ecological risk levels, with the random forest model showing the highest accuracy (99.5%), followed by GBDT (98.6%) and KNN (88.4%). This study provides spatial evidence for risk-oriented and predictive assessment of soil MP pollution across Asia and offers data support for future management and policy interventions.
Do toxic epiphytic microalgae compromise the consumption of edible macroalgae?
Publication . Chainho, Tomás; Cereja, Rui; Barbosa, Miguel; Xavier, Maria João; Pereira, Alícia; Oliveira, Inês; Caria Mendes, Madalena; Marques, António; Reis Costa, Pedro
The growing global demand for farmed macroalgae highlights the need to better understand potential contaminant loads, including toxins from harmful algal blooms, and their implications to human health. In this study, the green macroalga Ulva rigida was co-cultivated with the epiphytic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima to determine whether toxins produced by the toxic dinoflagellate accumulate in the macroalgae and assess the efficacy of post-harvest processing techniques to reduce or eliminate the risk of toxins contamination. Ulva rigida (60 g wet weight) was maintained under controlled laboratory conditions in sterile F/2 medium and in co-culture with P. lima. Macroalgae were divided into two treatments: a) no processing; b) processing. Samples were analysed by LC-MSMS to detect okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX1). High toxins levels were detected after 7 days of exposure to P. lima. Contrastingly, the post-harvesting process of washing and scrubbing was efficient in reducing toxins loads, indicating that lipophilic toxins were surface bound and can be easily eliminated using efficient post-harvest processes. The results indicate that epiphytic toxic microalgae may jeopardize the consumption of macroalgae, particularly if appropriate post-harvest processes are not applied to ensure the safety of farmed macroalgae for consumers.