Percorrer por autor "Duarte, Sofia"
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- Collaborative science narrows knowledge gaps in marine biological invasions to advance a national framework.Publication . Ribeiro, Romeu S.; Espírito Santo, Cristina; Celestino, Susana; Mamede, Marta; Castro, João J.; Cruz, Teresa; Silva, Teresa; Jacinto, David; Bartilotti, Cátia; Lobo-Arteaga, Jorge; Tuaty-Guerra, Miriam; Canning-Clode, João; Duarte, Sofia; Lavrador, Ana S.; Costa, Ana Cristina; Parente, Manuela Isabel; Parretti, Paola; Ramalhosa, Patrício; Castro, Nuno; Morais, Pedro; Teodosio, Maria; Encarnação, João; Afonso, Inês; Cabral, Sara; Carvalho, Frederico; Dionísio, Maria Ana; Melo, Ricardo; Amorim, Ana; Sousa, António; Cidade, Tiago; Chainho, PaulaLarge-scale data synthesis is a foundation pillar of modern macroecology, necessary for transitioning fragmented regional data into scalable biosecurity frameworks. This study presents the outcomes of a coordinated nationwide effort to analyze marine Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) records across mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira archipelagos using a dual-framework design. Our goals were to update the morphologically confirmed NIS inventory, identify primary introduction pathways, examine temporal and spatial trends, and evaluate genetic database coverage. We delivered an updated checklist comprising 231 morphologically confirmed marine NIS, including five new regional records. Spatial analysis reveals distinct biogeographical divergence: mainland NIS predominantly originate from the temperate North Pacific, probably due to shipping and aquaculture vectors, whereas archipelago NIS originate from the North Atlantic. This pronounced regional variability in pathway dynamics underscores the need for spatially specific management rather than uniform national policies. Also, a systematic genetic gap analysis showed that 71% of these species are cataloged in global repositories, whereas only 12.5% feature locally sourced sequences. To bridge this gap, the second framework introduces a precautionary molecular watchlist of 22 species detected exclusively via DNA-based methods awaiting morphological confirmation. Ultimately, this dual-framework structure demonstrates how integrating taxonomy with provisional molecular data provides a reliable, data-driven baseline, while moving beyond a localized dataset update to offer a scalable reference frame capable of informing regional and global marine biosecurity frameworks.
- Multi-marker DNA metabarcoding for precise species identification in ichthyoplankton samplesPublication . Ferreira, André O.; Barroso, Cristina; Azevedo, Olga Mouteira; Duarte, Sofia; Egas, Conceição; Fontes, João T.; Ré, Pedro; Santos, A. Miguel P.; Costa, Filipe O.Ichthyoplankton monitoring is crucial for stock assessments, offering insights into spawning grounds, stock size, seasons, recruitment, and changes in regional ichthyofauna. This study evaluates the efficiency of multi-marker DNA metabarcoding using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene markers, in comparison to morphology-based methods for fish species identification in ichthyoplankton samples. Two transects with four coastal distance categories were sampled along the southern coast of Portugal, being each sample divided for molecular and morphological analyses. A total of 76 fish species were identified by both approaches, with DNA metabarcoding overperforming morphology-75 versus 11 species-level identifications. Linking species-level DNA identifications with higher taxonomic morphological identifications resolved several uncertainties associated with traditional methods. Multi-marker DNA metabarcoding improved fish species detection by 20-36% compared to using a single marker/amplicon, and identified 38 species in common, reinforcing the validity of our results. PERMANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in species communities based on the primer set employed, transect location, and distance from the coast. Our findings underscore the potential of DNA metabarcoding to assess ichthyoplankton diversity and suggest that its integration into routine surveys could enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of fish stock assessments.
- Nanocarriers in Tuberculosis treatment: Challenges and delivery strategiesPublication . Kumar, Mahesh; Virmani, Tarun; Kumar, Girish; Deshmukh, Rohitas; Sharma, Ashwani; Duarte, Sofia; Brandão, Pedro; Fonte, PedroThe World Health Organization identifies tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as a leading infectious killer. Although conventional treatments for TB exist, they come with challenges such as a heavy pill regimen, prolonged treatment duration, and a strict schedule, leading to multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. The rise of MDR strains endangers future TB control. Despite these concerns, the hunt for an efficient treatment continues. One breakthrough has been the use of nanotechnology in medicines, presenting a novel approach for TB treatment. Nanocarriers, such as lipid nanoparticles, nanosuspensions, liposomes, and polymeric micelles, facilitate targeted delivery of anti-TB drugs. The benefits of nanocarriers include reduced drug doses, fewer side effects, improved drug solubility, better bioavailability, and improved patient compliance, speeding up recovery. Additionally, nanocarriers can be made even more targeted by linking them with ligands such as mannose or hyaluronic acid. This review explores these innovative TB treatments, including studies on nanocarriers containing anti-TB drugs and related patents.
- Scanning the horizon: anticipating future changes in Portuguese aquatic ecosystemsPublication . Sousa, Ronaldo; Ferreira, Verónica; Costas, Susana; Alves, Celso; Anastácio, Pedro; Chaínho, Paula; Costa, Pedro A.; Duarte, Sofia; Feio, Maria João; Franco, João N.; Gonçalves, José; Ribeiro, Filipe; Robalo, Joana I.; Rivaes, Rui; Santos, Jacqueline; Silva, Janine; Sobral, Paula; Padilha, JaneideWe identified 15 emerging and poorly understood topics related to aquatic ecosystems in Portugal (from an initial pool of 43), which were scored and prioritized using a consensus-based Delphi technique. For marine ecosystems, the topics included current and future threats to low-lying sandy coasts, the impacts of the green energy transition, the risks posed by pathogens on floating ocean debris, the strategic importance of algae for a sustainable future, and Portugal’s potential contribution to the expansion of Marine Protected Areas. For freshwater ecosystems, the topics included identifying drought refuges for freshwater biodiversity, assessing the potential ecological and social costs of water highways, uncovering the hidden impacts of clean energy (floating solar panels and lithium mining), managing water quality in reservoirs, and understanding the potential impacts of the recent expansion of intensive olive orchards. For cross-cutting topics relevant to both types of ecosystems, the most scored topics included the importance of aquatic super-sites for ecological monitoring, new solutions for detecting and removing emerging pollutants, the application of rewilding, the impact of forest pathogens and emerging zoonoses, and the rise of organic compounds as a multidimensional threat. Prioritizing these topics can support a more proactive approach to conserving, managing, and sustainably exploring aquatic ecosystems in Portugal. This methodology can also be used to prioritize research funding areas identified bottom up (by the scientific community) rather than dictated from the top down (by decision-makers) and serve as a roadmap for conducting similar exercises in other regions of the world.