Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2014-05"
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- Júdice Fialho, o maior industrial conserveiro do AlgarvePublication . Mesquita, José Carlos VilhenaA figura mais notável da História da Indústria Conserveira no Algarve, foi sem sombra para dúvidas João António Júdice Fialho, um homem inteligente e empreendedor, que nas primeiras décadas do século XX conseguiu conquistar os principais mercados europeus com as suas conservas de atum e de sardinha, mas também com as suas massas alimentícias, compotas e marmeladas. Foi dos poucos industriais das pescas que há mais de um século atrás soube visionar o conceito de globalização à escala atlântica, investindo na aquisição de modernos meios de transformação industrial do pescado, cujos avultados lucros lhe permitiram diversificar a produção e reinvestir noutros segmentos de mercado.
- Seagrass feeding choices and digestive strategies of the herbivorous fish Sarpa salpaPublication . Goldenberg, Silvan U.; Erzini, KarimThis is the first study investigating the plant-herbivore interaction between Sarpa salpa, which has overgrazed seagrass transplants in Portugal, and the seagrasses Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina and Zostera noltii, which have been considered for restoration. When offered the choice between the three seagrasses in outdoor tanks, adult S. salpa clearly preferred Z. noltii. Testing the seagrasses separately, mean +/- s.d. feeding rates ranged from 21 +/- 11g seagrass fresh mass kg(-1) fish mass day(-1) for Z. marina to 32 +/- 9g seagrass fresh mass kg(-1) fish mass day(-1) for C. nodosa and 40 +/- 11g seagrass fresh mass kg(-1) fish mass day(-1) for Z. noltii (temperature=16 degrees C). Food-processing rate in S. salpa did not differ between seagrasses, and there was no evidence of a regulation of processing rate according to food intake. Seagrasses differed substantially in nitrogen content and C:N, with C. nodosa containing the highest nitrogen content and lowest C:N (2.5 +/- 0.1% and 14.0 +/- 1.0), followed by Z. noltii (2.1 +/- 0.1% and 17.0 +/- 1.0) and Z. marina (1.4 +/- 0.1% and 26.0 +/- 2.0). Food-processing rate in S. salpa and the nutritional value of the seagrasses were not correlated with the observed feeding preference and rate. The study suggests that C. nodosa and Z. marina are less at risk of overgrazing by S. salpa and might thus be preferable to Z. noltii for seagrass restoration in areas with noticeable abundances of this fish.
- Endocrine regulation of carbonate precipitate formation in marine fish intestine by stanniocalcin and PTHrPPublication . Gregorio, Silvia F.; Carvalho, Edison S. M.; Campinho, Marco A.; Power, Deborah M.; Canario, Adelino V. M.; Fuentes, JuanIn marine fish, high epithelial bicarbonate secretion by the intestine generates luminal carbonate precipitates of divalent cations that play a key role in water and ion homeostasis. In vitro studies highlight the involvement of the calciotropic hormones PTHrP (parathyroid hormone-related protein) and stanniocalcin (STC) in the regulation of epithelial bicarbonate transport. The present study tested the hypothesis that calciotropic hormones have a regulatory role in carbonate precipitate formation in vivo. Sea bream (Sparus aurata) juveniles received single intraperitoneal injections of piscine PTHrP(1-34), the PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist PTHrP(7-34) or purified sea bream STC, or were passively immunized with polyclonal rabbit antisera raised against sea bream STC (STC-Ab). Endocrine effects on the expression of the basolateral sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (Slc4a4.A), the apical anion exchangers Slc26a6.A and Slc26a3.B, and the V-type proton pump beta-subunit (Atp6v1b) in the anterior intestine were evaluated. In keeping with their calciotropic nature, the hypocalcaemic factors PTHrP(7-34) and STC upregulated gene expression of all transporters. In contrast, the hypercalcaemic factor PTHrP(1-34) and STC antibodies downregulated transporters involved in the bicarbonate secretion cascade. Changes in intestine luminal precipitate contents provoked by calcaemic endocrine factors validated these results: 24 h postinjection either PTHrP(1-34) or immunization with STC-Ab reduced the carbonate precipitate content in the sea bream intestine. In contrast, the PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist PTHrP(7-34) increased not only the precipitated fraction but also the concentration of HCO3 equivalents in the intestinal fluid. These results confirm the hypothesis that calciotropic hormones have a regulatory role in carbonate precipitate formation in vivo in the intestine of marine fish. Furthermore, they illustrate for the first time in fish the counteracting effect of PTHrP and STC, and reveal an unexpected contribution of calcaemic factors to acid-base balance.
- A relocatable ocean model in support of environmental emergenciesPublication . De Dominicis, Michela; Falchetti, Silvia; Trotta, Francesco; Pinardi, Nadia; Giacomelli, Luca; Napolitano, Ernesto; Fazioli, Leopoldo; Sorgente, Roberto; Haley, Patrick J., Jr.; Lermusiaux, Pierre F. J.; Martins, Flavio; Cocco, MicheleDuring the Costa Concordia emergency case, regional, subregional, and relocatable ocean models have been used together with the oil spill model, MEDSLIK-II, to provide ocean currents forecasts, possible oil spill scenarios, and drifters trajectories simulations. The models results together with the evaluation of their performances are presented in this paper. In particular, we focused this work on the implementation of the Interactive Relocatable Nested Ocean Model (IRENOM), based on the Harvard Ocean Prediction System (HOPS), for the Costa Concordia emergency and on its validation using drifters released in the area of the accident. It is shown that thanks to the capability of improving easily and quickly its configuration, the IRENOM results are of greater accuracy than the results achieved using regional or subregional model products. The model topography, and to the initialization procedures, and the horizontal resolution are the key model settings to be configured. Furthermore, the IRENOM currents and the MEDSLIK-II simulated trajectories showed to be sensitive to the spatial resolution of the meteorological fields used, providing higher prediction skills with higher resolution wind forcing.
- Assessment of sea cucumber populations from the Aegean Sea (Turkey): first insights to sustainable management of new fisheriesPublication . Gonzalez-Wangueemert, Mercedes; Aydin, Mehmet; Conand, ChantalSea cucumber stocks have been overfished in many countries. As a consequence, several species (Holothuria polii, Holothuria tubulosa and Holothuria mammata) are now caught in Turkish waters without adequate knowledge on their biology and ecology. Here, we address their morphometry, relationships among gutted length and weight, population dynamics, temporal evolution of catches, and we provide the first insights about technical aspects of their fisheries. The largest size classes of H. polii are missing from our sampling collection, possibly due to the heavy fishery pressure on this species. Significant differences in the eviscerated length and weight were found among the Turkish sampled localities for H. polii and H. tubulosa, respectively. These differences could be explained by higher food availability in some areas and/or differential fishery pressure. The size and weight of H. tubulosa specimens were smaller than those registered for the same species in Greek waters, where this species is not fished. All the studied species showed allometric growth. In the last two years, the sea cucumber fishery in Turkey has been increasing rapidly, reaching a total production of ca. 555 000 kg in 2012 (80% H. polii and 20% H. tubulosa plus H. mammata). For a correct management of these species, we recommend: 1) the reestablishment of species-specific closed fishery season according to the specific reproductive cycle; 2) the assessment of the exploited stocks from the Northern Turkish coasts with estimates of recovery time of their populations; 3) the reduction of fishery efforts, mainly on H. polii and H. tubulosa and 4) the establishment of protected areas (where sea cucumber fisheries are forbidden) to conserve healthy populations which will favour the recruitment on nearby areas.
- New insights into the genetic diversity of zooxanthellae in Mediterranean anthozoansPublication . Casado-Amezua, Pilar; Machordom, Annie; Bernardo, Joao; Gonzalez-Wanguemert, MercedesSymbiotic dinoflagellates of the genus Symbiodinium, also called zooxanthellae, are found in association with a wide diversity of shallow-water anthozoans. The Symbiodinium genus includes numerous lineages, also referred to as clades or phylotypes, as well as a wide diversity of genetic sub-clades and sub-phylotypes. There are few studies characterizing the genetic diversity of zooxanthellae in Mediterranean anthozoans. In this study, we included anthozoans from the Western Mediterranean Sea and by means of internal transcriber (ITS) and large sub-unit (LSU) rRNA markers we corroborate what has been previously identified, demonstrating that phylotype “Temperate A” is very common among host Cnidaria in this basin. Our finding of fixed differences in ITS and LSU markers that correspond to different host taxa, indicate that this clade may comprise several closely-related species.
- A realidade aumentada, a gamification e os dispositivos móveis como estratégias de promoção da literacia digital. Projeto “Livros com Voz”Publication . Gomes, Cristina; Gomes, José; Figueiredo, Mauro; Bidarra, JoséNa sociedade atual, a capacidade de usar a informação escrita de forma generalizada é essencial, tanto mais verificando-se com crescente acuidade serem o conhecimento e a informação fatoresdeterminantes da integração social. Neste sentido, a promoção da literacia, aqui entendida como um conceito que se aproxima do domínio psicolinguístico, destacando o uso do saber transmitido, “a capacidade de usar as competências (ensinadas e aprendidas) de leitura, escrita e cálculo” (Pinto, 2010), realiza e reforça a liberdade individual, permitindo a igualdade de acesso a todos os direitos humanos fundamentais. Recentemente, com o advento das novas tecnologias de informação, surgiu um novo tipo de iliteracia, aquela que se relaciona com a incapacidade de aceder aos fluxos informacionais virtuais, verificando-se, sobretudo entre as camadas mais jovens, a dissociação entre o livro impresso e a recolha de informação acrítica via Internet. É neste contexto que surge o projeto “Livros com Voz”, projeto implementado noagrupamento do ensino básicoe secundáriodo Concelho deMatosinhos, com a colaboração da biblioteca escolar (CRE-Centro de Recursos Educativos). “Livros com Voz” associaao livro em formato de papel camadas de informação digital (áudio, animações, jogo de conhecimento) através da tecnologia da realidade aumentada.Osconteúdos digitais foram realizados com a participação ativa dos jovens e podem ser acedidos a partir dos novos dispositivos de computação móvel.O presente artigo centra-se, essencialmente, na apresentação descritiva e interpretativa deste projeto, utilizando-se a metodologia de estudo de caso.
- Identification of potential essential fish habitats for skates based on fishers' knowledgePublication . Serra-Pereira, Bárbara; Erzini, Karim; Maia, Catarina; Figueiredo, IvoneUnderstanding of spatio-temporal patterns of sensitive fish species such as skates (Rajidae) is essential for implementation of conservation measures. With insufficient survey data available for these species in Portuguese Continental waters, this study shows that fishery-dependent data associated with fishers' knowledge can be used to identify potential Essential Fish Habitats (EFH) for seven skate species. Sites with similar geomorphology were associated with the occurrence of juveniles and/or adults of the same group of species. For example, sites deeper than 100 m with soft sediment include predominantly adults of Raja clavata, and are the habitat for egg deposition of this species. Raja undulata and R. microocellata are the more coastal species, preferring sand or gravel habitats, while coastal areas with rocks and sand seabed are potential nursery areas for R. brachyura, R. montagui and R. clavata. The main output of this study is the identification of preferential fishing sites enclosing potential EFH for some species, associated with egg-laying and nursery grounds. The location of these areas will be considered for future seasonal closures, and studies will be conducted to evaluate the biological and socio-economic impacts of such measures. As in the past, fishermen will collaborate in the process of evaluating those impacts, since they have practical and applied knowledge that is extremely valuable for evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of such closures. In conclusion, this study is a first contribution to the understanding and identification of EFH for skate species, associated with nursery and egg deposition sites, with direct application to management.
- No induction of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes during continuous exposure to eugenol and citralPublication . Apolonio, Joana; Faleiro, Maria L.; Miguel, Maria Graca; Neto, LuisThe aim of this study was to evaluate the adaptation response of Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S.aureus (MRSA), and Listeria monocytogenes to the essential oil (EO), eugenol, and citral. The minimum inhibitory concentration of eugenol and citral was determined by agar dilution and microdilution. Adaptation to eugenol and citral was done by sequential exposure of the pathogens to increasing concentrations of the essential oils. The M2-A9 standard was used to determine the antibiotic susceptibility. The effect of eugenol and citral on the adherence ability was evaluated by the crystal violet assay. The impact of adaptation to eugenol on virulence was estimated using the Galleria mellonella model. No development of resistance to the components and antibiotics was observed in the adapted cells of S.aureus, MRSA, and L.monocytogenes. Eugenol and citral at subinhibitory concentration reduced the bacterial adherence. Adaptation to subinhibitory concentration of eugenol affected the virulence potential of S.aureus, MRSA, and L.monocytogenes. Eugenol and citral do not pose a risk of resistance development in a continuous mode of use. These EO components showed a high efficacy as antistaphylococcal and antilisterial biofilm agents. Adaptation at subinhibitory concentration of eugenol protected the larvae against listerial and staphylococcal infection.
- INsPECT, an open-source and versatile software for automated quantification of (Leishmania) intracellular parasitesPublication . Yazdanparast, Ehsan; Dos Anjos, António; Garcia, Deborah; Loeuillet, Corinne; Shahbazkia, Hamid R.; Vergnes, BaptisteIntracellular protozoan parasites are causative agents of infectious diseases that constitute major health problems for developing countries. Leishmania sp., Trypanosoma cruzi or Toxoplasma gondii are all obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that reside and multiply within the host cells of mammals, including humans. Following up intracellular parasite proliferation is therefore an essential and a quotidian task for many laboratories working on primary screening of new natural and synthetic drugs, analyzing drug susceptibility or comparing virulence properties of natural and genetically modified strains. Nevertheless, laborious manual microscopic counting of intracellular parasites is still the most commonly used approach. Here, we present INsPECT (Intracellular ParasitE CounTer), an open-source and platform independent software dedicated to automate infection level measurement based on fluorescent DNA staining. It offers the possibility to choose between different types of analyses (fluorescent DNA acquisitions only or in combination with phase contrast image set to further separate intra-from extracellular parasites), and software running modes (automatic or custom). A proof-of-concept study with intracellular Leishmania infantum parasites stained with DAPI (49,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) confirms a good correspondence between digital results and the "gold standard" microscopic counting method with Giemsa. Interestingly, this software is versatile enough to accurately detect intracellular T. gondii parasites on images acquired with High Content Screening (HCS) systems. In conclusion, INsPECT software is proposed as a new fast and simple alternative to the classical intracellular Leishmania quantification methods and can be adapted for mid to large-scale drug screening against different intracellular parasites.