Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-08-18"
Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Existence and uniqueness of weak solutions for the generalized stochastic navier-stokes-voigt equationsPublication . Kumar, Ankit; Borges de Oliveira, Hermenegildo; Mohan, Manil T.In this work, we consider the incompressible generalized Navier-Stokes-Voigt equations in a bounded domain O ⊂ Rd , d ≥ 2, driven by a multiplicative Gaussian noise.
- The renin-angiotensin system in healthy human platelets: expressed but inactivePublication . Panosetti, François; Cuenot, François M.; Auguste, Damian S. Saint; Martins Cavaco, Ana Cláudia; Nunes, Allancer D. C.; Lu, Philip H. J.; Magrini, Céline; Molot, Max; Sanglard, Gabriel; Günçü, Rodi; Zouaghi, Yassine; Béguelin, Charles; Lima, Augusto Martins; Stergiopulos, NikolaosPlatelets play a crucial role in arterial thrombus formation, offering potential for new antiplatelet therapies with reduced bleeding risk. Here, we investigated the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in human platelets and explored its potential link to COVID-19 coagulopathy. Experiments were performed ex vivo on healthy human platelets. The expression of RAS receptors (Mas, MrgD, ACE, ACE2, AT1 and AT2) was evaluated using western blot and immunofluorescence. Platelets were incubated in vitro with either Captopril or different RAS peptides including Alamandine, Angiotensin-I, Angiotensin-II, Angiotensin-(1-7), and Angiotensin-(1-9). Platelet adhesion was measured by spectrophotometry using BCECF fluorescence. Platelet activation and aggregation were analyzed using aggregometry after stimulation with extracellular matrix proteins. ACE and ACE2 activity were assessed using Fluorescent Peptides (FPS). We demonstrated that healthy human platelets express all the tested RAS receptors. However, RAS peptides did not modulate platelet adhesion or aggregation despite a wide range of concentrations tested. ACE activity was detected in platelet lysates, but it was not inhibited by Captopril, while ACE2 activity was undetectable. Our findings suggest that while RAS receptors are expressed in platelets, RAS peptides do not impact platelet function, at least in our experimental setting. COVID-19 coagulopathy may occur independently of the RAS.
- The genetic history of Portugal over the past 5,000 years.Publication . Roca-Rada, Xavier; Davidson, Roberta; Williams, Matthew P.; Villalba-Mouco, Vanessa; Carvalho, António Manuel Faustino de; Ravishankar, Shyamsundar; Collen, Evelyn; Haarkötter, Christian; Taufik, Leonard; Cuesta-Aguirre, Daniel R.; Tente, Catarina; Calleja, Álvaro M Monge; MacRoberts, Rebecca Anne; Melo, Linda; Purnomo, Gludhug A.; Souilmi, Yassine; Tobler, Raymond; Cunha, Eugénia; Tereso, Sofia; Matos, Vítor M. J.; Fernandes, Teresa Matos; Maurer, Anne-France; Silva, Ana Maria; Carvalho, Pedro C.; Llamas, Bastien; Teixeira, João C.Recent ancient DNA studies uncovering large-scale demographic events in Iberia have presented very limited data for Portugal, a country located at the westernmost edge of continental Eurasia. Here, we present the most comprehensive collection of Portuguese ancient genome-wide data, from 67 individuals spanning 5000 years of human history, from the Neolithic to the nineteenth century. We identify early admixture between local hunter-gatherers and Anatolian-related farmers in Neolithic Portugal, with a northeastern-southwestern gradient of increasing Magdalenian-associated ancestry persistence in Iberia. This profile continues into the Chalcolithic, though Bell Beaker-associated sites reveal Portugal's first evidence of Steppe-related ancestry. Such ancestry has a broader demographic impact during the Bronze Age, despite continuity of local Chalcolithic genetic ancestry and limited Mediterranean connections. The village of Idanha-a-Velha emerges in the Roman period as a site of significant migration and interaction, presenting a notably diverse genetic profile that includes North African and Eastern Mediterranean ancestries. The Early Medieval period is marked by the arrival of Central European genetic diversity, likely linked to migrations of Germanic tribes, adding to coeval local, African, and Mediterranean influences. The Islamic and Christian Conquest periods show strong genetic continuity in northern Portugal and significant additional African admixture in the south. The latter remains stable during the post-Islamic period, suggesting enduring African influences. We reveal dynamic patterns of migration in line with cultural exchange across millennia, but also the persistence of local ancestries. Our findings integrate genetic information with historical and archeological data, enhancing our understanding of Iberia's biological and cultural heritage.
- Effects of combined aerobic-resistance training on health-related quality of life and stress in sedentary adultsPublication . Fernanda M. Silva; Ferreira, José P.; Teixeira, Ana M.; Massart, Alain; Duarte-Mendes, PedroIntroduction: Poor quality of life and psychological stress have been associated with worse clinical outcomes, including anxiety and depression disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and premature mortality. Evidence suggested that physically active adults were more likely to report better quality of life and increased capacity to deal with stress, compared to their sedentary peers. This study examines the effects of 16 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and stress levels in sedentary adults. Methods: This study involved previously sedentary middle-aged workers (n = 36), randomized, and allocated into control (n = 18) and exercise (n = 18) groups. The exercise group performed 16 weeks of combined exercise training for 75 min, three times/week. The HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 survey and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Stress levels were assessed subjectively using the Perceived Stress Scale and objectively by the salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase concentrations. Intra- and inter-group analysis were performed using a mixed ANOVA or Friedman’s test. Results: In relation to SF-36 results, a significant improvement in the mental component summary (p = 0.047, Kendall’s W = 0.170 (small effect)) and social functioning subdomain (p = 0.040, Kendall’s W = 0.179 (small effect)) was found for the exercise group after the intervention. A significant difference between groups was found in mean differences (Δ) in the mental health subdomain, with superiority in the exercise group (exercise group, Δ = 7.50 vs. control group, Δ = −5.00; p = 0.006). After 16 weeks of follow-up, the exercise group perceived reduced stress levels compared to the control group (exercise group, Δ = −3.67 points vs. control group, Δ = 0.94 points; p > 0.05); although not significant, this result is clinically relevant. The exercise program had no significant effect on salivary stress biomarkers. Discussion: The present study’s findings may have important clinical implications because they show that middle-aged sedentary workers are likely to benefit from adopting a regular combined exercise training regimen to promote better HRQoL (i.e., mental health component) and wellbeing.
- Glyphosate: a terrestrial threat to marine plants? a study on the seagrass zostera marinaPublication . Deguette, Alizé; Pes, Katia; Vasconcellos, Bernard; Costa, Monya; Silva, João; Barrote, IsabelGlyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are extensively used worldwide, raising concerns about their potential effect on non-target aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the short-term physiological effects of a commercially available GBH on the seagrass Zostera marina under controlled mesocosm conditions. Z. marina individuals were exposed to three concentrations of glyphosate (0.165, 51, and 5100 mg L−1 ) for 4 days, and the impacts on photosynthetic performance, growth rate, photosynthetic pigments content and energy metabolism were assessed. Exposure to 5100 mg L−1 of glyphosate caused rapid water acidification and complete plant mortality within 24 h. Exposure to 51 mg L−1 of glyphosate significantly impaired photosynthetic efficiency and foliar growth rate. Energy availability, photosynthesis and photosynthetic pigments content were highly disrupted at both higher concentrations. Exposure to 0.165 mg L−1 of glyphosate decreased the foliar chlorophyll a/b ratio. These findings show that Z. marina can potentially be threatened by the presence of GBHs even at lower concentrations and underscore the necessity for monitoring herbicide pollution in coastal waters to protect seagrass habitats and associated ecosystems. Further research is needed to assess long-term effects and the role of herbicide formulations in mediating toxicity.