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- 2024 Annual meeting of the international network on ectopic calcification (INTEC)—abstract proceedingsPublication . Cancela, M. Leonor; Alouane, Ahmed; Bertelli, Pietro M.; Camacho, Antonio; Derudder, Robbe; Forlino, Antonella; Harris, Matthew P.; Jacinto, Marta; Lengyel, Imre; Link, Wolfgang; Murshed, Monzur; Pasch, Andreas; Kaliya-Perumal, Arun-Kumar; Quaglino, Daniela; Qin, Zihan; Sabbagh, Yves; Seminari, Elena; Villar, Marcos M.; Winkler, Christoph; Vanakker, Olivier M.The 3rd Annual Meeting of the International Network on Ectopic Calcification (INTEC) was held in Faro, Portugal on 12–13 September 2024. This hybrid meeting brought together researchers and clinicians focused on the molecular, (patho)physiological, and clinical aspects of ectopic calcification in hereditary and acquired conditions, as well as in aging. The findings presented in this year’s meeting emphasised the complexity of the field, offering new insights into both mechanistic pathways and translational hurdles. The abstracts of this year’s meeting are collected in this conference paper, with permission from the corresponding authors.
- Advanced nanotherapeutic strategies transforming diabetic wound healingPublication . Ramos, Filipa; Kumar, Girish; Virmani, Tarun; Sharma, Abhishek; Duarte, Sofia O. D.; Fonte, PedroDue to their high recurrence rates and slow healing, diabetic wounds are becoming a greater public health concern [Citation1]. Each year, 1.6 million cases of diabetic wounds occur in the United States alone, affecting approximately 18.6 million people worldwide [Citation2]. Because of poor cellular regeneration, increased inflammation, and reduced angiogenesis, traditional treatments like debridement, antibiotics, and dressings usually do not work [Citation3]. To overcome the limitations of traditional treatments, there is now a significant demand for advanced therapeutic modalities that promise accurate, efficient, and rapid healing processes [Citation4]. These include microneedles (MNs), exosomes, tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs), three-dimensional scaffolds, gene therapy, oxygen-releasing biomaterials, phototherapies, and nanozymes.
- Anthropogenic particles ingestion by fish larvae in important nursery areas of Iberia (South Europe)Publication . Zeri, Giulia; Baptista, Vânia; Teodosio, Maria; Cruz, JoanaMicroplastics (MPs) are now widespread in the marine environment, and their levels are expected to rise as larger plastic debris continues to break down and new plastic waste enters the ocean. Microplastics ingestion has been documented in fish larvae, which are already particularly vulnerable to predation, environmental stressors, and starvation. This study examines for the first time MPs ingestion by wild fish larvae in Southern Iberia, focusing on two key nursery ecosystems of Portugal: the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon and the Guadiana River estuary. Fish larvae collected monthly from surface water, between April 2023 and March 2024, exhibited encounter rates (ER - Total number of ingested particles/ Total number of organisms analysed *100) of 12.99% in Ria Formosa and 11.54% in the Guadiana estuary. No significant differences were observed in ER among taxa and locations. The ingested particles ranged in size from 20 μm to 2 mm and were predominantly made of rayon, transparent and in the form of fibres. No correlation was found between the size of the larvae and that of the ingested particles. Although larval size had a positive effect on MP ingestion, this effect was not significant. There were no differences in polymer type ingestion among taxa. Our results underline the role of nursery areas as exposure spots and the underestimated pressure of the textile industry on marine ecosystems. Further research is needed to assess the potential consequences of this exposure for larval survival, recruitment success, and the health of adult fish populations.
- Biological therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer: literature reviewPublication . Almeida, Maria Patricia; Condinho, MónicaColorectal cancer is among the most prevalent and lethal malignancies worldwide. Its initially asymptomatic nature contributes to a high incidence of metastatic cases. Although predominantly diagnosed in older adults, the incidence among younger populations is rising at an alarming rate. Historically, treatment has relied on antineoplastic agents such as 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin. While these agents remain in use, their effectiveness is limited, particularly in metastatic disease, with modest improvements in overall survival and progressionfree survival. Moreover, their low target specificity results in significant systemic toxicity. This underscores the urgent need formore selective and less toxic therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), and immune checkpoints have become integral to the management of metastatic colorectal cancer. Notable examples include bevacizumab (anti-VEGF), cetuximab and panitumumab (anti-EGFR), and the immune checkpoint inhibitors pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab. Their clinical success especially when guided by molecular tumour profiling highlights their contribution to improved patient outcomes. In addition, other targeted therapies distinct from monoclonal antibodies are currently under investigation.
- Biopotential of sea cucumbers (echinodermata) and tunicates (chordata) from the western coast of portugal for the prevention and treatment of chronic illnessesPublication . Carletti, Alessio; Cardoso, Carlos; Juliao, Diana; Arteaga, Jorge L.; Chainho, Paula; Dionísio, Maria Ana; Sales, Sabrina; Gaudêncio, Maria J.; Ferreira, Inês; Afonso, Cláudia; Lourenço, Helena; Cancela, M. Leonor; Bandarra, Narcisa M.; Gavaia, PauloIn the present work, we aimed to explore the potential of two groups of marine invertebrates—sea cucumbers (Echinodermata) and ascidians (Chordata)—as sources of antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, and osteogenic compounds with potential to be used as pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals for the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. 24 extracts (ethanol, water, and ethyl acetate) from 4 species of sea cucumbers and 4 species of tunicates were produced and screened in vitro for their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities and in vivo for osteogenic activity through an assay using zebrafish larvae. Our results showed that ethanolic extracts presented anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, which revealed to be stronger in the ascidians. The osteogenic activity, which provides evidence of the bioactive potential of these organisms in preventing chronic disorders causing low bone density, was found to be strong in one species of ascidians and 3 of holothurians. This study demonstrates the high potential of extracts from these marine organisms for using as nutraceuticals in the prevention of chronic bone disorders.
- Bioprospecting of natural products from medicinal plantsPublication . Rodrigues, Maria JoãoThe exploration of natural products derived from medicinal plants that provide an abundance of bioactive compounds has long been a cornerstone of scientific discovery, revolutionizing fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology [1]. Notable examples include artemisinin, a life-saving antimalarial derived from Artemisia annua [2], and taxol, a chemotherapeutic agent sourced from the Pacific yew tree [3], both of which highlight the immense potential of medicinal plants to address global health challenges. Over the past decade, rapid advancements in analytical techniques, omics technologies, and bioinformatics have significantly improved our ability to uncover and characterize these natural products. Despite these strides, critical challenges persist in the field, including the sustainable utilization of plant resources, the discovery of novel compounds with unique modes of action, and the translation of these findings into practical, real-world applications.
- Bioprospecting of natural products from medicinal plantsPublication . Rodrigues, Maria JoãoThe exploration of natural products derived from medicinal plants that provide an abundance of bioactive compounds has long been a cornerstone of scientific discovery, revolutionizing fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology [1]. Notable examples include artemisinin, a life-saving antimalarial derived from Artemisia annua [2], and taxol, a chemotherapeutic agent sourced from the Pacific yew tree [3], both of which highlight the immense potential of medicinal plants to address global health challenges. Over the past decade, rapid advancements in analytical techniques, omics technologies, and bioinformatics have significantly improved our ability to uncover and characterize these natural products. Despite these strides, critical challenges persist in the field, including the sustainable utilization of plant resources, the discovery of novel compounds with unique modes of action, and the translation of these findings into practical, real-world applications. This Special Issue, Bioprospecting of Natural Products from Medicinal Plants, highlights the vast potential of medicinal plants as reservoirs of bioactive compounds. Comprising twelve articles—an inspiring blend of original research and review papers—this collection exemplifies the collaborative spirit of researchers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The global significance of medicinal plant research is further emphasized by the diverse contributions, which reflect the unique biodiversity and ecological challenges faced by different regions. Such international collaboration is vital, as each country brings its distinctive resources and expertise to uncovering and harnessing new bioactive compounds.
- Evaluating repetitive mucus extraction effects on mucus biomarkers, mucus cells and skin-barrier status in a marine fish modelPublication . Sanahuja, Ignasi; Guerreiro, Pedro Miguel; Girons, Albert; Fernández-Alacid, Laura; Ibarz, AntoniAmong all the mucosal barriers, the skin and its surrounding mucus are possibly the main defensive tools used by fish against the environment. Due to its less-invasive extraction, the study of its production and functions has gained high interest in the last years. However, there are still many gaps in research, such as the possible alteration of mucus composition or the skin integrity resulting from the sampling process. In the current study, skin mucus extraction impacts were determined by comparing the effects of one-single extraction (SEG; single extraction group) and three successive extractions (REG; repetitive extractions group, separated by 4 days) on mucus properties and on skin epithelial integrity. In terms of analytical evaluation, plasma biomarkers and plasma antibacterial capacity were also determined. With regard skin histology and skin barrier properties, both SEG and REG did not evidence differences with respect to intact skin (ØEG). Interestingly, the repetitive mucus extraction protocol seemed to activate skin mucus turnover, significantly increasing the number of low-size mucus cells (cell area < 100 µm2 ) and reducing the number of high-size mucus cells (cell area > 150 µm2 ). Repetitive extraction of skin mucus diminished the amounts of soluble protein and glucose in mucus with regard to one-single extraction and increased cortisol exudation. These metabolites remained unaltered in plasma, indicating the different response among both sampling targets. Despite mucus biomarkers modification, the antibacterial capacity against the pathogenic bacterial (P. anguilliseptica and V. anguillarum) was maintained in both plasma and mucus irrespective of the number of mucus extractions. Overall, the mucus sampling protocol scarcely affected skin integrity and mucus antibacterial properties and only modified metabolites exudation, evidencing a feasible and minimally invasive method for studying fish health and welfare as an alternative or as a complement to plasma. The knolwdege provided here highlighted that this methodology is putatively transferable to farm culture conditions and showed that it is very useful for the study of threatened species aimed at preserving fish welfare.
- Evaluation of fatty acids profile as a useful tool towards valorization of by-products of agri-food industryPublication . Ferreira, Rui; Lourenço, Sílvia; D. Lopes, André; Andrade, Carlos; Câmara, José S.; Castilho, Paula; Perestrelo, RosaWorldwide, the food industry generates a large number of by-products from a wide variety of sources. These by-products represent an interesting and economical source of added value components with potential functionalities and/or bioactivities, which might be explored for industrial purposes, encouraging and promoting the circular economy concept. In this context, the current work aimed to evaluate the fatty acids (FAs) profile using gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC–FID) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), as well as the determination of related health lipid indices (e.g., atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI)) as a powerful strategy to investigate the potential applications of different agri-food by-products for human nutrition and animal feeding. This work results showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the predominant group in grape pomace (72.7%), grape bunches (54.3%), and brewer’s spent grain (BSG, 59.0%), whereas carrot peels are dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs, 47.3%), and grape stems (46.2%), lees (from 50.8 to 74.1%), and potato peels (77.2%) by saturated fatty acids (SFAs). These findings represent a scientific basis for exploring the nutritional properties of agri-food by-products. Special attention should be given to grape pomace, grape bunches, and BSG since they have a high content of PUFAs (from 54.3 to 72.7%) and lower AI (from 0.11 to 0.38) and TI (from 0.30 to 0.56) indexes, suggesting their potential to provide a variety of health benefits against cardiovascular diseases including well-established hypotriglyceridemia and anti-inflammatory effects, products to which they are added.
- fair-fish database|catch: a platform for global assessment of welfare hazards affecting aquatic animals in fisheriesPublication . Maia, Caroline M.; Cabrera-Álvarez, María José; Volstorf, JennyFish welfare is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed in fisheries. Thus, the scope of the fair-fish database - an online open-access platform - was expanded from aquaculture (farm branch) to fisheries (catch branch). It provides farm and catch welfare profiles (WelfareChecks) of aquatic species based on literature reviews. In the catch branch, each WelfareCheck encompasses a species in relation to a specific fishing method used to catch it, assessing 10 criteria covering welfare hazards throughout the steps of the catching process: prospection, setting, catching, emersion, release from gear, bycatch avoidance, sorting, discarding, storing, and stunning/slaughter. In each criterion, we assess the likelihood and potential of experiencing good welfare under minimal and highstandard fisheries conditions, respectively, besides the certainty level about these. A final WelfareScore is provided for each profile, which serves as a benchmark for assessing and improving fish welfare. Since its publication in 2023, we have published five WelfareChecks. The goal is to increase the number of profiles for several fished species and catching methods over time. In conclusion, the catch branch of the fair-fish database serves as an open-access source providing an overview of the welfare of a fished species given a certain catching method. It is a reliable tool that raises public awareness of fish welfare, provides scientists with insight into knowledge gaps, and offers practitioners with suggestions about how to avoid welfare risks.
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