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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.
- Are there differential roles in the parental behaviour of the chameleon cichlid australoheros facetus?Publication . Oliveira, Gonçalo; Saraiva, João; Jesus, Nuno F.; Guerreiro, Pedro MiguelCichlids are social fishes well known for their complex behaviour. The chameleon cichlid, Autraloheros facetus, is native to South American river drainages and is currently established in several Mediterranean-type drainages in southern Portugal as an invasive species. Their high local recruitment, territorially, and parental care activities are possible advantages in competing with native fish and achieving high reproductive success. The main objective of this work was to characterise the behaviours of the males and females of the species A. facetus upon pair formation and their roles during parental behaviour at different stages of offspring development for the purpose of gathering important basic knowledge on fish biology to apply in the control of the species’ populations. To attain this initial goal, we used observation techniques and video recording protocols to characterise the specific activities performed by each individual during reproductive and parental stages (pair formation, eggs, attached larvae, and free-swimming larvae), identifying the main tasks, and assessing the time spent on each task by each member of the reproductive pair. The breeding pairs were obtained as a result of the social hierarchy formed in each social group: groups of six individuals of similar size were placed in individual tanks fitted with a bottom biological filter, in which the temperature was increased to 24 ◦C at an expanded photoperiod. Social behaviours were recorded and characterised, expanded on a previously established ethogram. The results obtained so far allow us to establish a set of aggressive behaviours towards other fish (striking, chasing, biting), nest preparing behaviours (digging, cleaning), caring (caring, fetching), and guarding behaviours towards the offspring (hovering, patrolling). Concerning the rate of occurrence of social behaviours in randomised 5 min periods (frequency of specific behaviours per each 5 min period) show that in the pair formation stage, males present a more aggressive nature with frequent occurrence of striking (rstriking = 1) and biting (rbiting = 0.31). On the other hand, at the egg stage, the rate of occurrence of parental behaviours shows the dominance of females to prepare the nest (rdigging = 0.91) and caring for the eggs (rcaring = 3.64), while males are more vigilant (rparental hovering = 0.95). At the attached larvae stage, this tendency continues with higher occurrence rates: males focus on vigilance (rparental hovering = 1.6) and patrolling (rpatrolling = 2), and females care for the recently hatched larvae (rfetching = 4). Finally, at the free-swimming larvae stage, there is a turn and a small decrease in the occurrence of these activities: males oversee nest maintenance (rdigging = 1.09), and females patrol the tank (rpatrolling = 0.71) and care for the larvae (rfetching = 2.02). These preliminary data suggest differential roles for male and female A. facetus, that evolve during parental behaviour, for which further experimental paradigms will be designed to explore underlying proximate causes.
- Assessment of the reproductive status of captive populations of endangered leuciscid species from the iberian peninsula: a. hispanica, I. lusitanicum and a. occidentalePublication . Hernandez, Ana; Gil, Fátima; Sousa-Santos, Carla; Cabrita, Elsa; Guerreiro, Pedro Miguel; Gallego, VictorPopulations of freshwater fish species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula have been declining since the mid-20th century, and the captive breeding of highly endangered species is considered to be a useful tool to restock declining populations. A pioneer project of supportive breeding of critically endangered fish started in 2007 at the Aquário Vasco da Gama (AVG), and this work aims to show the reproductive status of the breeders which make up the current captive broodstoks. Populations of different endangered leuciscid species (Anaecypris hispanica, Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum and Achondrostoma occidentale) were sampled at AVG during the spring of 2022. Breeders were counted and sexed, and males were stripped to check for the presence of spermatozoa. The sperm volume was assessed visually, and spermatozoa motility was assessed by a CASA system. Sperm samples were classified into four classes based on the percentage of motile cells: C-I ≤ 25%, C-II = 25–50%, C-III = 50–75%; and C-IV > 75%. The captive population of A. hispanica consisted of 63 individuals and showed a 40% of spermiating males, with an average volume of 5–10 µL. The histogram of sperm quality reported that 15% males had sperm motility of C-II, 50% of males had sperm motility of C-III and, finally, 35% of males had sperm with the high-quality class (C-IV). The population of I. lusitanicum consisted of 599 individuals and showed 93% of spermiating males, with an average volume of 15–20 µL. The histogram of sperm quality reported that most part of the males had good sperm quality belonging to C-III and C-IV class (26% and 71%, respectively), while just 1 male showed bad quality sperm (C-II). The captive population of A. occidentale consisted of 193 individuals, showing a 62% of spermiating males with an average volume of 20–25 µL. The histogram showed that 6% males had sperm motility of C-I, 26% of males had sperm motility of C-II, the most part of the males (45%) showed a sperm quality of C-III and, finally, 23% of males had sperm with the high-quality class (C-IV). Since the project began in 2007, more than 12,000 fish of these three critically endangered species have been released to restock the populations from which the respective wild breeders were caught. All captive fish were released after a maximum of three consecutive generations in captivity, and new stocks were established with wild adults from the target populations, to avoid the negative effects of inbreeding and genetic drift on the original genetic pool.
- Automated prediction of spawning nights using machine learning analysis of flatfish behaviourPublication . Qadir, Abdul; Duncan, Neil; González-López, Wendy Ángela; Serratosa, Francesc; Fatsini Fernández, ElviraSenegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) broodstock exhibit distinct behaviours (Rest the Head, Guardian, Follow, and Locomotor activities) that are important for breeding success. Understanding and monitoring these behaviours are essential to understand successful breeding of Senegalese sole. However, manually analysing these behaviours represents a significant challenge for human observers and is a labour-intensive process. Moreover, due to reproductive dysfunctions in Senegalese sole, aquaculture operations currently depend on wild origin breeders for successful spawning a reliance that is unsustainable in the long term. Therefore, to address these limitations, this study introduces a custom-designed framework based on computer vision and machine learning techniques. The model integrates object detection and tracking mechanisms to recognize and monitor reproductive behaviours of Senegalese sole within aquaculture environments. By combining advanced tracking algorithms, our model effectively extracts and analyses behavioural patterns from video datasets. The automated model behavioural analyses compared with manual analyses demonstrated strong performance, with accuracy, precision, and specificity exceeding 87 %, and a Pearson correlation of R = 0.99 between manual observation data and automated data. The model analysed videos to accurately identify behaviours with minimal human intervention, thereby saving a substantial number of hours and opened up the possibility to analyse behaviours over longer periods, generating more data. This is the first study to automatically analyse reproductive behaviours across full-night video recordings in Senegalese sole, providing new insights into how behavioural patterns relate to spawning. These behavioural changes in relation to spawning enable the model to effectively predict spawning and non-spawning nights with accuracies ranging from 70 % to 100 %. Such predictive capability can reduce dependence on wild origin breeders, support timely gamete collection, improve reproductive planning, and serve as a potential tool for hatchery automation.
- 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.
- Building a Portuguese coalition for biodiversity genomicsPublication . Marques, João P.; Alves, Paulo C.; Amorim, Isabel R.; Lopes, Ricardo J.; Moura, Monica; Myers, Eugene; Sim-sim, Manuela; Sousa-Santos, Carla; Alves, M. Judite; Borges, Paulo A. V.; Brown, Thomas; Carneiro, Miguel; Carrapato, Carlos; Ceríaco, Luís M. P.; Ciofi, Claúdio; Silva, Luís P. da; Diedericks, Genevieve; Diroma, Maria Angela; Farelo, Liliana; Formenti, Giulio; Gil, Fátima; Grilo, Miguel; Iannucci, Alessio; Leitão, Henrique G.; Máguas,Cristina; Mc Cartney, Ann M.; Mendes, Sofia L.; Moreno, João M.; Morselli, Marco; Mouton, Alice; Natali, Chiara; Pereira, Fernando; Rego, Rúben M. C.; Resendes, Roberto; Roxo, Guilherme; Svardal, Hannes; Trindade, Helena; Vicente, Sara; Winkler, Sylke; Alvarenga, Marcela; Amaral, Andreia J.; Antunes, Agostinho; Campos, Paula F.; Canario, Adelino; Castilho, Rita; Castro, L. Filipe C.; Crottini, Angelica; Cunha, Mónica V.; Themudo, Gonçalo Espregueira; Esteves, Pedro J.; Faria, Rui; Rodríguez Fernandes, Carlos; Ledoux, Jean-Baptiste; Louro, Bruno; Magalhaes, Sara; Paulo, Octávio S.; Pearson, Gareth Anthony; Pimenta, João; Pina-Martins, Francisco; Santos, Teresa L.; Serrao, Ester A.; Melo-Ferreira, José; Sousa, Vítor C.The diverse physiography of the Portuguese land and marine territory, spanning from continental Europe to the Atlantic archipelagos, has made it an important repository of biodiversity throughout the Pleistocene glacial cycles, leading to a remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems. This rich biodiversity is under threat from anthropogenic drivers, such as climate change, invasive species, land use changes, overexploitation, or pathogen (re) emergence. The inventory, characterisation, and study of biodiversity at inter- and intra-specific levels using genomics is crucial to promote its preservation and recovery by informing biodiversity conservation policies, management measures, and research. The participation of researchers from Portuguese institutions in the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) initiative and its pilot effort to generate reference genomes for European biodiversity has reinforced the establishment of Biogenome Portugal.