CCM2-Artigos (em revistas ou actas indexadas)
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- Optimizing germination and cultivation of edible halophytes using effluents from an IMTA systemPublication . Castañeda-Loaiza, Viana; Rodrigues, Maria João; Neng, Nuno; Quintas, Célia; Ratao, Isabel; Custódio, LuísaBACKGROUND: Halophytes offer nature-based solutions to food insecurity and soil degradation, while their integration into integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems promotes circular economy practices. This study aimed to optimize the germination and cultivation of edible halophytic species, namely Limbarda crithmoides, Suaeda vera and Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum, using effluents from an IMTA system. Germination was conducted under different substrates (perlite, vermiculite, coco peat, sand and combinations), irrigation (fresh or brackish water) and seed pre-treatments (scarification, gibberellic acid and thermal shock). Cultivation assays assessed plant responses to salinity (25.5–53.4 dS m−1 ) and density (75–600 plants m−2 ) using IMTA-derived aquaculture effluents for irrigation. RESULTS: Salinity significantly reduced seed germination. Limbarda crithmoides had the highest germination rate (61.1%) in vermiculite under freshwater irrigation, whereas S. vera achieved optimal performance in a substrate of sand, organic peat and perlite. Thermal shock slightly improved M. nodiflorum germination. Moderate salinities (35.1–40.7 dS m−1 ) resulted in higher survival and productivity, particularly for S. vera, which showed >86% survival and higher chlorophyll content. At high densities, L. crithmoides and S. vera maintained >75% survival, while M. nodiflorum at 75 plants m−2 effectively reduced nitrate and ammonia concentrations in effluents. All species produced biomass with adequate nutritional and microbiological profiles suitable for human consumption, rich in protein, dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. Suaeda vera at 300 plants m−2 exhibited the highest total content of phenolic compounds. CONCLUSION: This study outlines a sustainable approach to cultivating edible halophytes in IMTA systems, with applications in saline farming, functional foods and aquaculture wastewater treatment.
- Conservation workshop in Okinawa: urgent action needed for land hermit crabsPublication . Hsu, Chia-Hsuan; Reimer, James Davis; Naruse, Tohru; Miller, Shawn; Henriques, SérgioOn 21 April 2025, in support of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Invertebrate Conservation Committee’s efforts to address taxonomic gaps in underrepresented regions, a workshop was held in Okinawa, Japan, bringing together researchers and stakeholders to discuss challenges in land hermit crab conservation. Recent cases of illegal trafficking of thousands of land hermit crabs from the Ryukyu Islands to Indonesia, Taiwan and China, as well as sales of Okinawaorigin crabs, are of serious concern. During the workshop, participants discussed the ecological roles, cultural values, and management of land hermit crabs, highlighted smuggling incidents and considered future actions.
- Immunomodulatory inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by a marine microalgal ethanol fraction targeting T-cells, antigen presentation, and macrophage fatePublication . Carletti, Alessio; Pes, Katia; Tarasco, Marco; Rosa, Joana; Poudel, Sunil; Pereira, Hugo; Louro, Bruno; Cancela, M. Leonor; Laizé, Vincent; Gavaia, PauloBackground: Targeting immune pathways to prevent bone loss represents a promising, yet underexplored therapeutic strategy. Methods: An ethanol-soluble fraction derived from the freeze-dried biomass of the marine microalga Skeletonema costatum (SKLT) was tested for its ability to modulate immune responses and inhibit osteoclastogenesis. Its effects were evaluated in a zebrafish model of bone regeneration, a medaka model of RANKLinduced osteoporosis, and in vitro using murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. Transcriptomic profiling of regenerating fin blastemas at 24 hours postamputation was performed to identify the affected molecular pathways. Results: In zebrafish, SKLT treatment suppressed the recruitment of osteoclast precursors and altered mineralization dynamics. Transcriptomic profiling revealed downregulation of genes involved in inflammation, antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and macrophage commitment towards osteoclastogenesis, accompanied by reduced expression of chemokines and cytokines that promote osteoclast precursor recruitment and fusion. In medaka, SKLT significantly reduced vertebral bone loss and enhanced neural arch mineralization in larvae with high RANKL expression. In vitro, SKLT inhibited proliferation and osteoclastic differentiation of murine RAW 264.7 macrophages exposed to RANKL without inducing cytotoxicity. Conclusion: These findings identify S. costatum as a source of bioactive immunomodulatory compounds capable of interfering with key osteoimmune mechanisms. Beyond providing proof of concept for their therapeutic potential in bone erosive disorders, this work opens avenues for isolating and characterizing the active molecules, optimizing their delivery, and evaluating their efficacy in preclinical mammalian models. Such strategies could expand the repertoire of safe, nutraceutical-based or adjuvant therapies for osteoporosis and other inflammation-driven skeletal diseases, complementing and potentially enhancing current antiresorptive and anabolic treatments.
- Updated extinction risk of seagrass species in the tropical atlantic bioregionPublication . Samper-Villarreal, Jimena; Creed, Joel C.; Frade, Duarte; Furman, Bradley T.; Bandeira, Salomão; El-Hacen, Hacen M.; Peralta, A. Carolina; Serrao, Ester A.; Vegas, Beatriz E. Vera; Tussenbroek, Brigitta I. vanSeagrasses can form vast meadows in coastal areas and provide valuable ecosystem services. Despite their importance, seagrasses are threatened, and their spatial extent and ecological condition have declined worldwide. Globally, there are six seagrass bioregions based on ocean basin and species distribution. The Tropical Atlantic Bioregion encompasses seagrasses in the warm waters off the Atlantic American continent, the eastern Pacific and the west coast of Africa. Here, the extinction risk of the species was determined through the Categories and Criteria of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The extinction risk for the 15 native seagrass species in the bioregion was assessed and summarized as an update to the previous IUCN effort, conducted 15 years ago. The updated regional assessments were based on expert opinion and compilation of revised data on species´ distribution, population status and trend. Of the 15 native species, nine were endemic to the bioregion; thus, the regional assessment was also a global one. Two other species were typical for the region but also occurred beyond bioregional boundaries (Halodule beaudettei and H. wrightii). The remaining species were either distributed circumglobally (2 species), or consisted of peripheral populations of species characteristic of neighboring bioregions (2 species). The detailed information of 15 assessments have been made freely accessible in an open repository. Nine species maintained their previous risk of extinction status, while one species (Thalassia testudinum) changed from the Least Concern to the Near Threatened category. Downgrading of the status of T. testudinum is worrying, as this is the dominant climax species in the wider Caribbean. Its replacement by less resistant and smaller but faster growing species, such as Syringodium filiforme and H. wrightii (both classified as Least Concern), could compromise the ecosystem services of seagrasses in this bioregion. An additional two species had been recently introduced, and are also briefly covered. The assessments included past and present taxonomical uncertainties of various assessed species. Issues concerning the current boundaries of the bioregions themselves were also encountered. To address this and better capture future and ongoing range expansion or reduction associated with climate change, we propose overlapping transitional boundaries with neighboring seagrass bioregions.
- The vertebral column of flatfish: a reviewPublication . Azevedo, A. M. de; Losada, A. P.; Vázquez, S.; Witten, P. E.; Quiroga, M. I.; Gavaia, PauloFlatfish (Pleuronectiformes) encompass fascinating fish species known for their high gastronomical value, rearing performances, and market prices, which attract both economic and scientific interest. Despite these attributes, flatfish exhibit unique morphological, developmental, and biological features, as well as distinctive swimming movements, which require special approaches in skeletal biology research, an area that remains relatively unexplored for this diverse group of fishes. These unique features emerge during metamorphosis, at the end of the larval period, when bilateral symmetric pelagic larvae gradually become asymmetric and undergo various morphological and physiological changes. Consequently, the skeletal characteristics of these species include a certain degree of asymmetry in the skeletal structures. These fish also present acellular bone (bone devoid of osteocytes). Research on flatfish skeletons is crucial for improving animal welfare and promoting sustainable farming, as the literature indicates that more than 50% of the larvae and juveniles of different cultured flatfish can be affected by skeletal deformities. This review aims to compile the available studies on the development of vertebral column deformities in flatfish in an integrative manner, addressing state-of-the-art research on the etiology, diagnostics, and innovative studies on this issue. It also covers the fundamental aspects of teleost skeletal development, particularly the flatfish vertebral column.
- Little migrants: assessment of stranded loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) source populations found in the north-east atlanticPublication . Corona, Luana Santos; Galatoulas, Adam; Nicolau, Lídia; Pereira, Andreia F. T.; Sá, Sara F.; Lopes da Cunha, Regina; Marçalo, Ana; Castilho, RitaMaritime activities affect the migratory routes of marine organisms, including loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). The coastal waters of mainland Portugal lie along these routes, providing foraging grounds but lacking nesting beaches, making them ideal for studying turtle migration. This study presents the first assessment of the natal origins of loggerheads in the North-East Atlantic. We analysed the genetic diversity of 127 stranded loggerhead turtles along the Portuguese coast, sequencing the mitochondrial DNA control region (776 bp). Sixteen haplotypes were identified, including a previously unknown one. Mixed-stock analysis revealed that loggerhead turtles stranded in Portuguese mainland coastal waters appear to originate predominantly from the Western Atlantic, with possible contributions from other regions including Cape Verde and the Eastern Mediterranean, though the latter remains uncertain. The primary sources were Florida rookeries, particularly Canaveral National Seashore, Melbourne Beach, Juno Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale. Our findings underscore the role of oceanic circulation patterns in shaping migration routes, as turtles predominantly followed major currents across the Atlantic. The predominance of juveniles among stranded individuals in areas with known high fishing pressure indicates that Portuguese waters may pose significant anthropogenic risks for this life stage. This study highlights the vulnerability of juvenile loggerheads in Portuguese waters and underscores the need for conservation strategies, including bycatch mitigation and fisheries management. Further ecological studies, such as tag tracking, are essential to understanding migratory patterns and improving conservation efforts in this critical migratory corridor.
- Impact of seasons on industrial cultivation of Limnospira platensis (Spirulina): a year-round case study on biomass, phycocyanin, and protein productivity in PortugalPublication . Guerra, Inês; Torres, Cátia; Cardoso, Helena; Pereira, Hugo; Trovão, Mafalda; Rodrigues, Alexandre M. C.; Varela, JoãoSpirulina is the most commercially produced biomass, among microalgae and cyanobacteria, with extensive applications across food, feed, nutraceutical and biotechnological sectors. While Spirulina cultivation is wellcharacterized at laboratorial and small-scale production, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding industrialscale production in temperate climates. Specifically, there is a lack of robust empirical data on how seasonal environmental fluctuations affect year-round productivity and the maintenance of consistent biomass quality (protein, phycocyanin content) under large-scale operational constraints. This study evaluates the year-round industrial production of Limnospira platensis in large-scale (1000 m2 and 4000 m2 ) raceway reactors at Allmicroalgae - Natural Products S.A., Portugal. Biomass productivity as well as protein and phycocyanin contents across different seasons and throughout the day were assessed. The influence of environmental factors such as temperature and solar radiation on productivity and biomass composition was also analyzed. Industrially grown Spirulina reached an average annual productivity of 5.1–5.6 g.m− 2 .d− 1 . Seasonal variation revealed a winter productivity decline higher than 60 %, compared to peak yields of 7.5–7.6 g.m− 2 .d− 1 from April to September. Protein content remained consistent year-round between 58.4 and 64.7 %, whereas phycocyanin content presented strong solar radiation dependence, peaking at 15.2 % in summer and decreasing to 10.4 % in winter. Furthermore, an analysis throughout the day identified an optimal harvesting window between midday and sunset to maximize phycocyanin levels. These findings validate the industrial feasibility of year-round Spirulina cultivation in temperate climates and provide seasonal productivity forecasting and harvest timing optimization, towards protein consistency and phycocyanin yield optimization.
- Multidimensional characterization of microplastic pollution in subtropical urban soils: Combining geospatial analysis and polymer risk indexingPublication . Du, Aolei; Li, Yanjun; Jian, Qiying; Zhang, Kai; Luo, Yutang; Yan, Jun; Du, Peixin; Power, Deborah Mary; Li, Ying; Ma, YibingMicroplastics (MPs) in urban soils of Macao, a high-density coastal city, were investigated to assess distribution patterns and ecological risks under anthropogenic pressures. MPs were extracted via density separation and H2O2 digestion, characterized using stereomicroscopy and μ-FTIR. Results showed significant accumulation (1.3 × 10³–2.6 × 104 items/kg; mean: 1.1 × 104 items/kg), dominated by fibers (49.4 %) and transparent particles (32.3 %). Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 37.6 %) and polypropylene (PP, 18.3 %) were predominant, with 20–500 μm fragments as the prevalent size. MP abundance varied significantly across land uses, with traffic and commercial/residential areas exceeding natural green areas (p < 0.05). Population density positively correlated with MP levels (p < 0.01). Traffic activities influenced MP characteristics, while soil conductivity and organic matter correlated with MP abundance. MP shape and size exhibited variable relationships with soil particle content. Risk assessments using pollution load index (PLI), polymer hazard index (PHl), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) revealed substantial ecological threats, with PHl and PERI classifying sites into risk categories IV and V, respectively, driven by high hazard polymers (PAN, PVC). Hierarchical clustering for source analysis of MPs, and geospatial analysis based on the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method, combined with the abundance of MPs and PERI, to predict the distribution map of soil MP pollution risk in Macao. This study provides critical baseline data on urban MP dynamics in coastal cities. Highlighting the need for targeted mitigation of high-risk polymers in regions with similar anthropogenic stressors.
- Synergistic effect of aloe vera hydrogels with imatinib for pH-responsive drug release in breast cancer treatmentPublication . Khan, Aroob Hasan; Shehzad, Adeeb; Pirela, Paola; Atalaia, Mariana; Ruivinho, Beatriz Lourenço; Rashan, Luay; Miran, Waheed; Duarte, Sofia O. D.; Fonte, PedroImatinib (IM) efficacy as a cancer drug is limited by pharmacokinetic drug resistance developed during systemic circulation before reaching the target site.Hydrogels have attracted attention because of their characteristic physiochemical and biochemical properties, flexibility, and the ability to release drugs directly at target sites causing cancer mitigation. The current study aims at developing Aloe Vera (AV) hydrogels for the efficient and targeted delivery of IM into cancer cells and studying its synergistic effect. Incorporating Aloe Vera into the previously studied Sodium Alginate (SA)/PolyVinyl Alcohol (PVA) hydrogels and loading with IM is expected to reach a pH-responsive release efficiency, enhanced biochemical properties and increased cancer cell cytotoxicity. The hydrogels, SA/PVA and SA/PVA/AV were characterized (FT-IR, SEM) and investigated for their physiochemical properties. The presence of AV and IM were confirmed by the increase in the intensity of band from 3000 to 3500 cm-1, while an increase in the pore size was observed upon the loading of IM. The final formulation, SA/PVA/AV hydrogels displayed increased pore size which leveraged their swelling, degradation, encapsulation, and release properties by 400%, 100%, 56%, and 94%, respectively. The in vitro analysis on breast cancer cells showed that the SA/PVA/AV hydrogels loaded with IM worked synergistically to significantly reduce the cancer cell viability to 40%, surpassing the efficacy of the SA/PVA/AV hydrogel and IM treatments alone. This study highlights the promising potential for the use of AV in the development of a drug delivery system (DDS) for targeting and improving therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment.
- Fruit quality response of strawberry cv 'antilla' after application of calciumPublication . Palencia, Pedro; Pestana, Maribela; Saavedra, Teresa; Gama, Florinda; Correia, Pedro JoséAs an important economically and nutritionally valuable fruit, strawberry has been planted everywhere worldwide, which, due to the shortage of arable land, has created an obstacle to successional farming. The study investigates the effect of calcium application in strawberry fruit quality, including fruit firmness and ºBrix. Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. 'Antilla') grown in a soilless system in a greenhouse were exposed to different calcium (Ca) concentrations and application interval during the production cycle of strawberry plants added as Ca(NO3)2. The control only has the Ca contained in the irrigation water. The S treatment added Ca to the substrate, FS and FQ treatments added Ca by foliar spray weekly or biweekly, respectively. Fruit fresh weight, firmness, pH, titratable acidity and ºBrix value were studied. Compared to other treatments, softer fruits were obtained in the control group. The reduction of fruit firmness in the control treatment coincides with a lower average pH, which can cause fruit softening and damage during storage. In addition, pH plays an important role in strawberry flavour. Foliar application of Ca showed strawberries with higher firmness, irrespective of the application interval weekly or biweekly. From an environmental standpoint, optimizing calcium application in soilless systems contributes to resource-efficient agriculture by reducing nutrient waste, minimizing leaching, and lowering the environmental footprint associated with excessive fertilizer use. This approach supports sustainable fruit production, especially in areas facing soil degradation and water scarcity, thereby aligning strawberry cultivation practices with broader environmental conservation goals.