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Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a recent class of green solvents, offer 100% atom economy, low cost, potential biodegradability, negligible toxicity and promising bioactivities. In this work, novel aroma-based therapeutic hydrophobic DESs were prepared and dispersed in aqueous media as nanoemulsions to potentiate biomedical applications, where polar media is encountered. A reusable microengineered stainless-steel isoporous membrane was fabricated by laser drilling technique. Three hydrophobic DESs, namely DES A (menthol and vanillin), DES B (menthol and raspberry ketone), and DES C (thymol and raspberry ketone) were prepared and emulsified in aqueous media by sustainable membrane emulsification technique. The optimised nanoemulsion (DES C-in-water) exhibited a monomodal size distribution with Zavg (size average) of 147 nm and polydispersity index of 0.22. From the application perspective, the formulated DES-in-water nanoemulsions and their constituents were evaluated for their antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, antifungal properties of the DES-based emulsions were reported for the first time by testing them against four fungal strains, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The nanoemulsions were found to be exhibit antimicrobial effect and lesser quantities of individual compounds were needed in nanoemulsified state to show similar effects. Different 1D and 2D NMR techniques were successfully used to investigate the structural orientation and the inter and intramolecular interactions in the DES and emulsion systems, which revealed a probable cause for higher antimicrobial activity of DES C-based emulsions compared to its peers. Lastly, a synergistic effect of the components in nanoemulsions led to enhanced antimicrobial activities.

Coastal sprawl is among the main drivers of global degradation of shallow marine ecosystems. Among artificial substrates, quarry rock can have faster recruitment of benthic organisms compared to traditional concrete, which is more versatile for construction. However, the factors driving these differences are poorly understood. In this context, this study was designed to compare the intertidal and subtidal benthic and epibenthic assemblages on concrete and artificial basalt boulders in six locations of Madeira Island (northeastern Atlantic, Portugal). To assess the size of the habitat, the shorelines in the study area were quantified using satellite images, resulting in >34 % of the south coast of Madeira being artificial. Benthic assemblages differed primarily between locations and secondarily substrates. Generally, assemblages differed between substrates in the subtidal, with lower biomass and abundance in concrete than basalt. We conclude that these differences are not related to chemical effects (e.g., heavy metals) but instead to a higher detachment rate of calcareous biocrusts from concrete, as surface abrasion is faster in concrete than basalt. Consequently, surface integrity emerges as a factor of ecological significance in coastal constructions. This study advances knowledge on the impact and ecology of artificial shorelines, providing a baseline for future research towards ecological criteria for coastal protection and management

Coastal dunes result from complex interactions between sand transport, topography and vegetation. However, uncertainty still persists due to limited quantitative analyses, integrating plant distribution and morphologic changes. This study aims to assess the initiation and maintenance of feedback processes by analysing the early development stages of incipient foredunes, combining data on the evolution of the plant cover and communities and dune morphology. Over three years, the monitoring of a newly formed dune (1 ha plot) reveals the progressive plant colonisation and the episodic accumulation of sand around vegetated areas controlled by sediment availability. Distinct colonisation rates were observed, influenced by inherited marine conditions, namely topography and presence of beach wrack. Berm-ridges provided elevations above the critical threshold for plant colonisation and surface roughness, aiding sediment accumulation. Beach wrack above this threshold led to rapid expansion and higher plant concentration. In the initial stages, vegetation cover significantly influenced sediment accumulation patterns, with higher accumulation around areas with high plant cover and low slopes or around areas with sparse vegetation but milder slopes. As the dune system matured and complexity grew, the link between vegetation cover and accumulation became nonlinear. Mid to low coverages (5–30 %) retained most of the observed accumulation, especially when coupled with steep slopes, resulting from positive feedbacks between vegetation, topography and sand transport. As foredune developed, vegetation cover and diversity increased while inherited morphologies grew vertically, explaining the emergence of dune ridge morphological types. Flat surfaces lacking wrack materials experienced a three-year delay in colonisation and sand accumulation, leading to the formation of terrace-type incipient foredunes. These observations underline feedback processes during the early stages of dune for

Findings of archaeological textiles and fibres in Northern Iberia are extremely rare. The occurrence of a set of textile fragments, dated between the 14th and 16th centuries CE at the Pambre castle (Palas de Rei, Lugo, Spain) is exceptional. The original stone roof of the southeastern tower was intact. The dark, cold and moist conditions inside the tower favoured the preservation of a unique series of waterlogged textile remains. In addition, a set of pseudomorphs preserved by mineral replacement were recovered from the east edge of the north wing in the main hall of the castle. Fibres have been identified using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and they have been chemically characterised using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). We also performed analytical pyrolysis-GC-MS (Py-GC-MS) and thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation (THM-GC-MS) of the wool fabrics and pseudomorphs to assess their state of degradation and the presence of chemical markers associated to the use of these textile remains. High performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD-MS) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) analysis were applied on wool fabrics to identify the chemical markers of dyes but without success. To expand the information related to raw material identification and the technical aspects of the fabrics, further evidence such as adherences identified as opal phytoliths, seeds, and insect remains associated to wool fabrics were examined. These findings offer a unique glimpse into the clothing dated to the end of the Medieval period, and its life-cycle. Wool scraps were probably part of at least two different garments, whereas the mineralised textiles probably formed part of at least two brigandines which were made of bast fibres, flax, or hemp.

The threat of climate change, which includes shifts in salinity and temperature, has generated a global concern for marine organisms. These changes directly impact them and may alter their susceptibility to contaminants, such as terbium (Tb), found in electronic waste. This study assessed how decreased and increased salinity, as well as increased temperature, modulates Tb effects in Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels. After an exposure period of 28 days, Tb bioaccumulation and biochemical changes were evaluated. Results indicated no significant modulation of salinity and temperature on Tb accumulation, suggesting detoxification mechanisms and adaptations. Further analysis showed that Tb exposure alone caused antioxidant inhibition and neurotoxicity. When exposed to decreased salinity, these Tb-exposed organisms activated defense mechanisms, a response indicative of osmotic stress. Moreover, increased salinity also led to increased oxidative stress and metabolic activity in Tb-exposed organisms. Additionally, Tb-exposed organisms responded to elevated temperature with altered biochemical activities indicative of damage and stress response. Such responses suggested that Tb effects were masked by osmotic and heat stress. This study provides valuable insights into the interactions between temperature, salinity, and contaminants such as Tb, impacting marine organisms. Understanding these relationships is crucial for mitigating climate change and electronic waste effects on marine ecosystems

Rapid identification of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, or STEC, is of utmost importance to assure the innocuousness of the foodstuffs. STEC have been implicated in outbreaks associated with different types of foods however, among them, ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables are particularly problematic as they are consumed raw, and are rich in compounds that inhibit DNA-based detection methods such as qPCR. In the present study a novel method based on Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to overcome the limitations associated with current molecular methods for the detection of STEC in RTE vegetables targeting stx1 and stx2 genes. In this sense, LAMP demonstrated to be more robust against inhibitory substances in food. In this study, a comprehensive enrichment protocol was combined with four inexpensive DNA extraction protocols. The one based on silica purification enhanced the performance of the method, therefore it was selected for its implementation in the final method. Additionally, three different detection chemistries were compared, namely real-time fluorescence detection, and two end-point colorimetric strategies, one based on the addition of SYBR Green, and the other based on a commercial colorimetric master mix. After optimization, all three chemistries demonstrated suitable for the detection of STEC in spiked RTE salad samples, as it was possible to reach a LOD50 of 0.9, 1.4, and 7.0 CFU/25 g for the real-time, SYBR and CC LAMP assays respectively. All the performance parameters reached values higher than 90 %, when compared to a reference method based on multiplex qPCR. More specifically, the analytical sensitivity was 100, 90.0 and 100 % for real-time, SYBR and CC LAMP respectively, the specificity 100 % for all three assays, and accuracy 100, 96 and 100 %. Finally, a high degree of concordance was also obtained (1, 0.92 and 1 respectively). Considering the current technological advances, the method reported, using any of the three detection stra

Iberian peatlands have been severely affected by land use and land cover (LULC) changes. Despite these pressures, some peatlands persist in the region, although their susceptibility to LULC change remains poorly understood. This study presents the most detailed and extensive distribution data for Iberian peatlands to date and analyzes the dynamics and drivers of LULC in Iberian peatlands and their surrounding areas. We compiled peatland records from various sources and used Corine Land Cover Change layers to determine LULC shifts in their surrounding areas for 1990, 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018. Environmental and socioeconomic variables were used to create Boosted Regression Tree models explaining spatial variations in the mean percentage of changed area. Analysis of 270 peatland locations in the Iberian Peninsula revealed that forests and seminatural areas constituted over 80% of the peatland's surroundings. Agricultural areas expanded the most, except between 2006 and 2012 when the artificial areas showed more gains. While most surrounding areas experienced an average change of 0%-9.51% of the total area, between 1990 and 2018, lowland peatlands (littoral and sublittoral) suffered more intense changes (9.51% to 38.43%). Our models showed that only elevation and agricultural area density were relevant predictors of the spatial distribution of changes. Upland Iberian peatlands showed lower susceptibility to LULC change, while lowland peatlands underwent remarkable transformations. This study substantially expands previous knowledge about the distribution and conservation needs of these ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula, especially those in littoral and sublittoral lowlands.

The ability of human tissues to self-repair is limited, which motivates the scientific community to explore new and better therapeutic approaches to tissue regeneration. The present manuscript provides a comparative study between a marine-based composite biomaterial, and another composed of well-established counterparts for bone tissue regeneration. Blue shark skin collagen was combined with bioapatite obtained from blue shark's teeth (mColl:BAp), while bovine collagen was combined with synthetic hydroxyapatite (bColl:Ap) to produce 3D composite scaffolds by freeze-drying. Collagens showed similar profiles, while apatite particles differed in their composition, being the marine bioapatite a fluoride-enriched ceramic. The marine-sourced biomaterials presented higher porosities, improved mechanical properties, and slower degradation rates when compared to synthetic apatite-reinforced bovine collagen. The in vivo performance regarding bone tissue regeneration was evaluated in defects created in femoral condyles in New Zealand rabbits twelve weeks post-surgery. Micro-CT results showed that mColl:BAp implanted condyles had a slower degradation and an higher tissue formation (17.9 ± 6.9 %) when compared with bColl:Ap implanted ones (12.9 ± 7.6 %). The histomorphometry analysis provided supporting evidence, confirming the observed trend by quantifying 13.1 ± 7.9 % of new tissue formation for mColl:BAp composites and 10.4 ± 3.2 % for bColl:Ap composites, suggesting the potential use of marine biomaterials for bone regeneration

This study delves into the intricate interplay between ocean acidification (OA), metal bioaccumulation, and cellular responses using mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as bioindicators. For this purpose, environmentally realistic concentrations of isotopically labelled metals (Cd, Cu, Ag, Ce) were added to investigate whether the OA increase would modify metal bioaccumulation and induce adverse effects at the cellular level. The study reveals that while certain elements like Cd and Ag might remain unaffected by OA, the bioavailability of Cu and Ce could potentially escalate, leading to amplified accumulation in marine organisms. The present findings highlight a significant rise in Ce concentrations within different mussel organs under elevated pCO2 conditions, accompanied by an increased isotopic fractionation of Ce (140/142Ce), suggesting a heightened potential for metal accumulation under OA. The results suggested that OA influenced metal accumulation in the gills of mussels. Conversely, metal accumulation in the digestive gland was unaffected by OA. The exposure to both trace metals and OA affects the biochemical responses of M. galloprovincialis, leading to increased metabolic capacity, changes in energy reserves, and alterations in oxidative stress markers, but the specific effects on other biomarkers (e.g., lipid peroxidation, some enzymatic responses or acetylcholinesterase activity) were not uniform, suggesting complex interactions between the stressors and the biochemical pathways in the mussels

The surfgrass Phyllospadix scouleri grows in highly productive meadows along the Pacific coast of North America. This region has experienced increasingly severe marine heatwaves (MHWs) in recent years. Our study evaluated the impact of consecutive MHWs, simulated in mesocosms, on essential ecophysiological features of P. scouleri. Overall, our findings show that the plants' overall physiological status has been progressively declining. Interestingly, the indicators of physiological stress in photosynthesis only showed up once the initial heat exposure stopped (i.e., during the recovery period). The warming caused increased oxidative damage and a decrease in nitrate uptake rates. However, the levels of non-structural carbohydrates and relative growth rates were not affected. Our findings emphasize the significance of incorporating recovery periods in this type of study as they expose delayed stress responses. Furthermore, experiencing consecutive intense MHWs can harm surfgrasses over time, compromising the health of their meadows and the services they offer to the ecosystem.

The desert vipers of the genus Cerastes are a small clade of medically important venomous snakes within the family Viperidae. According to published morphological and molecular studies, the group is comprised by four species: two morphologically similar and phylogenetically sister taxa, the African horned viper (Cerastes cerastes) and the Arabian horned viper (Cerastes gasperettii); a more distantly related species, the Saharan sand viper (Cerastes vipera), and the enigmatic Böhme's sand viper (Cerastes boehmei), only known from a single specimen in captivity allegedly captured in Central Tunisia. In this study, we sequenced one mitochondrial marker (COI) as well as genome-wide data (ddRAD sequencing) from 28 and 41 samples, respectively, covering the entire distribution range of the genus to explore the population genomics, phylogenomic relationships and introgression patterns within the genus Cerastes. Additionally, and to provide insights into the mode of diversification of the group, we carried out niche overlap analyses considering climatic and habitat variables. Both nuclear phylogenomic reconstructions and population structure analyses have unveiled an unexpected evolutionary history for the genus Cerastes, which sharply contradicts the morphological similarities and previously published mitochondrial approaches. Cerastes cerastes and C. vipera are recovered as sister taxa whilst C. gasperettii is a sister taxon to the clade formed by these two species. We found a relatively high niche overlap (OI > 0.7) in both climatic and habitat variables between C. cerastes and C. vipera, contradicting a potential scenario of sympatric speciation. These results are in line with the introgression found between the northwestern African populations of C. cerastes and C. vipera. Finally, our genomic data confirms the existence of a lineage of C. cerastes in Arabia. All these results highlight the importance of genome-wide data over few genetic markers to study the evolutiona

The regeneration of wastewater has been recognized as an effective strategy to counter water scarcity. Nonetheless, Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) effluents still contain a wide range of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) even after water depuration. Filtration through Soil Aquifer Treatment (SAT) systems has proven efficient for CECs removal although the attenuation of their associated biological effects still remains poorly understood. To evaluate this, three pilot SAT systems were monitored, two of them enhanced with different reactive barriers. SATs were fed with secondary effluents during two consecutive campaigns. Fifteen water samples were collected from the WWTP effluent, below the barriers and 15 m into the aquifer. The potential attenuation of effluent-associated biological effects by SATs was evaluated through toxicogenomic bioassays using zebrafish eleutheroembryos and human hepatic cells. Transcriptomic analyses revealed a wide range of toxic activities exerted by the WWTP effluents that were reduced by more than 70% by SAT. Similar results were observed when HepG2 hepatic cells were tested for cytotoxic and dioxin-like responses. Toxicity reduction appeared partially determined by the barrier composition and/or SAT managing and correlated with CECs removal. SAT appears as a promising approach to efficiently reduce effluent-associated toxicity contributing to environmental and human health preservation.

Soils constitute the major reservoir of mercury (Hg) in terrestrial ecosystems, whose stability may be threatened by wildfires. This research attempts to look at the effect of prescribed fire on the presence of Hg in a shrubland ecosystem from NE Portugal, delving into its relationship with soil aggregate size and the molecular composition of soil organic matter (SOM). During the prescribed fire, on average 347 mg Hg ha−1 were lost from the burnt aboveground biomass of shrubs and 263 mg Hg ha−1 from the combustion of the soil organic horizon. Overall, Hg concentration and pools in the mineral soil did not show significant changes due to burning, which highlights their role as long-term Hg reservoirs. The higher Hg concentrations found in smaller aggregates (<0.2 mm) compared to coarser ones (0.5–2 mm) are favored by the higher degree of organic matter decomposition (low C/N ratio), rather than by greater total organic C contents. The Hg-enriched finest fraction of soil (<0.2 mm) could be more prone to be mobilized by erosion, whose potential arrival to water bodies increases the environmental concern for the Hg present in fire-affected soils. The SOM quality (molecular composition) and the main organic families, analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in combination with multivariate statistical analysis, significantly conditioned the retention/emission of Hg in the uppermost soil layers. Thus, before the fire, Hg was strongly linked to lipid and protein fractions, while Hg appeared to be linked to aromatic-like compounds in fire-affected SOM.

Conservation Biology fosters the study of Earth's ecosystems and biodiversity aiming at protecting species and their habitats from menaces causing the erosion of biotic interactions and extinctions. Its ultimate goal is to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable ecological management maintaining both ecosystem's resilience and services. Ecosystems display complex patterns in time and space due to the intrinsic nonlinear nature of their interactions and can suffer regime shifts driven by the agents of global change. During the last decades, Ecology has turned from the equilibrium metaphor to the paradigm of non-equilibrium dynamics. This involves putting into the scene multiple stable states, nonlinear regime shifts, stochasticity, and ecological transients. These aspects are also crucial for biological conservation since they play a fundamental role in species' persistence, ecosystems' resilience, and in detecting warning signals prior to either the collapse or the recovery of the ecosystem. In this contribution, we discuss ecological regime shifts caused by tipping points in real ecosystems. Then, we provide information on some known dynamical features from theoretical ecology and dynamical systems theory associated to tipping points, mainly given by transient phenomena and the characteristic statistical patterns tied to early warning signals. These features are illustrated with a single-species mathematical model including facilitation and immigration. We also introduce and provide evidence of late warning signals as a way to identify when a tipping point has been surpassed but the system still remains in a transient state and recovery may be still possible. Our main goal is to near non-equilibrium concepts in Ecology to the conservationist community and promote bridges between such concepts and the management and conservation of ecosystems.

The antitumor antibiotic mithramycin A (MTA) binds to G/C-rich DNA sequences in the presence of dications. MTA inhibits transcription regulated by the Sp1 transcription factor, often enhanced during tumor development. It shows antitumor activity, but its clinical use was discontinued due to toxic side effects. However, recent observations have led to its use being reconsidered. The MTA biosynthetic pathways have been modified to produce mithramycin analogs (mithralogs) that encompass lower toxicity and improved pharmacological activity. Some mithralogs reduce gene expression in human ovarian and prostate tumors, among other types of cancer. They down-regulate gene expression in various cellular processes, including Sp1-responsive genes that control tumor development. Moreover, MTA and several mithralogs, such as EC-8042 (DIG-MSK) and EC-8105, effectively treat Ewing sarcoma by inhibiting transcription controlled by the oncogenic EWS-FLI1 transcription factor.

In the current article the aims for a constructive way forward in Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) are to highlight the most important priorities in research and clinical science, therefore supporting a more informed, focused, and better funded future for European DILI research. This Roadmap aims to identify key challenges, define a shared vision across all stakeholders for the opportunities to overcome these challenges and propose a high-quality research program to achieve progress on the prediction, prevention, diagnosis and management of this condition and impact on healthcare practice in the field of DILI. This will involve 1. Creation of a database encompassing optimised case report form for prospectively identified DILI cases with well-characterised controls with competing diagnoses, biological samples, and imaging data; 2. Establishing of preclinical models to improve the assessment and prediction of hepatotoxicity in humans to guide future drug safety testing; 3. Emphasis on implementation science and 4. Enhanced collaboration between drug-developers, clinicians and regulatory scientists. This proposed operational framework will advance DILI research and may bring together basic, applied, translational and clinical research in DILI.

The accurate varietal identification is an essential requirement for every process involved in the exploitation of grapevine resources and derived products. The advancements achieved during the last years allowed the simultaneous analysis of multiple molecular markers capable of identifying grapevine varieties. Despite the establishment of a recommended set of nine microsatellite (SSR) markers for this purpose, their effective application with DNA extracted from must and wine samples remains a challenging task. This work aimed to develop High Resolution Melting (HRM) assays based on SSR markers applicable for grapevine varietal identification using leaf, must and wine samples. The grapevine varieties used were Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Rufete. A total of 12 SSR markers were used to screen the varieties: nine markers recommended by the OIV (VVMD5, VVMD7, VVMD25, VVMD27, VVMD28, VVMD32, VVS2, VrZAG62 and VrZAG79) and three markers selected based on their repeat motif and length (VvIv35, VChr5c and VChr9a). The results from multiplex PCR amplification of DNA from wine samples revealed that these three markers performed better than the nine established SSR markers. HRM assays were developed targeting markers VvIv35, VChr5c and VChr9a, successfully discriminating the varietal composition in must DNA samples. Promising results were obtained using wine DNA, where assay HRM-VChr9a proved to have the highest discriminant power. The HRM-SSR assays need to be applied in a larger number of varieties, to explore its suitability for grapevine fingerprinting applications throughout the wine chain. Overall, the proposed small SSR makers can be more suitable for wine DNA analysis. The HRM-SSR approach presented here provides fast results, allowing the complete discrimination of varietal composition in must DNA. It also shows to be a promising tool to discriminate the varieties using wine DNA, a task usually hampered by the inherent complexity of wine s

The Euro-Mediterranean region experienced a remarkable drought during the hydrological year 2021/22. Substantial and widespread impacts on water supply systems, agricultural crops, and the production of hydroelectric power were observed. This assessment characterises the drought from a long-term perspective using a multi-index approach and analyses the associated atmospheric circulation at the annual and monthly time scales. The main dynamical forcing of the drought was the unusual recurrence of high-pressure systems over western Europe, at least partly due to an anomalous southward shift in blocking activity and a remarkable occurrence of low-latitude blocks. This led to record-breaking positive geopotential height anomalies over western Europe and a poleward displacement of the North Atlantic eddy-driven jet. Although most of the region was affected by mild drought conditions, the 2021/22 event was not unprecedented in terms of precipitation deficits since other periods of the 20th century (e.g., in the 1920s, 1940s and 1970s) displayed moderate and severe drought conditions over larger areas. However, the 2021/22 drought has been the most intense since at least 1891 because of high atmospheric evaporative demand (AED) values associated with extreme temperatures, especially during the summer of 2022. This enhanced AED also contributed to depleting soil moisture and reducing runoff generation, leading to unprecedented deficits since at least 1965. Finally, we find important differences in the 2021/22 event as compared to other major historical droughts over the Euro-Mediterranean region. In particular, the contrasting effect of AED evidences its increasing role over the last decades and warns about the current risk of experiencing unprecedented droughts.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae oil (HIO) on fillet fatty acid (FA) profiles and other nutritional traits of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Four experimental diets were formulated with 45% crude protein and 18% lipids (circa 50:50 of fish oil and vegetable oil (VO) blend: 20% rapeseed, 30% palm, and 50% linseed oil) and HIO was used to replace VO blend at 42%, 84%, and 100%, corresponding to a dietary inclusion level of 4%, 7.9%, and 9.5%, respectively. After a feeding trial of 10 weeks, several fillet quality traits were analyzed, including morphometric and somatometric indexes, physical and chemical characteristics, FA profile, and lipid peroxidation products. No differences were found in the morphometric and somatometric parameters, or skin and fillet color. The fillets FA profile was significantly modulated by the experimental diets, showing an increase in saturated fatty acids (SFA), particularly lauric acid, and a decrease in monosaturated FA and n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with the increase of HIO inclusion, while eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents were not affected. Fillets FA quality indexes (PUFA/SFA, n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, thrombogenicity, and atherogenicity indexes) were also modulated by dietary HIO inclusion. Fillets pH was reduced and water holding capacity increased with dietary HIO inclusion. Fillet lipid peroxidation level (measured as TBARS) was significantly decreased with dietary HIO inclusion despite an increase in conjugated dienes. Overall, results showed that HIO can efficiently replace VO in gilthead seabream diets, without major negative effects on fillet characteristics and quality traits while decreasing fillet lipid oxidation.

This research aims to distinguish genetic sedimentary processes building canyon geomorphological patterns and the factors driving different sedimentary activities in two nearby Mediterranean shelf-incised submarine canyons (Carchuna and Motril) that exhibit different degrees of incision on the narrow margin of the northern Alboran Sea. The straight Carchuna Canyon incises the shelf up to 200 m off the coastline and exhibit steep canyon walls featuring narrow terraces, muddy sands with high contents of organic matter along the thalweg, and transported shelf benthic foraminifera in distal settings. The Motril Canyon head is wider and incises the shelf edge, ca. 2 km off the coastline. It exhibits a sinuous morphology and less steep walls, wider terraces, and higher sedimentation rates with muddy sediments along the thalweg. In both canyons, cross-section relief, width, incision, and area decrease downslope, although these parameters increase locally. The downslope variations of geomorphological parameters are attributed to enhanced erosional/depositional processes promoted by tectonically controlled abrupt changes of the axial channel orientation. The degree of shelf incision, the location of the canyon heads in relation with the local sediment sources, and the seasonally variable hydrodynamic regimes determine the different degrees of recent canyon activity. The Motril Canyon is interpreted as a mature system that reflects episodic activity, collecting fine-grained sediments from the nearby Guadalfeo River. The Carchuna Canyon exhibits a youthful developmental stage whose activity is more continuous and involves sediment trapping of littoral cells and continuous downslope sand transport

Since the 1960's, Portugal has been affected by profound land use/land cover changes, which have boosted fuel continuity and fire-proneness nationwide. Within this context, the assets of pulp paper companies are exposed to large wildfires, which may cause severe economic losses. Wildfire simulations can help to scenarize and anticipate fire spread, contributing to efficiently allocate resources to protect values at risk. To test this framework, we assessed wildfire hazard in a 115,000 ha landscape, including 3,720 ha owned by two companies, with the aim of identifying the management units most exposed to large wildfires and the ones most at risk. We used Minimum Travel Time algorithm to estimate Burn Probability (BP), Fire Size (FS) and Conditional Flame Length (CFL). Wildfire hazard and exposure were assessed at the landscape-level; risk was estimated in production eucalypt plantations, by combining the annual BP with potential economic losses, based on management costs, loss of revenue and salvage wood. Our results showed that eucalypt plantations not managed by the companies represent a major threat to their patrimony. Industrial plantations with ages between 6 and 9 years have proven the most exposed. Very large wildfires (≥5,000 ha) can potentially spread in 53 % of the landscape, affecting 75 % of young eucalypt (<5 years) area. The 90 percentile of the risk ranges from 213 to 429 €ha year (9.6 % of production eucalypt area). This work resulted in a flexible methodology, replicable in Mediterranean regions with similar landcover. The information produced can provide additional guidance for wildfire prevention and risk management.

Caves, with distinctive features and specialized ecosystems, harbour microorganisms that have adapted metabolically to survive in seemingly harsh conditions with limited essential elements. Despite the potential threat of biodeterioration to subterranean heritage due to microbial proliferation, caves serve as vital reservoirs of bioactive compounds produced by subsurface-adapted microorganisms. These microorganisms form biofilms, producing diverse bioactive compounds with properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer capabilities. We conducted a comprehensive study with different bacterial strains isolated from terrestrial and marine caves (Escoural cave and in different caves on the Lanzarote island and on Selvagem Grande island). Extracts from these strains demonstrated potential in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, showed robust antioxidant effects, and exhibited antiproliferative activity against breast cancer cells, moreover some of these extracts (Knoellia sp. CI04-s2.2, Brevibacillus sp. MR02B-s3, Bacillus sp. CK03-s2 and Bacillus sp. SD03-s6) present more than one bioactivity. This study unveiled the potential of cave bacterial strains as valuable sources of bioactive compounds, with implications for the development of novel biocides and pharmaceuticals. Bioprospecting within these unique environments offers a distinct opportunity not only to explore and safeguard these ecosystems but also to promote the development of eco-friendly, safe, and sustainable solutions.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), are among the most frequently reported foodborne pathogens worldwide. They produce two powerful cytotoxins, called Shiga toxins (Stx1 and Stx2). Most DNA-based methods target these genes, and rely on lengthy enrichment protocols which delay early identification of potential threats. Vegetable samples are particularly problematic, as they are rich in components that may inhibit these techniques. In the present study, a short enrichment and improved matrix lysis protocols were combined and tested with qPCR implementing two different detection chemistries, a hydrolysis probe, and an intercalating dye-based one taking advantage of SYBR Green, to determine which performed best. The methodology presented a turnaround time of ∼6 h including the enrichment, sample treatment followed by DNA extraction, and STEC detection with either detection chemistry. Minor differences were identified among both detection chemistries, as the LOD95 were 6.9 and 8.6 CFU/25 g for the probe-based and intercalating dye respectively; both got relative sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies of 100 % and a Cohen's kappa, of 1.00, being this an “almost complete concordance” with the expected result. Overall, same-day detection of STEC in ready-to-eat salad samples, was achieved, and both qPCR detection chemistries demonstrated suitable for the intended application

Regenerative agriculture aims to boost native biodiversity and ensure sustainable production. Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) enhance crop yield through improved nutrient use efficiency or stress tolerance. Utilizing synthetic bacterial communities (SynCom) tailored to specific challenges holds promise for enhancing plant resilience. However, challenges include designing microbial consortia and selecting SynCom application techniques. This study tested four PGPB SynCom application methods on tomato plants to evaluate their effectiveness in promoting plant resistance and recovery from short extreme heat waves. Non-invasive phenotyping techniques were used to assess plant responses to three delivery methods (watering, foliar spray, and alginate spheres immobilization) under heat stress. Plants treated with the marine PGPB SynCom through methods like leaf spraying or encapsulation in alginate spheres exhibited improved resilience in terms of Kautsky curve intensity and shape, indicating better photochemical apparatus function. These techniques also facilitated post-stress recovery. Deep photochemical analysis revealed SynCom-induced improvements in the plant's photochemical apparatus, particularly the PS II donor side. Moreover, it was also possible to observe that upon stress relief these two techniques, alongside the plants inoculated throughout watering were able to recover their photochemical profiles. Analysing the Fv/Fm values, plants inoculated through watering, alginate beads and leaf spray can be considered heat-tolerant, a characteristic conserved throughout the three sampling moments. Heat-wave exposure led to an increase in the energy absorbed by the non-inoculated plants as a counteractive measure to overcome the low energy use efficiency observed (low trapping and transported energy fluxes). The reduction in stress impact was attributed to SynCom's ACC-deaminase production, which lowered ethylene accumulation, promoting growth and photosynthetic ef

The Earth Hologenome Initiative (EHI) is a global collaboration to generate and analyse hologenomic data from wild animals and associated microorganisms using standardised methodologies underpinned by open and inclusive research principles. Initially focused on vertebrates, it aims to re-examine ecological and evolutionary questions by studying host–microbiota interactions from a systemic perspective.

The existing literature extensively explores the influence of stacking sequences on symmetric flat laminates subjected to low-velocity impacts. However, this is not true in the case of curved laminates. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to analyse the effect of stacking sequences on the impact response of semicylindrical woven composite shells. For this purpose laminates with [0]8 , [45]8 , [＋15,−15]2S , [＋22.5,−22.5] 2S, and [＋30,−30]2S , were considered in order to evaluate the impact response of layer orientations. Additionally, laminates with [0 2 , 45 2 ]S , [0,45]2S , [0,45 2 , 0]S , and [45 2, 0 2 ] S were employed to analyse the effects of changing the positioning of the layers in relation to the laminate mid-plane. The FE model was validated with the experimental results obtained for [0] laminates, where good numerical–experimental correlation was obtained. The findings suggest that an increase in impact bending stiffness (IBS) leads to a rise in maximum force, accompanied by a decrease in maximum displacement, contact time, and dissipated energy. The primary mechanism responsible for dissipating the majority of impact energy is intralaminar damage, followed by delaminations and friction. Importantly, changing the layer positions has a significant impact on how each layer within the semicylindrical quasi-isotropic composite shell distributes and dissipates energy during the impact event.

Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) is one of the four isozymes in humans and mice that have the capacity to hydrolyze phosphate groups from a wide spectrum of physiological substrates. Among these, TNAP degrades substrates implicated in neurotransmission. Transgenic mice lacking TNAP activity display the characteristic skeletal and dental phenotype of infantile hypophosphatasia, as well as spontaneous epileptic seizures and die around 10 days after birth. This physiopathology, linked to the expression pattern of TNAP in the central nervous system (CNS) during embryonic stages, suggests an important role for TNAP in neuronal development and synaptic function, situating it as a good target to be explored for the treatment of neurological diseases. In this review, we will focus mainly on the role that TNAP plays as an ectonucleotidase in CNS regulating the levels of extracellular ATP and consequently purinergic signaling., Depto. de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Fac. de Medicina, TRUE, pub

Harbours are highly modified habitats that differ from natural areas. They are hotspots of non-indigenous species (NIS) and act as stepping-stones in invasive processes. However, local communities can exert biotic resistance against biological invasions through trophic interactions and competition. This study assesses the biotic effects of predation on the recruitment of fouling assemblages in three marinas of NE Atlantic Portugal (Cascais, Setúbal and Sines), with particular emphasis on NIS, using predator exclusion experiments. Predation increased the relative abundance of NIS, mainly Watersipora subatra, in the estuarine marinas of Cascais and Setúbal, while no predation effects were registered in the coastal marina of Sines. Therefore, predation can increase the risk of NIS invasion (biotic facilitation). Furthermore, local ecosystems may have different effects and differ in vulnerability against NIS invasions. Finally, a better understanding of coastal invasive ecology and biotic effects in coastal artificial habitats will improve our capacity for NIS management.

Marinas are hubs for non-indigenous species (NIS) and constitute the nodes of a network of highly modified water bodies (HMWB) connected by recreational maritime traffic. Floating structures, such as pontoons, are often the surfaces with higher NIS abundance inside marinas and lead the risk for NIS introduction, establishment and spread. However, there is still little information on how the location within the marina and the substratum type can influence the recruitment of fouling assemblages depending on water parameters and substratum chemical composition. In this study, fouling recruitment was studied using an experimental approach with three materials (basalt, concrete and HDPE plastic) in two sites (close and far to the entrance) in two marinas of Madeira Island (NE Atlantic, Portugal). The structure of benthic assemblages after 6- and 12-months colonization, as well as biotic abundance, NIS abundance, richness, diversity, assemblages' volume, biomass and assemblages' morphology were explored. Differences between marinas were the main source of variation for both 6- and 12-month assemblages, with both marinas having different species composition and biomass. The inner and outer sites of both marinas varied in terms of structure and heterogeneity of assemblages and heterogeneity of morphological traits, but assemblages did not differ among substrata. However, basalt had a higher species richness and diversity while concrete showed a higher bioreceptivity in terms of total biotic coverage than the rest of materials. Overall, differences between and within marinas could be related to their structural morphology. This study can be valuable for management of urban ecosystems, towards an increase in the environmental and ecological status of existing marinas and their HMWB and mitigation coastal ecosystems degradation.