Search

• Low levels of vitamin D have already been associated with preeclampsia. • The potential benefits of vitamin D to prevent preeclampsia remain controversial. • We found no differences in vitamin D between nullipara with and without preeclampsia. To explore the association between serum levels and food intake of Vitamin D (VD) among healthy women in mid-pregnancy and preeclampsia. Study Design: In a Brazilian multicentre cohort of healthy nulliparous pregnant women from five maternity centres we developed a nested case-control analysis comparing cases with and without preeclampsia. Women were enrolled and followed during prenatal care, including only singleton pregnancies, without any fetal malformations or previous chronic maternal disease. We matched 87 cases of preeclampsia to eligible controls randomly selected in a 1:1 ratio, by age and region. Main outcome measures : Blood samples from these were collected, and a 24-hour recall of food intake was obtained in mid-pregnancy, between 19 and 21 weeks. VD serum levels (25-hydroxyvitamin D) were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and were categorized as deficient, insufficient, and sufficient. The dietary intake of VD was estimated with the 24-hour diet recall applied at the same time and from supplementation. Maternal characteristics and VD levels were compared between cases and controls with OR and respective 95 %CI. Multivariate analysis using the Path method was used to assess relationships among VD, PE, BMI, skin colour/ethnicity, and diet. The maternal characteristics of both groups were similar, except for the higher occurrence of obesity among women with preeclampsia (OR 3.47, 95 %CI 1.48–8.65). Dietary intake of VD was similar in both groups, and most of the women in both groups consumed insufficient VD (82.2 vs 79.3 % in the groups with and without PE). Levels and dietary intake of VD were not associated with PE in this Brazilian sample of healthy pregnant women; however, BMI and skin colour/ethnicity were associated with PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-induced pressures have led to substantial changes in marine ecosystems worldwide, with the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) emerging as a significant threat to ecological, economic, and social aspects. The Macaronesian islands, comprising the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and Cabo Verde archipelagos, are regions where the regional economy is dependent on marine resources (e.g., marine traffic, ecotourism and fisheries). Despite their importance, concerted efforts to manage marine biological invasions in Macaronesia have been scarce. In this context, the current study aims to contribute to the much-needed debate on biosecurity measures in this unique insular ecosystem to prevent and mitigate the impact of NIS. By adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, this work validated and analyzed 260 documents providing insights into the management of NIS in Macaronesia until 2022. These documents revealed the presence of 29 Invasive Alien Species (IAS), most of which are misconceptions regarding this terminology. Most studies focused on the stages of early detection, rapid response, and eradication across the archipelagos. Cabo Verde had comparatively fewer studies. The most common techniques include monitoring/sampling, literature reviews, and taxonomic reviews. NIS introduction pathways were mainly attributed to transport (stowaway) and unaided migration, with ship fouling, ballast water, rafting, ocean currents, and tropicalization being also identified as significant contributors. This systematic review highlights the current efforts to establish robust biosecurity protocols in Macaronesia and emphasizes the urgent need to safeguard the region's ecological, economic, and social well-being. • First systematic review regarding management of non-indigenous species in Macaronesia. • 260 documents providing insights into the management of NIS in Macaronesia until 2022. • 29 Invasive Alien Species (IAS) were detected, most of which are misconceptions regarding this terminology. • NIS introduction pathways were mainly attributed to transport (stowaway) and unaided migration. • This study highlights the current efforts to establish robust biosecurity protocols in Macaronesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) induces severe impacts on marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Macaronesia is an ecologically relevant region where several NIS were detected recently. For the first time, a standard experimental approach was designed to examine biofouling assemblages and investigate NIS across the region. In this context, sessile biofouling assemblages were examined in four recreational marinas in all the Macaronesian archipelagos from 2018 to 2020: the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and Cabo Verde. We hypothesised that NIS numbers, abundance, and recruitment differed in each location due to abiotic and biotic features. From the Azores (higher latitudes) to Cabo Verde (lower latitudes), NIS recruitment and percentage cover decreased following a partial latitude gradient. The present study unveiled 25 NIS, with new records for the Azores (two cryptogenic species), Canary Islands (one NIS and two cryptogenic species), and Cabo Verde (three NIS and three cryptogenic species). The present research represents a pioneer and relevant step in advancing our current understanding of marine biological invasions in Macaronesia, employing a standard and low-cost approach. [Display omitted] • First experimental study on NIS in the Macaronesia • NIS recruitment and percentage cover decreased with latitude. • New records for the Azores, Canary Islands and Cabo Verde • Advancing our current understanding of marine biological invasions in Macaronesia [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic pressures such as the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) have impacted global biodiversity and ecosystems. Most marine species spreading outside their natural biogeographical limits are promoted and facilitated by maritime traffic through ballast water and hull biofouling. Propagule pressure plays a primary role in invasion success mixed with environmental conditions of the arrival port. Moreover, with the current ocean sprawl, new substrates are offered for potential NIS recruits. Here, differences in the fouling assemblages thriving inside three different ports/marinas facilities in Madeira Island were assessed for comparison. The locations showed significant differences concerning assemblage structure. Most NIS were detected in plastic floating pontoons. Funchal harbour receives most of the marine traffic in Madeira, acting as the main hub for primary NIS introductions, being recreational boating involved in NIS secondary transfers. Our results highlight the need for future management actions in island ecosystems, particularly monitoring and sampling of recreational boating. • Three studied docking infrastructures showed differences in Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) • NIS differences were due to different propagule pressures and the presence of artificial structures • Funchal is the main hub for primary NIS introductions by maritime traffic in Madeira • Recreational boating is the main vector for the secondary spread of NIS within Madeira • Higher maritime traffic from nearby (similar environmental characteristics) is accountable for most NIS introductions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea urchin roe is a gastronomic delicacy appreciated worldwide and Portugal is the third largest consumer nation of seafood. However, sea urchin roe is recognized as a seafood by few members of the national coastal communities. Motivated by an increasing interest of gastronomic and aquaculture sectors in producing this seafood, a survey was conducted among the participants of gastronomic festivals aiming to characterize the motivations and preferences regarding sea urchin roe. The results showed that a high percentage of consumers would be willing to eat sea urchin roe in a restaurant, and approximately half of these were not motivated to buy it in the supermarket. The consumers willing to buy sea urchins in the supermarket, would buy it as the whole urchin or the chilled/frozen roe. In conclusion, sea urchin roe can be characterized as a high valued shellfish to be consumed in restaurants. • Portuguese seafood consumption habits are diverse and recently included sea urchin roe. • A questionnaire on consumption motivation and preferences was applied to the visitors of two gastronomic festivals. • Most of the respondents were motivated to try sea urchin roe in restaurants. • About 50 % of the respondents were willing to buy sea urchins in supermarkets. • Product acquisition preferences include both whole sea urchin and the chilled/frozen roe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Glyphosate and AMPA were detected in PM10 in all land management systems (LMS). • Glyphosate and AMPA contents were higher where a greater amount of glyphosate was used. • AMPA content was greater than glyphosate content in the PM10 in all LMS. • Glyphosate and AMPA contents in PM10 were higher than in the soil in all LMS. In soils of semi-arid regions, different amounts of glyphosate are applied, and this substance tends to be absorbed on the topsoil exposed to erosion. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of land management on the concentration of glyphosate and AMPA in the respirable dust emitted by soils in the central semi-arid region of Argentina. Soil samples were collected from nine agricultural soils under no-tillage with genetically modified Annual crops (AG), five agricultural soils under conventional tillage with annual crops (non-glyphosate-resistant) (AFG), and two permanent grasses (PG) with no-tillage and no glyphosate application in the last 30 years. The particulate matter finer than 10 µm in diameter (PM10) was generated and collected from each soil by means of an electrostatic dust sampler. Glyphosate and AMPA were analyzed in the soils and PM10. The percentage of detection (number of samples with glyphosate/AMPA over the total number of samples analyzed) was calculated. AG had the highest glyphosate and AMPA percentage of detection, in both, soil and PM10 (100% in all cases). Similar results were found for AFG, except for glyphosate in soil, where the percentage of detection was 80%. In PG, no glyphosate was detected in soil but it was detected in 83% of the PM10 samples. AMPA was detected in 67% and 100% of soil and PM10 samples, respectively. The detection in PG suggests the entry of glyphosate and AMPA from other sites. The contents of glyphosate and AMPA in soil and PM10 were greater in AG than in AFG and PG. In soil, the content of glyphosate was 69 µg kg−1 in AG and 5 µg kg−1 in AFG. In PM10, the content of glyphosate was 224 µg kg−1 in AG, 25 µg kg−1 in AFG, and 35 µg kg−1 in PG. AMPA showed a similar behavior to glyphosate in both soil and PM10. The greater use of glyphosate in AG increases the concentration of glyphosate and AMPA in soil and PM10. It determines an increase in environmental risk when wind erosion events occur in AG. In all management systems analyzed, AMPA content was greater than glyphosate content, and glyphosate and AMPA contents in PM10 were higher than those in soil. This result shows the potential risk posed by PM10 emitted from agricultural soil to human health and the environment. To our knowledge, this is the first study that shows how land management affects the occurrence and concentration of glyphosate and AMPA in PM10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]