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Environmental DNA as a complementary tool for monitoring fish assemblages in coastal lagoons: Insights for conservation
No full textFor their scarcity, invasive species in early invasion stages and endangered species are often difficult to detect compromising both conservation and ecosystem protection. Here environmental DNA (eDNA) was compared with beach seining for monitoring fish diversity in the protected Natural Park Ria Formosa lagoon (Portugal). Surface water for eDNA extraction was collected before sampling a mean of 1400m2 from ten diverse shallow water habitats with a 25 m beach seine. Fragments of the 12S rRNA and COI mitochondrial genes were PCRamplified and taxonomy was assigned to amplicon sequence variants. Sampling with the beach seine resulted in the identification of 33 species and 4 genera while 28 species were identified based on eDNA, with 18 taxa in common. Greater taxonomic resolution at a species level was possible with eDNA. While the majority of species detected with both methods were of least concern according to IUCN criteria, eDNA detected one invasive (the weakfish Cynoscion regalis with 12S marker) and two critically endangered species (the ray Aetomylaeus bovinus with 12S and the eel Anguilla anguilla with COI marker), none of which were caught by beach seining. C. regalis is a threat in Portuguese waters and should be surveyed in Ria Formosa. The results highlight the usefulness of eDNA as a cost-effective complementary method to traditional monitoring, especially for rare species. Based on these results, we recommend the use of eDNA with multiple markers in surface and bottom water samples in long-term monitoring programmes, to enhance the detection of rare, elusive species in coastal lagoons.UID/PRR/04326/202
Aligning socio-economic and governance criteria to support better integration marine spatial planning, marine protected areas and other conservation approaches
No full textConnecting Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), which adopts a broader management approach, with Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which focus on environmental conservation, is essential to ensure coherence between these instruments operating within the same marine space. To achieve this, a set of criteria encompassing socioeconomic and governance dimensions was analyzed. However, there is often a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding these aspects, which could support the design, implementation and monitoring of MSP and MPAs. Addressing this gap, this research aims to develop and provide criteria to support managers/policy makers in integrating MSP and MPA processes within marine planning frameworks. The methodology is structured around three steps: (1) screening and grouping of key socio-economic and governance criteria derived from relevant policy documents; (2) expert evaluation of their relevance to MSP and MPAs; and (3) correlation analysis to explore the relationships between criteria prioritization across different types of spatial management, and to identify trends, therefore potential synergies/opportunities. The results show a different correlation between MSP and different types of MPAs, suggesting that tailored approaches may be required to address the conservation targets within the scope of MSP. More specifically, there is a moderate negative correlation, in terms of socioeconomic criteria, between MSP and strict MPA, that is not observed between MSP and multiple-use MPAs. Although implemented on different scales, marine planning tools can work together to achieve their objectives if tailored to the specific socioeconomic dimension of the territory, with governance aspects such as adaptive management and stakeholder engagement serving as key elements in both processes. By framing ecosystems as social-ecological systems, the study demonstrates that socio-economic criteria can act as a bridge between sustainable development and conservation, therefore supporting the development of the Ocean European Pact and the revision of the MSP Directive
Editors' Corner: Blubber thickness in cetaceans
No full textWang Y, Zhang Q, Xu Q, Zhang H, Liu X, Yang G. Cetacean-specific GPR12 mutation is functionally associated with blubber thickening. Gene, volume 968, 10 October 2025, 149734. https://doi.org/10.1016 /j.gene.2025.149734. The blubber, a thick layer of fatty tissue, is a key adaptation in aquatic mammals, providing energy storage and facilitating buoyancy and locomotion (Berta, 2023). Blubber thickening has evolved independently in cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), sirenians (manatees and dugongs), and pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses), raising questions about the genetic basis of this adaptation. Wang et al. (2025) reasoned that G protein-coupled receptor genes associated with the regulation of lipid metabolism could be involved, and homed in on GPR12, whose deficiency in mice leads to obesity and dyslipidemia (Bjursell et al., 2006
Training manual for seagrass monitoring and management in the RAMPAO countries
No full textThis training manual aims to improve knowledge, raise awareness, and provide appropriate working tools to managers and other users of MPAs in the RAMPAO network for the protection and conservation of seagrass habitats. Its preparation used a participatory approach, through consultation with MPA managers and other conservation stakeholders from seven RAMPAO member countries (Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra Leone), with the aim of identifying their capacity building needs and gaining a better understanding of the threats facing seagrass beds in West Africa.Project STM “Survie des Tortues Marines”, funded by PRCM (Regional Partnership for the Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Zone) and the MAVA Foundation. Some information collected for this manual was funded by MARAFRICA (Foundations Aga-Khan, Pew, and Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology-FCT) and Tropibio (EU H2020 grant 854248). For a great effort and support in collecting information for this manual we are particularly grateful for the contribution of staff from the institutions IBAP (Instituto para a Biodiversidade e Áreas Protegidas) and CIPA (Centro de Investigação Pesqueira Aplicada) of Guinea-Bissau, PNBA (Parc National du Banc d’Arguin) and IMROP (Institut Mauritanien de Recherches Océanographiques et de Pêches) of Mauritania, and BIOS-CV of Cabo Verde. We also thank the whole ResilienSEA project team, especially Iderlindo Santos and Maria Potouroglou, for sharing information and pictures.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Glowing hazards: toxicological effects of festive glowsticks
No full textThe widespread use and improper disposal of glowsticks (GS), especially during coastal festivities and in industrial fishing, raise ecotoxicological concerns for marine ecosystems. These devices contain complex chemical mixtures, including oxalate esters, hydrogen peroxide, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), many of which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cause toxic effects. This study assessed the acute toxicity of four GS colors (green, red, yellow, and blue) using embryo-larval development and mortality assays on three marine invertebrates: the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter, the sand dollar Mellita quinquiesperforata, and the brine shrimp Artemia salina. All colors caused developmental or lethal effects, with green GS consistently showing the highest toxicity. In E. lucunter, green GS fully inhibited larval development at all tested concentrations; EC50 values for yellow, red, and blue were 0.00072, 0.00877, and 0.02156 mL⋅L− 1 , respectively. For M. quinquiesperforata, EC50s were 0.00538 (green), 0.05471 (red), and 0.0000732 mL⋅L− 1 (blue); yellow GS caused total mortality, precluding EC50 determination. In A. salina, LC50s were 0.00410 (yellow), 0.00583 (blue), and 0.01193 mL⋅L− 1 (red); green GS had a NOEC of 0.0001 and LOEC of 0.001 mL⋅L− 1 , with no definable LC50. Results revealed species- and color-dependent sensitivity, implicating dye composition as a key toxicity driver. This is the first report of GS-derived toxicity in sand dollars and the first to provide comparative profiles across marine taxa. Findings highlight the need for regulation and environmental oversight of chemiluminescent product disposal.CEECINSTLA/00028/2022/CP2990/CT000
Protein synthesis and aging: is translation rate a major regulator?
No full textO envelhecimento é um processo biológico universal caracterizado por uma acumulação de danos e outros efeitos nocivos que levam a uma perda progressiva da integridade fisiológica e funcional que culminam na morte do organismo. As alterações que acompanham o envelhecimento ocorrem nos diversos níveis da organização do ser vivo, ou seja, a nível molecular, dos organelos, celular, dos tecidos, órgãos e sistemas. O envelhecimento constitui um dos fatores principais das patologias humanas, como o cancro, a diabetes, doenças cardiovasculares e doenças neurodegenerativas, nomeadamente, as doenças de Alzheimer e Parkinson. Por esta razão e o aumento progressivo da população idosa, nas últimas décadas têm ocorrido um aumento e progresso na investigação focada no envelhecimento. Notavelmente, ao longo das últimas décadas, tem ocorrido uma mudança gradual no foco da investigação sobre o envelhecimento, ao invés de focar-se nos efeitos e sintomas do envelhecimento, tem-se concentrado nos mecanismos moleculares subjacentes ao processo de envelhecimento. Esta nova abordagem levou à descoberta de que a taxa de envelhecimento é controlada, pelo menos até certo ponto, por vias genéticas e processos bioquímicos conservados na evolução, o que permitiu identificar e categorizar as características celulares e moleculares do envelhecimento, sendo estes definidos como os biomarcadores do envelhecimento. Foram propostos nove biomarcadores do envelhecimento: instabilidade genómica, encurtamento dos telómeros, alterações epigenéticas, perda de homeostasia proteica, desregulação da sensibilidade de nutrientes, disfunção mitocondrial, senescência celular, exaustão das células estaminais, alteração da comunicação intercelular.
De entre os diversos mecanismos moleculares que impactam o envelhecimento, as alterações que afetam o proteoma celular têm um papel fulcral. Quase todos os processos fisiológicos são dependentes de proteínas e, portanto, a preservação da integridade do proteoma é imperativa para a vida do organismo. Vários fatores especializados são dedicados a preservar a integridade do proteoma celular, desde o processo de pré-tradução até o final do ciclo de vida funcional da proteína. A manutenção da homeostase celular correlaciona-se diretamente com a manutenção de um equilíbrio preciso da síntese, degradação e função de cada proteína. Quando esse equilíbrio é perturbado, as proteínas danificadas se acumulam progressivamente, levando a um estado prejudicial e até mesmo à morte celular. O distúrbio deste equilíbrio ocorre naturalmente com o envelhecimento, à medida que a integridade e a eficácia da maquinaria da síntese proteica e dos sistemas de controlo de qualidade das proteínas diminuem gradualmente devido ao inevitável acúmulo de danos com a idade. Em particular diversos estudos demonstram que a síntese proteica reduz com a idade em diversos organismos, tendo-se observado uma redução de diferentes componentes da maquinaria de tradução, nomeadamente, abundância dos ribossomas e atenuação da atividade e dos níveis dos principais fatores de iniciação e alongamento. Apesar destas descobertas e do crescente número de estudos, vários aspetos da síntese proteica no contexto do envelhecimento permanecem elusivos, especialmente a nível mecanístico.
Neste sentido, o presente estudo tem como objetivo elucidar o papel da síntese proteica e do controle da tradução no envelhecimento e na expectativa de vida, assim como compreender a sua conexão funcional com os vários biomarcadores do envelhecimento. Para isso, analisou-se o perfil da taxa global de tradução em modelos celulares. De modo a estabelecer uma ligação entre o envelhecimento e a síntese proteica focamos na proteína de ligação a poliadenilato 1 (PABP1), uma proteína central no controle da tradução e estabilidade de mRNA. Esta proteína promove a circularização do mRNA, levando à estabilização e estimulação da iniciação da tradução. Por isso, PABP1 poderá desempenhar um papel fulcral na mediação de mudanças na síntese proteica com o envelhecimento.
Para o estabelecimento da relação entre síntese proteica e o envelhecimento, primeiramente analisou-se a variação do PABP1 com o envelhecimento em modelo celular e em morganhos. Seguidamente, o PABP1 foi sobre-expresso no hipotálamo de morganhos envelhecidos e analisou-se diferentes proteínas ligadas ao envelhecimento, nomeadamente: mTOR, relacionado à desregulação da sensibilidade de nutrientes; Ataxina-2, referente à tradução de mRNA; LC3B e P62, alusivo à perda de homeostasia proteica; IL-6 e NF-κB, concernente à alteração da comunicação intercelular, particularmente, inflamação; e por fim PGC-1α, respeitante à disfunção mitocondrial. O hipotálamo foi o foco da sobre-expressão do PABP1 devido o seu envolvimento com diversas funções fisiológicas que diminuem com o envelhecimento, tais como: desenvolvimento, metabolismo, reprodução, ritmo circadiano e homeostase. Por conectar sistema neuroendócrino aos processos fisiológicos, supõe-se que o hipotálamo seja um regulador chave no envelhecimento sistemático.
Foi possível observar que de uma forma geral a taxa de síntese proteica sofre realmente alterações com o envelhecimento. Os resultados obtidos apontam para um papel fundamental da PABP1 no envelhecimento ao induzir a expressão de P62. A expressão de P62 induzida por PABP1 poderá ter, potencialmente, um papel na inflamação, pois podem afetar os níveis de citocinas cruciais, levando à sua redução. Observou-se que danos celulares que geram instabilidade genómica ou condições de estresse podem afetar a taxa geral de síntese proteica, provavelmente, afetando a longevidade.
Em conclusão, há uma corelação complexa entre o envelhecimento e síntese proteica. A síntese proteica pode ser alterada por danos celulares que afetam os componentes da maquinaria de tradução, como mutações que causam instabilidade genómica ou estresse oxidativo, impactando subsequentemente a longevidade. PABP1, um componente central na maquinaria de tradução, poderá ter um papel no contexto do envelhecimento por induzir a expressão de P62, que está envolvida em vários processos celulares que implicam o envelhecimento. A PABP1 também, potencialmente, poderá diminuir a inflamação no hipotálamo, indiretamente induzindo a diminuição do IL-6 através do P62, o que permite mitigar várias patologias associadas à inflamação com o envelhecimento. No entanto, devido à complexidade da relação da síntese proteica com o envelhecimento, mais estudos futuros são necessários para elucidar o papel da síntese proteica no envelhecimento.Aging is a universal biological process characterized by an accumulation of damage and other deleterious changes that lead to a progressive loss of physiological integrity, functionality, and fitness, ultimately resulting in death. It constitutes the primary risk factor for major human pathologies such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. It was proposed nine hallmarks of aging (genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication) that are considered to contribute to the aging process and cooperatively determine the aging phenotypes. Among these multiple molecular mechanisms underlying aging, alterations that affect protein synthesis seem to play a central role. Accumulating evidence suggests that protein synthesis and translation control could significantly influence lifespan. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the role of protein synthesis and translation control in aging and lifespan and understand their functional connection with several hallmarks of aging. To this end, the translation rate profile was analyzed in different cellular models. Furthermore, to establish a link between aging and protein synthesis, we focused on polyadenylate binding protein 1 (PABP1), a central protein in the control of mRNA translation and stability. PABP1 was overexpressed in old mice's hypothalamus, and key proteins tightly linked with the hallmarks of aging were analyzed.
We found that the overall rate of protein synthesis is altered with aging. Moreover, we observed that cellular damage generating genomic instability or stress conditions could impact the overall rate of protein synthesis, possibly affecting lifespan. In addition, our data point to a key role of PABP1 in aging by inducing the expression of p62. PABP1-induced expression of p62 could potentially have a role in inflammaging, as it could reduce the levels of crucial cytokines such as IL-6. Altogether, the results revealed a complex relationship between protein synthesis and aging; therefore, more studies are necessary to elucidate the role of protein synthesis in aging
Biological therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer: literature review
No full textColorectal 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
Tailored bacterial co-cultures improve Tisochrysis lutea growth and nutrient profiles under xenic conditions: a new pathway to improve microalgal production
No full textThe marine haptophyte Tisochrysis lutea is a valuable source of high-value compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid, and pigments (e.g., fucoxanthin). However, high production costs and variability remain major challenges for its large-scale application in aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology industries. Therefore, strategies to enhance biomass production and quality are actively explored. In natural environments, T. lutea establishes mutualistic interactions with bacteria to obtain essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, yet the role of bacteria in industrial cultures remains poorly understood. In this study, 145 bacterial strains were isolated and taxonomically identified from industrial T. lutea cultures, with members of the class Gammaproteobacteria and Actinomycetia being the most prevalent. Forty isolates were screened individually in co-culture with T. lutea revealing strain-specific effects on growth and biochemical composition. Seven beneficial strains were used to design 21 tailored bacterial blends. Several consortia enhanced biomass production (up to 74 %) and increased key bioactive compounds, particularly methylcobalamin (up to 300 %). These findings demonstrate the potential of tailored bacterial consortia to enhance T. lutea productivity and nutritional quality under production-relevant xenic conditions, enabling strategic microbiome modulation for specific industrial goals.C644915664-00000026
“E-migrantes” y las redes sociales digitales en la construcción de un espacio transnacional: el caso de los peruanos en Portugal
No full textEste artículo busca comprender la influencia de las redes sociales digitales (RSD) en la vida cotidiana de los inmigrantes. Se pretende entender de qué manera estas prácticas contribuyen a la construcción de un espacio transnacional, considerando que esta expresión se refiere al mantenimiento de lazos entre los inmigrantes y su país de origen, así como a la formación de vínculos con sus compatriotas que también viven en el extranjero. El artículo recurre al concepto de “e-migrantes” para designar a aquellos que, mediante el uso de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC), permanecen conectados entre sí y con su país de origen. Como caso empírico, se estudia a los inmigrantes peruanos residentes en Portugal. La pregunta de investigación fue la siguiente: ¿de qué forma la comunidad peruana que vive en Portugal utiliza las RSD? El artículo se centra en las prácticas que emergen de la apropiación de las plataformas digitales — en particular, la construcción de “comunidades virtuales” — a través de una metodología mixta que incluye el análisis de un conjunto de entrevistas semiestructuradas, una encuesta en línea y datos estadísticos sobre el uso de las RSD.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
30th journal of management and organization birthday: valuable advice for management researchers
No full textAs part of the Journal of Management and Organization’s 30th birthday celebration it is important to reflect and consider what is valuable advice. This perspective article is coauthored by a number of academics and brings together their thoughts about value in management practice. An international array of management teachers and researchers provide their advice in the hope of inspiring future generations of management researchers