Search Results (85)

Mapping marine habitats is fundamental for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem-based management in oceanic regions under increasing anthropogenic and climatic pressures. In the context of global initiatives—such as marine protected area expansion and international agreements—habitat mapping has become mandatory for regional and global conservation policies. It provides spatial data to delineate essential habitats, support connectivity analyses, and assess pressures, enabling ecosystem-based marine spatial planning aligned with EU directives (2008/56/EC; 2014/89/EU). Beyond biodiversity, macrophytes, rhodolith beds, and coral reefs deliver key ecosystem services—carbon sequestration, coastal protection, nursery functions, and fisheries support—essential to local socioeconomies. This systematic review (PRISMA guidelines) examined 69 peer-reviewed studies across Central-Eastern Atlantic archipelagos (Macaronesia: the Azores, Madeira, the Canaries, and Cabo Verde) and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. We identified knowledge gaps, methodological trends, and key challenges, emphasizing the integration of cartographic, ecological, and technological approaches. Although methodologies diversified over time, the lack of survey standardization, limited ground truthing, and heterogeneous datasets constrained the production of high-resolution bionomic maps. Regional disparities persist in technology access and habitat coverage. The Azores showed the highest species richness (393), dominated by acoustic mapping in corals. Madeira was most advanced in the remote mapping of rhodoliths; the Canaries focused on shallow macrophytes with direct mapping; and Cabo Verde remains underrepresented. Harmonized protocols and regional cooperation are needed to improve data interoperability and predictive modeling. Full article

In arid regions with low precipitation, like most of the Cape Verde islands, irrigation is essential for maintaining agricultural production and food security. However, due to significant investment needs, it is critical to improve irrigation efficiency and reduce water losses. The aim of this study is to evaluate irrigated agriculture in Cape Verde and its relationship with water scarcity through the calculation of key indicators and the analysis of statistical and remote sensing data. Crop production data were collected from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and climatic data from the National Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics of Cape Verde (INMG) and FAO’s WaPOR platform. The aridity index was calculated using the UNEP method based on data from INMG. The island of Sal showed the lowest aridity index value (0.07), while Cachaço (São Nicolau island) had the highest (0.41). Sugarcane is currently the dominant irrigated crop, covering over 3000 hectares, about 62% of irrigated land, despite its high water demands. The expansion of sugarcane threatens long-term water sustainability and food production. Promoting crops with higher water productivity and technical training are key actions to ensure the sustainability of irrigated agriculture in Cape Verde. Findings point to the urgent need to improve irrigation infrastructure, maintenance, and system design. Full article

Parietaria judaica L. (alfavaca-de-cobra) was investigated as a potential source of anticancer compounds. Leaf extracts obtained using solvents of different polarities were evaluated for their phytochemical profiles and cytotoxic activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines (glioblastoma LN-229, lung NCI-H1563, breast MDA-MB-231, liver HepG2, renal 769-P, cervical HeLa, and melanoma A-375) and a noncancerous HEK-293 cell line. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis confirmed that the extracts are rich in polyphenols, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Cytotoxicity was assessed via MTT and SRB assays, demonstrating dose-dependent antiproliferative effects. Among the extracts, the ethanolic fraction (PJ-E) exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity, with an IC₅₀ of 11.82 µg/mL against HeLa cells, while displaying a significantly higher IC₅₀ (139.42 µg/mL) against HEK-293, indicating tumor selectivity. The water extract (PJ-W) showed selective activity against lung cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 87.69 µg/mL), with minimal toxicity toward normal cells. The methanol/acetone extract (PJ-M) displayed intermediate activity, whereas the hexane extract (PJ-H) was the least effective. These findings highlight P. judaica, particularly its ethanolic extract, as a promising source of natural anticancer agents. Further research focusing on the isolation of active constituents, formulation development, and in vivo validation is warranted to support its therapeutic potential. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ants are one of the most abundant animal groups on the planet and have a considerable impact on ecosystems. In the Cabo Verde Archipelago, the study of invertebrates is very scarce and ants are no exception. Methods: In this work we focus on the taxonomic analysis of formicids and study their distribution and the possible presence of invasive species in the Cabo Verde Islands. In addition, the diversity of Cabo Verde ants is compared with that of the closest African coastal countries, Senegal and Mauritania, to study a possible colonization of African ants into the archipelago. For this, we use two molecular markers, cytochrome oxidase I and the wingless gene, to perform phylogenetic analyses and haplotype networks that facilitate identification. Results: Nine taxa were identified, five invasive species, Paratrechina longicornis, Pheidole megacephala, Trichomyrmex destructor, Brachyponera sennaarensis, and Solenopsis globularia, one endemic Monomorium subopacum and three unidentified species of native genera, Monomorium sp., Lepisiota sp. Camponotus sp. Conclusions: Molecular network patterns as well as phylogenetic analyses suggest that ants are widespread throughout the archipelago, a likely consequence of human introductions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Periploca chevalieri Browicz (Apocynaceae), an endemic species of the Cabo Verde archipelago, is commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical profiles of the aqueous and hydroethanolic (70%) extracts of the P. chevalieri dried aerial parts (PcAE and PcEE) and evaluate their potential to modulate postprandial glycemia and inhibit key carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes. Methods: The chemical characterization was performed by LC/UV-DAD-ESI/MS/MS. An in vivo evaluation of postprandial glycemia modulation was conducted on healthy CD1 mice submitted to an oral sucrose tolerance test. In vitro enzymatic inhibition was performed for the α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and DPP4 enzymes. Additionally, antioxidant and antiglycation activities were also assessed. Results: Phenolic acid derivatives, flavanols, proanthocyanidins, and flavonols were the major classes of secondary metabolites identified. PcEE at 170 mg/kg of body weight significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the postprandial glycemia peak in CD1 mice submitted to sucrose overload. Regarding the enzymatic inhibition, both extracts showed concentration-dependent inhibitory potential against the α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and DPP4 enzymes. Both extracts inhibited α-glucosidase more effectively than acarbose. Conclusions: The obtained results supports the traditional use of P. chevalieri and suggest the potential for further pharmacological investigation. Full article

In Cabo Verde, Acute Respiratory Infection caused by various pathogens was the most reported condition in children under 5 years old between 2014–2020, and the fourth leading cause of mortality in this age group, with Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) being one of the main etiological agents. However, limited literature on the subject hinders the study of its epidemiology and the evaluation of potential implications for public health. In this work, we developed and validated a primer collection for the amplification and sequencing of the G and F genes of HRSV, using a sequential workflow including conventional and semi-nested PCR, followed by Sanger sequencing. This strategy not only allowed for the identification of HRSV linages but also facilitated the detection of mutants in the HRSV F protein, a critical step towards evaluating and ensuring the continued efficacy of Nirsevimab or Palivizumab as prophylactic therapies. Our analysis revealed the presence of the HRSV lineages A.D.2.2.1, A.D.3, B.D.4.1.1, and B.D.E.1, corresponding to the globally circulating lineages during the study period (years 2019 and 2022). No previously described mutations in the F protein that confer resistance to Palivizumab and Nirsevimab were found. However, continuous monitoring of HRSV genotypes is crucial to promptly identifying resistant viruses, considering their potential impact on public health. Full article

Organic farming can help mitigate the negative impacts of agriculture on biodiversity, but its effects remain controversial and poorly understood for many taxa, especially from a genetic perspective, where major knowledge gaps persist. This study investigates how the organic and conventional management of banana groves influences population dynamics (i.e., total abundance and abundance by sex and developmental stage) and mitochondrial genetic diversity (cytochrome b gene) of the earwig Euborellia annulipes, a natural biological control agent. The results revealed higher overall abundance, particularly of females, in organic groves. This could be due to females’ more sedentary behaviour linked to parental care, increasing their vulnerability to local disturbances such as pesticide application. In contrast, males, being more mobile, did not respond to the farming system. Genetic analyses revealed similar haplotypic diversity across systems but higher nucleotide diversity in conventional orchards. This may suggest either pesticide-induced mutations associated with detoxification and resistance or increased gene flow driven by greater mobility in response to disturbance. Although the high genetic diversity observed raises questions about the introduced status of E. annulipes, its origin remains unresolved. These findings highlight the relevance of integrating ecological and genetic data when assessing the impacts of agricultural practices on beneficial arthropods. Full article

The aim of this study was to document the biodiversity of cyanobacteria genera isolated from intertidal and subtidal zones in Cabo Verde. The identification of the strains was conducted using a polyphasic study, comprising 16S rRNA gene maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogeny, 16S rRNA identity (p-distance), 16S–23S ITS secondary structure, morphological, and habitat analyses. A total of 51 strains were isolated by micromanipulation and by streaking biomass onto Petri dishes with a solid medium. Seventeen strains were identified as belonging to the Salileptolyngbya genus and five to Leptothoe; sixteen strains were distributed across twelve genera. Thirteen strains were grouped into eight distinct clades, but could not be assigned to any cyanobacterial genus, indicating that they could be described as new cyanobacterial genera in the future. The phylogenies also exhibited isolates LEGE 181157, LEGE 181224, and LEGE 181227 clustered with Gibliniella, but in a separate clade from the G. alaskensis type. The 16S rRNA gene identity values among these new isolates and G. alaskensis ranged from 94.4% to 95.5%. The 16S–23S ITS dissimilarity between LEGE 181224 and G. alaskensis was 9.4%. Morphologically, these three LEGE strains differ from G. alaskensis in that they have trichomes that are never coiled and have diffluent mucilaginous envelopes, whereas G. alaskensis has coiled trichomes with firm sheaths. Based on these strains, we describe here a new species of Gibliniella. Full article

The wine industry generates high amounts of waste, posing current environmental and economic sustainability challenges. Grape pomace, mainly composed of seeds, skins, and stalks, contains significant amounts of bioactive compounds and constitutes the main solid residue of this industry. Various strategies are being explored for its valorization, from a circular economy perspective. This review provides an updated overview of the composition of grape pomace from winemaking, highlighting sustainable methodologies for extracting phenolic compounds and their potential health benefits, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, antiproliferative, anti-aging, and gut health properties. Furthermore, this review explores the potential applications of this agro-industrial waste and its extractable compounds across the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. Full article

The high genetic variability of HIV-1 and the emergence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) can impact treatment efficacy. In this study, we investigated the prevalent HIV-1 genotypes and drug-resistance-associated mutations in drug-naïve HIV-1 individuals in Cabo Verde. The study, conducted between 2018 and 2019, included drug-naïve HIV-1 individuals from the São Vicente, Boa Vista, Fogo, and Santiago islands. The HIV-1 pol gene was sequenced using Sanger sequencing. TDR was identified using the Stanford Calibrated Population Resistance tool, and resistance levels to different drugs were interpreted with the Stanford HIV database. The genetic diversity of HIV-1 was determined through phylogenetic analysis, and epidemiological and behavioural data were collected via questionnaires. Of the 73 participants, the majority were male (52.1%). The CRF02_AG recombinant form predominated (41.1%), followed by subtype G (37.0%). The overall prevalence of TDR was 9.6%. Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI) mutations occurred in 2.7% of individuals, while Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI) mutations occurred in 9.6%. The most prevalent mutations were K103N (5.5%) and M184V (2.7%). No protease- or integrase-associated mutations were found. The high levels of resistance to NNRTIs found demonstrate the need for surveillance of resistance mutations to ensure the efficacy and durability of the current therapeutic regimen, which includes Dolutegravir. Full article

This study explores the application of low-cost sensor networks for air quality monitoring in Cabo Verde islands, utilizing Clarity Node-S sensors to measure fine particulate matter with diameters equal to or smaller than 10 µm (PM10) and 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) gasses, across various locations. The sensors were strategically placed and calibrated to ensure coverage of the whole archipelago and accurate data collection. The results consistently revealed seasonal patterns of dust variation across the archipelago, with concentrations of particulate matter exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) limits in all regions. However, Praia frequently exhibits the highest levels of air pollution, exceeding a 200 µg/m³ daily average, particularly during the dry season. Seasonal variations indicated that pollutants are significantly higher from November to March due to Saharan dust flux (a phenomenon locally know as Bruma Seca). Other cities showed more stable and lower pollutant concentrations. This study highlights the potential of low-cost sensors to provide extensive and real-time air quality data, enabling better environmental assessment and policy formulation. However, the variability in equipment accuracy and the limited geographical coverage remain the main limitations to be overcome. Future research should focus on these issues, and a sensor network integrated with reference methods could be a great asset to enhance data accuracy and improve outcomes of air quality monitoring in the country. Full article

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is essential for food security, providing economic benefits in tropical and subtropical regions. However, its high water requirements pose challenges, especially in water-scarce areas like Cape Verde. This study hypothesises that reclaimed water (RW) irrigation can promote papaya production and investigates how water can be managed to ensure sustainability and increase agricultural productivity. An experiment was conducted using Carica papaya L. var Solo-nº8, focusing on subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) with RW. Three irrigation treatments were compared, namely, T1: RW with SDI; T2: RW with drip irrigation (DI); and T3: conventional water (CW) with SDI. The study evaluated crop yields and water use efficiency (WUE) over 13 months, monitoring soil and water quality and papaya growth and yields. Despite quality concerns, RW maintained soil fertility and ensured sustainable reuse. Papaya demonstrated high adaptability and productivity under experimental conditions. T1 significantly increased the cumulative fruit yield (69 t/ha) compared to T2 (65 t/ha) and T3 (62.7 t/ha). T1 also had the highest WUE (5.97 kg/m³), demonstrating the effectiveness of RW and SDI in optimising water use. The results indicate that RW can be a viable alternative to conventional water sources, providing new insights into sustainable agricultural practices and improving food security in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article

This work considers the existence of solutions of the heteroclinic type in nonlinear second-order differential equations with $\varphi$-Laplacians, incorporating generalized impulsive conditions on the real line. For the construction of the results, it was only imposed that $\varphi$ be a homeomorphism, using Schauder’s fixed-point theorem, coupled with concepts of $L^1$-Carathéodory sequences and functions along with impulsive points equiconvergence and equiconvergence at infinity. Finally, a practical part illustrates the main theorem and a possible application to bird population growth. Full article

Cerebrocardiovascular diseases represent one of the greatest public health concerns globally. In Cabo Verde, non-communicable diseases, such as cerebrocardiovascular diseases, have become leading causes of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to correlate risk factors with cardiac electrical changes in adult individuals residing on Santiago Island—Cabo Verde. A cross-sectional population-based study using simple random sampling was conducted in 2021 with individuals aged 18 and over, of both sexes, having authorization 35/2021 from the Cabo Verde Ethics Commission. The sample size was calculated based on Santiago Island’s projected population for 2021, considering an estimated prevalence of 50%, a 95% confidence interval, and a standard error of 4%, resulting in a sample of 599 individuals. The data were collected through a questionnaire on risk factors and cerebrocardiovascular diseases, blood pressure measurement, capillary blood glucose evaluation, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram. The study sample was predominantly female (54.8%), with the largest age group being 18–27 years (21%). Among the sample, 9.3% had no risk factors, 27.5% had one risk factor, 36.2% had two risk factors, and 26.9% had three or more risk factors. Of those who underwent electrocardiography, 60.24% showed electrocardiographic changes, with the most prevalent being ventricular repolarization changes, nonspecific repolarization changes, and early repolarization. A relationship was observed between cerebrocardiovascular disease risk factors and the electrocardiographic changes found in the study participants. Full article

Cerebrocardiovascular diseases are a major global public health concern, significantly impacting morbidity, mortality, and posing substantial socio-economic challenges. In Cabo Verde, non-communicable diseases have become the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of risk factors for cerebrocardiovascular diseases and their association with cardiac electrical alterations in adults on Santiago Island, Cabo Verde. A cross-sectional population-based study using simple random sampling was conducted on individuals over 18 years of age. The sample size of 599 was based on Santiago Island’s 2021 population projection. Data collection occurred in October and November 2021, involving questionnaires on risk factors and cerebrocardiovascular diseases; blood pressure assessments; and capillary blood glucose measurements. The sample was predominantly female, with the 18–27 age group being the largest. Key risk factors included physical inactivity (65.1%), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² (42.6%), hypertension (32.6%), and family history of cerebrocardiovascular diseases (19.9%). Other factors were alcoholism (14.4%), hypercholesterolemia (8.3%), smoking (7.3%), diabetes (4.5%), and hypertriglyceridemia (1.3%). Notably, 9.3% had no risk factors, 27.5% had one, 36.2% had two, and 26.9% had three or more. There is a high prevalence of risk factors for cerebrocardiovascular diseases on Santiago Island, particularly among females. Full article