Search Results (973)

Microplastic (MP) pollution in bottled and tap water poses escalating environmental and public health challenges due to MPs’ capacity to act as vectors for toxicants and pathogens. This study constitutes the first comprehensive evaluation of MPs in drinking water from Madeira Island, integrating detailed chemical and morphological characterisations alongside human exposure estimations. A total of 22 samples, comprising 10 bottled (four mineral, six flavoured) and 12 tap waters, were analysed via stereomicroscopy and micro-Fourier transform infrared (µ-FTIR) spectroscopy. Of the 428 particles detected, 65 were confirmed MPs, 223 were non-plastics, and 140 were indeterminate. Bottled waters were predominantly contaminated by polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE), whereas tap waters exhibited a notable presence of PE, PP, polyester, and polyamide (PA). MPs predominantly measured under 400 µm and were transparent; fragments were the main form in bottled water, contrasting with fibres dominating tap waters. Concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 6 MPs/L, with flavoured waters exhibiting the highest average levels (2.00 ± 1.83 MPs/L), followed by tap (1.30 ± 0.80 MPs/L) and mineral waters (0.59 ± 0.37 MPs/L). Estimated daily intake (EDI) spanned 0.01–0.19 MPs/kg/day for adults and 0.05–0.68 MPs/kg/day for children, the latter exhibiting a 3.6-fold greater exposure. Although concentrations were lower than those in many global reports, the ubiquity of MPs underscores the critical need for standardised monitoring protocols, enhanced production standards, and rigorous risk assessments addressing chronic low-level human exposure, especially in insular environments. Full article

Phosphorites are a vital source of phosphorus for agricultural and industrial applications and are increasingly recognized for their potential as secondary repositories of critical raw materials (CRMs) such as rare earth elements plus yttrium (REYs). This study investigates deep-sea phosphorites from the Galicia Bank, Madeira, and Canary Seamounts, in the NE Atlantic Ocean, which are spatially associated with ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) mineralization. Through integrated petrographic, geochemical, and in situ isotopic analyses (O and Sr), we assess the timing, processes, and paleoenvironmental conditions of phosphogenesis and its implications for CRM enrichment. Rare earth element patterns in apatite reflect a predominant seawater-derived signature with variable Ce anomalies. Nevertheless, variable Y/Ho ratios point to evolving fluid sources including a hydrogenous component (directly derived from seawater), modified porewaters and, locally, volcanic or possibly hydrothermal inputs. Oxygen and strontium isotope compositions constrain phosphogenesis to several episodes ranging from the Upper Cretaceous to the Middle Miocene, with distinct isotopic shifts identifying both primary formation and later overprinting processes mostly linked to Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide growth or volcanic–hydrothermal activity. These findings highlight the dynamic and multiphase nature of phosphorite formation in deep-marine settings. The integration of high-resolution geochemical and isotopic tools proves essential for reconstructing genetic histories, defining metallogenic context and evaluating CRM prospectivity in complex submarine systems. Full article

Background: Reactive agility (RA) and change of direction speed (CODs) are fundamental abilities that determine performance effectiveness in football. Biomechanical and motor factors, such as lower limb strength, asymmetry, and speed, may influence the level of these abilities. Moreover, reactive agility is a complex ability and may be partially dependent on the level of CODs. Methods: This study aimed to identify the key motor abilities responsible for shaping reactive agility in young football players. The study involved 55 boys aged $15.63\pm 1.56$ years. The following tests were used: the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) for strength assessment, a 30 m sprint test, the 505 change of direction test, and reactive agility tests with and without a ball, utilizing the Skillcourt system. Results: Isometric strength and sprint speed were significantly correlated with the results of the 505 test. However, asymmetry in lower limb strength did not cause statistically significant changes in the analyzed parameters. Reactive agility without the ball showed significant correlations with speed, change of direction performance, and isometric strength. In the case of reactive agility with the ball, significant correlations were observed primarily with change of direction performance and reactive agility without the ball. Additionally, stepwise regression models revealed significant models for the 50 Random Run without the ball, the Star Run Random without the ball, and the 50 Random Run with the ball. Conclusions: Asymmetry in the isometric lower limb strength does not significantly affect the level of reactive agility or the ability to quickly CODs. Similarly, asymmetry in directional changes during running did not significantly impact the level of reactive agility. However, it may still be a contributing factor to increased injury risk in young football players. Full article

Fish venom biology reaches far beyond addressing risks of human envenomation. The critical understanding of venom composition and the drivers that modulate it will enable scientists to deliver a span of novel bioresources with multiple potential biotechnological applications. The lesser weever fish (Echiichtys vipera), common in the surf of sandy beaches in Portugal, is a noteworthy case study due to frequent envenomation episodes during summer, albeit the lack of information regarding its venom system and the composition of its venom. We collected about one hundred animals from Costa da Caparica (W Portugal) as beach trawl (arte xávega) by-catch. Histology showed a similar essential microanatomical structure of glands in both venomous spines (dorsal and opercular) and no obvious gender differences. Transversal sections across the spines showed a T-shaped supportive bone structure that harbor masses of large, glandular cells that bear large sacculi. The structure is surrounded by a retractable layer of skin, thicker in the opercular spines comparatively to dorsal. The lack of muscular tissue near the glands and missing venom delivery ducts in the spines suggest that venom secretion in this species is holocrine, i.e., that venom is delivered through rupture of the skin and underlying glandular tissue upon mechanical pressure. Proteomics of the venomous spines (dorsal and opercular) showed a different proteomic signature between males and females, pointing to intersexual variation and suggesting that other biotic and abiotic factors might influence venom composition (maturation stage or geographic distribution). Additionally, protein homology matches performed against known toxins from marine venomous fishes indicated the presence of novel unexplored toxins in this species besides expected cytolysins. Our focus in the future is to identify, isolate and characterize the individual components of this venom. We anticipate new insights on the intraspecific adaptation of fish venom systems to specific ecological needs and advocate for sustainable bioprospecting for novel proteins with high biotechnological potential. Full article

Introduction: Fish stock identification and delineation are fundamental requirements for preventing local depletion and promoting the sustainable exploitation of marine resources. The blackspot seabream, Pagellus bogaraveo, is the most commercially valuable sparid species across the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. To effectively discriminate fish stocks, researchers increasingly rely on the use of natural tags, which reflect both environmental and genetic influences, providing critical information regarding fish movements and population structure. Objective: To broaden the understanding of P. bogaraveo stock structure, samples originally obtained for a parasite-based discrimination study were used to provide complementary insights through otolith shape and geochemical signatures. Methodology: A subset of 150 individuals (30 per location) collected across five Portuguese locations (Portugal mainland: Matosinhos, Figueira da Foz, and Sagres; and Archipelagos: Azores and Madeira) was selected for otolith analyses. Otolith contour phenotypic variation was quantified through Elliptical Fourier Descriptors (EFDs) and Shape Indices (SIs), while elemental signatures (element: Ca) were analyzed using solution-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SB-ICP-MS). Statistical analyses involved both univariate (one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey tests, if needed) and multivariate approaches (MANOVA and LDFA), considering both individual and combined datasets. Results: EFDs + SIs yielded the lowest discriminatory power, with an overall reclassification accuracy of 38%. In contrast, Ca signatures provided the highest discrimination at 79%. The combination of both markers resulted in a slightly lower overall accuracy of 75%, likely due to the higher variance associated with the morphological data. Conclusions: In agreement with the previous parasite assessment, these otolith-based approaches confirm that the Macaronesian archipelagos consist of distinct stocks, separate from the Portuguese continental shelf. Furthermore, significant differences in otolith geochemical signatures between Sagres and Figueira da Foz point to a further subdivision of stocks. These findings are consistent with recent genetic data identifying three distinct stocks along the western and southern Iberian Peninsula, reinforcing the need for localized management of P. bogaraveo populations to ensure long-term fishery sustainability. Full article

Biological invasions and freshwater biodiversity loss are two of the most pressing global conservation challenges yet their interaction during the earliest stages of invasion remains poorly understood. Iberian freshwaters rank among Europe’s most biodiverse ecosystems, harbouring a remarkable assemblage of endemic fish species. This irreplaceable heritage is increasingly threatened by non-native piscivorous predators, to which endemic species often lack innate antipredator responses. The invasive European perch (Perca fluviatilis) was first detected in the Meimoa reservoir, within the Malcata Natural Reserve (Central Portugal), in 2023, and has since expanded exponentially in abundance while dispersing into adjacent stream networks. This emerging invasion provided a unique opportunity to assess the predation impacts of a novel piscivorous predator during the early stages of establishment and dispersion, across both lentic and lotic habitats. From 2022 to 2025, European perch were sampled in the invaded reservoir using gillnetting and in connected streams with electrofishing. Diet was assessed through stomach content analysis, and prey composition was analyzed in relation to site, season, year and ontogeny. European perch exhibited a clear ontogenetic diet shift as expected, from zooplankton and invertebrates to crayfish and fish, with minor variation in prey composition between systems. In the Meimoa reservoir, body size was the strongest driver of diet composition (PERMANOVA: R² = 0.134, p < 0.001), with 50% of the stomachs from individuals above 35 cm containing fish, with the Iberian nase, Pseudochondrostoma polylepis, being the dominant prey. Diet composition remained stable across years (R² = 0.007; p = 0.188), despite a 74% decline in nase catch per unit effort (CPUE) between 2022 and 2025. In streams, despite the absence of large perch, piscivory was recorded earlier and encompassing a broader range of native taxa. The sustained predation pressure on P. polylepis, a formerly dominant and culturally significant species, despite its steep population decline, suggests that European perch holds the potential to locally deplete native fish stocks. The advance of this predator into lotic habitats demands urgent conservation action, as it may critically threaten the long-term persistence of one of Portugal’s most vulnerable freshwater taxonomic groups. Full article

While reading habits strongly correlate with academic success, empirical data regarding higher education (HE) literacy in Portugal remains scarce, particularly across the private sector. This study addresses this gap through a cross-institutional analysis comparing public and private HEIs alongside the island regions of Madeira and the Azores, challenging the assumption that digital natives universally reject print. A survey was administered to 558 students across 140 study cycles from 33 public and private HEIs, with data evaluated via non-parametric inferential methodologies. The sample displayed high reading appreciation, yielding a mean enjoyment score of 7.54 out of 10 (SD = 2.29) and an annual median of 4 books. Significant demographic variations (p < 0.05) emerged: female and older (23+) students demonstrated a significantly higher love of reading and voluntary book consumption, whereas males and younger cohorts gravitated toward technical texts and digital periodicals. Conversely, groups converged regarding internet usage and the primary structural barrier to literacy: an acute lack of time (67.9%). Crucially, while HEI type did not impact genre or platform choices, public university students reported significantly higher reading enjoyment and read more books annually than their private-sector peers (p < 0.05). These findings underscore that individual literacy is actively moderated by institutional micro-climates, providing administrators with precise empirical targets to design tailored reading initiatives. Full article

The genus Xylaria (Xylariaceae, Ascomycota) comprises a morphologically and ecologically diverse group of fungi with a predominantly saprobic lifestyle, widely distributed in forest ecosystems worldwide. Despite its global occurrence, its diversity in European Atlantic laurel forests (laurisilva), both insular and continental, remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined more than 80 collections of Xylaria from laurisilva forests in Madeira and the Azores (Portugal), the Canary Islands (Spain), and relict laurel woodlands in mainland Iberia, documenting at least 13 species. Several collections could not be successfully sequenced, suggesting that additional taxa may occur. Among the identified species, eight are described here as new to science and are supported by morphological differences and multilocus phylogenetic analyses. Species delimitation was based on an integrative approach combining detailed morphological observations with phylogenetic inference from ITS, LSU, RPB2, and TUB2 loci. Our results reveal a substantially higher diversity of Xylaria in these ecosystems than previously recognized and confirm the importance of multilocus frameworks for resolving species boundaries, particularly in morphologically cryptic lineages. This study expands the known diversity of Xylaria in Europe and identifies Atlantic laurel forests as important reservoirs of fungal diversity and evolutionary novelty. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most extensively cultivated crops worldwide and a recognized dietary-rich source of phytochemicals associated with cardioprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties. This study provides a comprehensive comparative assessment of the lipophilic composition, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity of six Solanum varieties, namely Roma, Kumato, Globe, and Vine (S. lycopersicum L.), Cherry (S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme), and Tamarillo (S. betaceum), using a validated μQuEChERS/HPLC-PDA analytical approach combined with complementary in vitro antioxidant assays. The optimized analytical method exhibited robust analytical performance, with strong linearity (R² ≥ 0.993), high sensitivity and selectivity, satisfactory precision (%RSD < 20%), and acceptable recoveries (78–118%), confirming its suitability for routine profiling of lipophilic compounds in complex matrices. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among varieties, highlighting the strong role of genotype in modulating lipophilic phytochemical accumulation. Kumato and Cherry exhibited the highest levels of lycopene, β-carotene, and tocopherols, whereas Globe consistently exhibited the lowest lipophilic antioxidant content. In vitro assays identified Vine with the greatest TPC (290 µgGAE/g dw) and antioxidant activity (1603 µgTE/g dw), while Globe recorded the lowest values (194 µgGAE/g dw and 1395 µgTE/g dw, respectively). Hierarchical clustering analysis further corroborated these findings, revealing three chemically distinct clusters: Vine and Tamarillo associated with superior TPC and antioxidant activity; Cherry and Kumato characterized by elevated carotenoid and tocopherol content; and Globe and Roma distinguished by comparatively lower nutritional quality across all parameters assessed. These results demonstrate that the validated μQuEChERS/HPLC-PDA method is a reliable, sensitive, and efficient tool for comparative phytochemical profiling of tomato varieties. The observed compositional differences may contribute to future studies focused on nutritional evaluation, traceability, and authenticity assessment of tomato-derived products. Full article

Non-indigenous or alien macroalgae are increasingly recognized as ecological threats, sources of raw material, and reservoirs of bioactive compounds for industry and agriculture. This review analyses the valorization potential of this biomass, focusing on their antifungal and elicitor activities against phytopathogenic fungi, particularly Mediterranean (De Bary) Whetzel, 1945. The literature published since 2020 was retrieved from Scopus using targeted keyword combinations. Three major topics were examined: (i) invasive and beach-cast macroalgal and their ecological context, (ii) antifungal and elicitor properties of macroalgal extracts, and (iii) the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) for the green extraction of bioactive compounds. Species such as Asparagopsis armata, Rugulopteryx okamurae, and Sargassum muticum have shown promising antifungal and elicitor effects, frequently associated with phenolic compounds and polysaccharides. Extracts from these algae can inhibit the growth of fungi or activate plant defense pathways, providing environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Moreover, DES and natural DES (NADES) offer tunable, biodegradable solvents capable of efficiently extracting these bioactive molecules while reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional organic solvents. Overall, the valorization of this biomass represents a sustainable strategy that simultaneously mitigates ecological and economic impacts and contributes to the development of sustainable inputs in agriculture. Full article

Background: The perioperative context is characterized by high complexity and a significant risk of adverse events, requiring highly developed technical and non-technical competencies. Structured clinical supervision has been identified as a relevant strategy for professional development and for promoting the quality and safety of care, although the specific evidence in this context remains dispersed. Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the impact of structured clinical supervision on nurses’ professional development and on the quality and safety of care delivered in the perioperative setting. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 recommendations. The search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, SciELO, BVS, and CONSENSUS databases and included studies published between January 2020 and October 2025 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish with full-text availability. The research question was structured according to the PICO strategy. Study selection was carried out in multiple stages (duplicate removal, screening by title and abstract, and full-text review), performed by two independent reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists. Data synthesis was conducted through thematic narrative analysis, given the methodological heterogeneity of the included studies. Results: Twelve studies were included, predominantly qualitative and observational in nature, as well as psychometric validation studies, one Delphi study, and one quasi-experimental study. The findings show consistent convergence regarding the association between structured clinical supervision and the development of technical and non-technical competencies, namely communication, leadership, teamwork, situational awareness, and decision-making. The use of structured assessment instruments demonstrated good psychometric reliability and improved the quality of supervisory feedback. Organizational factors, such as protected time, specific training for supervisors, and role clarification, were identified as determinants of the effectiveness of the supervisory process. However, the predominance of non-experimental designs and the scarcity of objective clinical outcomes limit direct causal inference between structured supervision and measurable reduction in adverse events. Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that structured clinical supervision is a relevant component for the professional development of perioperative nurses and for strengthening the safety culture in the operating room. Despite the high conceptual consistency of the findings, the overall strength of evidence is moderate, and experimental and longitudinal studies are needed to consolidate the impact of supervision on objective clinical indicators of care quality and safety. Full article

Global environmental challenges—ranging from climate change to resource depletion—require not only technological innovation but also sustained shifts in household behavior. Two principal policy tools have emerged to promote such shifts in residential communities: financial incentives (e.g., subsidies, rebates, dynamic pricing) and educational campaigns (e.g., information provision, social norms messaging, feedback systems); yet rigorous comparative evidence on their relative intervention effectiveness —defined here as the magnitude of behavioral change achieved—remains fragmented. The aim of this review is to systematically compare the effectiveness of financial incentives and educational campaigns for promoting pro-environmental behaviors in residential communities, and to identify the conditions under which each approach performs best. This systematic review addresses: How do financial incentives compare to educational campaigns in promoting pro-environmental behaviors in residential communities? Through PRISMA 2020 methodology, synthesizing 51 studies including 5 major meta-analyses (2015–2024), comparative intervention effectiveness evidence is provided. Financial incentives achieve modest reductions (1.8–6.0%, g = 0.36) with rapid adoption but substantial rebound effects (35–60% offset) and poor persistence post-removal. Educational campaigns show higher variability (g = 0.23 to 0.93), with targeted approaches achieving up to 8% reductions, better persistence (57% effect retention at 24 months), and lower rebounds (15–30%). Combined approaches demonstrate the largest effects (g = 0.64) and optimal cost-effectiveness. Context determines effectiveness: financial incentives excel for high-cost technology adoption; and educational campaigns for habitual behaviors. Technology-mediated delivery (smart meters, mobile apps) enhances both approaches. The principal contribution of this review is a comprehensive umbrella synthesis to directly compare both intervention paradigms while simultaneously accounting for rebound effects, moral licensing, age-specific moderators, and cost-effectiveness, offering practitioners an integrated evidence base for intervention selection. We conclude with evidence-based recommendations for intervention selection. Full article

Background/Objective: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania, with a broad clinical spectrum that can overlap with other infectious and non-infectious conditions. Accurate species identification is critical for appropriate treatment and prognosis; however, parasitological methods are limited by suboptimal sensitivity, specificity, and inability to reliably differentiate species. This study aimed to develop and validate a real-time PCR assay based on melting-curve analysis (Leish-qPCR) for the detection of Leishmania spp. and the differentiation of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Methods and Results: Genus-specific primers were designed based on the kDNA (kinetoplast DNA) minicircle consensus sequences of Leishmania species, while species-specific primers targeted the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) consensus regions of the ribosomal RNA locus of L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis. Analytical performance was evaluated in silico and in vitro using a panel of protozoa, fungi, and bacteria, exhibiting 100% specificity with no cross-amplification. The limit of detection was one copy per reaction for all targets using positive controls. Clinical validation was performed using skin biopsy specimens from patients with granulomatous lesions. The optimized Leish-qPCR assay, performed in separate reaction tubes within the same run, demonstrated reliable analytical specificity and sensitivity, with distinct and reproducible melting temperature (Tm) peaks across plasmid controls, parasite DNA, and clinical samples. Comparative analysis with histopathological examination demonstrated moderate agreement between the methods, supporting the applicability of the assay for sensitive detection and species-level discrimination of Leishmania spp. in clinical samples. Conclusions: The Leish-qPCR assay presented high sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy, representing a promising tool for routine diagnosis of leishmaniasis and for the differentiation of L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis in clinical samples. Full article

This study is based on an interdisciplinary teaching experience in two 2nd-grade classes, integrating Visual Arts and Mathematics through the use of Pop-Up cards. It aimed to identify how these activities foster disciplinary and interdisciplinary learning, the aspects of the teacher’s role most relevant to enhancing students’ learning, and the types of professional knowledge required. The research methodology follows the four phases of the didactic engineering approach, with data collected comprising photographs, audio/video recordings, and classroom observations. The analysis of students’ learning employs a framework that emerged from the data and was articulated with the literature. Regarding the teachers’ role and knowledge, these dimensions were identified through teachers’ actions in selected classroom episodes. The results show that Pop-Up cards promote rich learning experiences in Visual Arts and Mathematics, enabling students to understand a new artistic composition combined with construction techniques. The experience promoted spatial reasoning by relating three-dimensional shapes to two-dimensional elements of the composition and the identification of geometric figures and metric relationships. Regarding the teachers’ role and knowledge, interdisciplinary pedagogical content knowledge proved essential for guiding the process, which should include the fundamental practices of Creation, Analysis, and Enjoyment, and supporting both artistic and mathematical learning. Full article

Insects, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and the armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta), and nematodes, including the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), are major agricultural pests. Essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants are promising botanical pesticides due to their bioactivity. This study evaluated the in vitro effects of EOs from Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, Ocimum gratissimum, Mentha pulegium, and Cinnamomum cassia, and their main compounds (carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, pulegone, and trans-cinnamaldehyde, respectively), on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α- and β-glucosidases using crude enzyme extracts. All EOs inhibited AChE, with no significant effects on glucosidases. M. pulegium EO showed the strongest inhibition in C. capitata (IC₅₀ = 0.022 mg/mL) and B. xylophilus (IC₅₀ = 0.1209 mg/mL), while C. cassia EO was most effective against M. unipuncta (IC₅₀ = 0.0020 mg/mL) and M. incognita (IC₅₀ = 0.0197 mg/mL). In silico analysis revealed selective inhibition of insect AChE by EO-derived compounds, with insignificant effects on electric eel AChE, supporting species-specific interactions. These findings highlight EOs as selective, neurotargeting, and sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Full article