Selection of Reference Genes and Expression Profiling in Heat-Stressed Grapevine Varieties.

Background: "Touriga Franca" (TF) and "Touriga Nacional" (TN) are grapevine varieties cultivated in the 'Douro Superior' subregion (Northern Portugal) that experience stressful environmental conditions during the summer.

Objectives: Aiming to profile the expression of stress-responsive genes by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in TF and TN plants growing naturally, three candidate reference genes were first tested under controlled conditions.

Methods: To simulate a summer's day, TF and TN in vitro plants were exposed to 32 °C-3 h (heat acclimation) and 42 °C-1 h (severe heat stress, HS) followed by two recovery periods (32 °C-3 h and 24 °C-24 h).

Molecular Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant from Fecal Samples of Wild Animals.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in fecal isolates from wildlife is crucial for monitoring the spread of this microorganism in the environment and for developing effective AMR control strategies. Wildlife can act as carriers of AMR bacteria and spread them to other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans; thus, they have public health implications. A total of 128 isolates were obtained from 66 of 217 fecal samples obtained from different wild animals using media without antibiotic supplementation.

Are Environmental Levels of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs a Reason for Concern? Chronic Life-Cycle Effects of Naproxen in Zebrafish.

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen (NPX) is among the most consumed pharmaceuticals worldwide, being detected in surface waters within the ng to μg/L range. Considering the limited chronic ecotoxicity data available for NPX in aquatic ecosystems, the present study aimed at evaluating its impact in the model organism , following a full life-cycle exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1 to 5.

Unveil the toxicity induced on early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its enantiomers.

The increased detection of the recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in aquatic ecosystems, has raised concern worldwide about its possible negative impacts on wildlife. MDMA is produced as racemate but its enantioselective effects on non-target organisms are poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive study of the toxicity of MDMA and its enantiomers in the early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Weekly external load distribution in football teams of different competitive levels.

This study aimed to compare the microcycle load distribution between teams from different competitive levels. A total of 22 microcycles from one team of each competitive level (first division, 1 DIV, n = 32 players; second division, 2 DIV, n = 23 players; third division, 3 DIV, n = 23 players) were monitored using GPS (10 Hz, Catapult). During the match, a higher number of high accelerations (i.

Variations in the structure and function of the soil fungal communities in the traditional cropping systems from Madeira Island.

Agricultural soils are responsible for ecological functions and services that include primary production of food, fiber and fuel, nutrient cycling, carbon cycling and storage, water infiltration and purification, among others. Fungi are important drivers of most of those ecosystem services. Given the importance of fungi in agricultural soils, in this study, we aimed to characterize and analyse the changes of the soil fungal communities of three cropping systems from Madeira Island, where family farming is predominant, and investigate the response of fungi and its functional groups to soil physicochemical properties.

Meat Inspection Decisions Regarding Pig Carcasses Affected by Osteomyelitis at the Slaughterhouse: From Etiopathogenesis to Total Condemnation Criteria.

Osteomyelitis is a significant cause of total carcass condemnation in pigs at the slaughterhouse. The decision for total condemnation of a pig carcass for osteomyelitis is often based on traditional perceptions of the risk of pyaemia, leading to controversy among Official Veterinarians (OV) in the industry. This review aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the etiopathogenesis of osteomyelitis in pigs, the microorganisms involved, and the risk factors.

Red Grape By-Products from the Demarcated Douro Region: Chemical Analysis, Antioxidant Potential and Antimicrobial Activity against Food-Borne Pathogens.

Wine production is one of the most important agricultural activities. The winemaking process generates a considerable volume of different residues characterized as by-products, such as pomace, seeds, stems, and skins. By-products are rich in polyphenols with antioxidant and antibacterial properties and may act as bacteriostatic or bactericidal agents against food-borne pathogens, improving food safety by enhancing antibiotic efficacy and reducing bacterial resistance.

Irradiance level and elevation shape the soil microbiome communities of Coffea arabica L.

Background: The nexus plant-microbe-environment is essential to understand the ecosystem processes shaping plant health and fitness. Within this triangle, soils and associated microflora are among the key ecosystem's drivers, underpinning plant productivity and evolution. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis (physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and taxonomic diversity) of soils under the canopy projection of Coffea arabica trees along a gradient of elevation (600, 800, and 900 m) and shade (0, 50, 100%).

Antigenotoxic and cosmetic potential of elderberry ( nigra) extract: protection against oxidative DNA damage.

The integrity of the genome is under constant threat from both endogenous and exogenous factors that induce oxidative stress and accelerate ageing. The demand for natural and organic cosmetics is rising due to the harmful effects of synthetic genotoxic agents on human health and the environment. Elderberry ( L.

Lipidomics in Periodontal Disease Research: A Systematic Review.

Introduction/objective: Periodontal disease is a highly prevalent oral pathology in the human population, which has a significant local and systemic impact. Currently, multi-omics analyses, including lipidomics, are fundamental to obtaining an in-depth molecular understanding of the individual. Lipidomics is dedicated to the study of lipid species and their interactions in various health contexts.

Molecular Detection of Carbapenemases in Acinetobacter baumannii Strains of Portugal and Association With Sequence Types, Capsular Types, and Virulence.

Purpose: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is an important nosocomial pathogen. The capsular type (K-type) is considered a major virulence factor, contributing to the evasion of host defenses. The global spread and dissemination dynamics between K-types, sequence types (ST), antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence factors remain largely unknown in Portugal.

Realistic 3D Simulators for Automotive: A Review of Main Applications and Features.

Recent advancements in vehicle technology have stimulated innovation across the automotive sector, from Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to autonomous driving and motorsport applications. Modern vehicles, equipped with sensors for perception, localization, navigation, and actuators for autonomous driving, generate vast amounts of data used for training and evaluating autonomous systems. Real-world testing is essential for validation but is complex, expensive, and time-intensive, requiring multiple vehicles and reference systems.

A Decade of Antimicrobial Resistance in Human and Animal spp. Isolates.

: spp. remain a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, with resistance to antibiotics posing significant challenges to treatment and public health. This study examines profiles in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for isolates from human and animal sources over the past decade.

Dog Blood Type DEA 1 in Two Municipalities of Luanda Province of Angola (Sub-Saharan Africa).

In dogs, the risk of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction at the first transfusion is negligible; however, mismatched transfusions may produce alloimmunization. To avoid fatal acute hemolytic reactions in subsequent blood transfusions, it is important to recognize blood groups and to blood type both the donor and the recipient. Prevalence of dog blood groups varies geographically and between breeds.

Integrated Study of Canine Mammary Tumors Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, and Cytogenetic Findings.

Cancer is a complex pathological condition associated with substantial rates of mortality and morbidity in both humans and animals. Mammary gland tumors in intact female dogs are the most prevalent neoplasms. Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment choice.

Realistic Aspects of Cardiac Ultrasound in Rats: Practical Tips for Improved Examination.

Echocardiography is a reliable and non-invasive method for assessing cardiac structure and function in both clinical and experimental settings, offering valuable insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy. The successful application of echocardiography in murine models of disease has enabled the evaluation of disease severity, drug testing, and continuous monitoring of cardiac function in these animals. However, there is insufficient standardization of echocardiographic measurements for smaller animals.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Testicular Biometry and Arterial Blood Flow in Pre- and Postpubertal Miranda Donkeys: Correlations With Semen Quality Parameters.

The main goals of this study were to document and compare the normal ranges of testicular haemodynamic parameters in pre- (aged 8-12 months; n = 4) and postpubertal (aged 24-259 months; n = 16) Miranda donkeys in the breeding season, and to correlate animal biometric data and testicular Doppler indices with basic semen quality parameters of sexually mature jacks. Colour and pulsed-Doppler ultrasonography were employed to assess blood flow in the left and right distal supratesticular artery (DsTA) and their marginal branches (marginal arteries-MA). Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) were evaluated in both blood vessels, and TAMV (time-averaged mean velocity), TABF (total arterial blood flow) and TABF rate (TABF-R) were calculated for MA.

The soil conservation agenda of Brazil: A review of "edge-to-edge" science contributions.

Soil conservation adheres to various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while in Brazil is a constitutional obligation. To attain the goals and fulfil the obligation, laws, policies, governance and science must be imbricated to deliver suitable conservation solutions for the long term, namely appropriate to positively influence other downstream chains such as the food chain. However, in Brazil, a major world producer and exporter of food, weaknesses were recently diagnosed by judicial authorities concerning soil governance and coordinated land use policies.

Decoding Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Genomic insights into adaptation, antibiotic resistance, and the enigmatic role of T6SS in interbacterial dynamics.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrates a remarkable capacity for adaptation and survival in diverse environments. Furthermore, its clinical importance is underscored by its intrinsic and acquired resistance to a wide range of antimicrobial agents, posing a substantial challenge in healthcare settings. Amidst this complex landscape of resistance, the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) in P.

Nutritional approaches applied to recovery of skeletal muscle injury immobilization: a review of nutrition aid for sport trauma.

Skeletal muscle (SM) injuries are a very common occurrence among athletes during training and/or competitive periods, resulting in time loss and absence from sports. Of several existing interventions to improve SM recovery, the nutritional approach has emerged as integral part to improve the physiological response and maintain the body composition to promote a rapid and safe return to play. Growing evidence supports that the physiological response to SM injuries results in a number of changes, suggesting the relevance of a personalized nutritional approach, according to the degree of immobilization, SM mass loss, strength and function.