Development of biosensors for molecular analysis

Tese dout., Ciências Biotecnológicas, Universidade do Algarve, 2007This thesis deals with the application of piezoelectric sensors, namely quartz crystal microbalances (QCM), for the study of molecular interactions and for biomedical purposes. Piezoelectric transduction allows the detection of biorecognition events and its operation depends on the mechanical vibration of the crystal whose resonance frequency is sensible to surface mass changes. But in liquid medium these sensors also respond to the properties of solutions and adsorbed films. Thus, a major aspect explored in this thesis is the expansion of the physical understanding of the behavior of these sensors in liquid medium and also how organic or biological layers can affect the results and their interpretation. This was achieved using impedance analysis where the behavior of the piezoelectric sensor is interpreted with the help of equivalent electric RLC circuits. The potential electroacoustic interference of charged species in solution was particularly studied and a new equivalent circuit is proposed in order to detect and quantify these effects with the assistance of impedance analysis. The efficiency of the key steps taken for the development of our QCM system, was experimentally demonstrated with the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the process of ii 11-hydroxy-1-undecanothiol SAMs (self-assembled monolayers) formation and the recognition of streptavidin in aqueous medium using biotin modified sensors. Finally the work was focused on the development of a new detection tool for the HIV1 virus using piezoelectric immunosensors based on recombinant antibodies to detect the Vif molecule (virion infectivity factor). The developed immunosensors selectively detected Vif in aqueous solutions and presented specificity and good sensibility when detecting the target protein in complex samples like mixtures of proteins and cell extracts

Disease Burden and Costs Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease in the Elderly in Portugal

Funding Information: Financing Support: This work received financial support from Biogen Portugal – Sociedade Farmacêutica Unipessoal Lda.. The funding was not conditional on the nature of the results, which are the sole responsibility of the authors. The study also received scientific support from Sociedade Portuguesa de Neurologia and Grupo de Estudos de Envelhecimento Cerebral e Demência. Publisher Copyright: © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) and Sinapse 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use.Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, multifactorial neurodegenera-tive brain disorder. Alzheimer’s disease is the main cause of dementia with substan-tial humanistic and economic burden. This study estimated the disease burden and societal costs associated with Alzheimer’s disease in patients aged ≥ 65 years, in mainland Portugal, in 2018. Methods: The burden of disease and cost of illness were estimated using a prev-alence-based approach. Burden of disease was measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALY), estimated as the sum of years of life lost (YLL) due to premature mortality with years lived with disability (YLD). Costs were estimated using a societal perspective and included medical and non-medical direct costs. Results: We estimated 143 334 elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018 (7% of the population ≥65 years). In 2018, there were 7538 deaths attributed to Alz-heimer’s disease that resulted in the loss of 76 709 YLL. A total of 45 754 YLD were attributed to Alzheimer’s disease. The overall burden was 122 463 DALY. The estimated direct medical costs attributable to Alzheimer’s disease in 2018 were €219 million (including €166 million for outpatient care, €29 million for inpatient care and €24 million for medication). Non-medical direct costs totalled 1.8 billion (including €1.1 billion attributed to informal care, €551 million for social care, €122 million for sup-port devices, accessories of care and home physical adaptations, and €40 million for transport costs). The total estimated cost amounted to €2 billion in 2018. Conclusion: Alzheimer’s disease has a major socioeconomic impact, being respon-sible for 7% of the total YLL estimated for mainland Portugal. Costs related to informal care represent more than half (54%) of the total costs attributed to Alzheimer´s disease, the latter being equivalent to 1% of the Portuguese gross domestic product.publishersversionpublishe

Corrigendum to ‘a horizon scan exercise for aquatic invasive alien species in Iberian inland waters’

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL : A data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in P ortugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with 26% of all species being includedin the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associatedwith habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mam-mals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion formarine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems func-tionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is cru-cial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS INPORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublishedgeoreferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mam-mals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira thatincludes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occur-ring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live obser-vations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%),bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent lessthan 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrowsjsoil moundsjtunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animaljhairjskullsjjaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8),observation in shelters, (9) photo trappingjvideo, (10) predators dietjpelletsjpine cones/nuts, (11) scatjtrackjditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalizationjecholocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and100 m (76%). Rodentia (n=31,573) has the highest number of records followedby Chiroptera (n=18,857), Carnivora (n=18,594), Lagomorpha (n=17,496),Cetartiodactyla (n=11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n=7008). The data setincludes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened(e.g.,Oryctolagus cuniculus[n=12,159],Monachus monachus[n=1,512],andLynx pardinus[n=197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate thepublication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contrib-ute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting onthe development of more accurate and tailored conservation managementstrategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite thisdata paper when the data are used in publications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mammals in Portugal: a data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in Portugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with ~26% of all species being included in the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associated with habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mammals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion for marine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems functionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is crucial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublished georeferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mammals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira that includes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occurring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live observations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%), bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent less than 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrows | soil mounds | tunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animal | hair | skulls | jaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8), observation in shelters, (9) photo trapping | video, (10) predators diet | pellets | pine cones/nuts, (11) scat | track | ditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalization | echolocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and 100 m (76%). Rodentia (n =31,573) has the highest number of records followed by Chiroptera (n = 18,857), Carnivora (n = 18,594), Lagomorpha (n = 17,496), Cetartiodactyla (n = 11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n = 7008). The data set includes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened (e.g., Oryctolagus cuniculus [n = 12,159], Monachus monachus [n = 1,512], and Lynx pardinus [n = 197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate the publication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contribute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting on the development of more accurate and tailored conservation management strategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications

Recent and consecutive records of the Atlantic Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896): rapid westward expansion and confirmed establishment along the Southern Coast of Portugal

The present study reports six new and consecutive records of the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896) in the southern coast of Portugal. Specimens were caught during less than two months (22nd November 2018 - 18th January 2019) as bycatch of trammel nets operated by small-scale fishing boats in scattered locations along the Algarve coast and in the Ria Formosa lagoon. Four adult males (221-236 mm carapace width) and two adult females (191-207 mm carapace width) were caught at relatively shallow depths (1-6 m), on muddy and sandy bottoms in the Ria Formosa lagoon and in the Algarve coast. Morphometric parameters of the specimens are compiled and the respective occurrences are mapped for biogeographic purposes. These first three occurrences in the Algarve coast and the second, third and fourth records in the Ria Formosa lagoon, further supported by additional anecdotal evidences and recent sales at the wholesale market, reveal a rapid westward expansion and confirm the establishment of C. sapidus along the southern coast of Portugal. Possible sources of introduction and causes for the distributional expansion are evaluated. The potential impacts of this invasive species on local ecosystems and fishing/harvesting resources are discussed.Fisheries Operational Programme (MAR 2020)European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF 2014-2020)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A multi-taxa assessment of aquatic non-indigenous species introduced into Iberian freshwater and transitional waters

Aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS), leading to multi-faceted ecological, economic and health impacts worldwide. The Iberian Peninsula comprises an exceptionally biodiverse Mediterranean region with a high number of threatened and endemic aquatic species, most of them strongly impacted by biological invasions. Following a structured approach that combines a systematic review of available information and expert opinion, we provide a comprehensive and updated multi-taxa inventory of aquatic NIS (fungi, macroalgae, vascular plants, invertebrates and vertebrates) in Iberian inland waters. Moreover, we assess overall patterns in the establishment status, introduction pathways, native range and temporal introduction trends of listed NIS. In addition, we discuss the legal coverage provided by both national (Spanish and Portuguese) and European NIS regulations. We inventoried 326 aquatic NIS in Iberian inland waters, including 215 established, 96 with uncertain establishment status and 15 cryptogenic taxa. Invertebrates (54.6%) and vertebrates (24.5%) were the groups with the highest number of NIS, with Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Chordata being the most represented phyla. Recorded NIS originated from diverse geographic regions, with North and South America being the most frequent. Vertebrates and vascular plants were mostly introduced through intentional pathways (i.e. release and escape), whereas invertebrates and macroalgae arrived mostly through unintentional ways (i.e. contaminant or stowaway). Most of the recorded NIS were introduced in Iberian inland waters over the second half of the 20th century, with a high number of NIS introductions being reported in the 2000s. While only 8% of the recorded NIS appear in the European Union list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern, around 25% are listed in the Spanish and Portuguese NIS regulations. This study provides the most updated checklist of Iberian aquatic NIS, meeting the requirements set by the EU regulation and providing a baseline for the evaluation of its application. We point out the need for coordinated transnational strategies to properly tackle aquatic invasions across borders of the EU members

A horizon scan exercise for aquatic invasive alien species in Iberian inland waters

As the number of introduced species keeps increasing unabatedly, identifying and prioritising current and potential Invasive Alien Species (IAS) has become essential to manage them. Horizon Scanning (HS), defined as an exploration of potential threats, is considered a fundamental component of IAS management. By combining scientific knowledge on taxa with expert opinion, we identified the most relevant aquatic IAS in the Iberian Peninsula, i.e., those with the greatest geographic extent (or probability of introduction), severe ecological, economic and human health impacts, greatest difficulty and acceptability of management. We highlighted the 126 most relevant IAS already present in Iberian inland waters (i.e., Concern list) and 89 with a high probability of being introduced in the near future (i.e., Alert list), of which 24 and 10 IAS, respectively, were considered as a management priority after receiving the highest scores in the expert assessment (i.e., top-ranked IAS). In both lists, aquatic IAS belonging to the four thematic groups (plants, freshwater invertebrates, estuarine invertebrates, and vertebrates) were identified as having been introduced through various pathways from different regions of the world and classified according to their main functional feeding groups. Also, the latest update of the list of IAS of Union concern pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 includes only 12 top-ranked IAS identified for the Iberian Peninsula, while the national lists incorporate the vast majority of them. This fact underlines the great importance of taxa prioritisation exercises at biogeographical scales as a step prior to risk analyses and their inclusion in national lists. This HS provides a robust assessment and a cost-effective strategy for decision-makers and stakeholders to prioritise the use of limited resources for IAS prevention and management. Although applied at a transnational level in a European biodiversity hotspot, this approach is designed for potential application at any geographical or administrative scale, including the continental one

A horizon scan exercise for aquatic invasive alien species in Iberian inland waters

As the number of introduced species keeps increasing unabatedly, identifying and prioritising current and potential Invasive Alien Species (IAS) has become essential to manage them. Horizon Scanning (HS), defined as an exploration of potential threats, is considered a fundamental component of IAS management. By combining scientific knowledge on taxa with expert opinion, we identified the most relevant aquatic IAS in the Iberian Peninsula, i.e., those with the greatest geographic extent (or probability of introduction), severe ecological, economic and human health impacts, greatest difficulty and acceptability of management. We highlighted the 126 most relevant IAS already present in Iberian inland waters (i.e., Concern list) and 89 with a high probability of being introduced in the near future (i.e., Alert list), of which 24 and 10 IAS, respectively, were considered as a management priority after receiving the highest scores in the expert assessment (i.e., top-ranked IAS). In both lists, aquatic IAS belonging to the four thematic groups (plants, freshwater invertebrates, estuarine invertebrates, and vertebrates) were identified as having been introduced through various pathways from different regions of the world and classified according to their main functional feeding groups. Also, the latest update of the list of IAS of Union concern pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 includes only 12 top-ranked IAS identified for the Iberian Peninsula, while the national lists incorporate the vast majority of them. This fact underlines the great importance of taxa prioritisation exercises at biogeographical scales as a step prior to risk analyses and their inclusion in national lists. This HS provides a robust assessment and a cost-effective strategy for decision-makers and stakeholders to prioritise the use of limited resources for IAS prevention and management. Although applied at a transnational level in a European biodiversity hotspot, this approach is designed for potential application at any geographical or administrative scale, including the continental one

Lista de especies exóticas acuáticas de la Península Ibérica (2020)

Se presenta una lista actualizada de las especies exóticas que se encuentran en etapa de establecimiento o de propagación de la invasión en aguas continentales de la península ibérica. La lista está basada en la evaluación sistemática de los datos en colaboración con un amplio equipo de expertos de España y Portugal. Esta lista de actualización es un instrumento de apoyo importante para la aplicación del Reglamento de la Unión Europea (UE) sobre las especies exóticas invasoras (EEI) y también proporciona una base objetiva para el examen de su aplicación. En última instancia, la información incluida puede utilizarse para supervisar el cumplimiento del objetivo de la Estrategia de la UE sobre diversidad biológica hasta 2030 para combatir las EEI, pero también para la aplicación de otras políticas de la UE con requisitos sobre especies exóticas, como las Directivas de Hábitats y Aves, la Directiva Marco sobre la Estrategia Marina (DMEM) y la Directiva Marco del Agua (DMA)