a first genetic analysis

Funding Information: This work was funded by the Institute of Environmental Health of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon (ISAMB), with project references FCT UIDB/04295/2020 and UIDP/04295/2020. This work was partially funded by the MOBVEC\u2014Mobile Bio-Lab to support first response in Arbovirus outbreaks (2023\u20132026) project, reference HORIZON-EIC-2022-PATHFINDEROPEN-01 under the Pathfinderopen program of the European Innovation Council (CEI), and Ph.D. fellowship reference 2022.13476.BDANA (FCT). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation. Funding Information: We are grateful to Marco Brustolin and Carles Aranda for providing evidence of the collection date and location in Spain of the sampled mosquitoes corresponding to sequences KU319443, KU319444, KU319446, and KU319447. We also thank the REVIVE team for collecting mosquitoes nationwide, especially Lisbon and Tagus Valley Health Authority. This work received support from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT; reference: CEECINST/00049/2021/CP2817/CT0001, DOI: https://doi.org/10.54499/CEECINST/00049/2021/CP2817/CT0001 ; reference: FCT/MCTES UIB/00211/2020, https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/00211 ; reference: FCT/MCTES UIP/00211/2020, https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDP/00211). Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2024.Background: Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, has become one of the most invasive mosquito species. Over the last 5 decades, it has been introduced and established in various tropical and temperate regions worldwide. First reported in Europe in 1979 in Albania and later in Italy in 1990, the species is now established in 13 European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries and 337 regions (2023). In Portugal, Ae. albopictus was first detected in the Algarve and Penafiel regions in 2017, followed by Alentejo in 2022 and Lisbon in 2023. This mosquito species poses a significant public health risk as a vector for numerous pathogenic viruses, including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Methods: Aedes albopictus collected in Lisbon in 2023 were analyzed using cytochrome c oxidase I (COX) gene sequencing to understand their genetic relationships. Results: Our data indicate that the Ae. albopictus mosquito populations detected in three locations in Lisbon in 2023 correspond to recent but distinct introduction events. Conclusions: Although there has been no local transmission of Aedes-transmitted viruses in mainland Portugal to date, the spread of the mosquito and increased international travel increase the risk of Aedes-borne disease outbreaks. The ongoing spread of Ae. albopictus in the country and the confirmed multiple introductions in new locations raise awareness of the need to monitor mosquito vectors to control and prevent autochthonous Aedes-borne disease outbreaks. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)publishersversionpublishe

Co-Circulation of Leishmania Parasites and Phleboviruses in a Population of Sand Flies Collected in the South of Portugal

This article belongs to the Special Issue Leishmaniasis: Vector-Host-Pathogen Interactions in Health and Disease.In the Old World, phlebotomine sand flies from the genus Phlebotomus are implicated in the transmission of Leishmania spp. parasites (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) and viruses belonging to the genus Phlebovirus (Bunyavirales: Phenuiviridae). Two of the five sand fly species known to occur in Portugal, Phlebotomus perniciosus and Ph. ariasi, the former being the most ubiquitous, are recognized vectors of Leishmania infantum, which causes visceral leishmaniasis, the most prevalent form of leishmaniasis in the country. Phlebotomus perniciosus is also the vector of the neurotropic Toscana virus, which can cause aseptic meningitis. Entomological surveillance is essential to provide fundamental data about the presence of vectors and the pathogens they can carry. As such, and given the lack of data in Portugal, an entomological survey took place in the Algarve, the southernmost region of the country, from May to October 2018. Polymerase chain reaction assays were performed in order to detect the presence of the above-mentioned pathogens in sand fly pools. Not only were both Leishmania parasites and phleboviruses detected during this study, but more importantly, it was the first time their co-circulation was verified in the same sand fly population collected in Portugal.This research was partially supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the project: “Phleboviruses in Portugal—vectors, pathogenesis and co-infections” (PTDC/DTP-SAP/0859/2014).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Chicken feather keratin peptides for the control of keratinocyte migration

FAO estimates that in 2030 the poultry meat production could reach 120 million tons, which is a challenge in terms of waste management. Feathers are mainly composed of keratin, an important biomaterial. Using feathers as a source of keratin will minimize the waste generated, while contributing to supply an important material for several industries, such as pharmaceutical and biomedical. The peptides were extracted from the feathers by microbial degradation. In this study, we evaluated the peptides effect on keratinocyte metabolic activity and migration. The influence of these peptides on non-activated and activated macrophages was also assessed. It was demonstrated that depending on the keratin peptide fraction in contact with keratinocytes, it is possible to modulate the migration rate of the keratinocytes. Peptide fraction with low molecular weight increases migration, while peptides with a high range of molecular sizes decreases it. Some peptide fractions induce the secretion of TNF- in non-activated macrophages and not on activated macrophages, demonstrating that these peptides should only be placed in contact with cells, in the context of an ongoing inflammatory process. This work is a step forward on the understanding of keratin peptides influence on keratinocytes and immune cells system cells, macrophages.This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit. It was also was financed by the Portuguese Mass Spectrometry Network, integrated in the National Roadmap of Research Infrastructures of Strategic Relevance (ROTEIRO/0028/2013; LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-022125) and the MAC 2014-2020-MAC/1.1b/042-INTERREG V A España-Portugal, “BIOTRANSFER 2: Transferencia de la investigación biotecnológica orientada a rentabilidad empresarial y movilización de flujos de negocio 2”.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Monitoring of the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus in Portugal by the Vector Surveillance Network (REVIVE), 2017-2019

O mosquito Aedes albopictus, conhecido vulgarmente como Mos2017-2019quito Tigre Asiático, é um mosquito invasor procedente da região Ásia-Pacífico. Esta espécie é importante em saúde pública e veterinária devido ao seu papel na transmissão de diversos agentes patogénicos, nomeadamente os arbovírus chikungunya, dengue e Zika. Introduzido e estabelecido ao longo da costa mediterrânica europeia, incluindo Espanha desde 2004, este mosquito vetor tem sido responsável pelos surtos autóctones de arbovírus que têm ocorrido na Europa desde 2007. Em Portugal, o Ae. albopictus foi detetado pela primeira vez no âmbito da Rede de Vigilância de Vetores (REVIVE) em dois eventos de introdução independentes, na região norte em 2017 e no Algarve em 2018. O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a distribuição geográfica e atividade sazonal da espécie invasora Ae. albopictus em Portugal. A vigilância ativa foi significativamente incrementada pela REVIVE após estas deteções. Foram utilizadas armadilhas específicas para mosquitos adultos (Biogents Sentinel traps) e para as fases imaturas (Ovitraps) para determinar a sua distribuição geográfica e sazonal, abundância e avaliar o processo de estabelecimento e dispersão da espécie a nível regional e nacional. Estes dados são indispensáveis no planeamento estratégico de medidas de controlo vetorial para evitar a dispersão das populações de mosquitos vetores e prevenir surtos de doenças associadas a Ae. albopictus.The mosquito Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian Tiger Mosquito, is an invasive mosquito from the Asia-Pacific region. This species is important in public and veterinary health due to its role in the transmission of several pathogens, namely the arboviruses chikungunya, dengue and Zika. Introduced and established along the European Mediterranean coast, including Spain since 2004, this vector mosquito has been responsible for the autochthonous arboviruses outbreaks that have been occurring more and more frequently in the European region since 2007. In Portugal, Ae. albopictus was detected for the first time by the Vector Surveillance Network (REVIVE) in two independent introduction events, in the northern region in 2017 and Algarve in 2018. The aim of the present study was to characterize the geographic distribution and seasonal activity of the invasive species Ae. albopictus in Portugal. Active surveillance was significantly increased by the REVIVE after these detections. Specific traps were used for adult mosquitoes (Biogents Sentinel traps) and for the immature stages (ovitraps) to determine its geographical and seasonal distribution, abundance and evaluate its way of establishment and dispersion at a regional and national level. These data are necessary in the strategic planning of vector control measures to avoid the dispersion of these populations of vectors and prevent outbreaks of vector-borne diseases.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

OMICs approaches in diarrhetic shellfish toxins research

ReviewDiarrhetic shellfish toxins (DSTs) are among the most prevalent marine toxins in Europe’s and in other temperate coastal regions. These toxins are produced by several dinoflagellate species; however, the contamination of the marine trophic chain is often attributed to species of the genus Dinophysis. This group of toxins, constituted by okadaic acid (OA) and analogous molecules (dinophysistoxins, DTXs), are highly harmful to humans, causing severe poisoning symptoms caused by the ingestion of contaminated seafood. Knowledge on the mode of action and toxicology of OA and the chemical characterization and accumulation of DSTs in seafood species (bivalves, gastropods and crustaceans) has significantly contributed to understand the impacts of these toxins in humans. Considerable information is however missing, particularly at the molecular and metabolic levels involving toxin uptake, distribution, compartmentalization and biotransformation and the interaction of DSTs with aquatic organisms. Recent contributions to the knowledge of DSTs arise from transcriptomics and proteomics research. Indeed, OMICs constitute a research field dedicated to the systematic analysis on the organisms’ metabolisms. The methodologies used in OMICs are also highly e ective to identify critical metabolic pathways a ecting the physiology of the organisms. In this review, we analyze the main contributions provided so far by OMICs to DSTs research and discuss the prospects of OMICs with regard to the DSTs toxicology and the significance of these toxins to public health, food safety and aquacultureinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cardiac Amyloidosis Associated with Apolipoprotein A-IV Deposition Diagnosed by Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomic Analysis

Amyloidosis is a group of disorders characterised by the accumulation of extracellular deposits of insoluble protein aggregates. Clinical management depends on the accurate identification of the amyloid precursor and underlying cause. We describe a rare case of apolipoprotein A-IV cardiac amyloidosis, the diagnosis of which required mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis

REVIVE 2023 and risks to public health in Portugal: surveillance of ticks and pathogens transmitted to humans

As carraças são um dos vetores mais importantes de agentes patogénicos para o Homem, com impacto crescente em saúde pública em todo o mundo. Os agentes infeciosos transmitidos por carraças incluem vírus, como o vírus da encefalite transmitida por carraças e da febre hemorrágica Crimeia-Congo, bactérias, tais como os agentes etiológicos da borreliose de Lyme, febre escaro nodular, outras rickettsioses e anaplasmose humana e parasitas protozoários que causam a babesiose. As doenças associadas a carraças estão a emergir e reemergir sendo um dos principais fatores, identificado particularmente no hemisfério norte, o alargamento da distribuição geográfica destes artrópodes que funcionam como vetores. Em Portugal, a vigilância das carraças e dos agentes infeciosos transmitidos é assegurada pela Rede de Vigilância de Vetores (REVIVE). Neste artigo apresentam-se, de forma resumida, os resultados das carraças colhidas em humanos e dos agentes etiológicos detetados durante o ano de 2023. Nos 430 ixodídeos colhidos em humanos não foram identificadas espécies exóticas. A pesquisa de borrélia, rickettsia e CCHV por métodos moleculares foi efetuada em todos os espécimes de carraça colhidos e identificados, tendo sido observada respetivamente a prevalência anual de 6,7%, 32,8% e 0%. O REVIVE-carraças contribui para o conhecimento da fauna de ixodídeos de Portugal e do seu papel de vetor, representando a componente entomológica indispensável à avaliação do risco de transmissão de doenças potencialmente graves dos programas de vigilância epidemiológica.Ticks are one of the most important vectors of pathogenic agents to humans, with a growing impact on public health worldwide. The infectious agents transmitted by ticks include viruses, such as the tick-borne encephalitis virus and the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, bacteria, such as the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis, Mediterranean spotted fever, other rickettsioses, and human anaplasmosis, and protozoan parasites that cause babesiosis. Tick-borne diseases are emerging and re-emerging, with one of the main factors, particularly identified in the northern hemisphere, being the expansion of the geographical distribution of these arthropod vectors. In Portugal, tick surveillance and monitoring of the infectious agents they transmit are ensured by the Vector Surveillance Network (REVIVE). This article briefly presents the results of ticks collected from humans and the etiological agents detected during the year 2023. No exotic species were identified among the 430 ticks collected from humans. The analysis for Borrelia, Rickettsia, and CCHV using molecular methods was carried out on all collected and identified tick specimens, with an annual prevalence of 6.7%, 32.8%, and 0%, respectively. REVIVE-ticks contribute to the knowledge of the ixodid fauna of Portugal and their role as vectors, representing the essential entomological component for assessing the risk of transmission of potentially serious diseases in epidemiological surveillance programs.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

AIMSurv: First pan-European harmonized surveillance of Aedes invasive mosquito species of relevance for human vector-borne diseases

Human and animal vector-borne diseases, particularly mosquito-borne diseases, are emerging or re-emerging worldwide. Six Aedes invasive mosquito (AIM) species were introduced to Europe since the 1970s: Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus, Ae. koreicus, Ae. atropalpus and Ae. triseriatus. Here, we report the results of AIMSurv2020, the first pan-European surveillance effort for AIMs. Implemented by 42 volunteer teams from 24 countries. And presented in the form of a dataset named “AIMSurv Aedes Invasive Mosquito species harmonized surveillance in Europe. AIM-COST Action. Project ID: CA17108”. AIMSurv2020 harmonizes field surveillance methodologies for sampling different AIMs life stages, frequency and minimum length of sampling period, and data reporting. Data include minimum requirements for sample types and recommended requirements for those teams with more resources. Data are published as a Darwin Core archive in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility- Spain, comprising a core file with 19,130 records (EventID) and an occurrences file with 19,743 records (OccurrenceID). AIM species recorded in AIMSurv2020 were Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus, as well as native mosquito species

West nile virus in Portugal: vector population, host interaction and detection of new flaviviruses

This thesis describes the studies undertaken in the epidemiology of West Nile virus (WNV) in Portugal exploring several key components of its natural cycle: identification of mosquito vector-populations – geographical and seasonal distribution; analysis of genetic and environmental determinants on feeding patterns of mosquito vectors; experimental transmission of WNV; identification of flaviviruses detected in wild mosquitoes; serological survey of wild birds potentially involved in the epizootic cycle of WNV; finally, a description of a clinical human case of WNV infection reported in 2010. Culex pipiens was one of the most abundant mosquito species demonstrating ecological and intrinsic competence to transmit WNV. No positive mosquito pools for WNV were detected, but new mosquito-only flaviviruses were identified. The presence of antibodies anti-WNV in a juvenile turtle-dove suggests local virus circulation. In conclusion, Portugal meets suitable conditions for epizootic circulation of WNV and for the occurrence of accidental human infections; RESUMO O vírus West Nile em Portugal Vetores, interação com hospedeiros e deteção de novos flavivírus Esta tese descreve os estudos desenvolvidos na epidemiologia do vírus West Nile (VWN) em Portugal explorando várias componentes do seu ciclo natural: identificação das populações de mosquitos vetores – distribuição geográfica/ sazonal; análise de determinantes genéticos/ ambientais na preferência de hospedeiro de mosquitos vetores; transmissão experimental do VWN; identificação de flavivírus detectados em mosquitos selvagens; estudo serológico em aves potencialmente reservatórios do vírus; finalmente é descrito um caso clínico humano de infecção por VWN detetado em 2010. Culex pipiens foi uma das espécies de mosquito mais abundantes e demonstrou competência ecológica e intrínseca para transmitir o VWN. Não foram detectados pools de mosquitos positivos para o VWN, mas foram identificados novos flavivírus específicos de insetos. A presença de anticorpos anti-WNV numa rola juvenil sugere circulação local do vírus. Em conclusão, Portugal reúne condições adequadas para a circulação epizoótica do VWN e para a ocorrência de infecções humanas acidentais