ESACB - Artigos em revistas com arbitragem científica
URI permanente para esta coleção:
Navegar
Entradas recentes
- Climate-informed afforestation planning in Portugal: Balancing wood and non-wood productionPublication . Roque, Natália; Almeida, Alice; Fernandez, Paulo; Ribeiro, M.M.A.; Alegria, C.M.M.This study explores the potential for afforestation in Portugal that could balance wood and non-wood forest production under future climate change scenarios. The Climate Envelope Models (CEM) approach was employed with three main objectives: (1) to model the current distribution of key Portuguese forest species—eucalypts, maritime pine, umbrella pine, chestnut, and cork oak—based on their suitability for wood and non-wood production; (2) to project their potential distribution for the years 2070 and 2090 under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios: SSP2–4.5 (moderate) and SSP5–8.5 (high emissions); and (3) to generate integrated species distribution maps identifying both current and future high-suitability zones to support afforestation planning, reflecting climatic compatibility under fixed thresholds. Species’ current CMEs were produced using an additive Boolean model with a set of environmental variables (e.g., temperature-related and precipitation-related, elevation, and soil) specific to each species. Species’ current CEMs were validated using forest inventory data and the official Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) map of Portugal, and a good agreement was obtained (>99%). By the end of the 21st century, marked reductions in species suitability are projected, especially for chestnut (36%–44%) and maritime pine (25%–35%). Incorporating future suitability projections and preventive silvicultural practices into afforestation planning is therefore essential to ensure climate-resilient and ecologically friendly forest management.
- A global review of cheese colour microbial discolouration and innovation opportunitiesPublication . Ferraz, Ana Rita; Pintado, Cristina Santos; Serralheiro, Maria LuísaCheese is a biologically active food product, characterised by its colour, texture, and taste. Due to its rich matrix of fats and proteins, as well as the fact that the cheese’s surface acts as its own packaging, the cheese becomes more susceptible to contamination by microorganisms during the ripening process, particularly bacteria and fungi. The ripening of cheese involves several biochemical reactions, with the proteolytic activity of the cheese microbiota being particularly significant. Proteolysis results in the presence of free amino acids, which are precursors to various metabolic mechanisms that can cause discolouration (blue, pink, and brown) on the cheese rind. Surface defects in cheese have been documented in the literature for many years. Sporadic inconsistencies in cheese appearance can lead to product degradation and economic losses for producers. Over the past few decades, various defects have been reported in different types of cheese worldwide. This issue also presents opportunities for innovation and development in edible and bioactive coatings to prevent the appearance of colour defects. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of cheese colour globally, identifying defects caused by microorganisms. It also explores strategies and innovation opportunities in the cheese industry to enhance the value of the final product.
- Influence of Cynara cardunculus L. phenolic compounds on Pseudomonas putida isolated from the dairy industry: Growth and melanin bioproductionPublication . Ferraz, Ana Rita; Pintado, Cristina Santos; Serralheiro, Maria LuisaCynara cardunculus L. inflorescence infusion has been used for several centuries as curd in traditional cheese making, such as some highly prized Portuguese cheeses. To promote thesustainable use of all C. cardunculus plants, C. cardunculus extract leaves decoction (CL), inflorescence decoction (CI), chlorogenic acid (CA) (a compound in the plant leaves), and rosmarinic acid (RA) (a similar phenolic compound) solutions were tested for antimicrobial activity against bacteria that may appear on the cheese rind. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by 15 bacterial strains using two different methodologies: solid and liquid. The influence of these extracts and the phenolic compounds on melanin bioproduction by Pseudomonas putida ESACB 191 was also studied. CA and RA (1 mg/mL) showed antimicrobial activity. CL and CA reduced P. putida ESACB 191 growth in the liquid assay and melanin bioproduction by 6.20 Log CFU/mL and 50%, respectively. Cynarin, CA, and its derivates were identified as the main phenolic compounds (52%) of CL, which may justify its inhibitory action on bacterial growth and melanin bioproduction. Thus, future perspectives include the application of CL extracts with antimicrobial activity in edible films and/or coatings to applied in cheese rind to increase the shelf time.
- Melanin: Production from cheese bacteria, chemical characterization, and biological activitiesPublication . Ferraz, Ana Rita; Pacheco, Rita; Vaz, Pedro D.; Pintado, Cristina Santos; Ascensão, Lia; Serralheiro, Maria LuisaPigments are compounds of importance to several industries, for instance, the food industry, where they can be used as additives, color intensifiers, and antioxidants. As the current trend around the world is shifting to the use of eco-friendly commodities, demand for natural dyes is increasing. Melanins are pigments that are produced by several microorganisms. Pseudomonas putida ESACB 191, isolated from goat cheese rind, was described as a brown pigment producer. This strain produces a brown pigment via the synthetic Müeller-Hinton Broth. This brown compound was extracted, purified, analyzed by FTIR and mass spectrometry, and identified as eumelanin. The maximum productivity was 1.57 mg/L/h. The bioactivity of eumelanin was evaluated as the capacity for scavenging free radicals (antioxidant activity), EC50 74.0 ± 0.2 µg/mL, and as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, with IC50 575 ± 4 µg/mL. This bacterial eumelanin did not show cytotoxicity towards A375, HeLa Kyoto, HepG2, or Caco2 cell lines. The effect of melanin on cholesterol absorption and drug interaction was evaluated in order to understand the interaction of melanin present in the cheese rind when ingested by consumers. However, it had no effect either on cholesterol absorption through an intestinal simulated barrier formed by the Caco2 cell line or with the drug ezetimibe.
- Novel, edible melanin-protein-based bioactive films for cheeses: Antimicrobial, mechanical and chemical characteristicsPublication . Ferraz, Ana Rita; Goulão, Manuela; Espírito Santo, Christophe; Anjos, O.; Serralheiro, Maria Luísa; Pintado, Cristina SantosThe cheese rind is the natural food packaging of cheese and is subject to a wide range of external factors that compromise the appearance of the cheese, including color defects caused by spoilage microorganisms. First, eight films based on whey protein isolate (WPI) coatings were studied, of which IS3CA (WPI 5% + sorbitol 3% + citric acid 3%) was selected for presenting better properties. From the IS3CA film, novel films containing melanin M1 (74 g/mL) and M2 (500 g/mL) weredeveloped and applied to cheese under proof-of-concept and industrial conditions. After 40 days of maturation, M2 presented the lowest microorganism count for all the microbial parameters analyzed. The cheese with M2 showed the lowest lightness, which indicates that it is the darkest cheese due to the melanin concentration. It was found that the mechanical and colorimetric properties are the ones that contribute the most to the distinction of the M2 film in cheese from the others. Using FTIR-ATR, it was possible to distinguish the rinds of M2 cheeses because they contained the highest concentrations of melanin. Thus, this study shows that the film with M2 showed the best mechanical, chemical and antimicrobial properties for application in cheese.
- Climate-driven habitat shifts and conservation implications for the submediterranean oak Quercus pyrenaica Willd.Publication . Passos, Isabel; Vila-Viçosa , Carlos; Gonçalves , João; Figueiredo, Albano; Ribeiro, M.M.A.Climate change poses a major threat to forests, impacting the distribution and viability of key species. Quercus pyrenaicaWilld., a marcescent oak endemic to the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) and southwestern France and a structural species in submediterranean forests, is particularly susceptible to shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns. Aiming to assess its potential loss of suitable area under future climate scenarios, we developed high-resolution spatial distribution models to project the future habitat suitability of Q. pyrenaica under two climate change scenarios (SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) for the periods 2070 and 2100. Our model, which has an excellent predictive performance (AUC of 0.971 and a TSS of 0.834), indicates a predominantly northward shift in the potential distribution of the species, accompanied by substantial habitat loss in southern and lowland regions. Long-term potential suitable area may shrink to 42% of that currently available. This, combined with the limited natural dispersal capacity of the species, highlights the urgency of targeted management and conservation strategies. These results offer critical insights to inform conservation strategies and forest management under ongoing climate change.
- Enhancing germination of Dianthus lusitanus: a sustainable approach to plant production and biodiversity conservationPublication . Reis, C.M.G.; Diogo, Maria da GraçaIncorporating native spontaneous flora species into urban landscapes enhances biodiversity, supports ecosystem services, and contributes to sustainable development. Dianthus lusitanus, an Ibero-North African endemic chamaephyte from the Caryophyllaceae family, thrives in full sun exposure and sandy, acidic soils. The aim of this study was to develop a germination protocol for D. lusitanus by evaluating the effects of two seed conservation methods, as well as different treatments with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on germination. Seeds were stored at either 6 °C for three months (lot A) or at room temperature (lot B). Five germination treatments were applied: T1) sterilized water (control); T2) immersion in 1% H2O2 for 30 minutes; T3) immersion in 3% H2O2 for 30 minutes; T4) immersion in 1% H2O2 for 15 hours (overnight); and T5) periodic watering with 50 mM H2O2. Ninety seeds per treatment were tested in a randomized complete block design and incubated at alternating temperatures of 25/22 °C (day/night) with a 16/8 hour photoperiod. Germination percentages were quantified after 20 days. Seeds stored at 6 °C exhibited significantly higher germination rates compared to those stored at room temperature (p = 0.007). A positive effect on seed germination percentage was observed when seeds were soaked in H2O2 solutions. The highest germination percentage (83.3%) was recorded in treatment T4, while the lowest values were observed in treatments T1 and T5 for seeds from Lot B (11.1% and 22.2%, respectively). This protocol has practical applications in ornamental plant production, biodiversity conservation, and the restoration of degraded areas, contributing to sustainability and the preservation of natural resources.
- Reproductive toxicity assessment of four portuguese plant hydrolates: Effects on oocyte maturation and sperm viabilityPublication . Dias, Sandra D.F.; Andrade, L.P.; Rolo, Joana; Gaspar, Carlos; Ruivo, Patrícia Gomes; Oliveira, Ana Sofia; Ferreira, Sandra Saraiva; Oliveira, Rita Palmeira; Oliveira, José Martinez de; Gonçalves, José Carlos; Delgado, F.M.G.; Oliveira, Ana Palmeira deExtracts of aromatic medicinal plants have been extensively studied regarding their numerous bioactivities. However, despite being highly used by humans, studies on the safety of these extracts for animal use are scarce. In this study, we aim to contribute to the determination of the safety profile of plant extracts by focusing on the reproductive toxicity of hydrolates (a by-product of essential oils production) of four endogenous Portuguese plants—Cistus ladanifer, Cupressus lusitanica, Helychrisium italicum, and Thymbra capitata—by studying their effects on bovine oocytes and spermatozoa. To achieve our aims,we determined the oocyte maturation and viability rate in the bovine in vitro maturation test (bIVM) and the bovine sperm viability using the eosin–nigrosin test, in the presence of five concentrations of each hydrolate at half-log intervals (% v/v of culture media). We found that hydrolates did not affect oocyte maturation or viability (maximum concentration tested: 0.2%, v/v). Regarding the sperm viability test, we found that T. capitata and C. ladanifer hydrolates impaired sperm viability (p < 0.05) (maximum concentration tested: 0.2%, v/v), in comparison with the negative control. In summary, we found that H. italicum and C. lusitanica hydrolates were safe regarding oocyte maturation, oocyte viability, and sperm viability, being candidates to be included in bovine husbandry as feeding additives.
- Espécies piscícolas existentes na Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules – Escola Superior Agrária de Castelo BrancoPublication . Rodrigues, A.M.; Pitacas, F.I.A Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules é uma exploração agrícola com 166 ha. Nesta propriedade da Escola Superior Agrária do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco (ESACB), Portugal, predominam os terrenos de sequeiro. As culturas mais importantes são o olival tradicional e as pastagens de sequeiro. Nas zonas baixas estão instalados prados de regadio e pomares e cultivam-se forragens de outono/inverno e de primavera/verão. Estas últimas são regadas com água armazenada nos diversos poços e nas três charcas existentes na exploração. Entre a fauna rica e diversificada que se observa na Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules, uma área de “não caça”, incluem-se quatro espécies piscícolas que foram identificadas nas charcas e nos poços existentes nomeadamente: Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède, 1802) – achigã, identificado na charca grande localizada na zona Este da Quinta (39,824174; -7,448806) (C1) e na charca pequena localizada por trás do Parque de Máquinas (39,822938; -7,457389) (C2); Gambusia holbrokii (Girard, 1859) - gambúsia ou peixe mosquito, identificado nas charcas pequenas, à entrada do Parque Florestal (39,826201; -7,463912) (C3) e por trás do Parque de Máquinas (39,822938; -7,457389) (C2); Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758) e Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) – pimpões, identificados em vários poços espalhados pela Quinta, Poço 1 no extremo Norte da Quinta (39,828319; -7,458634) (P1), Poço 2 no parque de regadio à frente da Vacaria (39,825905; -7,454868) (P2), Poço 3 atrás do Picadeiro (39,825377; -7,452748) (P3) e Poço 4 no parque de regadio próximo das estufas (39,822907; -7,452679) (P4). Relativamente à monitorização feita em 2011, verifica-se que em 2024 na charca grande já não existem gambúsias, provavelmente como resultado do aumento da população de achigãs. Porém, foram identificados achigãs na charca pequena por trás do Parque de Máquinas, provavelmente como consequência da transferência de alguns exemplares provenientes da charca grande. Considera-se que a biodiversidade existente na Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules é uma mais-valia para fins pedagógicos e de conservação da natureza (evitar a poluição e respeitar os ecossistemas de água doce) e também educação ambiental (existência de espécies exóticas e o impacto que a sua introdução nos ecossistemas).
- Screening wild birds for tick-borne zoonotic pathogens in PortugalPublication . Loureiro, Filipa; Mesquita, João R.; Cardoso, Luis; Santos-Silva, S.; Moreira, G.; Bento, J. T.; Silva, F.; Barradas, P. F.; Matos, M.; Matos, Ana Cristina; Coelho, A. C.Wild birds may be involved in the transmission of agents of infectious diseases, including zoonoses, a circumstance which raises a number of public and animal health issues. Migratory bird species play a significant role in the introduction of tick-borne pathogens to new geographic areas, contributing to the dissemination of various etiological agents. This preliminary study aimed to assess the occurrence of four potentially zoonotic pathogens (Hepatozoon spp., Borrelia spp., Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) in the wild birds of Portugal. Blood and tissue samples were taken from 103 birds admitted at wildlife rehabilitation centers. Through the use of conventional PCR, our findings indicate no evidence of the circulation of these pathogens among the studied bird populations in the region. In the One Health context, it is relevant to understand how faraway avian populations play a role in the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Further molecular studies are needed to deepen the knowledge of avian piroplasmosis, borreliosis and hepatozoonosis.