Browsing by Author "Silva, Elisabete"
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- Collagen and microvascularization in placentas from young and older maresPublication . Silva, Ana Catarina Neto; Costa, Ana Luísa; Teixeira, Ana; Alpoim-moreira, Joana; Fernandes, Carina; Fradinho, M.J.; Rebordão, Maria Rosa; Silva, Elisabete; Ferreira da Silva, José; Bliebernicht, Miguel; Alexandre-Pires, Graça; Ferreira-Dias, GraçaIn older mares, increasing collagen fibers (fibrosis) in the endometrium and oviduct predisposes to sub-fertility and infertility. In this study, (i) gene transcription of collagen (qPCR: COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1); (ii) total collagen protein (hydroxyproline); (iii) collagen distribution (Picrosirius red staining; polarized light microscopy); and (iv) microvascular density (Periodic acid-Schiff staining), were evaluated in mares’ placenta, and related to mares age, and placenta and neonate weights. Samples were collected from the gravid horn, non-gravid horn, and body of the placenta from younger (n = 7), and older mares (n = 9) of different breeds. Transcripts of COL1A1, COL3A1 and COL5A1, total collagen protein, chorionic plate connective tissue thickness, and microvascularization increased in the gravid horn of older mares’ placentas, compared to the youngest (P < 0.05). Although in other species placenta fibrosis may indicate placental insufficiency and reduced neonate weight, this was not observed here. It appears that older fertile mares, with more parities, may develop a heavier, more vascularized functional placenta with more collagen, throughout a longer gestation, which enables the delivery of heavier foals. Thus, these features might represent morphological and physiological adaptations of older fertile mares’ placentas to provide the appropriate nutrition to the equine fetus.
- Dynamics of notch pathway expression during mouse testis post-natal development and along the spermatogenic cyclePublication . Murta, Daniel; Batista, Marta; Silva, Elisabete; Trindade, Alexandre; Henrique, Domingos; Duarte, António; Lopes da Costa, LuísThe transcription and expression patterns of Notch pathway components (Notch 1–3, Delta1 and 4, Jagged1) and effectors (Hes1, Hes2, Hes5 and Nrarp) were evaluated (through RT-PCR and IHC) in the mouse testis at key moments of post-natal development, and along the adult spermatogenic cycle. Notch pathway components and effectors are transcribed in the testis and expressed in germ, Sertoli and Leydig cells, and each Notch component shows a specific cell-type and timewindow expression pattern. This expression at key testis developmental events prompt for a role of Notch signaling in prepubertal spermatogonia quiescence, onset of spermatogenesis, and regulation of the spermatogenic cycle.
- Enhancing knowledge on low‐value fishing species: the distinct reproductive strategy of two gurnard speciesPublication . Neves, Ana; Sousa, Inês; Sequeira, Vera; Vieira, Ana Rita; Silva, Elisabete; Silva, Frederica; Duarte, Ana Marta; Mendes, Susana; Ganhão, Rui; Assis, Carlos; Sampaio e rebelo, Rui; Magalhães, Maria Filomena; Gil, Maria Manuel; Gordo, Leonel SerranoThe depletion and overexploitation of several fish stock demands for a valorisation of non-target and discarded species. Nonetheless, such species are often poorly studied, and information on their biological parameters must be gathered for effective population management. For 1 year, the reproductive strategy of the piper gurnard Trigla lyra and the red gurnard Chelidonichthys cuculus was studied by monthly samples obtained from commercial boats operating on western Portuguese coast. Both species showed a biased sex ratio towards females, especially for larger length classes. Length at first maturity could be estimated only for red gurnard (22.1 and 19.9 cm for females and males, respectively) because all piper gurnard individuals caught were mature. Piper gurnard showed determinate fecundity and a short spawning season, from November to February with a peak in January, whereas red gurnard showed indeterminate fecundity and a wide spawning season, from late December to May. The relative annual fecundity estimated for red gurnard (1893 ± 728 oocytes × g−1 eviscerated weight [EW]) was higher than the one estimated for piper gurnard (1018 ± 250 oocytes×g−1 EW). Although important information for understanding the species dynamics is presented in this study, additional information on other life-history parameters and of species landings is required.
- First Insights on Resistance and Virulence Potential of Escherichia coli from Captive Birds of Prey in PortugalPublication . Magalhães, Rita; Abreu, Raquel; Pereira, Gonçalo; Cunha, Eva; Silva, Elisabete; Tavares, Luís; Chambel, Lélia; Oliveira, ManuelaCaptive birds of prey are often used for pest control in urban areas, while also participating in falconry exhibitions. Traveling across the country, these birds may represent a public health concern as they can host pathogenic and zoonotic agents and share the same environment as humans and synanthropic species. In this work, Escherichia coli from the cloacal samples of 27 captive birds of prey were characterized to determine their pathogenic potential. Isolates were clustered through ERIC-PCR fingerprinting, and the phylogenetic groups were assessed using a quadruplex PCR method. Their virulence and resistance profile against nine antibiotics were determined, as well as the isolates’ ability to produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). The 84 original isolates were grouped into 33 clonal types, and it was observed that more than half of the studied isolates belonged to groups D and B2. Most isolates presented gelatinase activity (88%), almost half were able to produce biofilm (45%), and some were able to produce α-hemolysin (18%). The isolates presented high resistance rates towards piperacillin (42%), tetracycline (33%), and doxycycline (30%), and 6% of the isolates were able to produce ESBLs. The results confirm the importance of these birds as reservoirs of virulence and resistance determinants that can be disseminated between wildlife and humans, stressing the need for more studies focusing on these animals.
- A greenway regional network - A schematic vision for the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon (AML)Publication . Reis Machado, João; Silva, Elisabete; Rocha, Jorge; Ferreira, José Carlos; Morgado, Paulo; Rico, Ana; Roquette, RitaThis paper presents a synthesis of research focused on a territory of about 3000 km2 covering the present Metropolitan Area of Lisbon. The research has no binding authority. It is intended to emphasise the importance of permanent, continuous research that is conducted in parallel with the respective governmental planning agencies, and also for the need to have prospective visions that may become long term strategic goals and policies. We also want to emphasise that information technologies are essential tools to support a multipurpose information system. The paper describes some economic and demographic characteristics, natural and cultural values and the tendencies of some of the important variables. We advance some very basic ideas for greenways network of protected area forming a mosaic of large and small nodes linked with corridors, and managed for multiple purposes.
- Greenways Network for the Metropolitan Area of LisbonPublication . Machado, João Reis; Ahern, Jack; Saraiva, Graça; Ferreira, José Carlos; Silva, Elisabete; Rocha, Jorge; Morgado, Paulo; Roquette, RitaThis paper presents a synthesis of research focused on a territory of about 3000 km2 covering the recent Metropolitan Area of Lisbon. The research has no binding authority. It is intended tomphasize the importance of .perrnanent, continuous research that is conducted in parallel with the respective govemmental planning agencies, and also for the need to have prospective visions that may become long terrn strategic goals and policies. We also want to emphasize that inforrnation technologies are essential tools to support a multipurpose inforrnation system. The paper describes some economic and demographic characteristics, natural and cultural values and the tendencies of some of lhe important variables. We advance some very basic ideas for a greeenways network of protected area forming a mosaic of large and small nodes linked with corridors, and managed for multi purposes.
- In vivo notch signaling blockade induces abnormal spermatogenesis in the mousePublication . Murta, Daniel; Batista, Marta; Trindade, Alexandre; Silva, Elisabete; Henrique, Domingos; Duarte, António; Lopes-da-Costa, LuísIn a previous study we identified active Notch signaling in key cellular events occurring at adult spermatogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the function of Notch signaling in spermatogenesis through the effects of in vivo Notch blockade. Adult CD1 male mice were either submitted to a long term DAPT (?-secretase inhibitor) or vehicle treatment. Treatment duration was designed to attain one half the time (25 days) or the time (43 days) required to accomplish a complete cycle of spermatogenesis. Blockade of Notch signaling was depicted from decreased transcription of Notch effector genes. Notch signaling blockade disrupted the expression patterns of Notch components in the testis, induced male germ cell fate aberrations, and significantly increased germ cell apoptosis, mainly in the last stages of the spermatogenic cycle, and epididymis spermatozoa morphological defects. These effects were more pronounced following the 43 day than the 25 day DAPT treatment schedule. These results indicate a relevant regulatory role of Notch signaling in mammalian spermatogenesis.
- Increasing biological knowledge for better management of by-catch species: age, growth, and mortality of piper and red gurnards (Teleostei: Triglidae)Publication . Sequeira, Vera; Sousa, Inês; Neves, Ana; Rita Vieira, Ana; Silva, Elisabete; Silva, Frederica; Duarte, Ana Marta; Mendes, Susana; Ganhão, Rui; Assis, Carlos Alberto; Sampaio e rebelo, Rui; Magalhães, Maria Filomena; Gil, Maria Manuel; Serrano Gordo, LeonelGurnards are a valuable by-catch of mixed demersal fisheries and are commercially important in European waters, but they are often discarded, reported under “mixed gurnards” and with incomplete biological information by spe-cies. In the present work, a total of 558 piper gurnard specimens of between 10.9 and 44.4 cm (1 to 11 years) and 425 red gurnard specimens of between 10.2 and 42.1 cm (0 to 9 years) from the northeast Atlantic (Portuguese) coast were used to study age and growth. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for piper gurnard were estimated through the combination of whole-otolith readings and back-calculation (L∞=44.7 cm, k=0.16 yr–1 and t0=–2.781 yr). For red gurnard the same growth parameters were estimated using whole-otolith readings (L∞=40.2 cm, k=0.28 yr–1 and t0=–1.074 yr). The results indicate that the red gurnard reaches a smaller length, although it grows faster than the piper gurnard. Natural, instantaneous and fishing mortalities were estimated as well as the exploitation rate for both species. For the Portuguese coast, the red gur-nard showed a higher fishing mortality and exploitation rate than the piper gurnard, raising concerns about its sustainable management.
- Modelling Fish Growth with Imperfect Data: The Case of Trachurus picturatusPublication . Neves, Ana; Vieira, Ana Rita; Sequeira, Vera; Silva, Elisabete; Silva, Frederica; Duarte, Ana Marta; Mendes, Susana; Ganhão, Rui; Assis, Carlos; Sampaio e rebelo, Rui; Magalhães, Maria Filomena; Gil, Maria Manuel; Gordo, Leonel SerranoGrowth modelling is essential to inform fisheries management but is often hampered by sampling biases and imperfect data. Additional methods such as interpolating data through back-calculation may be used to account for sampling bias but are often complex and time-consuming. Here, we present an approach to improve plausibility in growth estimates when small individuals are under-sampled, based on Bayesian fitting growth models using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) with informative priors on growth parameters. Focusing on the blue jack mackerel, Trachurus picturatus, which is an important commercial fish in the southern northeast Atlantic, this Bayesian approach was evaluated in relation to standard growth model fitting methods, using both direct readings and back-calculation data. Matched growth parameter estimates were obtained with the von Bertalanffy growth function applied to back-calculated length at age and the Bayesian fitting, using MCMC to direct age readings, with both outperforming all other methods assessed. These results indicate that Bayesian inference may be a powerful addition in growth modelling using imperfect data and should be considered further in age and growth studies, provided relevant biological information can be gathered and included in the analyses.
- Modelling Fish Growth with Imperfect Data: The Case of Trachurus picturatusPublication . Neves, Ana; Vieira, Ana Rita; Sequeira, Vera; Silva, Elisabete; Silva, Frederica; Duarte, Ana Marta; Mendes, Susana; Ganhão, Rui; Assis, Carlos; Sampaio e rebelo, Rui; Magalhães, Maria Filomena; Gil, Maria Manuel; Gordo, Leonel SerranoGrowth modelling is essential to inform fisheries management but is often hampered by sampling biases and imperfect data. Additional methods such as interpolating data through back-calculation may be used to account for sampling bias but are often complex and time-consuming. Here, we present an approach to improve plausibility in growth estimates when small individuals are under-sampled, based on Bayesian fitting growth models using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) with informative priors on growth parameters. Focusing on the blue jack mackerel, Trachurus picturatus, which is an important commercial fish in the southern northeast Atlantic, this Bayesian approach was evaluated in relation to standard growth model fitting methods, using both direct readings and back-calculation data. Matched growth parameter estimates were obtained with the von Bertalanffy growth function applied to back-calculated length at age and the Bayesian fitting, using MCMC to direct age readings, with both outperforming all other methods assessed. These results indicate that Bayesian inference may be a powerful addition in growth modelling using imperfect data and should be considered further in age and growth studies, provided relevant biological information can be gathered and included in the analyses.