Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rie Saito, Natsuko Ito Kondo, Yui Nemoto, Reiko Kumada, Nobuyoshi Nakajima, Masanori Tamaoki
Summary: After the Fukushima nuclear incident, the number of wild boars in the DRZ area increased significantly, raising concerns about the spread of highly contaminated boars to other areas. This study used MIG-seq analysis to uncover the dispersal and gene flow of wild boar population in Fukushima and found significant genetic differences between the eastern and western groups, divided by the Abukuma River. The study suggests that the river and urbanization along it may affect the migration of wild boars.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Piotr Kaczynski, Bozena Lozowicka, Maciej Perkowski, Izabela Hrynko, Wojciech Zon
Summary: The study investigated the concentrations of neonicotinoids in wild boars from hunting areas in north-eastern Poland and assessed the risk to consumers. The findings showed a high presence of neonicotinoids in samples, but the chronic and acute risk to consumers was very low.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Loreta Griciuviene, Zygimantas Janeliunas, Vaclovas Jurgelevicius, Algimantas Paulauskas
Summary: The study revealed high genetic diversity within Lithuania's wild boar population, with no significant population genetic structure. Habitat fragmentation does not seem to impact the population structure, and there is evidence of active migration and gene flow among wild boar across the landscape.
Article
Forestry
Monika Litkowiec, Magdalena Chudzinska, Anna Paslawska, Malgorzata Palucka, Czeslaw Koziol, Andrzej Lewandowski
Summary: The core populations of European white elm in Poland have higher genetic diversity compared to peripheral populations. The study finds evidence of past bottlenecks and potential population reductions.
ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yuting Zhang, Jingwen Song, Min Zhang, Zhongyuan Deng
Summary: RNA polyadenylation is a crucial step in eukaryotic gene expression, depending on a highly conserved AAUAAA hexamer motif known as the polyadenylation signal (PAS). This study identified polyadenylation signals in Sus scrofa, which are similar to those found in other mammalian species. The findings of this study provide valuable information for the annotation of the Sus scrofa genome and understanding post-transcriptional regulation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ivan Norscia, Elisabetta Coco, Carlo Robino, Elena Chierto, Giada Cordoni
Summary: The study found that yawning contagion exists in domestic pigs, and pigs are more likely to yawn when perceiving others' yawns. Yawn contagion is influenced by individual kinship, gender, age, and proximity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Loreta Griciuviene, Zygimantas Janeliunas, Simona Pileviciene, Vaclovas Jurgelevicius, Algimantas Paulauskas
Summary: This study assessed the genetic variation in the wild boar population in Lithuania affected by African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks. The results showed significant genetic differences between the region with ASF infection and the region without outbreaks. Environmental factors may play a crucial role in shaping regional gene flow.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kathryn H. Stankiewicz, Kate L. Vasquez Kuntz, Iliana B. Baums
Summary: The traditional method Delta K for determining population structure may underestimate the true number of clusters and be sensitive to uneven sampling. Using a combination of different estimators is recommended for more accurate results, as relying on a single estimator may not be sufficient in determining the optimal number of clusters.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Catarina Jota Baptista, Jose M. Gonzalo-Orden, Luis J. Merino-Goyenechea, Paula A. A. Oliveira, Fernanda Seixas
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the health status of wild boar populations in Castile and Leon, Spain. It found that parasitic pneumonia and cellular alterations in the liver were the most common and relevant lesions. Further research and diagnostic tests are needed to obtain definitive diagnoses and implement measures to protect animal and consumer health.
Article
Microbiology
M. Denise Gemmellaro, Nicholas Steven Lorusso, Rachel Domke, Kristina M. Kovalska, Ayesha Hashim, Maria Arevalo Mojica, Amanda Joy O'Connor, Urvi Patel, Olivia Pate, Gloria Raise, Maria Shumskaya
Summary: This study used DNA metabarcoding to monitor the succession of fungal communities during the decomposition of juvenile pigs in grasslands of New Jersey, USA. The findings showed that fungal communities varied in diversity across different decomposition stages, with increased species richness in the more advanced stages of decomposition, and the emergence of unique fungal taxa.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
C. G. Z. Hegel, G. M. M. Faria, B. Ribeiro, C. H. Salvador, C. Rosa, F. Pedrosa, G. Batista, L. P. Sales, M. Wallau, R. Fornel, L. M. S. Aguiar
Summary: Wild pigs in Brazil have experienced a rapid growth in population, especially in the southern, southeast, and mid-west regions. Immediate measures are needed to control and prevent further expansion.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hubert M. J. van Hees, Sebastian A. Ballari, Lucia Dieste-Perez, Bruno N. Carpinetti, Geert P. J. Janssens
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the diet and stomach characteristics of feral piglets, and it found that feral piglets consume a variety of non-milk items, mainly consisting of vegetable material, from their first week in life onwards, which contributes to enhanced stomach development.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANIMAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michaela Masilkova, Milos Jezek, Vaclav Silovsky, Monika Faltusova, Jan Rohla, Tomas Kusta, Hynek Burda
Summary: The study reveals that wild boars exhibit prosocial behavior and are capable of helping others, potentially influenced by factors such as empathy, learning, and social facilitation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Magdalena Niedzialkowska, Ewa Tarnowska, Joanna Ligmanowska, Bogumila Jedrzejewska, Tomasz Podgorski, Anna Radziszewska, Iwona Ratajczyk, Szilvia Kusza, Aleksei N. Bunevich, Gabriel Danila, Maryna Shkvyria, Tomasz Grzybowski, Marcin Wozniak
Summary: The study of genetic diversity and structure of wild boar populations in Central and Eastern Europe revealed five distinct phylogenetic clades with different contributions from various regions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
D. Konjevic, I Sucec, N. Turk, Lj Barbic, J. Prpic, K. Krapinec, M. Bujanic, L. Jemersic, T. Keros
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics of pseudorabies in different populations of wild boars in Croatia. The results showed that the prevalence of the disease was influenced by region, management type, age, and sex. Adult males were identified as the main transmission link between different wild boar groups.
VETERINARY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hanen Smii, Carla Leite, Joao Pinto, Bruno Henriques, Hamouda Beyrem, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Mohamed Dellali, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas
Summary: Due to the wide use of Titanium (Ti) compounds, Ti and Ti nanoparticles (nTi) are released into aquatic environments, causing varying degrees of toxicity on aquatic fauna. Green macroalgae Ulva lactuca is capable of accumulating trace elements and has been extensively studied as a universal sorbent. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Ti and nTi in bivalves and the remediation properties of U. lactuca. Results showed cellular damage in bivalves exposed to Ti and nTi, and the presence of U. lactuca limited the damage, possibly due to changes in water quality induced by the algae.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Joost F. F. de Jong, Laura Iacolina, Herbert H. T. Prins, Pim van Hooft, Richard P. M. A. Crooijmans, Sip E. E. van Wieren, Joaquin Vicente Banos, Eric Baubet, Sean Cahill, Eduardo Ferreira, Carlos Fonseca, Peter M. M. Glazov, Ida Jelenko Turinek, Victor M. Lizana M. Martin, Andras Nahlik, Bostjan Pokorny, Tomasz Podgorski, Nikica Sprem, Rauno Veeroja, Ronald C. C. Ydenberg, Hendrik-Jan Megens
Summary: European wildlife has been impacted by human activities, but genetic partitioning of many species still reflects the glacial refugia. By analyzing the genetic structure of wild boar across Europe, we found population fragmentation, inbreeding, and hybridization with domestic pigs at the local scale. However, a deep genetic structure indicating a natural continental division was still present. Our findings suggest weaker evidence for glacial refugia, but support the importance of Southern France and the Balkans as recolonization routes.
Article
Zoology
Sofia Lino, Ana Lino, Joana M. M. Fernandes, Eduardo Ferreira, Carlos Fonseca, Sara Aliacar, Duarte Cadete, Luis M. Rosalino, Joao Carvalho
Summary: For centuries, human-wildlife conflicts have been caused by wolf depredation on livestock throughout Europe. However, free-ranging dogs are now also becoming prevalent predators of livestock herds. Efforts should be made to identify the causes of depredation events and improve procedures for predator identification.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Hugo C. Vieira, Maria D. Bordalo, Jaime Rendon-von Osten, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Sizenando N. Abreu, Fernando Morgado
Summary: This study investigated the mercury contamination in coastal sediments and biota near a shipwreck area and compared it to other locations. The results showed significantly higher mercury levels in the sediments and species near the shipwreck. The study also found that the biomagnification of mercury occurred from primary producers to consumers.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Helena Barbosa, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas
Summary: Coastal areas, especially estuaries and coastal lagoons, are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic activities and climate change-related factors. The release of lithium (Li) into aquatic systems from industries and the lack of understanding of its consequences pose a significant concern. This study assessed the effects of temperature rise and salinity changes on the impacts of Li pollution in clams (Venerupis corrugata) collected from a coastal lagoon in Portugal. Salinity variations had a greater impact on biochemical responses than temperature increase, even in the presence of Li. The combination of Li with low salinity was the most stressful treatment, suggesting potential imbalances in coastal ecosystems under extreme weather events.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Evila Pinheiro Damasceno, Fabianne Ribeiro, Leticia Costa-Lotufo, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Maria D. Pavlaki, Susana Loureiro
Summary: Since the late 70s, the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals, especially antineoplastic agents, has raised concerns about human and environmental health. In this study, a systematic review was conducted to gather ecotoxicological information of antineoplastic agents on freshwater species from microorganisms to vertebrates. The study also analyzed the sensitivity distribution curves and estimated the hazard concentration to assess the ecological risk. Lastly, suggestions were made to improve the Environmental Risk Assessment of antineoplastic agents, including adopting toxicity endpoints, testing duration, metabolites testing, and mixture exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diana Bordalo, Alessia Cuccaro, Valentina Meucci, Lucia De Marchi, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Carlo Pretti, Rosa Freitas
Summary: Marine organisms are exposed to multiple stressors including pollutants and climate change factors, which pose increasing pressure on coastal ecosystems. The UV filter avobenzone is widely used in personal care products and has been detected in aquatic environments. However, little is known about the influence of warming on the effects of avobenzone in bivalves.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara A. M. Silva, Joana C. Prata, Patricia Dias-Pereira, Andreia C. M. Rodrigues, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Renato A. Sarmento, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Carlos Gravato, Ana L. Patricio Silva
Summary: Freshwater benthic environments are major sinks of microplastics sourced on inland anthropogenic activities. The effects of microplastics on macroinvertebrates with predator behavior, such as planarians, were evaluated in terms of their behavior, physiology, and biochemistry. It was found that consuming contaminated prey did not cause oxidative damage but slightly increased aerobic metabolism and energy reserves. However, feeding on contaminated prey resulted in a significant delay in planarians' regeneration.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diogo N. Cardoso, Sandra F. Gonsalves, Ana Rita R. Silva, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Frederick J. Wrona, Susana Loureiro
Summary: In order to understand the ecological effects of mining activities on aquatic systems in the Canadian oil sands region, it is important to understand the consequences of exposure to natural bitumen-containing soils/sediments. This study conducted laboratory-based bioassays to evaluate the potential ecotoxicological effects of eroded riverbank bitumen soils on different organisms. The results showed that the elutriates produced from natural bitumen had negative effects on tested organisms, indicating that eroded and transported bitumen-containing soils could be a source of contamination to aquatic biota.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Sara Campos, Carla Leite, Joao Pinto, Bruno Henriques, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Mercedes Conradi, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas
Summary: The present study evaluated the effect of lithium (Li) contamination on the gastropod Tritia reticulata and found that it did not significantly impact cellular metabolism, oxidative stress, and neurotoxicity. However, at higher concentrations, the snails attempted to avoid Li accumulation by burying in the sediment at a faster rate. More research is needed to fully understand the response of T. reticulata to Li contamination.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sofia Lino, Mariana Rossa, Joana M. Fernandes, Tania Barros, Ana Lino, Dario Hipolito, Eduardo Ferreira, Sara C. Aliacar, Duarte Cadete, Carlos Fonseca, Rita T. Torres, Luis M. Rosalino, Joao Carvalho
Summary: This study aims to compare and evaluate the diet composition of wolves and free-ranging dogs in the southern range in Portugal. The findings highlight the predatory role of dogs on livestock and the challenges it poses to wolf conservation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Daniela F. Teixeira, Antonio J. Carpio, Luis Miguel Rosalino, Davide Carniato, Carlos Fonseca, Pelayo Acevedo
Summary: This study aims to identify the drivers of distribution for five mesocarnivores in Portugal (e.g., land cover, ecogeographic predictors, mammal prey availability), and understand the influence of Eucalyptus plantations on their range.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vanessa Queiros, Ulisses M. Azeiteiro, Marta Casado Belloso, Juan Luis Santos, Esteban Alonso, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Rosa Freitas, Benjamin Pina, Carlos Barata
Summary: Coastal ecosystems are facing threats from pollutants and climate change, particularly the increasing use of antineoplastic drugs and their potential release into aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the transcription of specific genes in Mytilus galloprovincialis gills exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of Ifosfamide and cisplatin under different temperature scenarios. The results showed that the drugs upregulated genes related to DNA damage and apoptosis, and warmer temperatures further enhanced these effects.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ana Carvalho, Ines Domingues, Carla Carvalho, Artur M. S. Silva, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Catarina R. Marques
Summary: The in vitro antiprotozoal activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa ethanolic extract was evaluated on the ciliate parasite Philasterides dicentrarchi, which causes severe losses in turbot aquaculture. Our results showed that H. sabdariffa extract had successfully inhibited the parasite population growth rate (IC50 = 1.57 mg mL(-1)), and caused significant changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (LOEC = 0.22 mg mL(-1)), especially glutathione peroxidase, total glutathione, and catalase. The activity of proteases (virulence factors) was also inhibited (IC50 = 0.76 mg mL(-1)), and the gene expression of catepsin 90 and leishmanolysin proteases was downregulated. Organic acids and phenolic phytochemicals in hibiscus extract are potentially responsible for the antiprotozoal bioactivity herein determined. Therefore, H. sabdariffa extract can be a promising disease-control alternative against the ciliate proliferation, cellular defense mechanisms, and pathogenicity.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ana M. Figueiredo, Pamela C. Koster, Alejandro Dashti, Rita T. Torres, Carlos Fonseca, Atle Mysterud, Begona Bailo, Joao Carvalho, Eduardo Ferreira, Dario Hipolito, Joana Fernandes, Ana Lino, Josman D. Palmeira, Pedro Sarmento, Nuno Neves, Carlos Carrapato, Rafael Calero-Bernal, David Carmena
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence, distribution, and genetic diversity of enteric protozoan parasites in both wild and domestic species in Portugal. The findings suggest a widespread presence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., with some subtypes posing potential threats to human and animal health.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2023)
