Humans evolved a symbiotic relationship with their gut microbiome, a complex microbial community composed of bacteria, archaea, protists, and viruses, including bacteriophages. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a gateway for the bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut, mostly through the vagus nerve (VN). Environmental exposure plays a pivotal role in both the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome and may contribute to susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The neuropathological hallmark of PD is the widespread appearance of alpha-synuclein aggregates in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the ENS. Many studies suggest that gut toxins can induce the formation of α-syn aggregates in the ENS, which may then be transmitted in a prion-like manner to the CNS through the VN. PD is strongly associated with aging and its negative effects on homeostatic mechanisms protecting from inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein malfunction. In this mini-review, we revisit some landmark discoveries in the field of Parkinson's research and focus on the gut-brain axis. In the process, we highlight evidence showing gut-associated dysbiosis and related microbial-derived components as important players and risk factors for PD. Therefore, the gut microbiome emerges as a potential target for protective measures aiming to prevent PD onset.

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Obtained results suggest that the river network may have a significant effect on lagoon concentrations, in spite of the relatively low river flows, due to the high ammonium and nitrate loads. Scenarios reflecting increases in lagoon bathymetry through dredging operations suggest an increase in lagoon water washout time with potential impacts on water quality and impacts at a scale of tens of km. The obtained results are being used by the Ria Formosa Natural Park authority for management purposes and may be useful to feedback future updates of the watershed management plans, within the scope of the European Union WaterFramework Directive. The use of a lagoon scale models is therefore justified in this work.2

SummaryIn this work a hydrodynamic model of Ria Formosa (South of Portugal) is presented. Ria Formosa is a large (c.a. 100 km2) mesotidal lagunary system with large intertidal areas and several conflicting uses, such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and nature conservation. This coastal ecosystem is a natural park where several management plans and administrative responsibilities overlap. The work presented here is part of a coupled hydrodynamicbiogeochemical model that includes pelagic and benthic processes and variables. It is a two-dimensional vertically integrated hydrodynamic model, based on a finite differences grid with a 100 m spatial step and a semi-implicit resolution scheme. It is forced by tide level changes at the sea boundary and river flows at the land boundary. The model includes a wetdrying scheme to account for the dynamics of the large intertidal areas. The purposes of this work are to: (i) describe the model; (ii) present its calibration and validation against field data; (iii) use the model to analyse circulation patterns and estimate the water residence time and (iv) analyse the dispersion of effluents rejected by the Waste Water Treatment Plants located in the lagoon.