Instituto Politécnico de Viseu
Repositório Científico
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Targeted-Amplicon NGS for Blastocystis sp. in Shepherd Dogs of Portugal Discriminates Co-Colonization with Multiple Zoonotic Subtypes
Publication . Gomes-Gonçalves, Sara; Feiteiro, Maria João; Moreira, Guilherme; Cruz, Rita; Esteves, Fernando; Vala Correia, Helena Maria; Mesquita, João R.
Research on endoparasites in pet dogs has been growing, but shepherd dogs have largely been overlooked. These dogs frequently share close proximity not only with sheep, which are reservoirs of zoonotic subtypes of Blastocystis, but also with their owners. This close contact increases the potential for shepherd dogs to act as intermediates in the transmission of Blastocystis. To clarify the role of these dogs as reservoirs for this parasite, this study investigated the presence of Blastocystis in shepherd dogs. Stool samples from Portuguese shepherd dogs were analyzed using SYBR-Green-based real-time PCR and melting curve analysis followed by targeted-amplicon NGS for mixed infections detection. Our results revealed a 60% occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in shepherd dog stools and frequent identification of zoonotic subtypes ST1–ST4 and ST14. Additionally, we observed mixed infections and subtype diversity within individual dogs, suggesting a potential role in cross-species transmission between livestock and humans.
Molecular Screening of Sarcocystis spp. in Grazing Sheep (Ovis aries) and Shepherd Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) from Central Portugal
Publication . Gomes-Gonçalves, Sara; Figueiredo, Ricardo J.; Rodrigues, Soraia; Bento, Jaqueline T.; Santos-Silva, Sérgio; Almeida, Daniela; Cruz, Rita; Esteve, Fernando; Esteves, Fernando; Baptista, Alexandra Lameira; Pereira, Maria Aires; Cardoso, Luís; Mesquita, João R.
Sarcocystis spp. are cyst-forming protozoan parasites with a global distribution that infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals, impacting both animal health and livestock productivity. In sheep, infections can cause clinical disease, reproductive losses, and economic damage, articularly when pathogenic species such as Sarcocystis tenella are involved. Grazing sheep, including breeds such as the Serra da Estrela from central Portugal, are at increased risk due to frequent contact with shepherd dogs, which serve as definitive hosts. Despite their significance, data on the occurrence and distribution of Sarcocystis spp. in Portuguese sheep remain limited. This study analyzed 179 samples collected in central Portugal during 2024, including 41 brain tissues and 88 blood samples from sheep, and 50 stool samples from shepherd dogs, using conventional PCR and bidirectional Sanger sequencing. Sarcocystis sp. closely related to S. tenella was detected exclusively in sheep brain tissue, with a prevalence of 4.9% (2/41; 95% CI: 0.60–16.53), while no parasite DNA was found in blood or dog samples. These results provide the first molecular confirmation of Sarcocystis spp. closely related to S. tenella in Portuguese sheep raised for human consumption and establish baseline data for future epidemiological surveillance and control strategies.
Counseling and Prescription of Physical Exercise in Medical Consultations in Portugal: The Clinician’s Perspective
Publication . Oliveira, Rita Quintas; Teixeira-Lemos, Edite; Oliveira, Jorge; Morais, Joana; Miguel, Diogo; Lemos, Luís Pedro; Pinheiro, João Páscoa
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Physical exercise (PE) is essential in promoting health
and quality of life and protecting against chronic diseases. Health professionals are identified as key figures in promoting and prescribing PE, yet various factors may impact this
during consultations. This study aims to assess Portuguese specialist physicians’ understanding of the importance of PE prescriptions. It will also investigate the approaches they
utilize in promoting and prescribing PE, their knowledge of incorporating this practice
into their consultations, and the major facilitators or barriers to prescription. Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a validated questionnaire distributed via email by the Centre Regional Section of the Portuguese Medical Association to
physicians. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In
total, 414 responses were collected, with participants representing different medical specialties. The participants were primarily women (62.8%) with a mean age of 49.9 ± 14.9 years.
While 85.5% of physicians promoted and prescribed PE, recognizing its cardiovascular and
metabolic health benefits, only 24.0% received specific training, and 73.7% were unaware of
relevant guidelines. Older male physicians (over 60 years old) expressed more confidence
in PE prescriptions, while younger ones were more familiar with electronic prescribing
tools. Identified barriers included patient compliance (42.3%), a lack of accessible PE
resources (18.4%), and limited consultation time (17.4%). Most physicians (64.4%) relied
on oral counseling for prescriptions. Conclusions: Most Portuguese specialist doctors
recognize the benefits of PE prescriptions. However, barriers like inadequate training and
patient compliance hinder PE implementation. Enhanced training and resources are vital
for effectively integrating PE into clinical practice.
Toxoplasma Gondii In Shepherds and Cheesemakers – A Case-Control Study on Sheep-Associated Occupational Exposure in Central Portugal
Publication . Moreira, Guilherme; Almeida, Daniela; Cruz, Rita; Nóbrega, Carmen; Arede dos Santos, Carla Sofia; Coelho, Catarina; Mega, Cristina; Pereira, Maria; Esteves, Fernando; Vala Correia, Helena Maria; Cardoso, Luís; Lopes, Ana P.; Coelho, Ana C.; Mesquita, João R.
Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine if workers occupationally exposed (WOE) to sheep, specifically shepherds and cheesemakers in central Portugal, are more likely to be seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG compared to the general population. Additionally, the study aimed to explore potential differences in seropositivity between shepherds and cheesemakers, while evaluating age, gender, and activity as possible risk factors for T. gondii infection.
Methods: A total of 96 WOE, including 21 shepherds and 75 cheesemakers, were tested for anti-T. gondii IgG using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The control group consisted of 192 sera samples from blood donors matched by age, gender, and residence. Chi-square tests with Yates correction were used to compare seroprevalence between WOE and the general population, and between shepherds and cheesemakers. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate potential associations between T. gondii seropositivity and factors such as activity, gender, and age.
Results: The overall seroprevalence was 63.5% in the WOE and 52.6% in the general population, with no statistically significant difference (p = .101). Among WOE, 52.4% of shepherds and 66.7% of cheesemakers were seropositive, with no significant difference between the two groups (p = .344). Univariate and multivariable analyses indicated neither activity, age, nor gender were significant risk factors for seropositivity in the case population.
Conclusion: The study did not find a significant increased risk of T. gondii seropositivity among shepherds and cheesemakers compared to the general population. While high seroprevalence was observed in both groups, other factors unrelated to occupational exposure may be influencing the risk of T. gondii infection. More research is needed, particularly focusing on cheesemakers, to further explore potential occupational health risks related to T. gondii.
LÍNGUAS ESTRANGEIRAS: PATRIMÓNIO LINGUÍSTICO E CULTURAL: VITALIDADE E AMEAÇAS
Publication . Damome, Etienne; Costa Lopes, Ana Maria; Domené-Painenao, Olga; Koller Okura, Eve; Castro, Catarina; Varela Capela Granjo Ferreira, Cláudia Sofia; Domingues, Cristina Bernardo; Sousa, Sweder; Fernandes, Telmo; Fidalgo, Susana; Delplancq, Véronique; Delplancq, Véronique; Costa , Ana Maria; Smet, Charlotte; Capela, Cláudia; Amaro Costa, Cristina; Ribeiro, Ivone; Pereira, José; Martin, Justine; Gillain, Romain; Fidalgo, Susana
A importância de uma língua vai muito além da sua função básica de comunicação pelo alicerce da identidade no que respeita à cultural, ao conhecimento tradicional (medicina, agricultura, meio ambiente, …), a um repositório de saberes e até à visão do mundo dos falantes. As línguas são um símbolo de direitos e de liberdade (Whorf, 2012).
Fenómeno linguístico, cultural e social, o desaparecimento de línguas tem ocorrido de forma acelerada nas últimas décadas. Estima-se que existem mais de 7000 línguas faladas atualmente (Notícia da Rede, 2023), muitas em risco de extinção. A Unesco calcula que uma língua desaparece a cada duas semanas (Moseley, 2010).
Podemos identificar como principais causas do desaparecimento das línguas a globalização e o domínio de línguas majoritárias, a desvalorização cultural, as poliíticas governamentais repressivas e de assimilação cultural, a migração, a urbanização, o desaparecimento dos falantes, com pouca ou mesmo sem transmissão às novas gerações, as alterações climáticas, a falta de ensino formal, o estigma social e a falta de registo linguístico. As consequências deste desaprecimento são, por exemplo, a perda da memória do mundo, das comunidades e do conhecimento ancestral, a perda de identidade cultural e a uniformização (Sallabank & Austin, 2023).
A diversidade linguística assume-se como uma das formas da humanidade refletir sobre a sua pluralidade de experiências e de perspetivas. Atua como fortalecimento das comunidades e da coesão social. O domínio de línguas estrangeiras permite diversificar as oportunidades de emprego no mercado de trabalho e abre as portas a perspetivas de carreira mais ricas. Para além disso, as línguas estrangeiras desempenham um papel fundamental na construção de uma cidadania ativa e responsável. Veículos do património imaterial da Humanidade, recursos essenciais para a realização eficaz dos objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável, as línguas estrangeiras participam nos pilares económico, social e ambiental, mas também dependem deles.
Neste contexto, este livro de publicações tem por objetivos:
- Promover o património linguístico e cultural associado às línguas estrangeiras;
- Evidenciar as relações entre as línguas estrangeiras e o meio social, a realidade económica e o contexto ambiental;
- Sensibilizar para as questões de defesa, preservação, vitalidade, revitalização e extinção das línguas estrangeiras;
- Favorecer o intercâmbio e a reflexão entre os participantes.
Como temáticas em causa destacam-se:
- As línguas estrangeiras: património cultural imaterial sob ameaça constante - resultados de investigações inter e multidisciplinares sobre as línguas estrangeiras ameaçadas ou extintas;
- Ações de defesa e preservação das línguas estrangeiras;
- Relação entre línguas estrangeiras, património cultural, identidade, ecologia e sustentabilidade;
- Desafios da diversidade linguística;
- Plurilinguismo e diversidade das línguas estrangeiras: transmissores de valores, pilares da construção da cidadania ativa e responsável.