Browsing by Author "Oliveira, Paula"
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- An Antibody-Based Survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum Infection in Client-Owned Cats from PortugalPublication . Pereira, Maria Aires; Nóbrega, Carmen; Mateus, Teresa Letra; Almeida, Daniela Gomes de; Oliveira, Andreia; Coelho, Catarina; Cruz, Rita; Oliveira, Paula; Faustino-Rocha, Ana; Pires, Maria J.; Mesquita, João R.; Vala, HelenaToxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites infecting a wide range of hosts worldwide. However, information on the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in cats from Portugal is limited. Thus, this study aims to evaluate anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum seroprevalence in client-owned cats from Portugal and to identify risk factors using a panel of well-characterized sera. A total of 183 domestic cats were sampled and screened for antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum using commercial ELISA assays, and their owners answered an online questionnaire designed to obtain background information. The overall anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum seroprevalences were 13.1% (CI: 8.97–18.77) and 3.8% (CI: 1.87–7.68), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that living strictly indoors was a significant protection factor (cOR: 0.053; CI: 0.005–0.627), and the presence of a chronic disease a significant risk factor (cOR: 3.106; CI: 1.062–9.082) to T. gondii seroprevalence. When performing multivariate analysis, only chronic disease (aOR: 57.527; CI: 1.7–1976.7) and seropositivity to N. caninum (aOR: 7.929; CI:0.8–82.9) were found to be a significant risk factor to anti-T. gondii antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of N. caninum seropositivity in cats from Portugal.
- An experience with Desmos in the study of the quadratic functionPublication . Dias, Lucília; Oliveira, Paula; Bastos, NunoAt a time when students have multiple demands in terms of technology and the resources and tools available are more and more varied, the school must respond with more attractive activities. It is, therefore, essential to provide students with digital tools accessible through the devices they are most familiar with, mobile phones and computers. By using these tools, we are creating a stimulating environment capable of engaging the students, providing them with the means to build their knowledge. In this paper we present a didactic experience in the subject of Mathematics carried out in a distance learning context, on the topic Quadratic Function, using the digital and free platform Desmos. Desmos has a very intuitive interface where you can create sets of interactive activities and tasks that facilitate learning mathematics, in order to make it more meaningful. The use of this tool was determinant for the teaching and learning of quadratic function since its teaching took place in distance education and students didn't have, at that time, a graphing calculator or any simulator in their computers. Ten activities on the quadratic function were constructed, involving various parameters so that the students, observing the changes on the graphs, were able to understand the concepts underlying this subject, namely vertical and horizontal translations of the graph, domain, range, injectivity, zeros, monotony, extremes, axis of symmetry and coordinates of the vertex of the parabola representing the graph of the quadratic function. This didactic experience was applied to two classes of 10th grade in Portuguese Educational System, involving forty-seven students, 76.7% of whom highlighted the fact that it facilitated learning in the study of functions, followed by 74.4% who considered the environment dynamic and attractive as well as the feedback given in the answers to the exercises. The use of digital tools should always be complemented with the teacher’s human component. The profile of each student is unique and specific, and the pace of learning differs from student to student. A tool like Desmos, which students are enthusiastic about using, allows monitoring of individual performance and timely and appropriate intervention by the teacher. In a pandemic context, the use of tools to gauge student learning was a necessity, but practices such as the one described in this paper should be incorporated into a normal classroom environment, promoting discovery through graphical and algebraic manipulation.
- Quercus spp. extract as a promising preventive or therapeutic strategy for cancer: A systematic reviewPublication . Oliveira, Paula; Medeiros-Fonseca, Beatriz; Vasconcelos-Nóbrega, Carmen; Alvarado, Antonieta; Pires, Maria; Vala, Helena; Barros, Ana; Faustino-Rocha, AnaAcorns have traditionally been used in the human diet and for the treatment of specific diseases. Therefore, the present study performed a systematic review of studies which investigated the effects of Quercus spp. extracts in cancer prevention and treatment. A systematic literature search was performed for original records which addressed the anticancer effects of Quercus spp. extract in in vitro and in vivo cancer models. Body composition, food consumption, tumor development and/or toxicity were evaluated in in vivo studies, while cytotoxicity was evaluated in in vitro studies. Few studies and low sample sizes presented a challenge in the drawing of solid conclusions. Overall, the results suggested a positive impact of Quercus spp. extract, by reducing cancer development. Therefore, more studies with different cancer cell lines and animal models to address the efficacy of the acorn extracts in several types of cancer are required. Furthermore, the effects of acorn flour, incorporated in the diet, in an animal model of mammary cancer should be evaluated.