ESAV - DZERV - Capítulo em obra internacional, como autor
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- Animal Models in Phytopharmacology and Toxicological Testing of Plant ProductsPublication . Faustino-Rocha, A. I.; Medeiros-Fonseca, B; Vala, Helena; Pires, Maria J.; Vasconcelos-Nóbrega, C.; Oliveira, Paula A.; Corresponding author: Faustino-Rocha, A. I..Plant products have been used worldwide for thousands of years in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits. Nowadays, plant products still play an important role in healthcare, especially in developing countries where the access to basic medicines and health facilities is inadequate. Although the plant products are presumed safe and there is a conviction that “It is natural, then it is harmless”, some of them have been associated with acute or chronic intoxications. The toxic effects include allergic reactions; carcinogenic action; cardiovascular, hematological, and neurological difficulties; gastrointestinal symptoms; renal or hepatic toxicity; and, in most severe cases, the death. Once safety is a major concern with the plant products to be used in animals or humans, it is important to conduct toxicity studies on them to ascertain their safety. Animals have been long used to study several diseases, and they are an invaluable tool to test the safety of plant products. This chapter aimed to offer a review concerning the animal models available for phytopharmacology and toxicological testing of plant products.
- Pharmaceuticals in the Environment: Focus on Drinking-WaterPublication . Teixeira-Lemos, Edite; Teixeira De Lemos, Luís Pedro; Oliveira, Jorge; Pais do Amaral, JoséAbstract The presence of pharmacological compounds in drinking water has been a cause for concern in recent years and are believed to have serious impacts on human and environmental health. Current research has shown that they can pose an ecotoxicological risk due to their potential long-term negative effects on living organisms, even though they exist in relatively low concentrations in drinking water (ng L− 1). This article is a review of the most important available literature on pharmaceutical residues in water cycle, focusing mostly on drinking water. The authors start by approaching the occurrence and fate of pharmacological compounds in drinking waters, with a particular emphasis on the pharmacological classes which are more frequently detected. Then, existing processes to remove these xenobiotics from drinking waters and analytical detection methods are also explored, followed by an analysis of the ecotoxicity and potential risks for human health of exposure to trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Finally, after examining existing legislation regarding pharmaceuticals in drinking water, namely the European Union regulatory frameworks, the authors discuss future perspectives in research, social, and legislative measures on this matter are discussed in light of the currently identified gaps in both scientific knowledge and legislation.
- The Implications of Animal Manure Management on Ammonia and Greenhouse Gas EmissionsPublication . Fangueiro, David; Merino, Pilar; Pantelopoulos, Athanasios; L.S. Pereira, José; Amon, Barbara; Chadwick, DavidHigh livestock densities and the subsequent generation of large quantities of manure, in some areas of the world, generate hotspots of increased environmental risks through ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gas (methane, CH4; nitrous oxide, N2O) emissions. Livestock production is therefore facing increased pressures from society to comply with environmental legislation, so that systems are managed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. A key solution to minimize or avoid environmental and health concerns associated with manure is to ensure appropriate feeding strategies as well as manure management techniques through the entire manure management chain from animal housing, storage of manure, treatment operations and finally application to soil. An integrated framework is needed to allow practical, cost-effective on-farm strategies to be selected, which will reduce losses and improve resource use efficiencies. In this chapter, we first analyse the contribution of manure management to NH3 and GHG emissions with focus on bovine, pig and poultry manure. We then describe different mitigation options for reducing gaseous emissions along the manure management chain in terms of their efficiency to decrease NH3 and GHG emissions and their applicability. Finally, we present and assess two case studies of integrated manure management strategies to reduce gaseous emissions.
- Review of Measures to Control Airborne Pollutants in Broiler HousingPublication . Pereira, José L.S.; Garcia, Carla; Trindade, HenriqueBroiler housing is a significant source of airborne pollutants from animal production, which lead to degradation of indoor air quality and outdoor emissions, particularly ammonia, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulphide, odours and particulate matter. In this chapter, we first analyse the current state of the art on the consequences of these pollutants on broiler farming, farm workers, and the environment. This includes the factors affecting pollutants generation, quantification, and mitigation measures suppressing airborne pollutants. Next, we describe different best available techniques for environmental protection and sustainability of broiler production, namely feeds and feeding management, feed supplements, bedding management and treatment of exhaust air. Thus, broiler farms should select mitigation strategies based on several considerations, such as location, climate conditions, environmental policies and financial resources
- Professional Training in Beekeeping: A Cross-Country Survey to Identify Learning OpportunitiesPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Oliveira, Jorge; Coelho, Catarina; Costa, Daniela; Correia, Paula; Esteves Correia, Helena; Dahle, B.; Oddie, M.; Raimets, R.; Karise, R.; Tourino, L.; Basile, S.; Buonomo, E.; Stefanic, I.; Costa, Cristina Amaro DaHabitat loss, climate change, and other environmental degradations pose severe challenges to beekeepers. Therefore, this sector needs to rely on updated information so that the intervening actors can deal with the problems. In this context, and assuming that professional training can greatly help those acting in the beekeeping sector, this work intended to investigate the gaps in the updated knowledge of beekeepers and how these can be filled through lifelong learning. The research was conducted in seven European countries (Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, and Spain). The data were collected through a questionnaire survey translated into the native languages of all participating countries. The results revealed that the topics of highest interest are apiary health and pest control and the management of the colonies throughout the year. The beekeepers update their knowledge through family, complemented by professional training, with participants preferring in-person courses as well as, in the workplace or in internships. The learning methodologies they consider most useful are project-based learning and learning through gamification. The videos and paper books or manuals are particularly valued as learning materials, and practical exercises are considered the most helpful assessment format. Finally, considering the effect of sociodemographic variables on the learning experiences and preferences of beekeeping actors, it was observed that the country was the most influential of the variables under study. In conclusion, this work revealed valuable information that should be used to design professional training actions to help the professionals in the beekeeping sector enhance their competencies and be better prepared to manage their activities successfully.
- The Endocrine Glands in the Dog: From the Cell to HormonePublication . Vala, Helena; Rodrigo, Joao; Esteves, Fernando; Santos, Carla; Cruz, Rita; Mega, Cristina; Nóbrega, Carmen; Payan-Carreira, RitaThe animal body represents one of the more complex and perfect systems of nature. Despite its complexity and its functionality, which is incredibly effective, the control of its basic functions is performed by only two systems: the nervous system and endocrine system. The nervous system is associated with electrical and chemical signals that are transmitted at high speed, resulting in rapid organic activities. The endocrine system acts through the synthesis and release of chemical messengers and is responsible for several functions of the organism, in a slower, but more durable way. Endocrinology is the science that studies the internal secretions produced by endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are distributed throughout the body and secrete chemical messengers – hormones, in response to an internal or external stimulus. These hormones are released directly into the bloodstream – endocrine mechanism, in contrast to exocrine glands, which use a ductal system to release their secretions in locations that lead, ultimately, to the exterior of the body – exocrine mechanism. Hormones are transported through the bloodstream to target organs, where they will exert a physiological control, even in low concentrations, coordinating a multiplicity of organic functions and maintaining homeostasis. The main endocrine glands in the animal body include pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal (Figure 1), and gonads (ovaries and testes).
- A One Health Perspective on Q Fever: Part 1Publication . Cruz, Rita; C, Vasconcelos-Nóbrega; Esteves, Fernando; Coelho, Catarina; Ferreira, Ana Sofia; Santos, Carla; Mega, Cristina; Coelho, Ana C.; Vala, Helena; Mesquita, JoãoQ fever is a worldwide zoonotic infectious disease caused by Coxiella burnetii and ruminants, namely, cattle, sheep, and goats, are known to be the main reservoir for human infection. C. burnetii infection in animals can result in epizootic abortions which are often associated with vast bacteria shedding in birth fluids and placentas. Human infections mainly occur in persons handling infected animals and their products. Here the authors describe the history, bacteriology, biosafety, and epidemiology of Q fever, now known to be a serious threat to veterinary public health.
- A One Health Perspective on Q Fever: Part 2Publication . Cruz, Rita; C, Vasconcelos-Nóbrega; Esteves, Fernando; Coelho, Catarina; Ferreira, Ana Sofia; Santos, Carla; Mega, Cristina; Coelho, Ana C.; Vala, Helena; Mesquita, JoãoQ fever, a widespread zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetiid, produces a complex and polymorphic disease in humans. As a zoonotic disease, control in animals will influence the level of disease seen in humans, thus resulting in interesting one health perspectives for disease control. Here the authors describe the clinical manifestations in animals and humans, as well as the current diagnostic methods available and the strategies for disease control. A review on the published information regarding Q fever as a disease with impact for veterinary public health and public health is presented.
- A falha na transferência da imunidade passiva em vitelos de carnePublication . Carvalho, Graça Pacheco de; Vala, HelenaPara uma caracterização sumária das explorações existentes na região Alentejo foram realizados inquéritos aos produtores de bovinos de carne na região, tendo-se obtido 33 respostas. Seguidamente apresentam-se os principais dados recolhidos, pretendendo contribuir para o conhecimento da realidade dos efetivos bovinos de carne nesta região.
- Como prevenir a queda? Contribuição para a compreensão dos fatores de risco em adultos mais velhos a residir na comunidadePublication . Lemos, Edite Teixeira de; Lemos, Luís Pedro; Pinheiro, João; Oliveira, Jorge; Caçador, Catarina; Melo, Ana Paula; Martins, Anabela CorreiaUm terço dos adultos que vivem na comunidade com 65 anos ou mais caem a cada ano. As quedas acidentais são responsáveis por fraturas, lesões cerebrais e podem levar à morte. São também causa de restrições na participação, o que significa perda de autonomia nas atividades de vida diária e necessidade de institucionalização precoce das pessoas mais velhas. A identificação de factores de risco para queda é fundamental para planear estratégias preventivas apropriadas. Estes podem ser divididos entre fatores intrínsecos/individuais e extrínsecos/ambientais. Condições médicas comuns, deficiências físicas e cognitivas, polimedicações e perigos domésticos estão entre os mais frequentemente identificados. Os objetivos deste estudo, realizado numa amostra de adultos mais velhos residentes na comunidade, foram i) compreender de que modo alguns fatores individuais (idade, confiança no equilíbrio, força de preensão) influenciam o desempenho de atividades de participação relacionada com a mobilidade e contribuem para o risco de queda e ii) avaliar a influência da polimedicação e das várias classes farmacológicas no risco de queda e nos fatores de risco individuais avaliados. Metodologia: A amostra foi composta por 108 indivíduos que compareceram num serviço de saúde no período de outubro de 2016 a janeiro de 2017. Critérios de inclusão: idade 65-85, MIF ≥120 e TUG≤12s. Excluíram-se do estudo indivíduos com deterioração cognitiva-comportamental moderada ou grave. Foi preenchido um questionário com dados sociodemográficos, medicação diária e história de quedas. A força de preensão manual foi medida com um dinamómetro manual hidráulico. O medo de cair foi estimado recorrendo à versão portuguesa da escala de Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC). Para avaliação da participação e atividades relacionadas com a mobilidades recorreu-se ao Perfil de Participação e Atividades relacionadas à Mobilidade (PAPM). Resultados: A amostra estudada apresentou uma média de idades de 72,28 ± 6,02 anos e era constituida maioritariamente por elementos do sexo feminino (54,6%). Relativamente aos indivíduos que caíram verificou-se que estes eram mais velhos, tinham menor pontuação ABC e menor força de preensão manual. O ABC apresentou uma correlação negativa forte com o PAPM. Todos os parâmetros funcionais avaliados foram afetados pela idade, apresentando os indivíduos mais velhos, pior desempenho do que os mais jovens. A polimedicação foi identificada em 41,7% dos participantes e aumentou o risco de quedas (OR = 3.597; IC 95% 1.174-11.024; p = 0,025). Verificou-se que a toma de antidepressivos aumentou o risco de queda (OR = 9.467; IC 95% 2.337-38.495; p = 0,002). Constatou-se ainda que fármacos do grupo dos antiarrítmicos (p = 0,002), benzodiazepínicos (p = 0,015) e outros medicamentos que atuam no SNC (p = 0,039) influenciaram negativamente o ABC. Também a força de preensão manual mostrou ser menor nos indivíduos que tomavam beta-bloqueantes (p=0,022) e anti-arrítmicos (p=0,002). Já os scores de PAPM foram maiores quando se verificava a toma de medicamentos que atuam no SNC (p = 0,012) e de antiarrítmicos (p = 0,035). Conclusão: Este estudo visa contribuir para a compreensão dos fatores de risco numa amostra de adultos mais velhos independentes e funcionais que vivem numa comunidade urbana e mostrou que a idade, o medo de cair e a força de preensão estão relacionados com o risco de queda. Para além disso verifica-se que o medo de cair pode aumentar as restrições à participação relacionadas com a mobilidade. Também constatámos que a polimedicação e a toma de antidepressivos aumentaram o risco de queda. No entanto, outras classes farmacológicas associaram-se a uma deterioração do equilíbrio, um maior enfraquecimento e maiores restrições à participação relacionadas com a mobilidade, aumentando igualmente, de forma indirecta, o risco de queda.
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