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Acute Leptospirosis Outbreak in Cattle: A Case Report
Get PDFLeptospirosis is a globally distributed re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira species. In cattle, the clinical course varies from a subclinical-chronic infection, commonly found in adult animals, to a severe acute syndrome mostly found in calves. The present study reports an outbreak of acute leptospirosis, following favourable climacteric conditions. Seven affected farms were monitored. Clinical observations from infected animals (n = 30) revealed two distinct patterns: lactating calves experienced hyperacute courses, often culminating in death, and older animals, mainly steers, displayed signs of apathy, anorexia, icterus and haemoglobinuria. Necropsies confirmed jaundice and haemoglobinuria, aligning with a presumptive diagnosis of leptospirosis. Haematology and serology results further supported this diagnosis. Pomona and Mozdok serovars were the most prevalent (62.5%) and had the highest mean agglutination titres, 1:1160 and 1:700, respectively. Antimicrobial treatment of sick animals consisted of oxytetracycline. Chemical metaphylaxis and prophylactic measures were established to control the outbreak in cohabiting animals. Environmental factors like climate change are expected to contribute to more frequent leptospirosis outbreaks. Comprehensive serological surveys are recommended to develop region-specific control measures, emphasising the importance of vaccination as a practical and effective prophylactic measure.The authors sincerely thank the veterinarians from Vet+ clinic, Dr. Evaristo Silva and Jaime Ribeiro for supporting the fieldwork. We also want to thank Dr Teresa Rocha from the National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV) for conducting the MAT tests. This work was funded by National Funds through FCT - Fundaçao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, I.P., within the scope of the programmatic funding UIDP/05937/2020 with DOI identifier 10.54499/UIDP/05937/2020 and base funding UIDB/05937/2020 with DOI identifier 10.54499/UIDB/05937/2020
Two-degree-of-freedom plaform as a tool for cooperation between mobile robots and uavs
Get PDFMestrado de dupla diplomação com a Universidade Tecnológica Federal do ParanáUnmanned ground vehicle and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) represent a large relevance in the current technological context, enabling its application in different areas of knowledge. The approach should be developed and applied to operations by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) of small size, whether applied indoors or outdoors. During the present work a self-leveling platform prototype was built that allows a drone to be landed on horizontal surface regardless of the angle of its support. The main objective of this work is to study the Kinematics behavior of a self-leveling platform dedicated to cooperative operations between Robotics heterogeneous systems. In this sense, both the development of the control system and hardware will be developed and validated in different environments, such as regular and irregular terrain.Os Veículos terrestres não tripulados e os Veículo Aéreo Não Tripulado (VANT) representam uma grande relevância no contexto tecnológico atual, possibilitando sua aplicação em diferentes áreas do conhecimento. A abordagem deve ser desenvolvida e aplicada em operações de VANT de pequeno porte, seja em ambientes internos ou externos. Durante o presente trabalho será construído um protótipo de plataforma autonivelante que permite a aterragem de um drone em superfície horizontal independentemente do ângulo do seu suporte. O principal objetivo deste trabalho é estudar o comportamento cinemático de uma plataforma autonivelante dedicada a operações cooperativas entre sistemas robóticos heterogéneos. Neste sentido, tanto o desenvolvimento do sistema de controlo como o hardware serão desenvolvidos e validados em diferentes ambientes, tais como terrenos regulares e irregulares
Natural Food Colorant Obtained from Wild Berberis vulgaris L. by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction: Optimization and Characterization
Get PDFIn this study, a novel natural food colorant based on anthocyanins was developed from wild barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) fruits using ultrasound-assisted extraction, which was optimized through RSM. Four extraction variables (ultrasound power, time, S/L ratio, and extraction solvent pH) were evaluated in combination. The response criteria used were the total anthocyanin content (TAC) and color parameters. The optimal TAC was achieved at 2.5 min, 345 W, pH 3, and 22.12 g/L. The fruit sample (without seeds) (BVFF) and its optimized extract (BVE) were characterized in terms of chemical composition and bioactivities. Delphinidin-3-O-glucoside was identified as the predominant anthocyanin. BVE exhibited a total phenolic content of 290.72 mg/g. Additionally, both BVFF and BVE presented significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activity, especially in the case of BVE, which inhibited the growth of several foodborne bacteria and fungi and even showed bactericidal capacity against most of the tested bacteria, particularly against E. cloacae, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and B. cereus. These results highlight the richness of BVFF and BVE in bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins, underscoring their potential as natural food colorants that can be used in food product formulations instead of synthetic azo colorants.The authors are grateful to the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation
for supporting E.N.V through the FPI contract (PRE2020-092030), the Fundación Rafael Folch for
supporting L.G.Z. with a predoctoral scholarship, and to ALIMNOVA Research Group 951505
(UCM, GNFR-32/23). The authors are also grateful to FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) for its support
through CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/00690/2020) and UIDP/00690/2020 (DOI:
10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020); SusTEC through LA/P/0007/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020);
and the institutional scientific employment program contract for L. Barros (CEEC-INST, DOI:
10.54499/CEECINST/00107/2021/CP2793/CT0002)
O papel do enfermeiro de reabilitação na prestação de cuidados paliativos nas equipas comunitárias: scoping review
Get PDFOs cuidados paliativos no domicílio visam promover a qualidade de vida do doente em fase avançada através do controlo de sintomas, alívio do sofrimento e suporte emocional. O plano estratégico destes cuidados baseia-se numa abordagem holística, que prioriza a dignidade e a autonomia do doente. Os diferentes modelos de cuidados paliativos oferecem várias opções de assistência, adaptáveis às necessidades individuais de cada pessoa. A enfermagem de reabilitação desempenha um papel crucial nesta área, ao integrar técnicas de reabilitação nas equipas comunitárias e proporcionar cuidados adaptados à realidade domiciliária dos doentes paliativos. Objetivo: Mapear na literatura científica a importância das intervenções do Enfermeiro de Reabilitação na prestação de cuidados paliativos nas equipas comunitárias. Métodos: Scoping Review realizado de acordo com as diretrizes do Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review Methodology Group, com apresentação de resultados de acordo com a extensão Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA). Teve como critérios de inclusão: artigos que abordassem pessoas em cuidados paliativos; foco em intervenções realizadas por enfermeiros; artigos publicados em inglês ou português, através de uma pesquisa em diferentes bases de dados, incluindo EBSCO e PubMed. Foram incluídos 13 artigos que revelaram elegibilidade e deram resposta à questão de pesquisa. Resultados: Os resultados indicam uma variedade significativa de intervenções e abordagens nos cuidados paliativos domiciliários, refletindo a complexidade e a diversidade das necessidades das pessoas e dos seus cuidadores. Os estudos revistos destacam a eficácia de intervenções multicomponentes, da sua personalização e flexibilidade no apoio aos cuidadores e familiares, com melhorias na qualidade de vida. A formação em cuidados paliativos melhora a comunicação, a gestão e o trabalho em equipa multidisciplinar, além de atitudes em relação aos cuidados de fim de vida. Conclusão: As intervenções multicomponentes, o planeamento antecipado, e a adaptação local são importantes para a eficácia dos cuidados paliativos domiciliários, sendo fundamental que o Enfermeiro Especialista em Enfermagem de Reabilitação tenha uma abordagem flexível e personalizada de acordo com a diversidade dos contextos e das necessidades das pessoas, garantindo, assim, a maximização da sua qualidade de vida.Home-based palliative care aims to promote the quality of life of patients in advanced stages of illness through symptom management, relief of suffering, and emotional
support. The strategic plan for this type of care is based on a holistic approach that prioritizes the dignity and autonomy of the patient. Different models of palliative care offer various assistance options, adaptable to the individual needs of each person. Rehabilitation nursing plays a crucial role in this field by integrating rehabilitation techniques into community teams and providing care adapted to the home reality of palliative patients. Aim: To map in the scientific literature the importance of Rehabilitation Nurse interventions in the provision of palliative care within community teams. Methods: Scoping Review conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs
Institute Scoping Review Methodology Group, with results presented following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA) extension. The inclusion criteria were: articles addressing individuals in palliative care, a focus on interventions carried out by nurses, and articles published in English or Portuguese. The search was conducted across various databases, including EBSCO and PubMed. A total of 13 articles met the eligibility criteria and provided answers to the research question. Results: The results indicate a significant variety of interventions and approaches in home-based palliative care, reflecting the complexity and diversity of the needs of patients and their caregivers. The reviewed studies highlight the effectiveness of multicomponent interventions, as well as their personalization and flexibility in supporting caregivers and family members, leading to improvements in quality of life. Training in palliative care enhances communication, management, and multidisciplinary teamwork, as well as attitudes towards end-of-life care Conclusion: Multicomponent interventions, advance planning, and local adaptation are essential for the effectiveness of home-based palliative care. It is crucial for the Specialist Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing to adopt a flexible and personalized approach, tailored to the diversity of contexts and individual needs, thereby ensuring the maximization of patients' quality of life
Himanthalia elongata: An overview of its chemical composition and health-related benefits
Get PDFHimanthalia elongata, commonly known as sea spaghetti, is a brown seaweed found along the Atlantic coasts of
Europe, particularly in regions such as Ireland, France, and the United Kingdom, where it is considered a delicacy
and is commonly used in salads, soups, and as a pasta substitute. It is renowned for its impressive nutritional
profile and potential health benefits, offering a significant amount of dietary fiber, vitamins and protein,
including all essential amino acids, thus making it an excellent supplement for vegetarian and vegan diets. It is
also a rich source of minerals such as iodine, calcium, magnesium, and iron, and valuable phytochemicals such as
phlorotannins and fucoxanthin. The high diversity of bioactive compounds found in H. elongata makes it
remarkably versatile in terms of bioactivities, including the capacity to regulate oxidative stress, inflammation,
gut microbiota and several other cellular and physiological functions, thus contributing to healthy aging, risk
reduction of cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome and other chronic diseases. This review pro-
vides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional and chemical composition of H. elongata, highlighting its
reported biological activities and potential applications in the food and health industriesThanks are due to the University of Aveiro, Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia and Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (FCT/MCTES) for the financial support to LAQV-REQUIMTE research unit (LA/P/0008/2020 DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0008/2020, UIDP/ 50006/2020 DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/50006/2020 and UIDB/50006/2020 DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/50006/2020) through national funds, and the co funding by the FEDER, within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement and
Compete 2020. Marcelo D. Catarino would like to acknowledge the
research contract funded by FCT/MCTES (LA/P/0008/2020 DOI
10.54499/LA/P/0008/2020, UIDP/50006/2020 DOI 10.54499/UIDP/
50006/2020 and UIDB/50006/2020 DOI 10.54499/UIDB/50006/
2020) through national funds, Susana M. Cardoso thanks FCT/MCTES
for the funding provided through the Institutional Call to Scientific
Employment Stimulus, Ana R. Circuncisão thanks FCT/MCTES and ESF
(European Social Fund) through NORTE 20202 (Programa Operacional
Região Norte) for her PhD, grant ref SFRH/BD/147321/2019, and Sónia
Silva thanks FCT for her research contract (DL 57/2016/CP1482/
CT0093; DOI: 10.54499/DL57/2016/CP1482/CT0093) in the scope of
the framework contract foreseen in the numbers 4, 5 and 6 of the article
23, of the Decree-Law 57/2016, of August 29, changed by Law 57/2017,
of July 19
PM10-bound elements in Luanda's urban atmosphere: Concentrations, sources, and their environmental and health impacts
No full textAn unprecedented study was carried out in the megacity of Luanda, Angola, involving daily sampling of particulate matter (PM10) from June to November 2023. The analysis was focused on the detection of 56 metal(loid)s and complemented by the application of several contamination and health risk indices. PM10 levels ranged from 23.6 to 108 μg/m3, averaging 59.3 μg/m3, exceeding WHO’s 24-h guideline on 83% of days. In addition to crustal elements, the most abundant constituents were Zn (159 ng/m3), Ba (43.2 ng/m3), Pb (17.8 ng/m3), Cu (10.5 ng/m3), Sr (7.0 ng/m3), Ni (4.5 ng/m3), Sb (3.7 ng/m3) and Cr (3.5 ng/m3). Mineral dust, primarily from unpaved roads and local soils, accounted for 31 wt% of PM10, while sea salt contributed 6%. Geochemical markers (e.g., Ce-La-V relationships) suggest that vanadium originates predominantly from upper crust weathering. Elemental ratios such as Fe/Cu, Cu/Sb, and Zn/Sb indicate significant contributions from traffic-related emissions (e.g., brake and tyre wear) and industrial sources. Sulphur, an important PM10 component, likely stems from fossil fuel combustion and petroleum refining. Luanda experiences severe air pollution, with high inputs from Sb, Cd, Zn, and other elements linked to traffic, industrial emissions, and biomass burning. The extremely high ecological risk (RI = 4360 ± 2440) highlights critical contamination, driven primarily by Cd and Sb, while the Nemerow risk index (1990 ± 1530) underscores urgent public health concerns. Non-cancer hazard indices (HI) exceeded safe thresholds for children (2.29) and adults (2.18), with Fe, Mn, Be, Pb, Ni, Co, and Sb identified as key contributors. Carcinogenic risks from PM10 inhalation (2.34 × 10 3 for children and 1.36 ×10 3 for adults) also exceeded acceptable levels, emphasising the need for targeted pollution mitigation strategies.The Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) is acknowledged for the PhD fellowships to L. Furst (SRFH/BD/08461/2020) and Y. Cipoli (SFRH/BD/04992/2021). The financial support to
CESAM by FCT/MCTES (UIDP/50017/2020 + UIDB/50017/2020 + LA/P/0094/2020), through national funds, is also acknowledged. This work was developed within the project “Air Pollution in an African
Megacity: Source Apportionment and Health Implications – APAM” (DOI: 10.54499/2022.04240.PTDC), financially supported by national funds (OE), through FCT/MCTES
The impact of goats grazing on understory vegetation of cork oak woodlands
No full textThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of high grazing pressure for short, intermittent periods (1-2 h per day) on fuel load management in cork oak (Quercus suber L.) forests in the north-eastern region of Portugal. This evaluation aims to understand the effectiveness of targeted grazing as a forest management tool, specifically in reducing fuel load accumulation and thereby potentially reducing wildfire risk. In addition, this study extends its analysis to examine the time required for vegetation recovery in the absence of grazing, with the aim of determining the optimal grazing interval. Changes in herbaceous and shrub cover, herbaceous biomass and phytovolume were compared between grazed and ungrazed plots over a period of thirty-four months. Using a stocking rate of 400 goats per hectare for 21 cumulative hours over 12 days resulted in a 93.43% reduction in shrub phytovolume and a 76.2% reduction in shrub cover. Herbaceous biomass also decreased from 53.80 +/- 7.82 g m-2 to 17.76 +/- 6.29 g m-2 in the grazed areas. Twenty-two months after cessation of grazing, no significant differences in plant and shrub cover or herbaceous biomass were observed. The results highlight the effectiveness of targeted grazing in managing fuel loads in cork oak woodlands, with pronounced short-term benefits. However, the rapid recovery of vegetation in the absence of grazing highlights the need for a strategic and continuous management approach to maintain the benefits of fuel reduction.National funding by FCT, Foundation for Science and Technology, through the individual research grant 2022.12880.BD of Júlio Henrique Germano de Souza
Exploring the Potential of Olive By-Products in Bísaro Pig Feed: Effects on the Chemical Compositions and Fatty Acid Profiles of Three Different Muscles
Get PDFThe olive oil industry generates large quantities of olive cake (OC), making its use in animal feed an environmentally sustainable alternative. Considering that the ham of Bísaro pigs is traditionally used for the production of cured ham, the analysis of raw meat is essential to understand how diet influences its quality before the maturation process. This study examined the effect of different types of OC in the diets of Bísaro pigs, focusing on the chemical compositions and fatty acid profiles of three fresh ham muscles—biceps femoris (BF), semimembranosus (SM), and semitendinosus (ST). Forty Bísaro pigs were assigned to five diets: control (CD), 10% raw OC (COC), two-phase OC (TPOC), exhausted OC (EOC), and exhausted OC with 1% olive oil (EOC-OO). The diets significantly influenced moisture, protein, collagen, and haem pigments (p < 0.05). TPOC had the highest moisture content, while CD had the lowest. Protein levels were higher in BF and SM for OC-fed pigs. Collagen in ST was highest in CD and lowest in EOC. Haem pigments varied, with EOC highest in BF and ST and EOC-OO highest in SM. Significant MUFA differences were found in BF (p < 0.001), highest in CD and lowest in TPOC. PUFA levels and the PUFA/SFA ratio were highest in TPOC (p < 0.001), while SFA remained unchanged. The results suggest that up to 10% OC can be included in pig diets without compromising meat quality, but factors such as economic viability and nutritional variability must be considered. This study provides new insights into how OC affects muscle composition, contributing to optimizing feeding strategies for better meat quality and sustainability.This work was supported by the projects under UIDB/00772/2020 (https://doi.
org/10.54499/UIDB/00772/2020, accessed on 1 February 2025), funded by the Portuguese Founda-
tion for Science and Technology (FCT), and FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020
and UIDP/00690/2020 and SusTEC (LA/P/007/2020). The authors are grateful for the financial
support provided
Safflower Protein Hydrolysates: Physicochemical, Functional Properties and Antioxidant Activities
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the physicochemical, functional, and antioxidant properties of safflower protein isolate and hydrolysates. Isolated safflower protein was hydrolyzed by both Alcalase and Flavourzyme at the degree of hydrolysis of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%. Safflower protein hydrolysates exhibited a lighter color (3.74%–8.79%) and reduced redness (69.11%–102.85%) with lower cohesiveness (15.29%–21.76%) and better flowability (25.91%–40.27%) compared to the protein isolate. Moreover, the surface hydrophobicity of safflower protein isolate decreased up to 73.18% with hydrolysis, while solubility increased up to 54.42% at pH 4–7. Safflower proteins hydrolyzed with Alcalase had higher oil binding, foaming, and emulsion capacities than samples hydrolyzed with Flavourzyme, while their water holding capacities were lower. Furthermore, safflower proteins hydrolyzed with Alcalase at an 8% degree of hydrolysis displayed the highest foaming capacity (up to 3.89 times) and emulsion capacity (up to 1.23 times) in all samples. However, it had poor foam (up to 67.06%) and emulsion stability (up to 74.35%). Additionally, safflower protein hydrolysates demonstrated higher ABTS•+ and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Overall, safflower protein hydrolysates showed better physicochemical, functional, and antioxidant properties than protein isolates, depending on enzyme types and degree of hydrolysis.This work was supported by the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBİTAK) (project no. 222O238)
Investigating bioactive compounds in apple pomace: Potential to develop high added-value products from an industrial surplus
No full textThis study investigates bioactive compounds in apple pomace (AP) obtained from Malus domestica varieties
Granny Smith and Cripps Pink, emphasizing its potential for developing high-added-value products from industrial
surplus. Regarding its chemical characterization, AP stood out for its high concentration of dietary fibers
(7.1g/100g fw), polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acids), α-tocopherol (0.64 mg/100g fw), and
phenolic compounds. Regarding these last, the profile obtained by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS allowed the identification
of 23 phenolic compounds, with higher concentrations of quercetin and flavonoids in pomace than whole apples.
Moreover, concerning evaluating AP bioactivity through in vitro methods, the analyzed AP samples, with seeds
and stems (APSS) and without (APA), exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity, particularly in the OxHLIA test,
preserving erythrocyte integrity. Additionally, the pomace demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against
Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 5
mg/mL. Finally, no cytotoxic or anti-inflammatory effects were observed, as GI50 values exceeded 400 μg/mL
(maximum tested concentration). These findings highlight apple pomace as a rich source of bioactive compounds,
promoting its valorization in food safety and preservation while encouraging sustainable practices
utilizing industrial bio-residues.This work was supported by national funds through FCT/MCTES
(PIDDAC): CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/00690/
2020) and UIDP/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020);
SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020 (DOI:10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020). The authors
are grateful to FEDER Cooperación Interreg VI A Espanha –
Portugal (POCTEP) 2021–2027 for financial support through the project
TRANSCoLAB PLUS 0112_TRANSCOLAB_PLUS_2_P. The authors also
thank the National funding by FCT, through the institutional scientific
employment program contract with L. Barros, and the individual scientific
employment program contract with F.S. Reis (2021.03728.CEECIND)
and J.C.M. Barreira (CEECIND/04479/2017). L.A. Pascoalino
thanks FCT for her research grant (UI/BD/153745/2022).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio