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Avaliação da Alteração do Conhecimento dos Estudantes do 11º ano sobre o Acidente Vascular Cerebral após a realização do curso do Projeto Somos Um®
Get PDFO Acidente Vascular Cerebral continua a ser uma das principais causas de morte e incapacidade em Portugal e em todo o mundo. A população portuguesa apresenta reduzido nível de conhecimento sobre a doença Acidente Vascular Cerebral.
Objetivo: Analisar a alteração da média de conhecimento sobre a doença AVC, dos estudantes do 11º ano, de uma escola secundária do norte de Portugal, após a realização do curso do Projeto Somos Um®. Objetivos específicos: caracterizar a amostra quanto às suas características sociodemográficas; identificar o número de respostas certas por questão antes da realização do curso do Projeto Somos Um®; identificar o número de respostas certas por questão após a realização do curso do Projeto Somos Um®; analisar a alteração do número de resposta certas após o curso Projeto Somos Um®; analisar a
relação entre a variação da média do conhecimento dos jovens estudantes do 11º ano sobre a doença Acidente Vascular Cerebral e as caraterísticas sociodemográficas da amostra
antes e após a realização do curso Projeto Somos Um®
Metodologia: Estudo quase-experimental (pré e pós-intervenção) e transversal. A população-alvo é constituída por 132 estudantes do 11º ano, ano letivo 2023/24, de uma escola secundária do norte de Portugal. Definiu-se como critérios de inclusão: estudantes com idade igual ou superior a 15 anos; respondam à totalidade do questionário, e com autorização dos encarregados de educação. Assim, obteve-se uma amostra de 83 participantes, por amostragem não probabilística por conveniência. A recolha de dados realizou-se nos dias 10 e 17 de abril de 2024, através de um questionário que constituía a
caraterização sociodemográfica dos participantes e questões de avaliação do conhecimento relativamente à doença Acidente Vascular Cerebral. O estudo foi submetido e obteve o parecer favorável da Comissão de Ética, nº 515751.
Resultados: Os participantes tinham idades entre os 15 e os 20 anos, sendo a maioria de alunos com 16 anos,50,6% do sexo feminino, a maioria dos pais e mães tinham como nível de escolaridade o 9º ano, o seu agregado familiar era constituído maioritariamente por 4 a 5 elementos, relativamente ao historial familiar de doença Acidente Vascular Cerebral, apesar da resposta mais obtida ter sido “Não”, todas as outras opções (Sim e Não Sei) encontram-se em números muito próximos, e em relação ao curso formativo frequentado a maioria dos estudantes frequentava o curso profissional (55,4%). Estes
apresentavam um défice de conhecimento sobre a doença Acidente Vascular Cerebral, nas áreas da fisiopatologia, fatores de risco, meio a acionar para pedir ajuda e a importância temporal no tratamento da doença Acidente Vascular Cerebral. Evidenciou-se a alteração da média de conhecimento entre os dois momentos, verificando-se um aumento da média de conhecimento dos jovens estudantes sobre a doença Acidente Vascular Cerebral na pós-intervenção. Não se verificou relação, estatisticamente significativa, entre as caraterísticas sociodemográficas e a média de conhecimento sobre o Acidente Vascular
Cerebral, o que pode sugerir que a intervenção foi eficaz e acessível transversalmente, permitindo ainda, desmistificar mitos e estereótipos sobre o Acidente Vascular Cerebral.
Conclusões: Na pós-intervenção constatou-se o aumento da média de conhecimento dos jovens estudantes do 11º ano sobre a doença Acidente Vascular Cerebral. As caraterísticas sociodemográficas não foram os fatores predisponentes na alteração da média de conhecimento sobre o Acidente Vascular Cerebral nos jovens estudantes, concluindo-se que o Projeto “Somos Um®”, teve um papel fundamental na disseminação de conhecimento em saúde e prevenção de doenças, com elevado impacto na população geral e nas gerações futuras. Sugere-se a inclusão sistemática de conteúdo sobre doenças
tempo-dependentes (Acidente Vascular Cerebral e Enfarte Agudo Miocárdio) nos currículos escolares, lecionada por Enfermeiros, de forma a contribuir para a literacia em saúde dos jovens estudantes, como estratégia sustentável de prevenção primária e promoção da saúde.Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in Portugal and worldwide. The Portuguese population has a low level of knowledge about stroke.
Objective: To analyse the change in average knowledge about stroke among 11th grade students at a secondary school in northern Portugal after completing the Somos Um®. Project course. Specific objectives: to characterise the sample in terms of its sociodemographic characteristics; to identify the number of correct answers per question before completing the Somos Um® Project course ; identify the number of correct answers per question after completing the Somos Um® Project course; analyse the change in the number of correct answers after the Somos Um® Project course; analyse the relationship between the variation in the average knowledge of 11th grade students about stroke and the sociodemographic characteristics of the sample before and after completing the Somos Um® Project course.
Methodology: Quasi-experimental (pre- and post-intervention) and cross-sectional study. The target population consisted of 132 11th-year students, academic year 2023/24, from a secondary school in northern Portugal. The inclusion criteria were defined as follows: students aged 15 or over; those who completed the entire questionnaire; and those with parental or guardian authorisation. Thus, a sample of 83 participants was obtained through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data collection took place on 10 and 17 April 2024, using a questionnaire that included the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and questions to assess their knowledge of stroke. The study was submitted to and approved by the Ethics Committee (no. 515751).
Results: Participants were aged between 15 and 20 years, with the majority being 16 years old; 50.6% were female. Most parents had completed the 9th grade, and households consisted mainly of 4 to 5 members. Regarding family history of stroke, although the most common response was No, the other options (Yes and Don’t know) were similar in number. Concerning the type of course attended, most students were enrolled in a vocational programme (55.4%). Participants demonstrated limited knowledge about stroke in the areas of pathophysiology, risk factors, how to seek help, and the importance of timely treatment. A change in the average level of knowledge was observed between the two time points, with an increase in students’ knowledge of stroke after the intervention. No statistically significant relationship was found between sociodemographic characteristics and average knowledge about stroke, suggesting that the intervention was effective and accessible across the board, helping to dispel myths and stereotypes about stroke.
Conclusions: Following the intervention, there was an increase in the average knowledge of 11th-grade students about stroke. Sociodemographic characteristics were not
predisposing factors in the change in knowledge, indicating that the Somos Um® Project played a fundamental role in disseminating health-related knowledge and disease prevention, with a significant impact on the general population and future generations.
We recommend the systematic inclusion of content on time-dependent diseases (stroke and acute myocardial infarction) in school curricula, delivered by nurses, as a sustainable strategy to promote health literacy among young students, thereby contributing to primary prevention and health promotion
Perceções da comunidade moradora no Parque Natural das Lagoas de Cufada, Guiné-Bissau, sobre a sua importância, biodiversidade e ameaças ambientais
Get PDFO presente estudo reveste-se de grande importância para o Parque Natural das Lagoas de Cufada (PNLC), na Guiné-Bissau e para a comunidade científica que investiga a temática das perceções das populações que vivem em zonas protegidas. Pretende ser um documento descritivo e exploratório sobre perceções das comunidades residentes sobre a importância dos ecossistemas e do lugar onde vivem. Tem como objetivo geral conhecer as perceções das comunidades residentes no PNLC acerca da importância do parque, da biodiversidade local, dos ecossistemas aí existentes, das ameaças ambientais que os afetam e das medidas políticas de conservação implementadas. Para tal tentou-se caracterizar o PNLC e a sua biodiversidade; identificar as medidas políticas de conservação do parque; descrever as perceções das comunidades residentes no PNLC considerando as principais etnias. A investigação baseia-se numa abordagem quantitativa, através da aplicação de questionários, envolvendo diferentes grupos comunitários que interagem diariamente com o ambiente do parque, inclusive o Diretor do parque. Os resultados revelam que, apesar do conhecimento empírico sobre os recursos naturais, ainda existem limitações na compreensão científica da importância da conservação da biodiversidade e dos serviços ecossistémicos. As comunidades reconhecem algumas ameaças, como a caça furtiva, o desmatamento, as queimadas descontroladas e a pressão sobre os recursos hídricos. No entanto, apontam também fatores socioeconómicos como a pobreza e a falta de alternativas sustentáveis como obstáculos à preservação. O estudo reforça a necessidade de intensificar ações de educação ambiental e promover a participação comunitária como estratégias fundamentais para a conservação do parque e para o desenvolvimento sustentável da região.This study is very important to the Cufada Lakes Natural Park (PNLC) in Guinea-Bissau and the scientific community that investigates the perceptions of populations living in protected areas. It intends to be a descriptive and exploratory document about the perceptions of resident communities regarding the importance of ecosystems and the place where they live. Its overall objective is to understand the perceptions of resident communities in the PNLC about the importance of the park, the local biodiversity, the existing ecosystems, the environmental threats that affect them, and the conservation policy measures implemented. To this end, an attempt was made to characterize the PNLC and its biodiversity; identify the political conservation measures of the park; describe the resident communities perceptions in the PNLC considering the main ethnic groups. The investigation is based on a quantitative approach, through the application of questionnaires, involving different community groups that interact daily with the park's environment, including the park's Director. The results reveal that, despite empirical knowledge about natural resources, there are still limitations in the scientific understanding of the importance of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. The communities recognize some threats, such as poaching, deforestation, uncontrolled wildfires, and pressure on water resources. However, they also point out socioeconomic factors such as poverty and the lack of sustainable alternatives as obstacles to preservation. The study reinforces the need to intensify environmental education actions and promote community participation a fundamental strategies for the conservation of the park and for the sustainable development of the region
Advice on how to start beekeeping, memories with bees and the uses of honey: results of an online questionnaire with European beekeepers
Get PDFBeekeeping is a demanding activity that requires both particular human qualities from those who practise it and an environment that is favourable to bees. This is why the interviewed beekeepers advise to take time to think before starting to keep the bees, to find a mentor, and to always have the desire to get to know the bees even if this is not enough for success. In Northern and Western Europe, beekeepers consider patience and calmness as essential qualities to be a “good beekeeper”, while in Southern Europe, passion for bees is the main driver of success. The reasons for abandonment or failure also include human and environmental factors. To better understand the relationship between beekeepers and their bees, interviewees were encouraged to share their best memories. With years of experience, contemplative memories fade into memorable situations in which bee practices are described, and then in turn, they fade into moments of sociability. Honey harvesting plays an important role. Productive considerations are more expressed in Southern Europe, where it is an exceptional harvest that marks on people’s minds, more than the first honey harvest. The strong connection to their bees and the territory they live in is also expressed in the choice of their favourite honey. Many beekeepers mentioned the local honey production, which they are proud to produce with their own bees, even though they sometimes became criticized for a too high price for this local product. © 2024 International Bee Research Association.We would like to thank the following organisation for supporting our study by distributing our questionnaire to theirmembers: Irish Beekeepers Association; for the UnitedKingdom: Edinburgh & Midlothian Beekeepers’ Association, Aberdeen & District Beekeepers Association, High Wycombe & District Beekeepers’ Association, ShropshireBeekeepers Association, Welsh Beekeepers Association;Icelandic Beekeeping organisation; for Sweden: Nordbi Association Sweden, Biodlarna Sweden; for Spain: GranCanaria Beekeepers’ Association, Eivissa Beekeepers’Association (Balearic Islands); for France: NationalFederation of Apicultural Technical Groups (FNGTA),National Beekeeping Union (SNA), National Society ofVeterinary Technical Groups (SNGTV), National Federationof Beekeeping Development Network (ADA-France), Departmental Beekeeping Unions and Associations of Associations of Côte, Pyrénées-Orientale, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Charente,Loir-et-Cher, Aisne, Somme and Côtes-d’Armor; for Belgium: Royal Beekeeping Society of Wavre; for Greece: Bee Club Pellas-Macedonia, Beekeeping Centers of Western Macedonia (Kozani), Piraeus - Cyclades (Piraeus) and NorthAegean (Mytilene, Lesbos), Beekeeping Cooperatives of Rethymnon and Andros, and Beekeeping Associations of Kavala, Karditsa and Chania; for Portugal: Foundation for Science and Technology and The National Federation of Portuguese Beekeepers. We thank Egill Rafn Sigurgeirsson for agreeing to translate our questionnaire into Icelandicand for distributing the questions to the Icelandic bee-keepers; Jean-Xavier Saint-Guily (Bergerie Nationale de Rambouillet), Robert Svensson (Nordbi Association Sweden) and Hanna Udding (Biodlarna Sweden) for distributing the questionnaire in their networks; Garrett Dempseyfor proofreading this article. We would also like to thankall the beekeepers who agreed to answer our questionsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Construção de Cell Microarrays como estratégia para avaliar alterações na expressão de proteínas induzidas por tratamentos em linhas celulares de cancro do ovário
Get PDFO Cancro do Ovário é uma das principais causas de morte por cancro ginecológico, caracterizando-se frequentemente por um diagnóstico tardio devido à ausência de sintomas específicos em fases iniciais. A elevada taxa de mortalidade associada deve-se, em grande parte, à resistência aos tratamentos convencionais, como a quimioterapia baseada em agentes como a carboplatina e o paclitaxel. A investigação sobre novos compostos e estratégias terapêuticas, como a utilização da ivermectina, tem vindo a ganhar destaque na tentativa de contornar este desafio.
O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido no âmbito de um estágio de natureza profissional realizado no Laboratório de Patologia Toxicológica da CESPU, integrado na unidade de investigação UCIBIO, com a duração de 375 horas. Durante o estágio, tive a oportunidade de adquirir competências laboratoriais relevantes, tais como interpretação e apresentação
de resultados científicos, escrita de protocolos e relatórios técnicos, cumprimento de boas praticas laboratoriais e trabalhar em equipa multidisciplinar. Assim como, adquirir diferentes técnicas laboratoriais tais como, cultura celular em 2D e 3D, incluindo organoides, avaliação de viabilidade celular, em histologia: processamento histológico, imunocitoquímica, H&E, colorações especiais tais como Tricrómio de Masson e Sirius Red e construção de cell microarray. Este contexto de formação prática e investigação científica culminou na concretização do presente estudo, cujo objetivo foi avaliar a eficácia da ivermectina, isolada e em combinação com carboplatina e paclitaxel, na inibição da viabilidade celular em modelos de cancro do ovário, bem como investigar alterações na expressão de biomarcadores associados à quimiorresistência.
Foram utilizadas duas linhas celulares tumorais: uma resistente à carboplatina (OVCAR8) e outra resistente à carboplatina e paclitaxel (OVCAR8 PTX R C). As células foram expostas a diferentes regimes terapêuticos e analisadas por imunocitoquímica, integrando-se as amostras em cell microarrays para avaliação da expressão de marcadores moleculares relevantes.
Os resultados demonstraram uma redução significativa na viabilidade celular quando a ivermectina foi utilizada em combinação com os quimioterápicos, sugerindo um potencial efeito sinérgico destas combinações. Além disso, a expressão de determinados biomarcadores, nomeadamente a P-gp e a Mesotelina, indicou uma possível reversão do fenótipo resistente, abrindo novas perspetivas para futuras abordagens terapêuticas.
Em conclusão, este estudo, desenvolvido no contexto de um estágio laboratorial, contribui para o aprofundamento do conhecimento sobre o cancro do ovário e reforça a importância da investigação translacional na identificação de novas estratégias terapêuticas para contornar a quimiorresistência.Ovarian cancer is one of the main causes of death from gynaecological cancer and is often characterized by late diagnosis due to the absence of specific symptoms in the early stages. The associated high mortality rate is largely due to resistance to conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy based on agents like carboplatin and paclitaxel.
Research into new compounds and therapeutic strategies, such as the use of ivermectin, has been gaining prominence in an attempt to overcome this challenge.
This work was carried out as part of a professional internship at CESPU's Toxicological Pathology Laboratory, as part of the UCIBIO research unit, which lasted 375 hours.
During the internship, I had the opportunity to acquire relevant laboratory skills, such as interpreting and presenting scientific results, writing protocols and technical reports, complying with good laboratory practices and working in a multidisciplinary team. As well as acquiring different laboratory techniques such as 2D and 3D cell culture, including organoids, cell viability assessment, histology (histological processing, immunocytochemistry, H&E, special stains such as Masson's Trichrome and Sirius Red and cell microarray construction). This context of practical training and scientific research culminated in this study, the aim of which was to assess the efficacy of ivermectin, alone and in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, in inhibiting cell viability in models of ovarian cancer, as well as to investigate changes in the expression of biomarkers associated with chemoresistance.
Two tumor cell lines were used: one resistant to carboplatin (OVCAR8) and the other resistant to carboplatin and paclitaxel (OVCAR8 PTX R C). The cells were exposed to different therapeutic regimens and analyzed by immunocytochemistry, integrating the samples into cell microarrays to assess the expression of relevant molecular markers.
The results showed a significant reduction in cell viability when ivermectin was used in combination with chemotherapy, suggesting a potential synergistic effect of these combinations. In addition, the expression of certain biomarkers, namely P-gp and Mesothelin, indicated a possible reversal of the resistant phenotype, opening up new perspectives for future therapeutic approaches.
In conclusion, this study, carried out in the context of a laboratory internship, contributes to furthering our knowledge of ovarian cancer and reinforces the importance of translational research in identifying new therapeutic strategies to overcome chemoresistance
Desporto, Território e Financiamento: Quais os critérios?
Get PDFO desporto assume um papel determinante para a sociedade atual quer a nível do desenvolvimento social, económico e cultural, mas também para a promoção da saúde e bem-estar do indivíduo. As políticas públicas locais são fundamentais para o desenvolvimento desportivo, pois é a Administração Pública, em particular as autarquias locais, que apresentam uma maior proximidade com os seus cidadãos têm uma maior perceção dos problemas e das suas necessidades
Hipertensão arterial em idosos: um desafio silencioso da longevidade –revisão narrativa da literatura
Get PDFA hipertensão arterial(HTA)é uma das principais causas de doença cardiovascular e mortalidade no mundo. O envelhecimento promove alterações fisiológicas e estruturais do sistema cardiovascular ,como a rigidez arterial, tornando esta população particularmente vulnerável.
Em Portugal ,dados do INSEF 2015 revelam que mais de 71,3% dos idosos com idades entre os 65 e 74 anos apresentam hipertensão, com baixa taxa de controlo terapêutico. Com base na evidencia científica objetivamos avaliar a prevalência e o impacto da HTA em idosos portugueses;i dentificar barreiras à adesão terapêutica e; promover estratégias preventivas e educativas eficazes no contexto dos cuidados de saúde primários
Shaping Training Load, Technical–Tactical Behaviour, and Well-Being in Football: A Systematic Review
No full textFootball performance results from the dynamic interaction between physical, tactical, technical, and psychological dimensions-each of which also influences player well-being, recovery, and readiness. However, integrated monitoring approaches remain scarce, particularly in youth and sub-elite contexts. This systematic review screened 341 records from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with 46 studies meeting the inclusion criteria (n = 1763 players; age range: 13.2-28.7 years). Physical external load was reported in 44 studies using GPS-derived metrics such as total distance and high-speed running, while internal load was examined in 36 studies through session-RPE (rate of perceived exertion x duration), heart rate zones, training impulse (TRIMP), and Player Load (PL). A total of 22 studies included well-being indicators capturing fatigue, sleep quality, stress levels, and muscle soreness, through tools such as the Hooper Index (HI), the Total Quality Recovery (TQR) scale, and various Likert-type or composite wellness scores. Tactical behaviours (n = 15) were derived from positional tracking systems, while technical performance (n = 7) was assessed using metrics like pass accuracy and expected goals, typically obtained from Wyscout (R) or TRACAB (R) (a multi-camera optical tracking system). Only five studies employed multivariate models to examine interactions between performance domains or to predict well-being outcomes. Most remained observational, relying on descriptive analyses and examining each domain in isolation. These findings reveal a fragmented approach to player monitoring and a lack of conceptual integration between physical, psychological, tactical, and technical indicators. Future research should prioritise multidimensional, standardised monitoring frameworks that combine contextual, psychophysiological, and performance data to improve applied decision-making and support player health, particularly in sub-elite and youth populations.The authors declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This project was supported by the National Funds through the FCT Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (project UID/CED/04748/2020 and UIDB04045/2021), Life Quality Research Centre (LQRC-CIEQV), Santarém, Portugal; Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, Vila Real, Portugal; SPRINT—Sport Physical Activity and Health Research and Innovation Centre, Portugal; and Research Centre for Active Living and Well-being (Livewell), Bragança, Portugal
Progress in Nanofluid Technology: From Conventional to Green Nanofluids for Biomedical, Heat Transfer, and Machining Applications
No full textNanofluids (NFs), consisting of nanoparticles (NPs) suspended in base fluids, have attracted growing interest due to their superior physicochemical properties and multifunctional potential. In this review, conventional and green NF technology aspects, including synthesis routes, formulation, and applications, are discussed. Conventional NFs, involving NPs synthesized using physical and chemical approaches, have improved NP morphology control but are likely to cause environmental and safety concerns. In contrast, green NFs that are plant extract, microorganism, and biogenic waste-based represent a sustainable and biocompatible alternative. The effect of key parameters (e.g., NP size, shape, concentration, dispersion stability, and base fluid properties) on the performance of NFs is critically examined. The review also covers potential applications: in biomedical engineering (e.g., drug delivery, imaging, theranostics, and antimicrobial therapies), in heat transfer (e.g., solar collectors, cooling electronics, nuclear reactors), and precision machining (e.g., lubricants and coolants). Comparative insights regarding green versus conventionally prepared NFs are provided concerning their toxicity, environmental impact, scalability, and functional performance across various applications. Overall, this review highlights the new promise of both green and conventional NFs and provides key opportunities and challenges to guide future developments in this field.The authors acknowledge the partial financial support of the project 2022.06207.PTDC (https://doi.org/10.54499/2022.06207.PTDC) through national funds (OE), through the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), and the project COMPETE2030-FEDER-00771500 funded by FEDER and FCT. Glauco Nobrega was supported by the doctoral grant PRT/BD/153088/2021 (https://doi.org/10.54499/PRT/BD/153088/2021), financed by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), and with funds from MCTES/República Portuguesa, under the MIT Portugal Program. Inês S. Afonso was supported by the doctoral grant 2024.05919.BDANA, financed by FCT. Andrews Souza was supported by FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. by project reference 2021.07961.BD and DOI identifier https://doi.org/10.54499/2021.07961.BD. The authors also acknowledge the partial financial support within the R&D Units Project Scope UID/04077: Mechanical Engineering Resource Sustainability Center (MEtRICs/UM), UIDB/04436/2020, UIDP/04436/2020, UIDB/00690/2020 (CIMO), UIDB/00532/2020, UIDB/04650/2020, and LA/P/0045/2020 (ALiCE)
Comportamento em pastoreio de caprinos da raça preta de Montesinho em lameiros e bosques de azinheira
No full textEste trabalho investigou o comportamento alimentar e o uso do habitat por caprinos da raça autóctone Preta de Montesinho, em diferentes sistemas de pastoreio localizados em Trás-os-Montes, nordeste de Portugal. O estudo foi conduzido entre março e junho de 2025, em duas áreas contrastantes: a Quinta de Santa Apolónia (IPB), caracterizada por lameiros com predominância de herbáceas, e Vilarinho de Cova de Lua (Parque Natural de Montesinho), representado por áreas de floresta e matos, com maior presença de espécies lenhosas. Vinte e cinco cabras adultas foram monitorizadas em regime extensivo, por meio da técnica de amostragem instantânea (scan sampling), registrando-se a cada 15 minutos atividades como pastejo, ruminação, repouso, ingestão de água e posturas corporais.
Os resultados evidenciaram diferenças relevantes entre os dois sistemas. Em ambos os locais, o pastejo em estação bípede foi predominante, porém em Vilarinho observou-se maior diversidade de espécies consumidas, incluindo arbustos como Erica spp., Pterospartum tridentatum e Cytisus spp., refletindo a maior heterogeneidade ambiental e a plasticidade adaptativa dos caprinos. Além disso, a análise da disponibilidade forrageira mostrou alterações significativas na cobertura vegetal após o pastoreio, confirmando a influência direta do rebanho na dinâmica do ecossistema. O monitoramento do peso corporal ao longo das estações demonstrou estabilidade, reforçando a adequação dos sistemas extensivos para a manutenção do bem-estar animal.
Estudos demonstram que a cabra Preta de Montesinho se adapta muito bem às mudanças do clima e aos variados pastos, sendo importante para otimizar os sistemas que combinam árvores e pastagens. Ao integrar conservação da biodiversidade, redução do risco de incêndios e aproveitamento de recursos locais, a caprinicultura extensiva se torna fundamental para o futuro do meio ambiente, da cultura e da economia das áreas montanhosas.This study analyzed the feeding behavior and habitat use of the autochthonous Preta de Montesinho goat breed under two contrasting grazing systems in Trás-os-Montes, northeastern Portugal. Fieldwork was conducted from March to June 2025 in two sites: herbaceous meadows at Quinta de Santa Apolónia (IPB) and woodland areas at Vilarinho de Cova de Lua (Parque Natural de Montesinho). Twenty-five adult goats were monitored using the scan sampling method, with observations recorded every 15 minutes for grazing, ruminating, resting, drinking, and body posture.
Results showed that standing grazing was the dominant activity in both systems (≈69% in meadows, ≈60% in woodland), though goats in Vilarinho exhibited greater
dietary diversity, consuming species such as Erica spp., Pterospartum tridentatum, and Cytisus spp.. Forage availability analyses indicated significant vegetation changes post-grazing, highlighting the herd’s role in shaping ecosystem dynamics. Seasonal bodyweight monitoring revealed stability, confirming that extensive systems ensured adequate animal welfare.
Research has demonstrated that the Preta de Montesinho goat exhibits a strong adaptive capacity to both climatic variability and diverse grazing conditions, making it a valuable asset for optimizing integrated silvopastoral systems that combine trees and pastures. By contributing simultaneously to biodiversity conservation, wildfire risk mitigation, and the sustainable use of local resources, extensive goat farming emerges as a key strategy for ensuring the long-term environmental, cultural, and economic sustainability of mountain regions.Esta investigação foi financiada por fundos europeus através do programa Life, no âmbito do projeto SILFORE — Towards the conservation and management of resilient agroforestry systems through silvopastoralism (Project 101074445 — LIFE21-CCA-ES-LIFE SILFORE
Adaptive genomic variation in honey bees from arid regions
No full textThe Middle East is home to a large number of Apis mellifera subspecies that have evolved under extreme aridity and desertic conditions. Therefore, they represent a unique opportunity to disentangle the genetic basis of adaptation to such challenging environmental conditions. We arranged a collection of 514 drone samples (haploid males) split into two latitudinal transects. Transect 1 comprised 342 samples: 66 A. m. lamarckii (Egypt), 197 A. m. syriaca (Jordan), 30 A. m. syriaca (Lebanon), 21 A. m. meda (southeastern Turkey), and 27 A. m. anatoliaca (Anatolia, Turkey). Transect 2 comprised 173 samples: 14 A. m. jemenitica (Oman), 9 A. m. jemenitica (UAE), 75 A. m. meda (Iran), and 75 A. m. caucasia (northeastern Turkey). For all samples, whole genomes were resequenced, and environmental and bioclimatic variables were retrieved from WorldClim. For each transect, we applied three genotype–environment association methods (Samβada, pRDA, and LFMM) and one outlier-detection approach (PCAdapt) to identify SNPs associated with environmental adaptation. SNPs were annotated, and the intersection of genes between the four methods in each transect was analysed for gene enrichment. In both transects, enriched terms included genes related to biological regulation through endocrine, neuroendocrine, and neurotransmitter pathways. The regulation of gene expression was also enriched, including several transcription factors, especially HOX genes. Transmembrane and ionic transporters also seem to play a central role in environmental adaptation in these subspecies. Finally, neurogenesis, synapse establishment, and neural system development were also enriched. When gene enrichment analysis was set to exclude electronic annotations (automatically assigned, non-curated GO terms), enriched terms included processes such as behaviour, learning or memory, cognition, and associative and olfactory learning and behaviour. Our findings point to a complex suite of regulatory and sensory 62 pathways that collectively shape the environmental adaptation of honey bee subspecies that have evolved in arid environments