Natural infection of synathropic rodent species Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus by Leishmania infantum in Sesimbra and Sintra – Portugal

Articles in International JournalsBackground: Canine leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is a parasitic zoonotic disease transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae). Genus Phlebotomus is the biological vector in the Old World and Lutzomyia in the New World. The dog is the domestic reservoir host but other animals like the fox (Vulpes vulpes) and rodents are known to maintain the infection in both sylvatic and domestic cycles. Methods: To identify the role of synanthropic rodents Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus as reservoir hosts for Leishmania infantum natural infection, 30 rodents were captured under a trap rodent control program in two private dog shelters from Sintra and Sesimbra, located in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, known to be endemic for canine leishmaniosis in Portugal. Tissue samples were screened for the presence of Leishmania amastigotes by qPCR and parasitological analysis. Results: A total of 33.3% (9/27) of Mus musculus rodents revealed the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA while 29.6% (8/27) were positive in the parasitological analysis. Concerning Rattus norvegicus (n=3), one animal revealed infection only by parasitological analysis. Conclusions: Our results identified for the first time in Portugal the presence of Leishmania infection in both rodent species. As susceptible hosts, infected Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus may increase the risk for dog and human infection in households and surrounding areas, enhancing the need for efficient rodent control measures in shelters and risk zones to prevent transmission of the infection

A convergência na produção de conteúdos informativos da RTP

A convergência dos media tem vindo a criar novas oportunidades, desafios, reestruturações e alterações nas empresas jornalísticas. Porém, em Portugal são parcos os estudos relativos a esta temática. A realização de um estágio na RTP, o contacto com a produção noticiosa e os conteúdos nas plataformas rádio, televisão e online, levou-nos à escolha do tema convergência na produção de conteúdos informativos nesta estação para o presente trabalho. Tomando como pergunta de partida: “Como se operacionaliza a produção de conteúdos cross media na RTP?”, procurámos compreender de que modo este tipo de produção é percecionado no interior da redação e quais as rotinas estabelecidas que permitem a sua operacionalização. As técnicas de recolha de informação foram a observação direta, entrevistas semiestruturadas e pesquisa bibliográfica. Analisaram-se os resultados relativos a: existência de convergência na RTP; periodicidade de práticas jornalísticas convergentes; encorajamento e preparação prévia dos jornalistas; nível de convergência atual; perfil do jornalista polivalente; reconfiguração do seu papel; resistência à convergência; coordenação de conteúdos entre plataformas e desafios/oportunidades. Concluiu-se, no presente trabalho, que o fenómeno da convergência está presente no dia a dia dos jornalistas da RTP. A empresa reúne todas as condições necessárias para que a convergência existente seja fluida, embora, ainda assim, não atinja a sua máxima potencialidade. Os motivos para tal diferem segundo os entrevistados, considerando a maioria que existe um nível médio de convergência na RTP.The media convergence has created new opportunities, challenges, restructurings and changes in newspaper companies. However, in Portugal there are few studies on this subject and during an internship at RTP, the daily contact with content production for radio, television and online platforms led us to choose the study of the convergence in the production of informative contents. Taking as a starting question: "How the production of cross media contents in RTP is operationalized?" we tried to understand how this type of production is perceived inside the newsroom and which are their established routines. The techniques used for collecting information were direct observation, semi structured interviews and bibliographic research. We analyzed the results regarding: existence of convergence at RTP; periodicity of convergent journalistic practices; encouragement and prior preparation of journalists; current level of convergence; profile of the polyvalent journalist; reconfiguration of their role; resistance to convergence; coordination of contents between platforms and challenges/opportunities. It was concluded, in the present work, that the phenomenon of convergence is present in the daily routine of RTP journalists. The company meets all the necessary conditions to ensure that the existing convergence is fluid, although, it still does not reach its maximum potential. The reasons for this differ according to the interviewees, considering the majority that there is an average level of convergence at RTP

Molecular survey of vector-borne diseases in two groups of domestic dogs from Lisbon, Portugal

Research Areas: Parasitology ; Tropical MedicineABSTRACT - Background: Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are caused by a wide range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods. They have been an issue of growing importance in recent years; however, there is limited information about the vector-borne pathogens circulating in Portugal. The aim of the present study was to detect canine vector-borne bacteria and protozoa of veterinary and zoonotic importance using molecular methods. Methods: One hundred and forty-two dogs from Lisbon, southern Portugal, were tested: 48 dogs from a veterinary hospital clinically suspected of vector-borne diseases and 94 apparently healthy dogs from shelters. Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., Babesia/Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. infections were detected by PCR from blood samples and examined under light microscopy. Other information including clinical status and diagnostic test results were collected for each animal. Results: Infections were detected by PCR in 48 (33.80%) dogs. Single infections were found in 35 dogs (24.64%), and co-infections were found in 13 (9.15%) dogs. Twenty-nine (20.42%) dogs were positive for Hepatozoon spp., 15 (10.56%) for Mycoplasma spp., 11 (7.75%) for Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., and six (4.21%) for Babesia spp. DNA sequencing was used to identify Babesia vogeli (2.81%), Babesia canis (1.40%), Hepatozoon canis (20.42%), Mycoplasma haematoparvum (2.11%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (8.45%), Anaplasma platys (7.04%), and Ehrlichia canis (0.70%). Conclusions: This is the frst molecular identifcation of B. canis and M. haematoparvum in dogs from southern Portugal. This study highlights the importance of molecular methods to identify CVBD pathogens in endemic areas and helps to guide the clinical approach of veterinarians in practice.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Presence of one ecto- and two endoparasite species of the black stork (Ciconia nigra) in Portugal

Research Areas: Veterinary SciencesBackgroundThe black stork (Ciconia nigra Linnaeus, 1758) is a recognized endangered species in Europe and most of the specimens from the Western Palearctic region breed in the Iberian Peninsula. Available works regarding parasites in black storks are scarce. This work reports the presence one ecto- and two endoparasite species from a black stork in Portugal.Case presentationA black stork was found in southern Portugal after colliding against electric cables. The specimen did not survive its sustained injuries and a post-mortem exam was performed. During the procedure, several ecto- and endoparasite specimens were found. The collected parasites were lice (Neophilopterus tricolor), nematodes (Desportesius sagittatus) and trematodes (Cathaemasia hians).ConclusionsThree different species of parasites are reported from a black stork in Portugal. Ecto- and endoparasites of C. nigra have not frequently been described in the literature, and this case report is a contribution to the field. Additional studies will be important to better understand the impact that parasites can have on C. nigra health and survival.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Coccidian parasites from birds at rehabilitation centers in Portugal, with notes on Avispora bubonis in Old World

Research Areas: Parasitology; Veterinary SciencesArticle in International JournalABSTRACT - Portugal has some rehabilitation centers for wild animals, which are responsible for the rehabilitation and reintroduction of birds, among other animals, into the wild. Coccidian parasites of these wild birds in rehabilitation centers are especially important because these centers can introduce coccidian species into new environments through the reintroduction of their respective hosts. In this context, the current study aimed to identify intestinal coccidia from wild birds at two rehabilitation centers for wild animals located in two municipalities of Portugal. Eighty-nine wild birds of 9 orders and 11 families were sampled, of which 22 (25%) were positive for Coccidia. Avispora spp. were found in raptors. Sporocysts of Sarcocystinae subfamily were recovered from owls. An Isospora sp. was found in Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758, and an Eimeria sp. was found in Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758. Among the coccidian species, Avispora bubonis (Cawthorn, Stockdale, 1981) can be highlighted. The finding of this species indicates that transmission of coccidians from the New World to the Old World may be occurring, potentially through dispersion by Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758) through Arctic regions or by means of anthropic activities, and/or through other unknown mechanisms.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

from in uterus to elderly

Immune system recognize and fight back foreign microorganisms and inner modifications that lead to deficient cell and tissue functions. During a dog's life, the immune system needs to adapt to different physiological conditions, assuring surveillance and protection in a careful and controlled way. Pregnancy alters normal homeostasis, requiring a balance between immunity and tolerance. The embryos and fetus should be protected from infections, while the female dog must tolerate the growing of semi-allografts in her uterus. After birth, newborn puppies are at great risk of developing infectious diseases, because their immune system is in development and immune memory is absent. Passive transfer of immunity through colostrum is fundamental for puppy survival in the first weeks of life, but hampers the development of an active immune response to vaccination. At the end of life, dogs experience a decline in the structure and functional competence of the immune system, compromising the immune responses to novel antigenic challenges, such as infections and vaccines. Therefore, the current article reviews the general processes related to the development of the dog´s immune system, providing an overview of immune activity throughout the dog's life and its implications in canine health, and highlighting priority research goals.publishersversionpublishe

intraspecific geometric morphometric analysis of wings of the blowfly Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Funding Information: Luis Marques is acknowledged for his help with the images and Ana Catarina Fialho for her assistance in the field collection. The authors are grateful to the technical imaging support of Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon's Microscopy Facility which is a node of the Portuguese Platform of BioImaging, reference PPBI-POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022122 , and to FCT/MCTES for financial support to CESAM ( UIDP/50017/2020 + UIDB/50017/2020 + LA/P/0094/2020 ), to CIISA by Project UIDB/00276/2020 , to GHTM ( UID/04413/2020 ) and CE3C ( UIBD/00329/2020 ). Publisher Copyright: © 2022 Elsevier B.V.Blowflies have forensic, sanitary and veterinary importance, as well as being pollinators, parasitoids and ecological bioindicators. There is still little work with real data and from experiments assessing the relationship between blowflies’ morphologic features and environmental and demographic factors. The present work tests whether the variation, in the shape and size, of Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) wings is influenced by the following factors: 1) time; 2) temperature; 3) sex and; 4) different types of carcasses (pig, dog/cat and whale). Male and female wings from four different sites collected in six different years were used to obtain wing size and shape of C. albiceps. Analyses between wing shape and the variables tested had low explanatory power, even though they had statistical support. However, it was possible to identify differences in wing shape between males and females, with good returns in sex identification. The comparison between wing size and the variables tested showed that wing size has a negative relationship with temperature, significant differences between sexes, slight variation over time and no influence by carcass types. Furthermore, wing size influenced wing shape. Understanding population-specific characteristics of C. albiceps provide important insights about how the species reacts under specific conditions.publishersversionpublishe

A Natureza Jurídica da Geração Distribuída de Energia Elétrica no Brasil

O objetivo deste trabalho é definir a natureza jurídica da geração distribuída de energia elétrica, tal como regulada pela Lei nº 14.300/2022 e pela Resolução Normativa (REN) nº 482/2012 da Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (ANEEL), sendo possível, então, identificar o regime jurídico aplicável à atividade, em especial, a possibilidade de sua prática pelos particulares, matéria essa jamais discutida pela doutrina, até onde se tem notícia. Para tanto, utilizar-se-á da metodologia de pesquisa jurídico-dogmática, através da investigação do conjunto normativo brasileiro aplicável à atividade, buscando assim inferir os princípios e características que a regem, e os comparando às espécies doutrinárias de atividade econômica categorizadas pela doutrina de Direito Administrativo e Econômico. Assim, o artigo se inicia com a exposição da relevância do tema para o desenvolvimento sustentável do país, seguido de um breve histórico recente do setor elétrico e da análise das normas aplicáveis à atividade. Após, busca-se responder diretamente à questão tema do trabalho, examinando o cabimento das categorias de atividade econômica à Geração Distribuída. Por fim, identifica-se se tratar de atividade econômica em sentido estrito, havendo plena possibilidade de ser exercida por particulares, ante expressa autorização (em lato sensu) constitucional

New Insights on Innate Immune Response by Blood Macrophages and Liver Kupffer Cells to Leishmania infantum Parasites

Funding Information: Funding: This study was supported by FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., through research grant PTDC/CVT-CVT/28908/2017 and PTDC/CVT-CVT/0228/2020, and by national funds within the scope of Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA, UIDB/00276/2020) and Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM, UID/04413/2020). Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.L. infantum is the aetiological agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL), a disease that affects humans and dogs. Leishmania parasites are well adapted to aggressive conditions inside the phagolysosome and can control the immune activation of macrophages (MØs). Although MØs are highly active phagocytic cells with the capacity to destroy pathogens, they additionally comprise the host cells for Leishmania infection, replication, and stable establishment in the mammal host. The present study compares, for the first time, the innate immune response to L. infantum infection of two different macrophage lineages: the blood macrophages and the liver macrophages (Kupffer cells, KC). Our findings showed that L. infantum takes advantage of the natural predisposition of blood-MØs to phagocyte pathogens. However, parasites rapidly subvert the mechanisms of MØs immune activation. On the other hand, KCs, which are primed for immune tolerance, are not extensively activated and can overcome the dormancy induced by the parasite, exhibiting a selection of immune mechanisms, such as extracellular trap formation. Altogether, KCs reveal a different pattern of response in contrast with blood-MØs when confronting L. infantum parasites. In addition, KCs response appears to be more efficient in managing parasite infection, thus contributing to the ability of the liver to naturally restrain Leishmania dissemination.publishersversionpublishe