Campylobacteriosis in beef cattle in Alentejo – preliminary assessment

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of infection by Campylobacter fetus in beef cattle reared in extensive systems in Alentejo region by direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT), a technique widely used for determining the prevalence of this disease

Attachment, Physiological and Familial Vulnerability in Childhood Obesity: an Interactive Multisystem Approach

The aims of the present study were to test the association between insecure attachment and basal cortisol and catecholamines levels in a sample of obese children. The role of familial vulnerability and gender was also investigated. Methods: Cortisol and catecholamines levels of 8- to 13-year olds obese children were measured. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess attachment pattern and current anxiety and depression, and parent-report questionnaires were used to assess attachment, current anxiety and depression and familial vulnerability. Linear regression analyses were performed for individuals that scored low versus high on parental internalizing problems, and for boys and girls, separately. Results: In the group with high parental internalizing problems, insecure attachment was significantly associated with reduced basal levels of cortisol, in boys (p=0.007, b= -0.861, R2= 73.0%). In the group with low parental internalizing problems, the association between insecure attachment and cortisol was not significant in either boys or girls, and it was negative in boys (p=0.075, b= -0.606, R2= 36.7%) and positive in girls (p=0.677, b= 0.176, R2= 3.1%) . Conclusions: Apparently, physiological risk factors for psicopathology in obesity are more evident in individuals with a high familial vulnerability. In addition, patterns of physiological risk for psicopathology in obesity are different in boys and girls. Therefore, it is important to take into account familial vulnerability and gender when investigating physiological risk factors for psycopathology in obesity. Insecure attachment in childhood may be a risk factor for obesity. Interventions to increase children's attachment security should examine the effects on children's weight

Preliminary study of antimicrobial action of essential oils on etiological agents of mastitis in shee

The control of mastitis is currently reliant on antibiotic utilization. Nevertheless antibiotics overuse and use without criteria leads to the development of resistant strains with negative consequences both in animal and public health. Essential oils (EOs) are classified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe), are provided with antimicrobial properties and no resistance has been reported after use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of EOs of aromatic herbs, growing wild in Alentejo region and widely used in Mediterranean food, against microorganisms isolated from ovine mastitic milk

Mycobacterium avium Complex in domestic and wild animals

Mycobacteria from the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) cause a variety of diseases including tuberculosis-like disease in humans and birds, disseminated infections in AIDS patients and otherwise immunocompromised patients, lymphadenitis in humans and mammals and paratuberculosis in ruminants. M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) is the etiologic agent of Johne´s disease in cattle and it has been identified in human patients with Crohn’s disease. The MAC comprises slow growing mycobacteria that are ubiquitous in the environment (soil and water), and have a wide source range, causing disease in various domestic and wild mammals and birds [1]. The aim of this study was to discuss the classification and biology, epidemiology, clinical signs, pathology, diagnostic techniques, and public health concerns in Mycobacterium avium complex in domestic and wild animals

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Lamiaceae aromatic spices towards sheep mastitis-causing Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis

Mastitis in ewes is responsible for massive economic losses. Antibiotics are routinely used for mastitis control but its excessive use leads to development of antibiotic resistance with deleterious outcomes both for animal and public health. Essential oils (EOs) show antibacterial proprieties and no resistance has been reported after prolonged exposure; however their efficacy depends on their chemical composition. In this study EOs chemical composition from four autochthonous aromatic herbs, from Alentejo region, southern Portugal, Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta, Lavandula stoechas subsp. luisieri, Rosmarinus oficinalis and Thymus mastichina was accessed. EOs of R. officinalis showed predominance in monoterpene hydrocarbons (63%) whereas EOs of T. mastichina, L. luisieri and C. nepeta were rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (71-95%). The antimicrobial activity of selected EOs was investigated towards Staphylococcus aureus (n= 24) and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates (n= 24) from ovine mastitic milk origin. Results of disk diffusion assay revealed that C. nepeta, L. stoechas and T. mastichina EOs are highly active against both S. aureus and S. epidermidis strains, whereas R. officinalis EO is highly active against S. aureus strains but inactive against several S. epidermidis isolates. EOs concentration causing bacterial growth inhibition ranged from 500 to 4,000 µg mL-1 in liquid microassays

Airborne PM Impact on Health, Overview of Variables, and Key Factors to Decision Making in Air Quality

This chapter intends to contribute to the understanding of the multiple aspects related to particulate matter (PM) in an air urban environment, in particular, regarding its impact on human health. A general overview of variables and key factors is presented to identify, relate, and understand the diverse and multidisciplinary variables that contribute to PM concentration in urban environments associated with health impacts. This relation is difficult to quantify, given the numerous variables that are interlinked due to the multidisciplinary aspects involved. Our aim is to identify the main multidisciplinary aspects, namely, meteorology, urban geometry, buildings, roads and footpaths, road traffic, industries, air concentration measurements, and health. The main strategic aspects for decision making related to airborne PM impact on health are also discussed

Manejo da fertirrigação em fruteiras e hortaliças.

Necessidade de nutrientes; Frequência de aplicação e distribuição de nutrientes; Preparo e aplicação da solução nutritiva; Monitoramento da fertirrigação