The financial sustainability of Microcredit in Portugal

Microcredit and microfinance emerged in the 1970’s in Bangladesh and other developing countries and expanded rapidly worldwide as a business model financially sustainable and able to fight poverty and social exclusion. Empirical evidence confirms microcredit ability to mitigate poverty but its financial sustainability is controversial. Using 2006-2009 Portuguese micro-level data, we estimate the failure rate of Portuguese micro-credit projects as 20,6%/year that, to be financially sustainable, would require a real interest rate by 25%/year. Using a territorial variable on a discrete Cox proportional hazard model with censured data, we estimate that the failure rate of those micro-credit projects located in the worst-case NUTS II Portuguese regions (Alentejo and Centro) and promoted by lower schooling people is significantly higher than best-case.Microcredit, Firms failure rate, Poverty, Financial sustainability

Growth performance, biochemical composition and sedimentation velocity of Tetraselmis sp. CTP4 under different salinities using low-cost lab- and pilot-scale systems

Biomass harvesting is one of the most expensive steps of the whole microalgal production pipeline. Therefore, the present work aimed to understand the effect of salinity on the growth performance, biochemical composition and sedimentation velocity of Tetraselmis sp. CTP4, in order to establish an effective low-cost pilot-scale harvesting system for this strain. At lab scale, similar growth performance was obtained in cultures grown at salinities of 5, 10 and 20 g L-1 NaCl. In addition, identical settling velocities (2.4-3.6 cm h-1) were observed on all salinities under study, regardless of the growth stage. However, higher salinities (20 g L-1) promoted a significant increase in lipid contents in this strain compared to when this microalga was cultivated at 5 or 10 g L-1 NaCl. At pilot-scale, cultures were cultivated semi-continuously in 2.5-m3 tubular photobioreactors, fed every four days, and stored in a 1-m3 harvesting tank. Upon a 24-hour settling step, natural sedimentation of the microalgal cells resulted in the removal of 93% of the culture medium in the form of a clear liquid containing only vestigial amounts of biomass (0.07 ± 0.02 g L-1 dry weight; DW). The remaining culture was recovered as a highly concentrated culture (19.53 ± 4.83 g L-1 DW) and wet microalgal paste (272.7 ± 18.5 g L-1 DW). Overall, this method provided an effective recovery of 97% of the total biomass, decreasing significantly the harvesting costs.Agência financiadora Portuguese national budget P2020 Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) CMAR/Multi/04326/2013 ALGARED+ 1398 EP - INTERREG V-A Espana Portugal project ALGACO2 project 023310 COST Action 1408 - European Network for Bio-products FCT SFRH/BD/105541/2014info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Operation regimes: A comparison based on Nannochloropsis oceanica biomass and lipid productivity

Microalgae are currently considered to be a promising feedstock for biodiesel production. However, significant research efforts are crucial to improve the current biomass and lipid productivities under real outdoor production conditions. In this context, batch, continuous and semi-continuous operation regimes were compared during the Spring/Summer seasons in 2.6 m(3) tubular photobioreactors to select the most suitable one for the production of the oleaginous microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica. Results obtained revealed that N. oceanica grown using the semi-continuous and continuous operation regimes enabled a 1.5-fold increase in biomass volumetric productivity compared to that cultivated in batch. The lipid productivity was 1.7-fold higher under semi-continuous cultivation than that under a batch operation regime. On the other hand, the semi-continuous and continuous operation regimes spent nearly the double amount of water compared to that of the batch regime. Interestingly, the biochemical profile of produced biomass using the different operation regimes was not affected regarding the contents of proteins, lipids and fatty acids. Overall, these results show that the semi-continuous operation regime is more suitable for the outdoor production of N. oceanica, significantly improving the biomass and lipid productivities at large-scale, which is a crucial factor for biodiesel production.POCI-01-0247-FEDER-035234, LISBOA-01-0247-FEDER-035234, ALG-01-0247-FEDER-035234info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Absolute quantification of the host-to-parasite DNA ratio in Theileria parva-infected lymphocyte cell lines

Theileria parva is a tick-transmitted intracellular apicomplexan pathogen of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa that causes East Coast fever (ECF). ECF is an acute fatal disease that kills over one million cattle annually, imposing a tremendous burden on African small-holder cattle farmers. The pathology and level of T. parva infections in its wildlife host, African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), and in cattle are distinct. We have developed an absolute quantification method based on quantitative PCR (qPCR) in which recombinant plasmids containing single copy genes specific to the parasite (apical membrane antigen 1 gene, ama1) or the host (hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1, hprt1) are used as the quantification reference standards. Our study shows that T. parva and bovine cells are present in similar numbers in T. parva-infected lymphocyte cell lines and that consequently, due to its much smaller genome size, T. parva DNA comprises between 0.9% and 3% of the total DNA samples extracted from these lines. This absolute quantification assay of parasite and host genome copy number in a sample provides a simple and reliable method of assessing T. parva load in infected bovine lymphocytes, and is accurate over a wide range of host-to-parasite DNA ratios. Knowledge of the proportion of target DNA in a sample, as enabled by this method, is essential for efficient high-throughput genome sequencing applications for a variety of intracellular pathogens. This assay will also be very useful in future studies of interactions of distinct host-T. parva stocks and to fully characterize the dynamics of ECF infection in the field

Identification of a cDNA encoding Ascorbate peroxidase from Pinus Pinaster Ait.

Poster apresentado no X Congresso Nacional de Biotecnologia "BIOTEC' 2003", Lisboa, Portugal em 2003.The maritime or wild pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) is the conifer with the widest distribution in Portugal, being of an extreme economic importance to wood and paper industries and also as a large source of pitch, turpentine and resin. Pine forest decay is largely associated with abiotic and biotic stresses, which ultimately leads to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus resulting in damage at the cellular level. Antioxidants and antioxidative enzymes are referred to have a role in the interruption of uncontrolled oxidation cascades occurring in different cell compartments. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) exists as several isoforms that play an important role in the scavenging of H2O2 in higher plants, preventing not only cellular damage but also the inhibition of cytosolic and chloroplastic enzyme activity. The identification of cDNAs encoding ascorbate peroxidase isoenzymes was attempted by screening a Pinus pinaster cDNA library with homologous probes previously obtained by PCR amplification of cDNA using degenerated primers. A full cDNA sequence was obtained and the sequence analysis revealed high similarity with cytosolic soluble APX from higher plants. This cDNA will be used in genetic expression profilings.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - grant ref. SFRH/BD/3194/2000

Prevalence and pattern of cognitive impairment in rural and urban populations from Northern Portugal

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Despite worldwide recognition of the burden of dementia, no epidemiological data is yet available in Portugal. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence and describe the pattern of cognitive impairment with dementia or no dementia (CIND) in rural and urban populations from Northern Portugal.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Two random samples of residents aged 55 to 79 years in rural and urban communities were drawn from the health centres registries to be screened for cognitive impairment. The screening criteria for dementia were an abnormal Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score or a Blessed Dementia Scale score. After excluding those who tested positive for dementia, cut-off points for CIND were set at 1 standard deviation below the mean of the MMSE according to educational level. All those who screened positive either for dementia or CIND were examined by a neurologist for establishing a definitive diagnosis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of cognitive impairment was higher in rural than in urban populations, 16.8% (95% CI: 14.3-19.8%) vs. 12.0% (95%CI: 9.3-15.4%), with a rural/urban prevalence ratio (PR) of 2.16 (95% CI: 1.04-4.50) in the eldest and 2.19 (95% CI: 1.01-4.76) in persons with vascular risk factors. The prevalence of dementia was 2.7% (95% CI: 1.9-3.8%) with a rural/urban PR = 2.1 and the prevalence of CIND was 12.3% (95% CI: 10.4-14.4%) and PR = 1.3. The prevalence of dementia increases exponentially with age and in those with cerebrovascular disease or other comorbid conditions while the prevalence of CIND, besides these factors, is also higher in persons with low levels of education or vascular risk factors. Alzheimer's and vascular disease were equally likely aetiologies of dementia (38.7%), the later more common in men PR(F:M = 0.3) as opposed to the former PR(F:M = 2.0). Vascular CIND, associated either with cerebrovascular disease or vascular risk factors was more frequent (39.7%) then depression (18.4%) or any other aetiology.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The prevalence of cognitive impairment is higher in rural compared with urban populations. This is shown in the synergy between age and rurality, with the rural/urban prevalence ratio increasing with age. In this relatively young population from Northern Portugal, cerebrovascular disease as well as vascular risk factors account for 48% of overall cognitive impairment.</p

Effect of antifungal agents on non-Candida albicans Candida species enzymes secretion

The infective ability of Candida species depends on specific virulence mechanisms that confer the ability to colonize host surfaces, to invade deeper host tissue or to evade host defences. During the pathogenic process many virulence attributes may be involved including, production of extracellular proteases and haemolytic activity. Nevertheless, in vitro studies have indicated that antifungal agents could be able to influence the enzymatic activity of Candida species. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to investigate the action of antifungals on proteinase and haemolytic activity of Candida species. This study was conducted with C. albicans (1), C. glabrata (4), C. parapsilosis (5) and C. tropicalis (6) recovered from different body sites (blood, oral, vaginal and urinary tract). Four reference strains of C. albicans ATCC 90028, C. glabrata ATCC 2001, C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019 and C. tropicalis ATCC 750 were also examined. The susceptibility to fluconazole and amphotericin B was determined by the microdilution test in order to allow the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and the maximum antifungal concentration (MAC). Then, the proteinase and hemolytic activity was determined for yeasts grown at MIC and MAC. It was observed that all Candida species assayed were sensible to both antifungal agents. Concerning the antifungal effect on enzymatic activity of Candida species, C. parapsilosis from candiduria presented a decreased proteinase and haemolysin activity for both MIC and MAC of both antifungal agents. Moreover, the other species presented differences in terms of production of proteinase and haemolysin at MIC and MAC. Candida albicans reference strain presented lower proteinase activity at MIC of fluconazole (46.7%) but presented higher activity for MAC (61.9%) in comparison to the control (60%). Furthermore, regarding haemolysin activity there were isolates that expressed high levels of enzymes in the presence of both antifungals such as: C. glabrata from urine and from vaginal tract; and C. tropicalis from urine. Conversely, some clinical isolates, presented low levels of enzymatic activity after contact with the antifungal agents, such as: C. albicans (oral isolate); C. glabrata (oral isolate and vaginal isolate); C. parapsilosis (from urine) and also all C. tropicalis except one urinary isolate. It was possible to conclude that the proteinase and haemolysin activities were strain and species dependent and no correlation was found among activity profile and the site of isolation. Moreover, fluconazole and amphotericin B were able to influence the tested Candida species enzymatic activity

Insights into Candida tropicalis virulence factors

Candida tropicalis is a common nosocomial species related to candidemia and candiduria. Several virulence factors seem to be responsible for C. tropicalis infections, which lead to high mortality. Adhesion to surfaces (medical devices and host cells) and biofilm formation are considered important factors that contribute to the development of candidosis. Therefore, adhesion to urinary catheters and biofilm formation were assessed in an optimized in vitro flow model, using silicone and latex urinary catheters and artificial urine (AU). Moreover, biofilm matrices were also evaluated in terms of proteins and carbohydrates. Regarding adhesion to biotic surfaces, the interaction of C. tropicalis with host cells was determined using three different human epithelial cell lines: TCC-SUP (urinary bladder); HeLa (cervical carcinoma) and Caco-2 (colorectal adenocarcinoma). Specifically, the degree of human cells damage and activity reduction induced by C. tropicalis adhesion and the role of Candida tropicalis aspartyl proteinases (SAPT) genes expression were assessed. Additionally, the influence of C. tropicalis biofilm cells with different ages (24 - 120 h) on TCC-SUP cells integrity was also studied. Another important Candida factor is its resistance to antifungal agents, which was also assessed and related with the expression of enzymes and hyphae formation. In summary, C. tropicalis strains were able to form biofilms in AU, in static or dynamic mode, although, with differences among strains. It is important to emphasize that human cells response to C. tropicalis adhesion, as well as SAPs production, is strain and cell line dependent. Additionally, it should be highlighted that C. tropicalis cells detached from biofilms are able to colonize human cells and cause injury and reduction of metabolic activity. In addition SAPT3 was highly expressed compared to other SAPT genes. Therefore, it should be pointed out that C. tropicalis presented a set of different virulencefactors that might be responsible for its high degree of infection

Effect of itraconazole on Candida glabrata biofilm matrix

The emergence of non-Candida albicans Candida (NCAC) species as a common cause of fungal infection is often associated with the increasing number of immunocompromised patients, the widespread use of indwelling medical devices and the decreased susceptibility to azoles. The ability of Candida species to adapt to a variety of different habitats and to form biofilms is also of major contribution to this increased incidence. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the influence of the antifungal agent itraconazole on the matrix composition of Candida glabrata biofilms. Biofilms of Candida glabrata vaginalstrain 534784 were formed in 6-well plates for 24h. Then, fresh RPMI1640/ MOPS medium (control biofilms) and itraconazole (256μg/mL) were added to the previously formed 24h biofilms. After 48h of exposure to these components, biofilms were scraped from the 6-well plates and the extracellular matrix extracted by sonication. The protein and carbohydrate content of the biofilm matrix were determined using a BCA kit and the Dubois method, respectively. The analysis of matrix composition of biofilms exposed to itraconazole showed an increase in both protein and carbohydrate content comparatively to the control. The results indicate that the presence of itraconazole leads to an increase in the production of extracellular matrix components in Candida glabrata biofilms

The role of antifungals agents on Candida glabrata biofilms matrix composition

Candida glabrata was considered, for years, a relatively non-pathogenic saprophyte of the normal flora of healthy individuals and as no causative agent of serious infection in humans. However, its high mortality rate and its quick spread confirm the opposite. In fact, due to the widespread and increased use of immunosuppressive therapy together with broad-spectrum antifungal treatments, the frequency of mucosal and systemic infections caused by C. glabrata has increased significantly. Furthermore, biofilms are described as surface associated communities of microorganisms within an extracellular matrix, generally composed of carbohydrate and proteins. Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor for a number of Candida species, as it confers significant resistance to antifungal therapy by limiting the penetration of substances through the matrix and protecting cells from host immune responses. Moreover, little is known about the role of antifungals on C. glabrata biofilms. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the role of fluconazole, itraconazole and amphotericin B on 24 h pre-formed C. glabrata biofilms and specially on their matrix composition. A total of 3 C. glabrata strains isolated from oral, urinary and vaginal tract were used, as well as a reference strain from ATCC (C. glabrata 2001). Biofilms were formed on 12-well plates on RPMI 1640, during 24h at 37ºC and 120 rpm. Then, the antifungal agents (fluconazole, amphotericin B and itraconazole) were added to the previously formed biofilms. After 48 h of action of each antifungal agent, the biofilms were evaluated in terms of total biomass by crystal violet staining and number of viable cells by colony forming units (CFUs). The role of itraconazole on biofilms of the clinical vaginal isolate (C. glabrata 534784) was also examined in terms of matrix composition. For this, biofilms were formed in 6-well plates during 24h and, after 48h of exposure to itraconazole, were scraped from the wells and the extracellular matrix was extracted by sonication. Biofilm matrix contents in proteins and carbohydrates were determined using the BCA kit and the Dubois method, respectively. The results showed that, amphotericin B and fluconazole were able to cause a significant decreased on total biomass and CFUs of C. glabrata. However, itraconazole was not able to affect biofilms, except for the clinical vaginal isolate (C. glabrata 534784) at 256 µg/mL point concentration, which presented an increase in total biofilm biomass. Candida glabrata 534784 biofilms matrix exposed to itraconazole (256 µg/mL) presented an increase in proteins content but not in carbohydrate comparatively to the control. In summary, fluconazole and amphotericin B were able to significantly decrease the pre-formed biofilms of C. glabrata strains. Furthermore, the highest amount of total biofilm biomass of the vaginal isolate seems to be due to the increased protein content in its matrix