Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “PORTUGAL”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Antimicrobial resistance and the mechanisms implicated in faecal enterococci from healthy humans, poultry and pets in Portugal.

Antimicrobial resistance and the mechanisms implicated were studied in 440 enterococci (227 Enterococcus faecium, 177 Enterococcus faecalis, 32 Enterococcus hirae and 4 Enterococcus durans) recovered from 220 faecal samples of healthy humans, poultry and pets in Portugal. Higher levels of resistance were detected for ampicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin and chloramphenicol in poultry isolates (10.5%, 97%, 87.5% and 16%, respectively) compared with human isolates (0%, 26%, 31.5% and 5%, respectively); intermediate levels of resistance for these antibiotics were found in pet isolates. Thirty-three per cent of the E. faecium isolates of poultry origin showed quinupristin/dalfopristin resistance. High-level resistance to gentamicin or streptomycin was detected in 1-7% of isolates in our series of enterococci. The aac(6')-aph(2''), aph(3')-IIIa, erm(B) and tet(M) genes were demonstrated in most of the gentamicin-, kanamycin-, erythromycin- and tetracycline-resistant isolates, respectively. The vat(E) gene was found in 39% of the quinupristin/dalfopristin-resistant E. faecium isolates of poultry origin.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Analysis of the prescribed burning practice in the pine forest of northwestern Portugal.

The ignition of low-intensity fires in the dormant season in the pine stands of north-western Portugal seeks to reduce the existing fuel hazard without compromising site quality. The purpose of this study is to characterise this practice and assess its effectiveness, based on information resulting from the normal monitoring process at the management level, and using operational guidelines, fire behaviour models and a newly developed method to classify prescribed fire severity. Although the region's humid climate strongly constrains the activity of prescribed fire, 87% of the fires analysed were undertaken under acceptable meteorological and fuel moisture conditions. In fact, most operations achieved satisfactory results. On average, prescribed fire reduces by 96% the potential intensity of a wildfire occurring under extreme weather conditions, but 36% of the treated sites would still require heavy fire fighting resources to suppress such fire, and 17% would still carry it in the tree canopy. Only 10% of the prescribed burns have an excessive impact on trees or the forest floor, while 89% (normal fire weather) or 59% (extreme fire weather) comply with both ecological integrity maintenance and wildfire protection needs. Improved planning and monitoring procedures are recommended in order to overcome the current deficiencies.

Climate↗
PubMed2006

The in vitro screening for acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant activity of medicinal plants from Portugal.

Essential oil, ethanolic extract and decoction of 10 plant species from interior Portugal were analyzed for their activity towards acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme and their antioxidant activity. Of these, Melissa officinalis, Paronychia argentea, Sanguisorba minor, Hypericum undulatum and Malva silvestris are used in herbal medicine, Laurus nobilis and Mentha suaveolens as condiments, and Salvia officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula pedunculata also as aromatics. Melissa officinalis and Mentha suaveolens showed AChE inhibitory capacity higher then 50% in the essential oil fraction. Laurus nobilis, Hypericum undulatum, and Sanguisorba minor showed a high inhibition value of AChE in the ethanolic fraction, 64% (1 mg ml(-1)) 68% (0.5 mg ml(-1)), and 78% (1 mg ml(-1)), respectively. Higher values of AChE inhibitory activity were found using decoctions of Lavandula pedunculata, Mentha suaveolens and Hypericum undulatum, 68, 69 and 82% (at a concentration of 5mg dry plant ml(-1) of assay), respectively. The free radical scavenger activity was higher for the polar extracts. In the water extracts most of the plants showed values around 90%. When antioxidant activity was measured with the beta-carotene-linoleic acid assay high activity (65-95%) was also found in the water extracts. Hypericum undulatum, Melissa officinalis and Laurus nobilis showed both high AChE inhibitory capacity and antioxidant activity.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2003

Later Middle Pleistocene human remains from the Almonda Karstic system, Torres Novas, Portugal.

Later Middle Pleistocene archeological deposits of the Galeria Pesada (Gruta da Aroeira), Almonda Karstic System, Torres Novas, Portugal, yielded two archaic human teeth, a mandibular canine and a maxillary third molar. The C(1)presents moderate and asymmetrical shoveling with a stout root. The slightly worn M(3)exhibits at least four cusps with a large hypocone, three roots with large radicular plates, and an absence of taurodontism. They are moderately large for later Middle Pleistocene humans in their buccolingual crown diameters, although the M(3)mesiodistal diameter is modest. The C(1)exhibits labial calculus and multiple linear hypoplastic defects, but the M(3)is lesion free. Both teeth are morphologically similar to those of other Middle Pleistocene European humans and reinforce a pattern of dental hypertrophy among these archaic Homo.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

A whole genome association study in multiple sclerosis patients from north Portugal.

Genetic factors are known to influence susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) but the genes involved are largely undefined. Here, we report an association study based on 200 patients and 200 controls from the Porto region in Portugal. A total of 3974 markers were successfully typed from which we have identified 46 markers showing evidence of association. When compared to a physical map three regions were found with two of these markers less than 1.5 Mb apart: chromosomes 6p21.3 (the MHC region), 6q14.1 and 7q34.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

Ochratoxin A in nephropathic patients from two cities of central zone in Portugal.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium genera contaminates several foods. OTA is nephrotoxic to all animal species studied so far, and most likely to humans, who show the longest half-life for elimination of this toxin among all examined species. OTA has other toxic effects such as teratogenicity, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, and is also mutagenic and carcinogenic, all of which lead to life-threatening pathologies through several molecular pathways. A sensitive, specific and rapid method applying high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a spectrofluorimeter for the determination of ochratoxin A in human serum was validated. Serum samples were extracted with chloroform-orthophosphoric acid, and cleaned-up through immunoaffinity column (IAC). The separation and identification was performed by HPLC coupled to a spectrofluorimeter, and, after OTA methylation, the confirmation was achieved. Chromatographic separation of the analyte was performed on a reverse phase column with a mobile phase of water:acetonitrile:glacial acetic acid (49.5:49.5:1.0). Linearity was established between the range of 1 and 10 ng/ml. Under the optimized conditions, the recoveries were higher than 83.0% for all fortification levels. The intra-day precision oscillated between 8.0 and 5.0% at levels of 0.25 and 0.5 microg/l, while the inter-day precision was in the range of 10.7-16.0%. The limit of quantification of the method was 0.05 microg/l. The method is appropriate for quantitative determination of OTA in human serum and has been successfully applied to the analysis of OTA in haemodialysis patients from two principal cities of Portugal, in order to evaluate its exposure degree. Levels of OTA in Coimbra were higher than in Aveiro, 0.50 microg/l versus 0.49 microg/l. In respect to gender, levels of OTA were higher in males from Aveiro than in females, 0.52 microg/l versus 0.44 microg/l, and in Coimbra were similar, 0.50 microg/l versus 0.51 microg/l. However, in none of the cases, significant statistical differences were found.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Spatial and seasonal variations of the macrobenthic community and metal contamination in the Douro estuary (Portugal).

The macrobenthic community structure and characteristics of sediments were studied in samples collected seasonally at five stations in the lower mesotidal Douro estuary, Portugal. Sediment characterisation included grain size distribution, total-recoverable metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni and Cd), acid-volatile sulphides (AVS) and simultaneously extracted metals (SEM) and total organic matter contents. Spatial variation surpassed temporal variation both in terms of environmental parameters and community structure. Clear anthropogenic contamination in terms of Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb, and a positive SEM-AVS, indicating the potential bioavailability of these metals, were detected on the north bank of the estuary. Multivariate analysis revealed that in addition to natural sediment characteristics, the anthropogenic metal contamination was influencing the macrobenthic community structure. In fact, greater concentrations of Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb were associated with lower number of species and/or diversity. Finally, the dry weight-normalised metal concentrations appeared as a more useful tool than the SEM-AVS model in predicting disturbance of the macrobenthic community in the studied area.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Sediment disturbance off the Tagus Estuary, Western Portugal: chronic contamination, sewage outfall operation and runoff events.

Sediment disturbance patterns in the coastal area off the Tagus Estuary (Portugal) have been assessed using a set of combined techniques. The potential sources of disturbance in the area include chronic contamination of the fine sediments originating from the estuary, a local input from a long-sea sewage outfall and occasional high runoff episodes following torrential rain. The Sediment Quality Triad approach, combining environmental chemistry (namely organic contaminants), macrofaunal benthic communities and laboratory sediment toxicity assays, was performed on sediment samples from 20 sites. The samples were collected before the outfall commenced operation and four years after commissioning, in order to evaluate the relative magnitudes of the three potential sources of disturbance. The sediment contamination created by the estuary was identified as the most important cause of reduced sediment quality, as disturbance in all three components of the Sediment Quality Triad were only found in a site located near the estuary.

Environmental Monitoring↗
PubMed2005

Mercury distribution in Douro estuary (Portugal).

Determinations of dissolved reactive and total dissolved mercury, particulate and sedimentary mercury, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) have been made in the estuary of river Douro, in northern Portugal. The estuary was stratified by salinity along most of its length, it had low concentrations of SPM, typically <20 mg dm(-3), and concentrations of DOC in the range <1.0-1.8 mg dm(-3). The surface waters had a maximum dissolved concentration of reactive mercury of about 10 ng dm(-3), whereas for the more saline bottom waters it was about 65 ng dm(-3). The surface waters had maximum concentrations of total suspended particulate mercury of approximately 7 microg g(-1) and the bottom waters were always <1 microg g(-1). Concentrations of mercury in sediments was low and in the range from 0.06 to 0.18 microg g(-1). The transport of mercury in surface waters was mainly associated with organic-rich particulate matter, while in bottom waters the dissolved phase transport of mercury is more important. Lower particulate organic matter, formation of chlorocomplexes in more saline waters and eventually the presence of colloids appear to explain the difference of mercury partitioning in Douro estuarine waters.

Carbon↗
PubMed2005

Activity and growth efficiency of heterotrophic bacteria in a salt marsh (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal).

Bacterial utilization of monomers is recognized as an important step in the biogeochemical cycling of organic matter. In this study we have compared the heterotrophic activity of bacterial communities from different micro-habitats within a salt marsh environment (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal) in order to establish spatial patterns of bacterial abundance, monomer turnover rates (Tr) and bacterial growth efficiency (BGE). Differences in bacterial abundance and activity could be found between distinct plant rhizospheres. BGE tended to be lower at Halimione portulacoides banks, when compared to Sarcocornia perennis subsp. perennis banks which, on the contrary, showed the highest bacterial densities. Experiments of amendment of natural samples with organic and inorganic supplements indicated that salt marsh bacteria are not strongly regulated by salinity but the increased availability of labile organic matter causes a significant metabolic shift towards mineralization.

Acetates↗
PubMed2006

Application of kDNA as a molecular marker to analyse Leishmania infantum diversity in Portugal.

Around the Mediterranean basin Leishmania infantum is an important parasite causing canine leishmaniasis and visceral and cutaneous clinical forms in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised humans. Efficient monitoring and evaluation of epidemiology with discriminatory molecular markers are required. We investigated the genetic diversity of L. infantum in Portugal by polymerase chain amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of kinetoplastid DNA, as molecular marker. We analysed 120 Portuguese isolates of L. infantum plus 16 other non-Portuguese isolates (as a reference group) from humans, dogs and sand flies. The Portuguese population showed a high degree of polymorphism with a total of 13 profiles identified. The predominant profile was A, which was only detected in the Portuguese samples. The kinetoplastid DNA PCR-RFLP assay described here was suitable for use directly with biological samples and the profiles obtained were stable during long-term growth in vitro and in laboratory animals.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Scalp hair analysis as a tool in assessing human exposure to heavy metals (S. Domingos mine, Portugal).

Hair samples from the scalp were used in a preliminary assessment of heavy metals exposure (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn) of the human population living near an abandoned cupric pyrite mine (Mina de S. Domingos, Southeast Alentejo, Portugal). In parallel with the collection of hair samples, individuals from two different communities at the South and North of the mine area answered a questionnaire designed to obtain information about potential exposure pathways to these elements. The questionnaire allowed data collection about the most frequently consumed foodstuffs, drinking water sources, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and health condition. Higher concentrations, and subsequently higher ranges, of Cd, Cu and As were recorded in individuals living near the mine (MSD group), in opposition to individuals living several kilometers apart. Additionally, the concentrations recorded in the hair of some individuals from the MSD group were above the reference values for non-exposed individuals, suggesting their enhanced exposure. However, no significant differences were found for the average concentration of these elements between villages. Individuals from the CP and SC groups presented significantly higher concentrations of Zn and Mn in scalp hair. These results were in agreement with the concentrations of these elements recorded in soil samples. The water supplies of the area do not seem to be potential sources of trace elements for human beings. In opposition, individuals that frequently consume milk and cheese obtained from cattle that usually breeds in the area presented significantly higher concentrations of As and Mn in their scalp hair. Our results suggest that the population of S. Domingos mine area and neighbour localities may be exposed to some of the elements analysed namely Mn and Zn. The most likely exposure pathways seemed to be animal foodstuffs, however, a more detailed analysis of these products, as well as garden vegetables and fruits, should be performed.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

A phytogeochemical study of the Trás-os-Montes region (NE Portugal): possible species for plant-based soil remediation technologies.

Phytoremediation techniques are now considered to be promising alternatives to conventional techniques for the remediation of diffused or moderately contaminated soils. Despite their growing acceptance relatively few plant species have been studied for phytoremediation purposes. Further geobotanical surveys and plant screenings are necessary since these could lead to the identification of additional species with potential value for such applications. Serpentine areas could prove valuable sources of such plants. In this study heavy metal accumulation was determined in the flora associated with ultramafic and non-ultramafic soils of the Trás-os-Montes region of NE Portugal. Study sites were selected to represent a wide range of soil-forming rocks (serpentinized (S), ultrabasic (UB), basic (B) and acid (migmatite, M and schists, SC) rocks) and plant metal accumulation was related to soil metal bioavailability. Nine plant species (representing 7 families) were sampled including the Ni hyperaccumulator Alyssum serpyllifolium subsp. lusitanicum. The greatest metal accumulation, transport (leaf[metal]:root[metal]) and bioaccumulation (leaf[metal]/soil[metal]) was found in four of the non metal-hyperaccumulating species: Cistus ladanifer, Lavandula stoechas, Plantago subulata subsp. radicata and Thymus mastichina. Metal accumulation depended on both the plant species and the edaphic conditions at its provenance. While P. subulata is of less interest due to its low biomass the remaining three species could be of use in phytoremediation technologies such as phytoextraction, and particularly in soils contaminated with Cr, Mn and Zn. These three species are also of economic interest due to their oil and fragrance producing biomass.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed2005

Impact of medical waste incineration in the atmospheric PCDD/F levels of Porto, Portugal.

As a consequence of a monitoring program of a new municipal waste incinerator initiated in 1998, a large data-base of dioxin and furan concentrations in the atmosphere of the metropolitan area of Porto, in northern Portugal, has been collected. The existence of this data coincides with the shutdown in January 2001 of two medical waste incinerators that were under operation in the inner city of Porto. Dioxin emissions from these facilities were measured indicating emissions 100 to 1000 times larger than recent European Union directive limits. Data show that the shutdown of these two units had a clear effect on the improvement of air quality in the region that was observed either on the overall level of dioxins and furans or as in subtle alterations of the homolog pattern of these compounds in the atmosphere.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2005

Spatial distribution of total Hg in urban soils from an Atlantic coastal city (Aveiro, Portugal).

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels and the spatial distribution of total Hg concentrations in soils from the urban area of Aveiro (Portugal) in order to assess the impact of industrial activities and identified Hg emission sources in these urban soils. For this purpose, soils were collected in 25 sampling points (at two depths) within the urban perimeter and in places considered representative of the main green areas of the city. A median concentration of 0.091 mg kg(-1) (dry weight) was obtained, regardless the depth. Aveiro was considered a low polluted city in terms of total Hg and no direct effects of emissions of Hg from industrial activities nearby could be detected in these urban soils. Despite of the low values obtained, high variability (range of approximately 0.5 mg kg(-1)) was observed in the results. Such was considered to be related to characteristic features of soils in urban settings and to the behaviour of Hg in the urban environment.

Chemical Industry↗
PubMed2006

Endocrine and metabolic responses of Anguilla anguilla L. caged in a freshwater-wetland (Pateira de Fermentelos--Portugal).

The present short-term in situ study was carried out in a freshwater-wetland--Pateira de Fermentelos--considered an enlargement of Cértima River, in the centre of Portugal. This ecosystem is an important fishing and recreation place, receiving effluents from different origins namely, electroplating industrial effluents containing heavy metals, domestic wastes, as well as pesticides and fertilizers resulting from agriculture activities. The aim of the present research work was to monitor the effects induced by the contaminants present in Pateira de Fermentelos water, using Anguilla anguilla L. (European eel) as a bioindicator. The eels were caged for 48 h at four Pateira de Fermentelos sites, differing in their distances to the main known pollution source (Cértima River): A (close to the lagoon entrance), B, C and D (the farthest from the Cértima River). A reference site was selected near the Cértima river spring. The following parameters were measured: liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities, plasma levels of cortisol, 17beta-estradiol (E2), thyroid-stimulating-hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (T3), as well as glucose and lactate. The erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) frequency was also scored as a genotoxicity indicator. The results revealed increased plasma cortisol and glucose concentrations at all exposure sites, displaying a similar response pattern. Plasma T3 showed a significant decrease only at site A when compared to reference site, whereas plasma E2 increased at sites B and D when compared to all the other sites, including reference site. The present results indicate the Pateira de Fermentelos water contamination, demonstrating the usefulness of the adopted strategy.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed2005

Transposition of the Blood Directive into national law--the perspective of Portugal.

European union has published a directive 2002/98/CE in January 2003. The goal of the directive is to standardize the requirements of safety and quality throughout the blood transfusion chain in the countries of the European union. Member states have to implement the principles of this directive in their own regulation. Portugal has already identified what will be the consequences of the new regulation in the health system.

Biological Products↗
PubMed2004

Sero-epidemiological study of canine Leishmania spp. infection in the municipality of Alijó (Alto Douro, Portugal).

Visceral leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is a zoonotic disease in the Mediterranean basin. We report an epidemiological survey carried out in dogs from the municipality of Alijó in the endemic region of Alto Douro (north Portugal). Performance of the direct agglutination test (DAT) was assessed in 205 matching samples of blood collected on filter paper and serum. A high degree of agreement (97.6%; k = 0.83) was found between the results obtained from both types of samples. DAT was then used to test more blood on filter paper (B-FP) samples from other dogs of the same municipality. The detected sero-prevalence was 18.7% (288/1540), with values ranging from 0.0 to 81.1% in each of the 19 parishes of Alijó. Three distinct geographical zones of mean sero-prevalence could be defined: northwestern (2.5%), intermediate (11.4%) and southern (49.9%). No statistically significant difference was observed between male (19.1%) and female (17.8%) sero-prevalences (P = 0.560). Dogs of 9-11 years of age showed the highest sero-prevalence (28.4%), but all the other age-intervals (0-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 12-17 years) presented values (15.0-22.3%) not significantly different from the mean of the whole study population. Risk factors for canine Leishmania infection were age and geographical zone. Only 5.9% of the sero-positive animals had clinical signs of canine leishmaniosis and the overall prevalence of disease was 1.1%. This study validates the use of B-FP samples and confirms DAT as a simple and sensitive serological test to evaluate the level of canine Leishmania infection in areas of high sero-prevalence.

Age Factors↗