Northeastern Portugal Research Articles

Characterization of phenolic compounds in flowers of wild medicinal plants from Northeastern Portugal

Crataegus monogyna, Cytisus multiflorus, Malva sylvestris and Sambucus nigra have been used as important medicinal plants in the Iberian Peninsula since a long time ago, and are claimed to have various health benefits. This study aimed to determine the phenolic profile and composition of wild medicinal flowers of those species. The analysis was performed by HPLC–DAD–ESI/MS. Flavonoids, and particularly flavonols and flavones, were the main groups in almost all the studied samples. C. multiflorus sample gave the highest levels of total flavonoids (54.5mg/gdw), being a chrysin derivative the most abundant flavone found (22.3mg/gdw). C. monogyna revealed the highest concentration in phenolic acids (5.5mg/gdw) that were not found in C. multiflorus sample; 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid was the most abundant phenolic acid found in the first species, being a procyanidin trimer also found (1.4mg/gdw). Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (0.84mg/gdw) and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (14.9mg/gdw) were the main flavonols present in M. sylvestris and S. nigra, respectively. Due to the well established antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds, the studied wild medicinal flowers could be selected for processing extracts with health-promoting properties or to be incorporate into functional beverages or products with bioactive properties related to oxidative stress.

Life Satisfaction of Two-Year Post-Stroke Survivors: Effects of Socio-Economic Factors, Motor Impairment, Newcastle Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Measure and World Health Organization Quality of Life – bref of Informal Caregivers in Luxembourg and a Rural Area in Portugal

Background: Life satisfaction of stroke survivors is known to be associated with socio-economic factors and the survivor’s and his/her caregiver’s quality of life, but their respective influence remains to be fully elucidated. Purpose: To analyse the stroke survivors’ life satisfaction 2 years after the event and its relationships with quality of life, socio-economic and stroke-related characteristics, and with informal caregivers’ life satisfaction and quality of life . Methods: Over 18 months, all stroke patients from Luxembourg and north-eastern Portugal who lived at home were identified from the Inspection Générale de la Sécurité Sociale and hospital records, respectively. The clinical diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease was confirmed. We excluded all patients who declared that stroke did not result in neurological impairments at the time of stroke from the statistical analysis. The samples comprised 79 patients in Luxembourg and 48 in Portugal. Patients and the people they identified as their main caregivers were interviewed using validated questionnaires measuring life satisfaction, i.e. the Newcastle Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (Newsqol – 11 subscales), which identifies the areas affected by stroke among patients, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life – bref (Whoqol-bref – 4 subscales) of informal caregivers. Survivors without neurological impairment at the time of stroke were excluded. Data were analysed via multiple-regression models. Results: Life satisfaction was higher among women and lower among subjects with impaired motor functions. It was lower among Portuguese respondents with low-level education (<12th grade) and higher among those at work (37.6/100). In Luxembourg, retired people had more life satisfaction than did working people (–7.9/100). Controlling for socio-economic factors, life satisfaction was associated with feelings- Newsqol (slope 0.25) among Luxembourg residents, and with feelings-, mobility- and self-care-Newsqol (slopes 0.24, 0.27 and 0.33, respectively) among Portuguese respondents. Life satisfaction of patients was strongly related to that of family caregivers among the Portuguese respondents (slope 0.66) but the relationship was moderate in Luxembourg (slope 0.28). The survivors’ life satisfaction was not correlated with any Whoqol-bref domain in the Luxembourg group, but was correlated with the Whoqol-bref psychological, social relationships and environment domains among the Portuguese respondents (slopes 0.55, 0.59 and 0.51, respectively). Conclusions: The life satisfaction scale and the Newsqol stroke instrument, which identify areas of quality of life affected by stroke, are reliable patient-centred markers of intervention outcome. They can be used within the framework of medical follow-up (such as telephone assistance, clinical practice and prevention). Depending on the stroke survivor’s and the family caregiver’s habitual lifestyle and material circumstances, enhancement of a caregiver’s quality of life can help maintain the patient’s life satisfaction, particularly in a rural setting.

Nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of four tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) farmer’ varieties in Northeastern Portugal homegardens

The nutritional and antioxidant composition of four tomato Portuguese farmer’ varieties widely cultivated in homegardens was determined. The analysed components included macronutrients, individual profiles of sugars and fatty acids by chromatographic techniques, hydrophilic antioxidants such as vitamin C, phenolics, flavonols and anthocyanins, and lipophilic antioxidants such as tocopherols, β-carotene and lycopene. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power, β-carotene bleaching inhibition and TBARS formation inhibition. One of the four varieties, which is locally known as round tomato or potato tomato, proved to be the most powerful in antioxidant activity (EC50 values⩽1.63mg/ml), phenolic compounds (phenolics 31.23mg ClAE/g extract, flavonols 6.36mg QE/g extract and anthocyanins 3.45mg ME/g extract) and carotenoids (β-carotene 0.51mg/100g and lycopene 9.49mg/100g), while the so-called yellow tomato variety revealed interesting nutritional composition, including higher fructose (3.42g/100g), glucose (3.18g/100g), α-linolenic acid (15.53%) and total tocopherols (1.44mg/100g) levels. Overall, these farmer’ varieties of garden tomato cultivated in the Northeastern Portuguese region could contribute as sources of important antioxidants related to the prevention of chronic diseases associated to oxidative stress, such as cancer and coronary artery disease .

Climate change scenarios for precipitation extremes in Portugal

Precipitation indices are commonly used as climate change indicators. Considering four Climate Variability and Predictability-recommended indices, this study assesses possible changes in their spatial patterns over Portugal under future climatic conditions. Precipitation data from the regional climate model Consortium for Small-Scale Modelling–Climate version of the Local Model (CCLM) ensemble simulations with ECHAM5/MPI-OM1 boundary conditions are used for this purpose. For recent–past, medians and probability density functions of the CCLM-based indices are validated against station-based and gridded observational dataset from ENSEMBLES-based (gridded daily precipitation data provided by the European Climate Assessment & Dataset project) indices. It is demonstrated that the model is able to realistically reproduce not only precipitation but also the corresponding extreme indices. Climate change projections for 2071–2100 (A1B and B1 SRES scenarios) reveal significant decreases in total precipitation, particularly in autumn over northwestern and southern Portugal, though changes exhibit distinct local and seasonal patterns and are typically stronger for A1B than for B1. The increase in winter precipitation over northeastern Portugal in A1B is the most important exception to the overall drying trend. Contributions of extreme precipitation events to total precipitation are also expected to increase, mainly in winter and spring over northeastern Portugal. Strong projected increases in the dry spell lengths in autumn and spring are also noteworthy, giving evidence for an extension of the dry season from summer to spring and autumn. Although no coupling analysis is undertaken, these changes are qualitatively related to modifications in the large-scale circulation over the Euro-Atlantic area, more specifically to shifts in the position of the Azores High and associated changes in the large-scale pressure gradient over the area.

Efficacy of spinosad bait sprays to control Bactrocera oleae and impact on non-target arthropods

A field study was conducted during 2005 and 2006 in Terra Quente, northeastern Portugal, to evaluate the efficacy of the spinosad-based insecticide Spintor Cebo® (Dow Agrosciences Iberica, S.A.) against the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), as well as the impact of the treatments on non-target arthropods. Results suggest that this insecticide could be as effective as dimethoate and since it was reported as having more benign toxicological and ecological profiles, it seems to be a good alternative to control the pest in Continental Mediterranean climates such as Terra Quente. However, its use should be evaluated carefully, mainly in conditions that increase the arthropod biological control agents’ propensity for feeding on it (e.g. absence of pollen, nectar and honeydews) to identify unintended impacts on conservation biological control of olive pests as a result of its application.

Seroepidemiological survey of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs from northeastern Portugal

Northeastern Portugal is a region where canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is endemic. In this study, a sero-epidemiological survey was conducted in 654 dogs from that geographical area. Serum samples were evaluated by the direct agglutination test (DAT) and also by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using five different defined antigens. Seroprevalence of infection was 21.3% based on the assumption that seropositive animals were positive for at least three tests. A high degree of agreement was found between DAT and LAM-ELISA (89%; kappa value [κ]=0.67). A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) of seropositivity was found between adult (23.4%) and juvenile dogs (12.2%), apparently healthy (14.8%) and sick dogs (40.2%), vaccinated (19.7%) and non-vaccinated (41.2%) animals, seropositive (26.9%) and seronegative (18.0%) for Toxoplasma gondii, living in rural (18.5%) or urban (32.6%) areas, and between animals living exclusively outdoors (18.2%) and those living in a mixed habitat (27.5%). Risk factors for canine Leishmania infection, as defined by multiple logistic regression analysis, were of clinical status (odds ratio [OR]=3.1) and Toxoplasma infection (OR=1.5).

Diversity of predaceous arthropods in the almond tree canopy in Northeastern Portugal: A methodological approach

AbstractThe almond tree is an economically important crop in Mediterranean regions. However, knowledge about the biodiversity of natural enemies that may be useful as biocontrol agents is scarce. The objectives of this work were: (i) to study the diversity of predaceous arthropods; and (ii) to establish a suitable sampling protocol for arthropods of the almond tree canopy. Between April and October of 2007 and 2008, 25 randomly selected trees were sampled in an organic almond grove located in the north‐east of Portugal using the beating technique. The specimens collected were counted and identified and the sampling protocol was established by using the accumulation curves and the seasonal richness peaks of the most abundant groups of natural enemies. A total of 1856 and 1301 arthropods were captured, respectively, in 2007 and 2008, where Araneae, Coccinellidae and Formicidae were the most abundant groups. A total of 14 families and 29 species of spiders were identified as Linyphiidae, Philodromidae, Thomisidae, Araneidae and Oxyopidae, the five most abundant families in both years. In the Coccinellidae and Formicidae communities 15 and 13 species were identified, respectively. According to taxa accumulation curves, the minimum sampling effort that provided a reliable picture of the biodiversity was established in 11 samples. Moreover, considering the seasonal richness distribution, it would be advisable to concentrate the sampling period from the beginning of July to the harvesting of almonds. This protocol might generate accurate replicate samples to estimate species richness when the effect of agricultural management is studied.

Factors affecting roe deer occurrence in a Mediterranean landscape, Northeastern Portugal

The European roe deer population in Portugal is on the southwestern edge of its distribution. Understanding limiting factors that act on these populations enlightens both local aspects concerning their conservation and wider scale aspects of the species bioclimatic envelope, which is crucial for being better able to predict the impacts of environmental change. Accordingly, a survey was conducted to explore roe deer distribution in a 75,000 ha area located in Trás-os-Montes region, a Mediterranean landscape in the northeast of Portugal. Pellet-group counts were used to examine how roe deer distribution was related to habitat structure and composition, landscape structure, and human disturbance. The analysis considered two spatial scales: habitat patch and the wider landscape. At the patch scale, roe deer distribution was positively associated with high density of shrubs and with increasing distance from roads. At the landscape scale, roe deer distribution was negatively associated with spatial heterogeneity, namely mean shape index. Our findings suggest that landscape structure, vegetation composition and distance to roads are all important factors influencing roe deer distribution, highlighting the importance of multi-scale approaches.

Prevalence of Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs From Northeastern Portugal

Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was investigated in 673 domestic dogs from northeastern Portugal, using the modified agglutination test (MAT) with 1 : 20 as cutoff for seropositivity; antibodies were found in 256 dogs (38.0%). Differences between seroprevalence levels in males (36.7%) and females (41.8%) and between pure-breed (42.1%) and mixed-breed dogs (35.2%) were not statistically significant. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified age above 12 mo (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0), chance of eating birds or small mammals (OR = 4.0), housing exclusively outdoors (OR = 1.5), home-cooked meals (OR = 3.0), and eating raw meat or viscera (OR = 7.7) as risk factors for the canine T. gondii infection. Some control measures are suggested based on these findings.

Effects of defoliation by the pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa on biomass growth of young stands of Pinus pinaster in northern Portugal

Biomass growth models for 13-year-old maritime pine tree stands (Pinus pinaster Ait.) in the north-eastern Portugal were developed and used to analyse the effects of the defoliation by the pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Den. & Schiff.) on biomass increment. For the adjustment of the models, 30 individual pine trees were destructively sampled and non-linear models were tested, using the diameter at 10 centimetre height (d0.10), the total height (h), both variables (d0.10+h) and d0.102h as preditors of biomass growth. The results showed that the best predictor was d0.10+h. Application of models to analyse tree biomass after attack by the pine processionary moth showed that the decrease of biomass increment was proportional to the severity of the insect attack, with average values of losses in biomass increment ranging from 37% to 73%, depending on defoliation intensity.

Morphinofobia: the situation among the general population and health care professionals in North-Eastern Portugal

BackgroundMorphinofobia among the general population (GP) and among health care professionals (HP) is not without danger for the patients: it may lead to the inappropriate management of debilitating pain. The aim of our study was to explore among GP and HP the representation and attitudes concerning the use of morphine in health care.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done among 412 HP (physicians and nurses) of the 4 hospitals and 10 community health centers of Beira Interior (Portugal)and among 193 persons of the GP randomly selected in public places. Opinions were collected through a translated self-administered questionnaire.ResultsA significant difference of opinion exists among GP and HP about the use of morphine. The word morphine first suggests drug to GP (36,2%) and analgesia to HP (32,9%.). The reasons for not using morphine most frequently cited are: for GP morphine use means advanced disease (56%), risk of addiction (50%), legal requirements (49,7%); for HP it means legal risks (56,3%) and adverse side effects of morphine such as somnolence - sedation (30,5%) The socio-demographic situation was correlated with the opinions about the use of morphine.ConclusionsFalse beliefs about the use of morphine exist among the studied groups. There seems to be a need for developing information campaigns on pain management and the use of morphine targeting. Better training and more information of HP might also be needed.

Comparative Boron Nutritional Diagnosis for Olive Based on July and January Leaf Samplings

In this work, diagnosis of boron (B) nutritional status based on leaf B concentrations was compared for the most common leaf-sampling times for olive trees, January and July. For this purpose, field experiments were conducted over 4 years (2003–2006) in two rainfed olive groves located in Mirandela and Bragança, northeastern Portugal. Leaf samples were collected in January and July and analyzed for B by standard procedures. Fruit harvest occurred in December of each year. The crops followed typical alternate fruiting cycles. During the 4 years of the study, mean olive yields in the Bragança orchard fluctuated, yielding 3.6, 28.1, 5.5, and 22.7 kg tree−1. Yield variation per individual tree was also great. In the Bragança orchard and in the 2004 harvest, yields ranged from 1.2 to 52.7 kg tree−1. Leaf B concentrations also varied greatly between individual trees. In the Bragança orchard in the July sampling of 2004, values for individual trees varied from 12.2 and 23.7 mg B kg−1. From a total of 16 scatterplots generated from the relationship between leaf B concentrations and olive yields, 10 significant linear relationships were established; six of them were related to July sampling dates and four were related to January dates. The number of significant linear relationships established between leaf B concentration and olive yield was used as a criterion of the accuracy of the B nutritional diagnosis, because this represented the lowest experimental variability. By using this criterion, the July sampling date proved as better for B nutritional diagnosis, although the difference from January sampling date was not sufficient to disregard this. Leaf B concentrations were consistently greater in July than in January. Averaged across the 4 years of the study in both orchards, the difference was 4.3 mg B kg−1. This difference should be taken into account in the interpretation of leaf analysis results when B levels are close to the deficient critical concentration.

Response of coccinellid community to the dimethoate application in olive groves in Northeastern Portugal

In this work we assessed the effects of the application of dimethoate on the coccinellid community. The field work was carried out on a weekly basis, in two different olive groves, from April to November of 2002 and 2003 and captured coccinellids were identified to species level. Principal response curves (PRC) method was used to analyse the effect of the dimethoate application on the abundance of coccinellid species. A total of 23 species were identified from the two olive groves. Nine species occurred in both olive groves and in the two years of the study. Scymnus interruptus was the dominant species in the control grove with 46.4% of the total Coccinellidae recovered while in the grove treated with dimethoate, Rhyzobius chrysomeloides represented 35.7% of the total number captured. PCR showed that the main effect of the treatment was a significant reduction of the abundance of the most common species of the coccinellid community (S. interruptus and Chilocorus bipustulatus) in the treated grove. This can also have implications on the preservation of ecological functions associated with coccinellids, namely their role as control agents of olive pests.

MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY IN CHESTNUT GROVES: THE INFLUENCE OF SOIL MANGANESE

In northeastern Portugal, it has been difficult to identify the threshold value of exchangeable magnesium (Mg) below which Mg deficiency occurs in chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.), since discrepancies have been observed in some areas, apparently associated with parent material. A regional survey was carried out in chestnut groves established in soils derived from bedrock of several geological formations, some of them rich in manganese (Mn). Leaf sampling and soil analysis were performed in 38 groves. The lowest value of foliar Mg concentration under good growing conditions was 1.8 g kg−1 and the highest value in trees with Mg deficiency symptoms was 1.5 g kg−1. Under acidic soil conditions higher levels of extractable Mn propitiate Mg deficiency. The soils need to reach higher exchangeable Mg (≥0.34 cmolc kg−1) in order to supply Mg. For lower values of extractable Mn, the deficiency appears when exchangeable Mg is <0.20 cmolc kg−1 of soil.

Concentrações e fluxos de nutrientes no gotejo e escorrimento do tronco de Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl

The effect of the ash-tree (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) crown on characteristics of throughfall and stemflowsolutions was assessed in wet pastures located in north eastern Portugal. The amounts de gross rainfall, throughfall and stemflow were measured continuously and samples were periodically collected to determine pH, dissolved organic C (DOC) and N (DON), and nutrients. The annual fluxes of DOC, DON, Cl, K, Na, Ca, Mg and P in gross rainfall were, respectively, 3.93, 0.92, 0.20, 0.06, 1.81, 2.40, 1.11, 1.16, 0.29 and 0.06 g m-2, while those regarding throughfall were 4.42, 0.20, 1.82, 1.82, 0.31, 0.54, 0.62 and 0.20 g m-2; the flux of N-NH4+ was nil and that of N-NO-3 was negative (-0.03 g m-2). The fluxes in relation with stemflow were small if expressed on a tree crown projection area basis, but can be much greater if the actual area affected is considered. The amounts and distribution of nutrients turned to the soil by throughfall and stemflow may lead to soil chemical characteristics differentiation beneath tree crowns.

Effects of soil management practices and irrigation on plant water relations and productivity of chestnut stands under Mediterranean conditions

The effects of different soil management practices and irrigation on plant water relations, physiological response and productivity of chestnut stands in Northeastern Portugal were assessed during four growing seasons (2003 to 2006). Treatments were: conventional soil tillage up to 15–20 cm depth with a tine cultivator thrice a year (CT); no tillage with spontaneous herbaceous vegetation (NV); no tillage with rainfed seeded pasture (NP); and no tillage with irrigated seeded pasture (NIP). Results suggest that soil water availability was the most critical parameter for chestnut productivity over the study period. In all treatments, high predawn leaf water potentials (-0.40 to -0.55 MPa) were observed during the dry seasons of 2003, 2004 and 2006, showing no critical conditions for plant productivity, which is ascribed to water availability in deep soil layers. In contrast, in 2005, an extremely dry year, water potentials decreased and varied from -1.46 to -1.72 MPa in late summer, showing unfavourable conditions for nut production. Maintenance of spontaneous herbaceous vegetation without irrigation enhanced productivity of chestnut stands as compared with the conventional tillage system and the no tillage system with seeded pasture. Productivity in the soil watering system (NIP treatment) was not significantly different from that observed in the NV treatment. Therefore, studies on the irrigation strategy should be developed, in order to increase its efficiency especially in stands with young trees.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INCIDENCE AND SPREAD OF CHESTNUT BLIGHT IN NORTHEASTERN PORTUGAL

SUMMARY Chestnut blight caused by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica is one of the most important mortality factors of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) in Portugal. The disease is widespread in all the regions where chestnut is a major component of the landscape. The factors involved in the spread and incidence of the disease were studied in Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro, one of the most important chestnut areas of northeastern Portugal. Selected variables were altitude, soil type, diameter at breast height (dbh), location and orientation of cankers in the tree. The incidence of the disease in the study area was estimated to be 40%, ranging from 2% to 100%. The highest proportion of cankers was found on trees with a dbh greater than 30 cm but most frequently on the 31-40 cm diameter class. This relationship could be a consequence of the more intensive management to which those trees have been submitted. Although at the tree level a higher proportion of cankers was found on the south-facing side of the trunks and branches, no significant relationship between canker incidence and grove site exposition was detect. As well, no other factors analyzed were also directly correlated with the incidence and frequency of the disease in the study area.

Palaeoseismology of the Vilariça Segment of the Manteigas-Bragança Fault in northeastern Portugal

Abstract The Manteigas-Bragança fault is a major, 250-km-long, NNE-striking, sinistral strike-slip structure in northern Portugal. This fault has no historical seismicity for large earthquakes, although it may have generated moderate (M5+) earthquakes in 1751 and 1858. Evidence of continued left horizontal displacement is shown by the presence of Cenozoic pull-apart basins as well as late Quaternary stream deflections. To investigate its recent slip history, a number of trenches were excavated at three sites along the Vilariça segment, north and south of the Douro River. At one site at Vale Meão winery, the occurrence of at least two and probably three events in the past 14.5 ka was determined, suggesting an average return period of about 5–7 ka. All three events appear to have occurred as a cluster in the interval between 14.5 and 11 ka, or shortly thereafter, suggesting a return period of less than 2 ka between events within the cluster. In the same area, a small offset rill suggests 2–2.5 m of slip in the most recent event and about 6.1 m after incision below a c . 16 ka alluvial fill event along the Douro River. At another site along the Vilariça River alluvial plain, NE of the Vale Meão site, several trenches were excavated in late Pleistocene and Holocene alluvium, and exposed the fault displacing channel deposits dated to between 18 and 23 ka. In a succession of closely spaced parallel cuts and trenches, the channel riser was traced into and across the fault to resolve c . 6.5 m of displacement after 18 ka and c . 9 m of slip after c . 23 ka. These observations yield a slip rate of 0.3–0.5 mm/a, which is consistent with earlier estimates. Combining the information on timing at Vale Meão winery and displacement at Vilariça argues for earthquakes in the M7+ range, with coseismic displacements of 2–3 m. This demonstrates that there are potential seismic sources in Portugal that are not associated with the 1755 Lisbon earthquake or the Tagus Valley, and, although rare, large events on the Vilariça fault could be quite destructive for the region. This work provides an analogue for the study of active faulting in intracontinental settings and supports the view that earthquakes within intracontinental settings tend to cluster in time. In addition, this study highlights the usefulness and application of multiple field, remote sensing and geochronological techniques for seismic hazard mitigation.

A conceptual framework for the assessment of multiple functions of agro-ecosystems: A case study of Trás-os-Montes olive groves

Multifunctionality in agriculture has received a lot of attention the last decade from researchers and policy-makers alike, perhaps most notably evidenced by the important changes made to the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. While the concept has been embraced by environmentalists envisioning positive impulses for decoupling and a range of local stakeholders recognizing implicit marketing opportunities involved, it has also been criticized as a mere argument in favour of disguised protectionism. Problematic in this discussion is the lack of an operationalising framework for the assessment of multiple functions. In this paper, we discuss such a framework and the role it can play in the decision-making process. Focusing on a case study about olive farming on sloping and mountainous land in northeastern Portugal, the contribution discusses methods for studying multiple functions of agro-ecosystems. While function assessment is presented from a research perspective, its relevance for stakeholders is also stressed here. By using the metaphor of a house, the method could appeal to a wide range of actors. In the case study, we conclude that olive groves on sloping and mountainous land particularly fall short in supplying ecological functions. They do however contribute significantly to the local economy, generate employment and perform an important role in maintaining the cultural landscape and identity, and are thus vital to regional development and to stop outmigration of the population. Policy-makers could use the function assessment tool to design effective cross-compliance rules and relevant agro-environmental measures to reinforce ecological and social functions, and to communicate ideas to other stakeholders. As such, it provides an extension of public debate and can reinforce decision-making by visualizing trends, development alternatives or scenarios. The role of research in this method is to facilitate dialogue between stakeholder groups and to feed the process with relevant indicators.

Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats from northeastern Portugal

Cats are very important hosts in the epidemiological cycle of Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoan parasite that can infect humans and many other animal species worldwide. We report a serological survey of antibodies to T. gondii in domestic cats from northeastern Portugal, by means of the modified agglutination test. Three cats had titres of 20 (3.9%), 18 had titres of 40 (23.7%) and 55 animals had titres of ≥800 (72.4%). Results of three seropositive kittens with less than 4 months were not considered for determining the seroprevalence of infection, which was found to be 35.8% (73/204). Differences in the seroprevalence levels were not statistically significant between males (35.6%) and females (36.0%) or pure non-European (26.7%) and European or mixed-breed cats (39.6%). Animals aged 36–71 months and 72–180 months had the highest seroprevalences of infection, i.e. 51.7% and 51.2%, respectively, which significantly differ from the values observed in cats with 2–11 months (14.6%) and 12–35 months (26.3%). Infection levels were also significantly different between cats that lived totally indoors (7.7%) and those that had access to outdoors (45.4%), as well as between cats living alone (13.8%) and those that had contact with other cats (39.4%). Seroprevalence values in cats fed only commercial canned or dried food (22.9%) and animals whose diet included raw or undercooked viscera and/or meat (53.5%) were also significantly different. Furthermore, considering only 108 cats, differences of seropositivity to T. gondii were significant between feline immunodeficiency virus infected and non-infected animals, but this was not observed for feline leukaemia virus. Age, habitat and diet were identified as risk factors for the feline T. gondii infection by logistic regression analysis. Some control measures are suggested based on these findings.