Population In Portugal Research Articles

Haematozoa infections in a Great TitParus majorpopulation in Central Portugal: relationships with breeding effort and health

Blood parasites may act as modulators of their hosts’ ecology, life histories and fitness. We studied the prevalence ofPlasmodiumsp.,Haemoproteussp. andLeucocytozoonsp. and their effects on morphological, biochemical and haematological variables and on breeding effort of Great TitsParus major. Total prevalence (percentage of individuals infected by any parasite) ranged from 7.7% to 61.1%. There was an overall positive association in prevalence between the three haematozoan parasites. No effect of sex or age on infection status was observed. Negative impacts of infection on physiological condition depended largely on year and/or season and included effects on body condition index, plasma protein and haemoglobin index. There were also indications that parasite infection increased immune response and stress levels and activated antioxidant defence mechanisms. Males with higher fledging success had a higher probability ofHaemoproteusinfection, and females laying heavier eggs had a higher probability ofPlasmodiuminfection. However, clutch size was negatively associated with the probability of infection byLeucocytozoonandHaemoproteus. Surprisingly, males raising second broods had a lower prevalence of bothHaemoproteusandLeucocytozoon. Only 5.7% of first‐brood nestlings were infected, but those in infected nestboxes had a lower heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. This study confirms the pathogenicity of blood parasites to the host by demonstrating negative effects of infection on both physiology and breeding performance.

The Mobile-only Population in Portugal and Its Impact in a Dual Frame Telephone Survey

In 2007 the percentage of mobile-only households in Portugal reached 36%; this is one of the highest levels in EU27 countries according to the EU E-Communications Households Survey. To assess the extent and nature of the potential bias in fixed phone surveys created by the absence of mobile-only households, a dual frame survey was conducted in which both fixed phones and mobile phones were used to collect data. There are significant differences between fixed phone respondents and mobile-only respondents in several demographic variables; however, we find that merging the fixed phone and the mobile-only sample produces general population estimates on substantive variables that are not significantly different from those obtained with the fixed phone sample alone.

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of illicit drugs and medicines in preserved oral fluid

A qualitative and quantitative analytical method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 24 illicit drugs and medicines, in preserved oral fluid samples collected with the StatSure Saliva Sampler collection device. The samples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction followed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis. The chromatographic separation was performed with an Atlantis T3 (100 x 2.1 mm i.d., 3 microm) reversed-phase column using an acetonitrile/2 mM ammonium formate buffer pH 3.4 gradient and the MS/MS detection was achieved with two precursor-product ion transitions per substance. The method was fully validated, including specificity and capacity of identification, limit of detection (0.2-2.1 microg/L), limit of quantitation (0.8-6.4 microg/L), recovery (34-98%), carryover, linearity (the method was linear in the range 1-200 microg/L), intra-assay precision (coefficient of variance (CV) <20% for 20 microg/L and CV <10% for 100 microg/L) and inter-assay accuracy (mean relative error <15%) and precision (CV <20%). The method showed to be specific and sensitive. It has already been successfully used in four proficiency tests and subsequently applied to oral fluid samples collected from road traffic volunteers in the driving population of Portugal (districts of Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto), within the DRUID project.

Distribution of Y-chromosomal haplotypes in the Central Portuguese population using 17-STRs

17 Y-chromosome STR loci (DYS19, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS456, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS385 a/b, DYS458, DYS439, DYS635, GATA H4.1, DYS437, DYS438 and DYS448) were determined for 303 unrelated males, living in Central Portugal, using the AmpFlSTR® YFiler™ PCR Amplification kit (Applied Biosystems). A total of 287 different haplotypes were found, 272 being unique. The overall haplotype diversity (HD) was determined as 0.9996, a value similar to other YFiler data sets. Y-STR polymorphisms in Central Portugal population, using YFiler, provide a powerful discrimination tool for routine forensic applications.

Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of the genus Sergentomyia in Marrakech region, Morocco

We reported the results of an entomological investigation in Marrakech area, in the aim to study the present Sergentomyia species composition. One hundred thirty seven sandflies were collected by sticky papers and they comprised three sub-genera: Parrotomyia (43.1%), Sergentomyia (36.5%), and Grassomyia (20.4%). Four species were identified; Sergentomyia (Parrotomyia) africana Newstead (43.1%) followed by S. (Grassomyia) dreyfussi Parrot, S. (Sergentomyia) fallax Parrot, and S. (S.) minuta Rondani accounted for 20.4%, 19.7%, and 16.8%, respectively. Ecological study subdivides these species into rural species (S. africana and S. dreyfussi) and ubiquitous species (S. minuta and S. fallax) which were collected in both urban and rural areas. Enzymatic analysis identified three monomorphic loci (alphaGPDH, ICD, and ME) and six polymorphic loci (PGI, HK, FUM, MDH2, 6PGD, and ACO) in the four species. At FUM and ACO loci, some alleles appeared to be fixed in each species. Morphological (counts of cibarial teeth) and isoenzymatic analysis of wild populations of S. minuta parroti from Morocco and of S. minuta minuta from continental Europe (France, Spain, and Portugal) was carried out. Morphological results showed significant differences between France and Portugal populations and south Spain populations. In contrast, there was no significant difference between northern and southern Moroccan populations. Genetic variability showed a separation between northern and southern European populations and S. minuta from Andalusia clustered with Moroccan populations.

Genetic structure of the wild boar population in Portugal: Evidence of a recent bottleneck

The present study assesses the degree of genetic structure and the presence of recent genetic bottlenecks in the wild boar population in Portugal. One hundred and ten individuals were sampled after capture during organised legal drive hunts, conducted in 58 municipalities across the continental territory, during the game seasons of 2002/2003 and 2003/2004. Individuals were genetically typed at six microsatellite loci using multiplex PCR amplification. Significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were found for the total population of wild boar in Portugal. Wild boar population genetic structure was assessed using Bayesian methods, suggesting the existence of three subpopulations ( North, Centre and South). Tests were conducted to detect the presence of potential migrants and hybrids between subpopulations. After exclusion of these individuals, three sets of wild boars representative of respective subpopulations were distinguished and tested for the effects of recent bottlenecks. Genetic distances between pairs of subpopulations were quantified using F ST and R ST estimators, revealing a variation of 0.138–0.178 and 0.107–0.198, respectively. On the basis of genetic and distribution data for Portuguese wild boar from the beginning of the 20th century, a model of strong demographic decline and contraction to isolated refuge areas at the national level, followed by a recovery and expansion towards former distribution limits is suggested. Some evidence points to present admixture among subpopulations in contact areas.

Analysis of the linkage disequilibrium extension in the Azores Islands (Portugal)

The design of genetic studies of complex diseases is dependent on the extension and distribution of linkage disequilibrium (LD) across the genome and populations. Here, we characterize the LD extension in the Azores (Western, Central and Eastern islands groups) and mainland Portugal populations. LD was evaluated in three chromosomic regions: the Xq13.3, the Y-chromosome and the HLA (6p21) for the Azorean population. The results obtained in the Western group for the Xq13.3 markers provide significant evidence of LD in 10 comparisons, after correction. In the São Miguel island population, the assessment of LD for HLA demonstrated a total of 13 out of 36 pairs with significant LD, with the largest genetic distance (2.5 Mb) between HLA-DRB1 and D6S265. The pairwise association between Y-markers in the Azorean population revealed 46% pairs with significant LD. In addition, D′ analysis indicates that the Western group presents higher values when compared with the Central and Eastern groups. Taken together, the data show that the Azorean population presents a lower D′ (0.142) compared with mainland Portugal (0.226). Although, both populations do not show extensive LD, the easy reconstruction of large pedigrees in the Azorean population is a valuable resource for the fine mapping of disease genes.

Population data for Y-chromosome haplotypes defined by 17 STRs (AmpFlSTR YFiler) in Central Portugal

The 17 Y-chromosome STR loci (DYS19, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS456, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393 and DYS385 a/b, DYS458, DYS439, DYS635, GATA H4.1, DYS437, DYS438 and DYS448) were determined for 100 unrelated males, living in Central Portugal, using the AmpFlSTR YFiler PCR Amplification kit (Applied Biosystems). A total of 99 different haplotypes were found, with only two individuals sharing the same haplotype. The overall haplotype diversity (HD) was determined as 0.9998, a value similar to other Y Filer data sets. Y-STR polymorphisms in Central Portugal population, using YFiler, provide a powerful discrimination tool for routine forensic applications.

The Portuguese genetic background in analysis: São Miguel Island (Azores) versus mainland Portugal

To study the genetic diversity of São Miguel's population we compared 21 microsatellite loci in 204 individuals from São Miguel island and 103 individuals from mainland Portugal. The results show that São Miguel and mainland Portugal populations have an average gene diversity of 0.767 and 0.765, respectively. TPOX and D17S976 markers have the lowest (∼0.6) and highest (∼0.9) values, respectively, of gene diversity for both populations. Allele frequencies of all markers are comparable to other European populations. This result is corroborated by the genetic relationship analysis based on the NJ tree and principal component, where São Miguel, and probably, Azores is closely related to mainland Portugal. The comparison of F IS values for the mainland (0.0326) and the São Miguel (0.0111) samples suggests higher inbreeding in the mainland. Overall, the data suggests that São Miguel population does not show population structure and is behaving as an outbred population with high genetic diversity. Taken together, the data complements the settlement history of the São Miguel island and of the Azorean population, and will be crucial to predict and explain genotypes implicated in genetic diseases in the Azorean population.

Morphological and mitochondrial DNA analyses indicate the presence of a hybrid zone between two species of leaf beetle (Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae) in Southern Spain

The present study reports a case where the survey of morphological and mitochondrial DNA variation among populations of a species complex of leaf beetle, the Gonioctena variabilis complex, has lead to the identification of a hybrid zone between two species of the complex in Southern Spain. The complex is divided into four species distributed around the western Mediterranean region. The four species, G. variabilis, Gonioctena aegrota, Gonioctena gobanzi, and Gonioctena pseudogobanzi, are traditionally determined by differences in the morphology of the male genitalia (aedeagus). To gain insight into the history of the speciation process within this species complex, we sampled populations in Portugal, Spain, Southern France, and Northern Italy. We sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial control region of each individual collected. A haplotype network of these sequences was found to comprise four distinct groups of sequence types, separated by a relatively large number of mutations. Moreover, in most of the samples for which morphological and molecular variation is available, there is a one-to-one correspondence between haplotype group, defined by mitochondrial sequence variation, and morphological groups defined on the basis of the aedeagus, showing evidence of four historically independent evolutionary units. This supports the use of the aedeagus morphology as a taxonomically informative trait in this species complex and a recent taxonomic revision upgrading four formerly subspecies, corresponding to the evolutionary units identified in the present study, to species status. However, some of the individuals from our samples in Southern Spain, morphologically identified as G. aegrota, were found to possess mitochondrial sequences typical of G. pseudogobanzi. The opposite case was also found. This suggests the presence of a zone of contact and hybridization between G. aegrota and G. pseudogobanzi. The location of this hybrid zone appears to be unusual. We identify historical scenarios that may explain our observations. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 94, 105–114.

Supernumerary chromosomes on Southern European populations of the cockle Cerastoderma edule: Consequence of environmental pollution?

Cerastoderma edule (Cardiidae) has a diploid chromosome number of 2 n = 38, its karyotype consisting of 12 submetacentric, 4 subtelocentric and 3 telocentric chromosome pairs. Hyperdiploid cells had previously been observed in two populations of the Northern Galician coasts (northwest of Spain). The supernumerary chromosomes being easily distinguished by their reduced differentiated size and by their intra- and inter-individual variability. After the recent observation of 35% of cells with supernumerary chromosomes in a population of the Southern Galician coasts (Vigo) and 15% of cells with supernumerary chromosomes in a population of the south of Portugal (Ria Formosa, Algarve), we attempted, in this paper, an elucidation of the nature of these supernumerary chromosomes, by differential banding technique with restriction enzymes on these hyperdiploid cells. Analysis of the restriction enzyme banding of the 2 n > 38 karyotypes led us to propose the occurrence of a chromosomal fission event involving the largest submetacentric chromosome pair. This study represents the first description of the occurrence of a possible chromosomal fission in marine bivalves. Different levels of environmental pollution are suggested as possible explanation for the differences observed on the proportion of hyperdiploid cells between the Southern Portugal population and the three Galician ones.

Evaluation of linkage disequilibrium on the Xq13.3 region: Comparison between the Azores islands and mainland Portugal

The design of genetic studies of complex diseases is dependent on the extent and distribution of linkage disequilibrium (LD) across the genome in different populations. Here, we characterize the extent of LD in the Azores (Western, Central, and Eastern island groups) and mainland Portugal populations. LD was evaluated in the Xq13.3 region by genotyping eight STR markers spanning 20.9 Mb. Standardized multiallelic disequilibrium coefficient (D') analysis indicates that the Western group presents higher values when compared with the Central and Eastern groups. However, all island groups show values of D' lower than 0.5 and 0.33, suggesting no extensive LD in these populations. Taken together, the data show that the Azorean population presents a lower D' (0.142) than mainland Portugal (0.226). Although, both populations do not show extensive LD, the easy reconstruction of large pedigrees in the Azorean population is a valuable resource for the fine mapping of disease genes.

The interleukin-8-251*T/*A polymorphism is not associated with risk for gastric carcinoma development in a Portuguese population

It has been demonstrated that polymorphisms within inflammation-related genes are associated with risk of gastric carcinoma in Helicobacter pylori-infected individuals. Recently, several studies have reported conflicting results regarding the association between the interleukin (IL)8-251*T/*A polymorphism and risk of gastric carcinoma. In this study, we performed a case-control analysis, including 693 controls, 187 chronic gastritis cases and 333 gastric carcinoma cases, to determine the association between the IL8-251 polymorphism and risk of chronic gastritis and gastric carcinoma in the northern Portugal population. We found no significant association between the IL8-251 polymorphism and increased risk of chronic gastritis or gastric carcinoma, in agreement with that reported in other populations of white origin. The retrospective analysis of published data shows that the association between the IL8-251 polymorphism and risk of gastric carcinoma tends to be reproducible in populations of Asian origin. The estimated effect of the polymorphism under analysis was not significantly different in subgroups of gastric carcinoma cases defined by histologic type and anatomic site of the tumours, and by sex and age of the participants. In conclusion our results indicate that although the IL8-251 polymorphism might be a relevant host susceptibility factor for gastric carcinoma development, this association is likely to be ethnic-specific.

Biodiversity loss in the genus Artemia in the Western Mediterranean Region

Biodiversity loss in the genus Artemia in the Western Mediterranean Region Local populations extinctions depend on intrinsic factors related to the biology of species, as well as on direct threats of stochastic and/or deterministic type. The species of the genus Artemia (Branchiopoda, Anostraca), conspicuous inhabitants of hypersaline ecosystems, are suffering an important biodiversity loss. Their persistence is dramatically affected by deterministic factors threatening their biotopes. Among these deterministic factors the loss of habitats and the introduction of exotic invasive species are the most relevant. This paper aims to summarize the information available on: a) the abandonment of solar salterns in the Western Mediterranean region; b) the present distribution of the exotic invasive species Artemia franciscana populations in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France; c) several reproductive parameters obtained from the study of life tables, performed for several autochthonous species and strains and the invasive species. These traits, linked to the quantitative and qualitative offspring output, allow an experimental approach to the understanding of the fitness superiority of the invasive species, as well as to the competitive displacement of the autochthonous Artemia species in the Western Mediterranean region.

Cost-effectiveness and budget impact of long-acting risperidone in Portugal: a modeling exercise

ABSTRACTBackground: Previous analyses have shown that long-acting risperidone (LAR) is cost-effective in several Western countries. In Portugal, however, the costs of key services are lower. Therefore, available evidence in other countries may have limited relevance.Objective: To estimate costs and effects of LAR versus a conventional depot and a short-acting oral atypical antipsyhcotic over a 5-year period in Portugal.Methods: An existing discrete event model was adapted to reflect the Portuguese healthcare setting, based on expert opinion, clinical, epidemiological, and cost data. The model compares three scenarios. In scenario 1, patients start with a conventional depot; in scenario 2, with LAR; and in scenario 3, with oral risperidone. The model simulates individual patient histories while taking into account patient characteristics such as risk to society and side-effects. Subsequently, the model simulates patient histories in terms of outpatient appointments, psychotic episodes, treatment, compliance, symptom scores, lack of ability to take care presenting an actual risk, and treatment setting. Outcomes were number of psychotic episodes, cumulative symptom score and direct medical costs. Univariate sensitivity analyses were carried out.Results: Compared to a conventional depot and an oral atypical, LAR was estimated to save approximately €3603 and €4682 per patient (respectively) and avoid 0.44 and 0.59 relapses per patient in 5 years. Sensitivity analyses showed that the outcome of dominance was only sensitive to estimates about unit costs of hospital/institutionalization, potential risk, and to the reduction in symptoms by use of atypicals.Conclusion: Based on this modeling exercise, it could be expected that LAR may be a cost-effective treatment with limited budget impact in Portugal. However, further studies are required to test the generalizability of the results of the present modeling study to the larger population of Portugal.

Sexually transmitted infections in an African migrant population in Portugal: a base-line study

For geographical and recent historic reasons, Portugal is a gateway and home for immigration from sub-Saharan countries. Misconceptions related to these populations often lead to consider them as high-frequency clusters for dissemination of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Epidemiological evidence-based data is needed to elucidate these issues and baseline prevalence studies are the starting point for this. A prospective study was conducted in 220 African migrants (171 men and 49 women), recently arrived in Portugal, at the time of their first consultation. The presence of STIs was evaluated using a clinical syndromic approach and biological confirmation for gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection, syphilis, Hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Global prevalence of the targeted infections were 1.8% for gonorrhoea, 0 % for Chlamydia infection, 4.1% for Syphilis, 5.9% for HBsAg presence and 7.3% for HIV infection. Globally, 16.4% of the studied persons had at least one sexually transmitted infection. We concluded that prevalence rates encountered in this population is similar to that of non-migrant Portuguese populations with a high risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore migration from sub-Saharan Africa doesn't seem to constitute a particularly critical isolated factor for public health risk of STIs in the community.

Genetic signature of the São Miguel island population (Azores) assessed by 21 microsatellite loci

To study the genetic diversity of São Miguel's population we compared 21 microsatellite loci in 204 individuals from São Miguel island and 103 individuals from mainland Portugal. The results show that São Miguel and mainland Portugal populations have an average gene diversity of 0.767 and 0.765, respectively. Allele frequencies of all markers are comparable to other European populations. This observation is corroborated by the genetic relationships analysis based on the NJ tree and principal component, where São Miguel is closely related to mainland Portugal. Overall, the data suggests that São Miguel does not show population structure and is outbred with high genetic diversity. Moreover, the characterization here described is crucial to predict and explain genotypes implicated in genetic diseases in the Azorean population.

Assessing dam implementation impact on threatened carnivores: the case of Alqueva in SE Portugal

Large dam construction in water deficient areas is a management decision often controversial. Besides providing water storage, economical benefits, and a source of renewable energy, the construction and flooding caused by large dams cause disruptions in natural systems. We monitored the pre- and post-Alqueva dam impacts on the threatened carnivore species (polecat, otter, wildcat and Iberian lynx) populations in SE Portugal, and assessed which factors mostly contribute to post-dam distribution. Major short term impacts of large dams are: (1) increase in accessibility and human presence; (2) movement of heavy machinery and dam-workers; (3) deforestation with habitat loss and fragmentation; (4) change from lotic to lentic system; (5) lower prey availability and harsher capture; and (6) changes in land use adjacent to the reservoir. Thus, the response to those impacts can be predicted as a decline of polecat, wildcat and lynx distribution ranges, and a recovery of the otter from the severe short term impacts. Our results corroborate this hypothesis for all the species, especially during deforestation/early flooding. Otter's distribution range increased in the phase of greater impact, with a subsequent decrease with flooding. Our results suggest carnivores used "escape" areas with favourable habitat and prey conditions, however, the areas with higher probability of species presence decreased by two fold showing a drastic range reduction. To ensure populations' survival of these charismatic threatened carnivore populations of Mediterranean landscapes of south-east Portugal, we propose continuing the monitoring program and the development of a conservation program for the subsisting areas of optimal and suboptimal habitats.

Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorder in Portugal: prevalence, clinical characterization, and medical conditions

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and identify its clinical characterization, and medical conditions in a paediatric population in Portugal. A school survey was conducted in elementary schools, targeting 332,808 school-aged children in the mainland and 10,910 in the Azores islands. Referred children were directly assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn), the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Clinical history and a laboratory investigation was performed. In parallel, a systematic multi-source search of children known to have autism was carried out in a restricted region. The global prevalence of ASD per 10,000 was 9.2 in mainland, and 15.6 in the Azores, with intriguing regional differences. A diversity of associated medical conditions was documented in 20%, with an unexpectedly high rate of mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders.

European citizens' use of E-health services: A study of seven countries

BackgroundEuropean citizens are increasingly being offered Internet health services. This study investigated patterns of health-related Internet use, its consequences, and citizens' expectations about their doctors' provision of e-health services.MethodsRepresentative samples were obtained from the general populations in Norway, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Poland, Portugal and Latvia. The total sample consisted of 7934 respondents. Interviews were conducted by telephone.Results44 % of the total sample, 71 % of the Internet users, had used the Internet for health purposes. Factors that positively affected the use of Internet for health purposes were youth, higher education, white-collar or no paid job, visits to the GP during the past year, long-term illness or disabilities, and a subjective assessment of one's own health as good. Women were the most active health users among those who were online. One in four of the respondents used the Internet to prepare for or follow up doctors' appointments. Feeling reassured after using the Internet for health purposes was twice as common as experiencing anxieties. When choosing a new doctor, more than a third of the sample rated the provision of e-health services as important.ConclusionThe users of Internet health services differ from the general population when it comes to health and demographic variables. The most common way to use the Internet in health matters is to read information, second comes using the net to decide whether to see a doctor and to prepare for and follow up on doctors' appointments. Hence, health-related use of the Internet does affect patients' use of other health services, but it would appear to supplement rather than to replace other health services.