Biological and genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis isolates from five hydrographical basins in northern Portugal.

To understand the situation of water contamination with Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in the northern region of Portugal, we have established a long-term program aimed at pinpointing the sources of surface water and environmental contamination, working with the water-supply industry. Here, we describe the results obtained with raw water samples collected in rivers of the 5 hydrographical basins. A total of 283 samples were analyzed using the Method 1623 EPA, USA. Genetic characterization was performed by PCR and sequencing of genes 18S rRNA of Cryptosporidium spp. and beta-giardin of Giardia spp. Infectious stages of the protozoa were detected in 72.8% (206 of 283) of the water samples, with 15.2% (43 of 283) positive for Giardia duodenalis cysts, 9.5% (27 of 283) positive for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, and 48.1% (136 of 283) samples positive for both parasites. The most common zoonotic species found were G. duodenalis assemblages A-I, A-II, B, and E genotypes, and Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium andersoni, Cryptosporidium hominis, and Cryptosporidium muris. These results suggest that cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are important public health issues in northern Portugal. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report evaluating the concentration of environmental stages of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in raw water samples in the northern region of Portugal.

Seasonal Sensory Evaluation of Low Commercial Value or Unexploited Fish Species from the Portuguese Coast.

Overfishing is increasing over time, and according to FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), about one third of the world's fish stocks are now overfished. Thus, diversifying the target species is essential for fisheries sustainability contributing to improve resource-efficient processes. Non-target species can be valuable resources for the development of new food products. However, those species are scarcely studied, and it is of high importance to trace their seasonal sensory profile as a first step towards their valorisation. Therefore, in this study, seasonal influence on sensory properties of five low commercial value or unexploited fish species, namely Trachurus picturatus (blue jack mackerel), Spondyliosoma cantharus (black seabream), Trigla lyra (piper gurnard), Serranus cabrilla (comber) and Capros aper (boarfish), was assessed in order to identify the most favourable season for catching each species. Fish samples were assessed by a panel of 16 semi-trained assessors for sensory attributes previously identified. The evaluation takes place every 2 months. Statistical differences were reported between attributes and seasons for all species, except for T. lyra, which did not present any difference in its sensory attributes throughout the year.

Adding Value to Bycatch Fish Species Captured in the Portuguese Coast-Development of New Food Products.

We live in a world of limited biological resources and ecosystems, which are essential to feed people. Consequently, diversifying target species and considering full exploitation are essential for fishery sustainability. The present study focuses on the valorization of three low commercial value fish species (blue jack mackerel, Trachurus picturatus; black seabream, Spondyliosoma cantharus; and piper gurnard, Trigla lyra) and of two unexploited species (comber, Serranus cabrilla and boarfish, Capros aper) through the development of marine-based food products with added value. A preliminary inquiry with 155 consumers from Região de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (Center of Portugal) was conducted to assess fish consumption, the applicability of fish product innovation, and the importance of valorizing discarded fish. Five products (black seabream ceviche, smoked blue jack mackerel pâté, dehydrated piper gurnard, fried boarfish, and comber pastries) were developed and investigated for their sensory characteristics and consumer liking by hedonic tests to 90 consumers. The most important descriptors were identified for each product (texture, flavor, color, and appearance). Comber pastries had the highest purchase intention (88%), followed by black seabream ceviche (85%) and blue jack mackerel pâté (76%). Sensory evaluations showed a clear tendency of consumers to accept reformulated products, with the introduction of the low-value and unexploited species under study.

Despertando a mente de iluminação: uma pesquisa em Psicologia com praticantes budistas tibetanos / Awakening the Enlightenment Mind: A Research in Psychology with Tibetan Buddhist Practitioners

Introdução: A prática budista tibetana na contemporaneidade dá-se no contexto pós-diáspora, quando, a partir de 1959, o Tibete foi invadido e ocupado pelos chineses. O budismo propõe uma concepção de ser humano, apoiada em técnicas contemplativas, cujo objetivo é promover o desenvolvimento da personalidade, no qual está implicado um processo de abertura, desenvolvimento e diferenciação da consciência. [JUNG (1912/2008) vol. 7/1]. Objetivos: Elucidar aspectos do processo de individuação de praticantes budistas tibetanos com mais de vinte anos de inserção nesta religião, por meio de entrevistas em história oral de vida. Indagamo-nos em que medida o budismo tibetano pode ou não oferecer elementos que auxiliem o indivíduo a se perceber em um processo alinhado ao Self e, ao mesmo tempo, inserido na comunidade humana, podendo nela se engajar e se comprometer com sua melhoria. Método: A história oral, nesta pesquisa, é concebida como um corte epistemológico que se situa na interface entre diferentes campos do saber, como a psicologia analítica de Jung. Adotamos os procedimentos em história oral de vida e os pressupostos metodológicos e éticos da pesquisa simbólica, tal como concebida por Jung. [Ver TREBITSCH (1994); Ver PENNA (2004)]. Resultados: Entrevistamos cinco praticantes budistas tibetanos. A discussão acerca da dimensão ética no relacionamento mestre-discípulo fez-se necessária, revelando-se um fator importante no processo de desenvolvimento do praticante, pois, no cerne da instituição budista tibetana, está a prática de "devoção ao guru". Outra questão abordada nas entrevistas diz respeito ao futuro do budismo tibetano no contexto pós-diáspora. Conclusão: Nossos entrevistados, de algum modo, associam a prática budista à possibilidade de viver o processo de ampliação da consciência, cujo potencial é inerente à condição humana, de maneira mais condizente com sua personalidade. Alguns entrevistados, em suas elaborações, tecem possibilidades de continuidade do budismo articuladas principalmente ao processo de transformação e desenvolvimento da personalidade, em detrimento dos aspectos ritualísticos.