Ants Visit Nectaries Of Epidendrum Denticulatum (orchidaceae) In A Brazilian Rainforest: Effects On Herbivory And Pollination.

Epidendrum denticulatum (Orchidaceae) produces nectar on the petioles of buds, flowers, and fruits (extrafloral nectaries) but no nectar is found on its flowers, and it is probably a deceptive species. In the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, some aspects of both the ecology and behavior of Camponotus sericeiventris (Formicinae) and Ectatomma tuberculatum (Ponerinae), two ant species foraging on E. denticulatum extrafloral nectaries, were investigated. Both experiments, using termites as baits and field observations, suggest that these ant species are able to prevent reproductive organ herbivory, without affecting pollinator behaviour. Since a low fruit set is often cited as a characteristic of the family, especially for deceptive species, ants attracted to orchid inflorescences protect reproductive structures and increase the probability of pollination success. Epidendrum denticulatum flowers were visited and probably pollinated by Heliconius erato (Nymphalidae) and Euphyes leptosema (Hesperiidae).63455155

SSA of biomedical signals: A linear invariant systems approach

Singular spectrum analysis (SSA) is considered from a linear invariant systems perspective. In this terminology, the extracted components are considered as outputs of a linear invariant system which corresponds to finite impulse response (FIR) filters. The number of filters is determined by the embedding dimension.We propose to explicitly define the frequency response of each filter responsible for the selection of informative components. We also introduce a subspace distance measure for clustering subspace models. We illustrate the methodology by analyzing lectroencephalograms (EEG).FCT - PhD scholarship (SFRH/BD/28404/2006)FCT - PhD scholarship (SFRH/BD/48775/2008

Effects of a 24-week low-cost multicomponent exercise program on health-related functional fitness in the community-dwelling aged and older adults

This study aimed to examine the effects of a low-cost multicomponent exercise program on health-related functional fitness in the community-dwelling aged and older adults. As a second objective, this study compared the exercise program between aged adults (<65 years) and those considered elderly ( 65 years). Materials and Methods: Forty-eight participants were included in the exercise program, and their mean age was 64.73 years ( 5.93 years). The Senior Fitness Tests were performed by each participant. A dynamometer was used to assess hand grip strength, and body composition was assessed considering the body mass index. Paired-sample t test was used to compare data at baseline and after the exercise program, considering the total sample. Afterwards, a 2   2 analysis of variance was used to examine differences within and between groups. Results: Statistically significant improvements in the chair stand (t = 14.06; p < 0.001; d = 0.42), arm curl (t = 12.10; p < 0.001; d = 0.58), 2 min step test (t = 9.41; p < 0.001; d = 0.24), timed up and go test (t = 5.60; p < 0.001; d = 0.19), and hand grip strength (t = 3.33; p < 0.001; d = 0.15) were observed. There were also significant differences in the back scratch (t = 6.68; p 0.05). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that a 24-week low-cost community-based exercise program can improve functional fitness in aged and in older adults. The exercise program supplied the necessary data to construct further randomized controlled trials that can be performed in the community in an environmentally sustainable fashion and applied, not only to the elderly, but also to those transitioning to this age group.This research was funded by national funds through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., grant number UIDB/04748/2020 and grant number UIDB/04045/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Batch fecundity of Sardina pilchardus off the Iberian Peninsula

Batch fecundity, the number of eggs released per spawning event, was determined for the first time in pilchard Sardina pilchardus (Walb.) off the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The mean relative fecundity (number of hydrated oocytes per gram of female weight was 416 (standard deviation = 112.9). Different regression models with Portuguese and Spanish data of batch fecundity by weight are presented. A linear model weighted least squares regression is established. The weighted regression presents a homogeneous distribution of the variance, small mean square error of the regression and highest R-squared, according whit this expression: F = -1260.8 + 444.43 W Linear regression of batch fecundity by age for Portugal data is: F = 30811.11 + 3711.88

Volatile Metabolism of Wine Grape Trincadeira: Impact of Infection with Botrytis cinerea

The aroma of grapes is cultivar dependent and is influenced by terroir, vineyard practices, and abiotic and biotic stresses. Trincadeira is a non-aromatic variety associated with low phenolic content and high sugar and organic acid levels. This cultivar, widely used in Portuguese wines, presents high susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea. This work aimed to characterise the volatile profile of Trincadeira grapes and how it changes under infection with B. cinerea. Thirty-six volatile organic compounds were identified, from different functional groups, namely alcohols, ester acetates, fatty acid esters, fatty acids, aldehydes, and products of the lipoxygenase pathway. Both free and glycosidic volatile organic compounds were analysed by Gas Chromatography and Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry for component quantification and identification, respectively. A multivariance analysis showed a clear discrimination between healthy and infected grapes with 2-trans-hexenal and isoamyl-acetate among the compounds identified as negative and positive markers of infection, respectively. Ester acetates such as 2-phenylethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, and 2-methylbutyl acetate were present in higher contents in infected samples, whereas the contents of several fatty acid esters, such as ethyl decanoate and ethyl dodecanoate, decreased. These data were integrated with quantitative PCR data regarding genes involved in volatile metabolism and showed up-regulation of a gene coding for Hydroperoxide Lyase 2 in infected grapes. Altogether, these changes in volatile metabolism indicate an impact on the grape quality and may be related to defence against B. cinerea. The presence/absence of specific compounds might be used as infection biomarkers in the assessment of Trincadeira grapes’ qualityinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evaluation Of Limitations Of Venous Ulcers In Legs [avaliação Das Limitações De úlcera Venosa Em Membros Inferiores]

Background: The chronic venous insufficiency has a considerable socioeconomic impact in western countries because of high prevalence, treatment and research cost, and loss of days worked. The health survey questionnaire Short Form Health Survey (SF36), as well as the analysis of muscle activation and mobility of tibiotarsus' articulation, is an instrument used to its valuation. Objective: To evaluate the osteomuscular limitations and changes in life quality in bearers of venous ulcers in lower members. Methods: Ten patients with ulcers classified as CEAP (Clinic, Etiologic, Anatomic and Fisiopatologic) 6 were studied. They answered the SF-36 questionnaire and visual analogue pain and performed goniometry, muscular strength and electromyography. Results: The average age of the group studied was 67.4 (±11.7), being 70% of the cases female. There wasn't correlation statistically significant between pain, range of motion (ROM) muscular strength, electromyography (EMG) and the injury size. However, there was found correlation between the psychological profile of SF36 and the domain of motor activities, as well the psychological profile with social activities and the perception of itself. In studied muscles electromyographyc evaluation, was found significance too. Conclusion: The presence of venous ulcers in lower members can generate limitations and changes in the life quality of these people. The psychosocial aspect showed up preponderant over the motor aspect, increasing the restrictions in day life activities.12159Porter, J.M., Moneta, L.G., Reporting standards in venous disease: An update. International Consensus Committee on Chronic Venous Disease (1995) J Vasc Surg, 21 (4), pp. 635-645. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0741-5214(95)70195-8Barros Jr., N., Insuficiência venosa crônica (2003) Angiologia E Cirurgia Vascular: Guia Ilustrado, , In: Pitta GBB, Castro AA, Burihan E, editores, Maceió: UNCISAL/ECMAL, LAVAZimmet, S.E., Venous leg ulcers: Modern evaluation and management (1999) Dermatol Surg, 25 (3), pp. 236-241. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.08053.x, PMid:10193974Silva, M.C., Chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs and its socio-economic significance (1991) Int Angiol, 10 (3), pp. 152-157Figueiredo, M., Úlceras varicosas (2003) Angiologia E Cirurgia Vascular: Guia Ilustrado, , In: Pitta GBB, Castro AA, Burihan E, editores, Maceió: UNCISAL/ECMAL, LAVANicolaides, A.N., Consenso de clasificación de las enfermedades venosas cronicas (1994) Patol Vasc, 1 (2), pp. 75-85Ciconelli, R.M., Ferraz, M.B., Santos, W., Meinão, I., Quaresma, M.R., Tradução para a língua portuguesa e validação do questionário genérico de avaliação de qualidade de vida SF-36 (Brazil SF-36) (1999) Rev Bras Reumatol, 39 (3), pp. 143-150Alves, A.M.B., (2003) Avaliação De Instrumentos De Medida Usados Em Pacientes Com Fibromialgia [tese], , São Paulo: Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de MedicinaMartinez, J.E., Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes com fibromialgia através do Medical Outcomer Survey 36 Item Short-form Study (1999) Rev Bras Reumatol, 39 (6), pp. 312-316Sapega, A.A., Muscle performance evaluation in orthopaedic practice (1990) J Bone Joint Surg Am, 72 (10), pp. 1562-1574. , PMid:2254369Milic, D.J., Zivic, S.S., Bogdanovic, D.C., Karanovic, N.D., Golubovic, Z.V., Risk factors related to the failure of venous leg ulcers to heal with compression treatment (2009) J Vasc Surg, 49 (5), pp. 1242-1247. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2008.11.069, PMid:19233601Siegel, S., (1975) Estatística Não Paramétrica Para As Ciências Do Comportamento, p. 350. , São Paulo: McGraw-HillBelczak, C.E.Q., Cavalheri Jr., G., Godoy, J.M.P., Caffaro, R.A., Belczak, S.Q., Relação entre a mobilidade da articulação talocrural e a úlcera venosa (2007) J Vasc Bras, 6 (2), pp. 149-155. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1677-54492007000200009Valencia, I.C., Falabella, A., Kirsner, R.S., Eaglstein, W.H., Chronic venous insufficiency and venous leg ulceration (2001) J Am Acad Dermatol, 44 (3), pp. 401-421. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1067/mjd.2001.111633, PMid:11209109Araki, C.T., Back, T.L., Padberg, F.T., The significance of calf muscle pump function in venous ulceration (1994) J Vasc Surg, 20 (6), pp. 872-879. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0741-5214(94)90223-2Back, T.L., Padberg Jr., F.T., Araki, C.T., Thompson, P.N., Hobson II, R.W., Limited range of motion is a significant factor in venous ulceration (1995) J Vasc Surg, 22 (5), pp. 519-523. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0741-5214(95)70030-7Belczak, N.J., Belczak, C.E.Q., A importância da goniometria do tornozelo na insuficiência venosa crônica dos membros inferiores (2006) Tratado De Flebologia E Linfologia, pp. 459-468. , In: Thomaz JB, Belczak CEQ, editores, Rio de Janeiro: RubioDavies, J.A., Bull, R.H., Farrelly, I.J., Wakelin, M.J., A home-based exercise programme improves ankle range of motion in long-term venous ulcer patients (2007) Phlebology, 22 (2), pp. 86-89. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/026835507780346178, PMid:18268857Fiatarone, M.A., Evans, W.J., The etiology and reversibility of muscle dysfunction in the aged (1993) J Gerontol, 48, pp. 77-83. , PMid:8409245Kan, Y.M., Delis, K.T., Hemodynamic effects of supervised calf muscle exercise in patients with venous leg ulceration: A prospective controlled study (2001) Arch Surg, 136 (12), pp. 1364-1369. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.136.12.1364Ibrahim, S., Macpherson, D.R., Goldhaber, S.Z., Chronic venous insufficiency: Mechanisms and management (1996) Am Heart J, 132 (4), pp. 856-860. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0002-8703(96)90322-1Miller, W.L., Chronic venous insuff icienc y (1995) Curr Opin Cardiol, 10 (5), pp. 543-548. , http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00001573-199509000-00017, PMid:7496065Bocolini, F., (2000) Reabilitação: Amputados, Amputações E Próteses, pp. 35-37. , São Paulo: Rob