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Dissertação de mestrado em Ecologia, apresentada ao Departamento de Ciências da Vida da Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade de
Coimbra.O Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra (JBUC) é composto
essecialmente por espécies de plantas exóticas. A maioria destas espécies não são
invasoras, mas algumas possuem comportamento invasor, causando problemas para a
conservação do Jardim, sendo importante gerir de forma sustentável as áreas afectadas
por estas espécies. Para tal, é necessário, em primeiro lugar, analisar a dimensão da
invasão e identificar as suas possíveis causas.
Para este efeito, este trabalho focou-se no mapeamento das três espécies
invasoras mais problemáticas (Ailanthus altissima, Oxalis pes-caprae e Tradescantia
fluminensis) e ainda de uma quarta espécie, Acanthus mollis, que embora não listada
como invasora na legislação Portuguesa, apresenta na mata do JBUC um potencial
invasor preocupante. Foi também objectivo deste trabalho elaborar um reconhecimento
mais detalhado (através de mapeamento das regiões invadidas com respectivo número
de espécimes) de A. altissima, a espécie mais “agressiva” de todas as presentes no
JBUC. Através de análises de campo e usando Sistemas de Informação Geográfica foi
possível mapear as áreas invadidas, determinar o número de indivíduos em cada local, a
cobertura vegetal destas espécies, a acessibilidade a cada área e conhecer o historial das
acções de controlo de A. altissima realizados anteriormente no Jardim, tentando
contribuir, assim, com informação relevante para um plano de gestão eficaz e
fundamentado das plantas invasoras na mata do JBUC.
A espécie A. altissima encontra-se em elevado número na mata do Jardim e
tentativas de controlar esta espécie apenas por corte simples mostraram ser ineficazes.
No entanto, metodologias que incorporaram a injecção de herbicida mostraram ser mais
eficazes no controlo desta espécie.
Oxalis pes-caprae e T. fluminensis são espécies existentes na mata também com
uma distribuição batstante extensa. Acanthus mollis encontra-se também espalhada por
toda a mata. Contudo, não deve ser uma prioridade para controlo, pois restringe de
alguma forma a invasão do subcoberto por outras invasoras mais agressivas.
O mapeamento das áreas invadidas realizado neste trabalho conjuntamente com
um estudo com base científica do controlo das espécies de plantas que existem na mata
do JBUC, ajudará certamente na elaboração de um plano de gestão eficaz a longo prazo
deste importante Jardim Botânico.The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra (BGUC) is composed
mainly by exotic species. Most of these species are not invasive, but some have an
invasive behavior, causing problems for the conservation of the Garden, beeing
important to sustainably manage the areas affected by this type of species. For this it is
necessary to identify and analyze the extent of the invasion and to identify possible
causes.
To this porpuse, this work focused on mapping the three most problematic
invasive species (Ailanthus altissima, Oxalis pes-caprae, and Tradescantia fluminensis)
and a fourth species, Acanthus mollis, though not listed as invasive in the Portuguese
legislation, presents a concerning invasive potential in the woods of the BGUC. It was
also an objective of this study to elaborate a more detailed acknowledgment (through
mapping of invaded areas and respective number of specimens) of A. altissima, the
more "aggressive" species of all. Through analysis of field work and using Geographic
Informations Systems, it was possible to map the invaded areas, to determine the
number of individuals for each site, vegetation cover of these species, the accessibility
to each area, and previous types of control applied to A. altissima in the Garden,
attempting this way, to contribute with relevant information to an effective management
plan of the invasive plant species in the BGUC.
The species A. altissima is found in large number in the woods of the Garden
and attempts to control this species only by simple cut of the trees proved to be
ineffective. However, methods that incorporated the injection of herbicide have
demonstrated to be most effective in controlling this species.
Oxalis pes-caprae and T. fluminensis are also species quite dispersed in the
woods. A. mollis has been spread throughout the woods. However, it should not be
considered a priority for control because somehow limits invasion at ground level by
other invasive species.
The mapping of the invaded areas together with a scientific-based study about
the control of plant species that inhabit the woods of the BGUC will certainly help in
developing a and long-term and effective management plan of this important Botanical
Garden
Interrupting the trajectory of frailty in dementia with Lewy bodies with anabolic exercise, dietary intervention and deprescribing of hazardous medications
An 87-year-old man with dementia with Lewy bodies, living in residential aged care, exhibited rapid functional decline and weight loss associated with injurious falls over 9 months. Independent clinicians (geriatrician and exercise physiologist) assessed him during an extended wait-list period prior to his commencement of a pilot exercise trial. The highly significant role of treatable factors including polypharmacy, sarcopenia and malnutrition as contributors to frailty and rapid functional decline in this patient are described. The results of a targeted intervention of deprescribing, robust exercise and increased caloric intake on his physical and neuropsychological health status are presented. This case highlights the need to aggressively identify and robustly treat reversible contributors to frailty, irrespective of advanced age, progressive ‘untreatable’ neurodegenerative disease and rapidly deteriorating health in such individuals. Frailty is not a contraindication to robust exercise; it is, in fact, one of the most important reasons to prescribe it
Caring for Informal Dementia Caregivers and their Loved Ones via the HOMeCARE Exercise and Mindfulness for Health Program (HOMeCARE): A Randomized, Single-blind, Controlled Trial
Objective: To investigate the effects of a dyadic intervention of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for dementia family caregivers and home-based balance and progressive resistance training(PRT) for their loved ones.
Methods: The study was a two arm, randomized, controlled, singleblinded, parallel-group trial. Dyads were randomized to an intervention group: an 8-week MBSR course (daily) and an 8-week PRT and balance training (3 days/week) for their loved ones or a waiting list control group.
Results: Nine dyads were randomized [caregivers: median age 75 (40 – 81) years, loved ones: 77 (73 – 88) years]. MBSR significantly improved mindfulness [relative effect size (95% confidence interval) 1.35 (–0.10,2.81); P = .009], no significant effects on caregiver burden [relative
effect size (95% confidence interval) 0.22 (–1.09, 1.54); P = .622], and PRT and balance training improved functional mobility [mean difference(95% confidence interval) 1.53 (–3.09, 6.14)].
Discussion: The study appeared feasible to the home environment and future trials should test the feasibility of a more abbreviated MBSR intervention to optimize adoption and adherence
Promoting independence in Lewy body dementia through exercise (PRIDE) study: protocol for a pilot study
Background:
Lewy Body dementia (LBD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative dementia. This form of dementia is notable for an aggressive disease course consisting of a combination of cognitive, Parkinsonian, affective, and physiological symptoms that significantly increase morbidity and mortality, and decrease life expectancy in this population compared to more common dementias. Additionally, those diagnosed with LBD are often excluded from trials evaluating exercise in similar diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease due to the complexity and concurrency of motor and cognitive symptoms. Consequently, there is scarce research evaluating the effect of exercise on individuals with LBD.
Methods:
The PRomoting Independence in Lewy Body Dementia through Exercise (PRIDE) trial is a novel non-randomised, crossover pilot study consisting of an 8-week wait-list usual care period, followed by an 8-week exercise intervention targeting progressive resistance and balance training. The trial aim is to evaluate the effect of exercise on the primary outcome of functional independence and secondary outcomes including cognitive, physical, psychosocial and quality of life measures in people living with LBD and their caregivers. The intervention involves 3 supervised 1-h sessions per week (24 sessions in total) administered by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist in a clinical facility at the University of Sydney in Lidcombe, Australia.
Discussion:
The PRIDE study is the first controlled trial to evaluate a robust exercise intervention within a LBD cohort and will provide crucial information required to inform robust future clinical trials
The efficacy of essential amino acid supplementation for augmenting dietary protein intake in older adults: implications for skeletal muscle mass, strength and function
The primary aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the efficacy of essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation as a strategy to increase dietary protein intake and improve muscle mass, strength and function in older adults. A sufficient daily protein intake is widely recognised to be fundamental for the successful management of sarcopenia in older undernourished adults. In practice, optimising protein intakes in older adults is complex, requiring consideration of the dose and amino acid composition (i.e. a complete EAA profile and abundant leucine content) of ingested protein on a per meal basis, alongside the age-related decline in appetite and the satiating properties of protein. Recent studies in older adults demonstrate that EAA-based supplements are non-satiating and can be administered alongside food to enhance the anabolic properties of a meal containing a suboptimal dose of protein; an effect magnified when combined with resistance exercise training. These findings support the notion that EAA supplementation could serve as an effective strategy to improve musculoskeletal health in older adults suffering from non-communicable diseases such as sarcopenia. Compliance is critical for the long-term success of complex interventions. Hence, aspects of palatability and desire to eat are important considerations regarding EAA supplementation. In conclusion, EAA-based supplements enriched with L-Leucine offer an alternative strategy to whole protein sources to assist older adults in meeting protein recommendations. In practice, EAA supplements could be administered alongside meals ofwith suboptimal protein contentintakes, or alternatively between meals on occasions when older adults achieve their per meal protein intake recommendations
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