Zoantharians (Hexacorallia: Zoantharia) associated with cold-water corals in the azores region: New species and associations in the deep sea

Zoantharians are a group of cnidarians that are often found in association with marine invertebrates, including corals, in shallow and deep-sea environments. However, little is known about deep-sea zoantharian taxonomy, specificity and nature of their associations with their coral hosts. In this study, analyses of molecular data (mtDNA COI, 16S, and 12S rDNA) coupled with ecological and morphological characteristics were used to examine zoantharian specimens associated with cold-water corals (CWC) at depths between 110 and 800 m from seamounts and island slopes in the Azores region. The zoantharians examined were found living in association with stylasterids, antipatharians and octocorals. From the collected specimens, four new species were identified: (1) Epizoanthus martinsae sp. n. associated with the antipatharian Leiopathes sp.; (2) Parazoanthus aliceae sp. n. associated with the stylasterid Errina dabneyi (Pourtalès, 1871); (3) Zibrowius alberti sp. n. associated with octocorals of the family Primnoidae [Paracalyptrophora josephinae (Lindström, 1877)] and the family Plexauridae (Dentomuricea aff. meteor Grasshoff, 1977); (4) Hurlizoanthus hirondelleae sp. n. associated with the primnoid octocoral Candidella imbricata (Johnson, 1862). In addition, based on newly collected material, morphological and molecular data and phylogenic reconstruction, the zoantharian Isozoanthus primnoidus Carreiro-Silva, Braga-Henriques, Sampaio, de Matos, Porteiro & Ocaña, 2011, associated with the primnoid octocoral Callogorgia verticillata (Pallas, 1766), was reclassified as Zibrowius primnoidus comb. nov. The zoantharians, Z. primnoidus comb. nov., Z. alberti sp. n., and H. hirondelleae sp. n. associated with octocorals showed evidence of a parasitic relationship, where the zoantharian progressively eliminates gorgonian tissue and uses the gorgonian axis for structure and support, and coral sclerites for protection. In contrast, the zoantharian P. aliceae sp. n. associated with the stylasterid E. dabneyi and the zoantharian E. martinsae sp. n. associated with the antipatharian Leiopathes sp., appear to use the coral host only as support with no visible damage to the host. The monophyly of octocoral-associated zoantharians suggests that substrate specificity is tightly linked to the evolution of zoantharians.publishedVersio

World without borders-genetic population structure of a highly migratory marine predator, the blue shark (Prionace glauca)

Highly migratory, cosmopolitan oceanic sharks often exhibit complex movement patterns influenced by ontogeny, reproduction, and feeding. These elusive species are particularly challenging to population genetic studies, as representative samples suitable for inferring genetic structure are difficult to obtain. Our study provides insights into the genetic population structure one of the most abundant and wide-ranging oceanic shark species, the blue shark Prionace glauca, by sampling the least mobile component of the populations, i.e., young-of-year and small juveniles (year; N = 348 individuals), at three reported nursery areas, namely, western Iberia, Azores, and South Africa. Samples were collected in two different time periods (2002-2008 and 2012-2015) and were screened at 12 nuclear microsatellites and at a 899-bp fragment of the mitochondrial control region. Our results show temporally stable genetic homogeneity among the three Atlantic nurseries at both nuclear and mitochondrial markers, suggesting basin-wide panmixia. In addition, comparison of mtDNA CR sequences from Atlantic and Indo-Pacific locations also indicated genetic homogeneity and unrestricted female-mediated gene flow between ocean basins. These results are discussed in light of the species\u27 life history and ecology, but suggest that blue shark populations may be connected by gene flow at the global scale. The implications of the present findings to the management of this important fisheries resource are also discussed

CULTURAS INFANTIS, CULTURA DIGITAL E CONSUMO: PERSPECTIVAS ATUAIS

Este artigo buscou compreender como está centrada a discussão sobre a presença do consumo nas produções que integram as culturas infantis na cultura digital. Para isso, realizamos um mapeamento, no Portal de Periódico – CAPES, das publicações dos últimos cinco anos (2017-2021) que abordam sobre as temáticas de consumo, culturas infantis e cultura digital. Na pesquisa de abordagem Qualitativa, desenvolvemos as análises a partir do método da Análise Textual Discursiva (ATD). O estudo mostrou sobre a importância de que a criança exerça seu papel de cidadã, compreendendo os modos de produção e de consumo

Peeping through the deep: Insights to the reproductive strategies of cold water gorgonians in the Azores Archipelago

INTRODUCTION:The mean age at delivery has increased over the latest half of a century. Women of advanced maternal age have increased obstetrical risks and increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities and some other specified diagnoses in the offspring. The aim of this study was to assess the association between maternal age and overall child morbidity according to main diagnosis groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS:We conducted a national cohort study including 352 027 live firstborn singleton children. The children were born between Jan 1994 and Dec 2009 and followed to Dec 2012. Children were divided into groups according to maternal age: 15-24, 25-29, 30-34, and 35+ years. Poisson regression analyses calculated adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) of child morbidities according to main diagnoses groups A-Q of the International Classification of Disease 10 with adjustment for year of birth, body mass index, smoking, and mother's level of education. RESULTS:Average follow-up time was 11 years. Compared to children born to women 25-29 years, firstborn children to mothers aged 35+ had higher child morbidity in 8 of 19 main diagnosis groups and firstborn children to mothers 15-24 years had higher child morbidity in 12 of 19 main diagnosis groups. Thus, for a majority of diseases a U-shaped correlation was found, with lowest rates in women 25-29 years. CONCLUSION:Firstborn children to both older and younger mothers have higher overall morbidity as compared to children born by mothers 25-29 years

Spectrum of molecular alterations detected in the CYP21A2 gene associated with 21-hydroxylase deficiency

A maioria dos doentes com hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita (HSC) apresenta alterações moleculares no gene CYP21A2, o qual codifica a enzima 21-hidroxilase (21-OH). Os doentes com a forma clássica de deficiência em 21-OH (21-OHD) apresentam a síntese de cortisol diminuída no córtex adrenal e, os casos mais graves, também apresentam deficiência de aldosterona. As mulheres com 21-OHD grave apresentam excesso de andrógenos desde a sua vida fetal conduzindo à virilização dos órgãos genitais externos. Tanto homens como mulheres com 21-OHD completa não sintetizam a aldosterona e, consequentemente, logo após o nascimento, podem desenvolver crises de perda de sal se não forem corretamente diagnosticados e tratados. A 21- OHD não clássica é devida à deficiência parcial em 21-OH, os fenótipos clínicos são menos graves, as mulheres não apresentam virilização dos genitais externos ao nascimento, e geralmente os sinais relativos a excesso de androgénios podem surgir durante a infância ou até mais tarde (durante ou após a puberdade). Neste trabalho descrevem-se as alterações e os genótipos mais frequentes encontrados em doentes portugueses não adultos com 21-OHD. As alterações mais frequentes encontradas na forma clássica da HSC são c.293-13C> G, diferentes deleções/quimeras/conversões génicas do gene CYP21A2 e c.518T> A, enquanto na 21-OHD não-clássica a variante c.844G> T é a mais frequente. Estes resultados contribuem para um diagnóstico correto e uma melhor gestão clínica dos doentes, para o seu aconselhamento genético e para oferecer o diagnóstico pré-natal a casais com risco de ter filhos afetados com a forma clássica de 21-OHD.Most of the patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) have molecular alterations in the CYP21A2 gene, which encodes the enzyme 21-hydroxylase (21-OH). Patients with the classic form of 21-OH deficiency (21-OHD) have the synthesis of cor tisol impaired in the adrenal cor tex and, the most severe cases also have aldosterone deficiency. Females with severe 21-OHD, star ting their fetal life have excess of androgens leading to external genitalia virilization at bir th. Both males and females with complete 21-OHD are not able to synthesize aldosterone, consequently soon af ter bir th may develop salt wasting crises if not correctly diagnosed and treated. Non-classic 21-OHD is due to par tial deficiency of 21-OH, the clinical phenotypes are less severe, females don’t present ambiguity of the external genitalia at bir th, usually signs of androgen excess may be present during childhood or even later in life (during or af ter puber ty). We present here the most frequent alterations and genotypes found in non adult Por tuguese patients with 21-OHD. The most frequent alterations found in the classic form of CAH are c.293-13C>G, dif ferent CYP21A2 deletions/quimeras/gene conversions and c.518T>A, while in non-classic 21-OHD the variant c.844G>T is the most frequent. These results contribute to a correct patient diagnosis, to a better clinical care, genetic counseling and to of fer pre-natal diagnosis to couples at risk of having af fected babies with the classic form of 21-OHD.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

CARACTERIZAÇÃO DOS NÍVEIS DE VITAMINA D, FUNCIONALIDADE E COMPOSIÇÃO CORPORAL DE BAILARINAS JOVENS PRÉ-PROFISSIONAIS

Introdução: O Balé clássico é uma arte que exige habilidades variadas e porte atlético, é conceituado como uma atividade física que exige um bom condicionamento musculoesquelético por utilizar de movimentos complexos de alto impacto e grandes amplitudes articulares. A vitamina D é cada vez mais reconhecida por desempenhar um papel importante na função muscular normal, seu baixo nível está associado ao aumento do risco de quedas e fraqueza proximal o que pode afetar diretamente a composição corporal e o desempenho funcional de bailarinas jovens em treinamento profissionalizante. Objetivo: Apresentar o perfil de caracterização dos níveis de vitamina D, funcionalidade e composição corporal de bailarinas jovens pré-profissionais e comparar as características destas quanto à classificação dos níveis de vitamina D. Métodos: O estudo tem o delineamento transversal com amostra composta por 37 bailarinas. Os níveis de vitamina D foram avaliados pelo método de ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). A composição corporal foi avaliada por medidas antropométricas padronizadas pela International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) e a funcionalidade pelo Teste de Sentar-Levantar. Resultados: A maior parte da amostra apresentou-se com níveis séricos normais de vitamina D, eutrófica, com percentual de gordura adequado e com funcionalidade normal pelo Teste de Sentar-Levantar. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se a Análise de Variância Simples (One-Way ANOVA) para a determinação da significância. Considerações Finais: Concluiu-se que, mesmo quando os níveis de vitamina D mostraram-se insuficientes ou deficientes, a composição corporal e a funcionalidade não diferiram das bailarinas jovens pré-profissionais com níveis normais de vitamina D. Na amostra estudada, os níveis de vitamina D não exerceram influência nos parâmetros avaliados

The relationship between vitamin D levels, injury and muscle function in adolescent dancers

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Thieme in International Journal of Sports Medicine on 14/02/2020, available online: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/a-1087-2130.pdf The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.Vitamin D has been shown to benefit a diverse range of health functions including muscle function. The aim of the present study was to identify serum 25(OH)D3 levels in a sample of adolescent dancers and compare them to muscle function and injury incidence. We incorporated a cross-sectional design to study 49 pre-professional male and female dancers (17±4.44yrs, 52.1±6.72kg, 1.63±0.07m) in full-time training in Brazil. Serum 25[OH]D3 was analyzed by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay; quadriceps and hamstring peak torque and muscle fatigue were measured by isokinetic dynamometer at 60 and 300° s-1. Injury type and location in the previous 6- months were determined by self-report questionnaire. Participants were categorized into 2 groups: normal or insufficient/deficient (>or<30 ng/ml 25[OH]D3). Results indicated the normal serum 25[OH]D3 group had significantly lower fatigue rates than the insufficient/deficient group (p<0.05) but not for the other muscle function parameters. Fifty-seven percent of participants reported at least 1 injury. The most common were sprains (33%) and tendinopathies (19%). Injured dancers had significantly lower peak torque at 60°/s. The link between serum 25[OH]D3 and reduced muscle fatigue resistance has not been shown before, though the underlying mechanisms aren’t apparent and the link between muscular strength and injury has been previously evidenced

Biodiversity and benthic megafaunal communities inhabiting the Formigas Bank (NE Azores)

The Formigas Bank is an offshore seamount located in the easternmost part of the Azores archipelago (northeast Atlantic). It rises from abyssal depths to the surface, including a small set of islets. The bank holds multiple nature conservation designations, including a Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation, an OSPAR Marine Protected Area, a RAMSAR site and a Nature Reserve declared under the Azores network of protected areas. The protection is based on the presence of sublittoral biotopes of high conservation interest, and importance as feeding grounds, spawning and nursery areas for many marine species, including fish, cetaceans and turtles. Although some information exists on the sublittoral communities occurring on the seamount summit (e.g., infralittoral Cystoseira and Laminaria beds, circalittoral hydrarian and sponge gardens, rich pelagic fauna), virtually no information was available on the deep-sea communities inhabiting the seamount flanks. Therefore, during the MEDWAVES cruise, the flanks of the Formigas bank have been surveyed using multibeam sonar, an ROV and oceanographic profiles, with the objective to characterise deep-sea biodiversity and megafaunal communities as well as the environment where they occur. This communication will present results from the video annotations of the ten dives made on the seamount slopes between ~500m and ~1,500 m depth. Diverse communities of sedentary suspension-feeding organisms were observed, with more than 20 cold-water coral species (mainly octocorals) being recorded, as well as many different sponge morphotypes. Dense coral garden habitats and sponge grounds were identified on several occasions, confirming the presence of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) and of ecologically or biologically significant areas (EBSAs). Differences in the abundance and composition of these habitats between the northern and southern dive transects are interpreted as reflecting substrate and geomorphological differences, as well as the potential influence of the Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW). The new knowledge on deep-sea megafaunal communities reinforces the importance of this seamount as an area of high conservation interest

Cirurgias abdominais no contexto de uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal / Abdominal surgeries in the context of a neonatal intensive care unit

O tratamento cirúrgico neonatal tem evoluído continuamente nas últimas décadas, e dentre as inúmeras abordagens cirúrgicas encontram-se as de parede abdominal que são habituais no cotidiano de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN), a qual constitui um ambiente terapêutico para internação de recém-nascidos (RN) de alto risco com necessidades de cuidados intensivos contínuos. Diante do exposto é observada a necessidade e importância do conhecimento da equipe de saúde sobre as cirurgias mais recorrentes de neonatos internados na UTIN. O interesse pela temática surgiu pelo aumento do número de cirurgias em neonatos que necessitam de cirurgias abdominais nas UTIN. Descrever as principais cirurgias abdominais no contexto de uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. Tratou-se de uma revisão narrativa de literatura realizada nas bases de dados SciELO, PEDro, PubMed, selecionados artigos nos idiomas inglês e português, no período de 2012 a 2022, sendo utilizados como descritores: “malformações”, “unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal”, “cirurgia abdominal”, “tratamento cirúrgico neonatal”, “pós-operatório” e “neonatal”. As cirurgias abdominais possuem objetivos e indicações distintas, sendo classificadas de acordo com sua finalidade, podendo ser corretivas, diagnósticas e curativas. As cirurgias corretivas são frequentes nas UTIN, sendo indicadas com o objetivo de corrigir defeitos existentes, muito comum em malformações congênitas que são anormalidades que podem ser estruturais ou funcionais. Dentre as anomalias congênitas da parede abdominal as mais comuns são a onfalocele - defeito da parede anterior abdominal, com encapsulamento pelo peritônio parietal e herniação do conteúdo abdominal - e a gastrosquise - pela herniação do conteúdo abdominal através de um defeito na parede abdominal paraumbilical à direita. A hérnia diafragmática também é um defeito congênito que resulta na ausência ou formação incompleta do diafragma, levando os RN a serem intubados imediatamente após seu nascimento, para prevenção e tratamento cirúrgico. Já as cirurgias diagnósticas e curativas têm como objetivos respectivos, de diagnosticar e corrigir as causas da doença, sendo a laparotomia exploratória a designada para essa finalidade. Além disso, alguns estudos relatam a gastrostomia com finalidade cirúrgica de melhorar a qualidade de vida do neonato, sendo realizada para pacientes que apresentem disfagia mecânica ou funcional muito prevalente em neonatos que apresentaram alguma complicação respiratória e apresente risco elevado de broncoaspiração. Pelos estudos encontrados foi visto que no contexto de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal são encontrados vários tipos de contextos cirúrgicos que necessitam ser conhecidas e reconhecidas por toda a equipe de saúde, sendo a abordagem realizada dentro das possibilidades e a fim de evitar possíveis repercussões

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs that are fed diets with palm kernel cake

Objective The aim was to evaluate carcass characteristics, cut yield, and meat quality in lambs that were fed different inclusion levels of palm kernel cake. Methods Forty-five woolless castrated male Santa Inês crossbred sheep with an initial average body weight of 23.16±0.35 kg were used. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with five treatments, with palm kernel cake in the proportions of 0.0%, 7.5%, 15.0%, 22.5%, and 30.0% with nine replications per treatment. After slaughter, the gastrointestinal tract was weighed when it was full, after which it was then emptied. The heart, liver, kidney, pancreas perirenal fat were also collected and weighed. The carcass was split into two identical longitudinal halves and weighed to determine the quantitative and qualitative characteristics. Results The empty body weight, carcass weight and yield, and fat thickness decreased linearly (p0.05) for the rib eye area of animals that were fed palm kernel cake. There was a reduction in the commercial cut weight (p0.05). The sarcomere length decreased linearly (p<0.05), although an effect of the inclusion of palm kernel cake was not observed in other meat quality variables. It is worth noting that the red staining intensity, indicated as A, had a tendency to decrease (p = 0.050). Conclusion The inclusion of palm kernel cake up to 30% in the diet does not lead to changes in meat quality characteristics, except for sarcomere length. Nevertheless, carcass quantitative characteristics decrease with the use of palm kernel cake