Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the portuguese peabody developmental motor scales - 2 edition: a study with children aged 12 to 48 months

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of Peabody Developmental Motor Scales II (PDMS-2-Folio and Fewell, 2000) using a Portuguese sample. The validation of the Portuguese version of the PDMS-2 was applied according to the manual, for 392 children, from two institutions, from 12 to 48 months, with an analysis of the internal consistency (α Cronbach), of test–retest reliability (ICC) and construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis). The results of the confirmatory factorial analysis (χ2 = 55.614; df = 4; p = 0.06; χ2/df =13.904; SRMR (Standardized Root Mean Square Residual) = 0.065; CFI (Comparative Fit Index) = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) = 0.068) of two factors (Gross Motor and Fine Motor) as the original version but correlated. Most of the subtests had good internal consistency (α = 0.85) and good test–retest stability (ICC = 0.98 to 0.99). The results indicated that the Portuguese version of the PDMS-2 is adequate and valid for assessing global and fine motor skills in children aged 12 to 48 months, and can be used as a reference tool by health and education professionals to assess motor skills and, thus, allowing to detect maladjustments, deficiencies or precocity, so that children can later receive appropriate intervention.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evaluation of spatial and temporal variability of pasture based on topography and the quality of the rainy season

Yield and botanical composition of a given dry-land pasture are heavily influenced by rainfall distribution, and vary according to topography. Through analyzing these parameters, it is possible to identify patterns of spatial distribution, related to topographic characteristics, which can be used to improve spatial management of pasture. The main objective of this project was to assess the role of rainfall, temperature and topography in the spatial and temporal variability of pasture and establish models for predicting the spatial distribution and yield of certain plant species, based on its topographic characteristics. This study was carried out over three years, 2004 to 2006, in a dryland pasture located in Southern Portugal. The data obtained were analyzed as a function of distance to flow lines and the results demonstrate that certain topographical characteristics, associated with agronomic information, can be very useful in explaining the spatial and temporal variability of yield and the botanical composition of the pasture. The slope of the linear regression of the variables mentioned can be used to estimate the spatial variation of yield and the botanical composition as a function of distance to flow lines. The regression coefficient can be estimated from the annual rainfall, given the strong correlation between the two

Fish communities in the lower Tagus inland wetlands: from anthropogenic pressures to conservation management

Inland wetlands are important biodiversity hotspots and amongst the most impacted ecosystems worldwide. Conservation management and restauration actions in wetlands are thus urgently needed to reverse trends in species loss and habitat degradation, particularly in regions harbouring already endangered endemic species. Inland wetlands may play an important role in supporting endemic endangered fishes in the Lower Tagus basin, where anthropogenic pressures have been increasing, but there is a lack of studies on fish communities, and few areas are identified as inland wetlands. Here, we aim to identify small inland wetlands in the Lower Tagus River and their potential role in supporting fish species, constituting the first study to identify and evaluate the most important fish communities. Inland wetlands were identified through the usage of remote sensing techniques and the calculation of a Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) with Sentinel-2 imagery for the Lower Tagus region. From a total of 486 locations identified, 31 were recognized as wetlands as having potential to host fish communities, with 11 being selected for sampling after in loco assessment. Fish sampling was conducted between 6 May and 11 June 2021. Furthermore, for each wetland, we evaluated anthropogenic stressors and land use changes between 2007 and 2018, using national land use data (i.e., Carta de Uso e Ocupação do Solo). A total of 7727 fishes from eight non-native and five native species were captured. Overall, fish communities were dominated by non-native species (97% catches), but both European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and Lisbon arched-mouth nase (Iberochondrostoma olisiponense), which are globally classified as critically endangered (CR), were found in at least two wetlands. Our results suggest that, over the last 10 years, intensive agriculture decreased (on average ≈ 3%) in the areas surrounding these wetlands, being replaced by extensive agriculture or natural uses. Despite non-native fish prevalence, some wetlands may act as refuge habitats for CR fish species. These results are important for guiding the restoration of inland wetlands and promoting conservation management actions to help reverse fish diversity loss.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Impact of different aquatic exercise programs on body composition, functional fitness and cognitive function of non-institutionalized elderly adults: a randomized controlled trial

Aquatic physical exercise programs have become progressively more popular among elderly people. Some of the major physical exercise program disadvantages on land are minimized due to the specific properties of the aquatic environment. The purpose of the present randomized controlled study is to verify the effects of different aquatic physical exercise programs on body composition, functional fitness and cognitive function in non-institutionalized elderly people. For this study, 102 elderly individuals were randomly allocated into four different groups: AerG (n = 25, 71.44 ± 4.84 years); IntG (n = 28, 72.64 ± 5.22 years); ComG (n = 29, 71.90 ± 5.67 years) and CG (n = 20, 73.60 ± 5.25 years). Individuals from the groups AerG, IntG and ComG participated in three different aquatic physical exercise programs for a period of 28 weeks. The CG participants kept to their usual routines. All participants were evaluated for body composition, functional fitness and cognitive function at two time moments, i.e., pre- (M1) and post-intervention (M2). Significant differences for body composition were found between M1 and M2 for FM (p < 0.001), LBM (p < 0.001) and WCir (p < 0.01) in the AerG, for BMI (p < 0.05), FM (p < 0.05), LBM (p < 0.001) and LCir-R (p < 0.05) in the IntG, and for WGT (p < 0.01), FM (p < 0.05), LBM (p < 0.01), LCir-R (p < 0.05) and LCir-L (p < 0.01) in the ComG groups. For functional fitness, differences were found between M1 and M2 for 2m-ST (p < 0.000), 30s-CS (p < 0.000), 30s-AC (p < 0.05), HG-T-R (p < 0.000) and HG-T-L (p < 0.000) in the AerG, for 2m-ST (p < 0.05), BS-R (p < 0.05), 30s-CS (p < 0.000), 30s-AC(p < 0.01), HG-T-R (p < 0.000) and HG-T-L (p < 0.000) in the IntG, and for 30s-CS (p < 0.000), HG-T-R (p < 0.000) and HG-T-L (p < 0.000) in the ComG groups. The present study evidenced the beneficial effects of physical exercise in an aquatic environment on body composition, functional fitness and cognitive function in non-institutionalized elderly adults. The ComG water-based exercise program showed more beneficial effects in the improvement of body composition and cognitive function variables, while the IntG and AerG programs were more effective in the improvement of functional fitness.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Descriptive Analysis of LAP1 Distribution and That of Associated Proteins throughout Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis comprises highly complex differentiation processes. Nuclear envelope (NE) proteins have been associated with these processes, including lamins, lamina-associated polypeptide (LAP) 2 and the lamin B-receptor. LAP1 is an important NE protein whose function has not been fully elucidated, but several binding partners allow predicting putative LAP1 functions. To date, LAP1 had not been associated with spermatogenesis. In this study, LAP1 expression and cellular/subcellular localization during spermatogenesis in human and mouse testes is established for the first time. The fact that LAP1 is expressed during nuclear elongation in spermiogenesis and is located at the spermatids' centriolar pole is singularly important. LAP1 binds to members of the protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) family. Similar localization of LAP1 and PP12, a testis-specific PP1 isoform, suggests a shared function for both proteins during spermiogenesis. Furthermore, this study suggests an involvement of LAP1 in manchette development and chromatin regulation possibly via interaction with acetylated-tubulin and lamins, respectively. Taken together, the present results indicate that, by moving to the posterior pole in spermatids, LAP1 can contribute to the achievement of non-random, sperm-specific chromatin distribution, as well as modulate cellular remodeling during spermiogenesis. In addition, LAP1 seems to be associated with dynamic microtubule changes related to manchette formation and flagella development.Institute for Biomedicine (Project UID/BIM/04501/2013), the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia of the Ministério da Educação e Ciência (Project PTDC/BEX-BCM/0493/2012), the COMPETE program (Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade), the QREN (Quadro de Referência Estratégica Nacional) and the European Union (Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional). Filipa Martins was the recipient of an FCT fellowship. The authors would also like to thank William Dauer (Columbia University, USA) for providing the anti-LAP1 antibodyinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Genomic sequence analysis and characterization of Sneathia amnii sp. nov

Background Bacteria of the genus Sneathia are emerging as potential pathogens of the female reproductive tract. Species of Sneathia, which were formerly grouped with Leptotrichia, can be part of the normal microbiota of the genitourinary tracts of men and women, but they are also associated with a variety of clinical conditions including bacterial vaginosis, preeclampsia, preterm labor, spontaneous abortion, post-partum bacteremia and other invasive infections. Sneathia species also exhibit a significant correlation with sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer. BecauseSneathia species are fastidious and rarely cultured successfully in vitro; and the genomes of members of the genus had until now not been characterized, very little is known about the physiology or the virulence of these organisms. Results Here, we describe a novel species, Sneathia amnii sp. nov, which closely resembles bacteria previously designated Leptotrichia amnionii . As part of the Vaginal Human Microbiome Project at VCU, a vaginal isolate of S. amnii sp. nov. was identified, successfully cultured and bacteriologically cloned. The biochemical characteristics and virulence properties of the organism were examined in vitro, and the genome of the organism was sequenced, annotated and analyzed. The analysis revealed a reduced circular genome of ~1.34 Mbp, containing ~1,282 protein-coding genes. Metabolic reconstruction of the bacterium reflected its biochemical phenotype, and several genes potentially associated with pathogenicity were identified. Conclusions Bacteria with complex growth requirements frequently remain poorly characterized and, as a consequence, their roles in health and disease are unclear. Elucidation of the physiology and identification of genes putatively involved in the metabolism and virulence of S. amnii may lead to a better understanding of the role of this potential pathogen in bacterial vaginosis, preterm birth, and other issues associated with vaginal and reproductive health

Influence of sedentary behaviors and physical activity on the lung function in the elderly: a cross-sectional study

El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la relación entre el tiempo sedentario y los niveles de actividad física (leve y moderada a vigorosa) en los valores espirométricos en adultos mayores. También, se verificó los efectos de la aplicación de las Recomendaciones Globales de Actividad Física. Setenta y siete adultos mayores (promedio ± DS = 71.90 ± 5.50 años de edad) de ambos sexos se ofrecieron como voluntarios para participar en este estudio cruzado, siendo divididos en grupo activo (n=37; 70.76 ± 4.91 años de edad) y grupo inactivo (n=40; 72.95 ± 5.87 años de edad), de acuerdo con las directrices establecidas. El tiempo sedentario y de actividad física fue evaluado por medio del acelerómetro ActiGraph® GT1M. Para la evaluación de los valores de espirometría se utilizó el espirómetro Microquark de Cosmed®. Se usó estadística descriptiva, inferencial y de magnitud de los efectos. No se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre el tiempo sedentario e de actividad física (leve, moderado a vigoroso) con los valores espirométricos. Tampoco se hallaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Los resultados son claros en que no existe evidencia significativa de la relación entre las variables estudiadas.The purpose of this study was to verify the relation between sedentary time and physical activity levels (light to moderate to vigorous) on spirometric values in the elderly. In addition, we aimed to assess the effects of the implementation of the Global Recommendations of Physical Activity. Seventy-seven elderly (71.90 ± 5.50 years) of both genders volunteered to participate in this cross-setional study, being divided into an active group (n=37) (70.76 ± 4.91 years) and an inactive group (n=40) (72.95 ± 5.87 years) according to the established guidelines. Sedentary and physical activity times were assessed using an ActiGraph® GT1M accelerometer. The Spirometer Microquark of Cosmed® was used to evaluate the spirometric values. Data analysis was based on descriptive, inferential and magnitude effects. There were no significant correlations between sedentary time and physical activity (light and moderate to vigorous) with spirometric values, nor were there significant differences between groups. Our results are clear as to the absence of significant statistical evidence about the relationship between the analyzed variables.O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a relação entre o tempo sedentário e os níveis de atividade física (leve e moderada a vigorosa) nos valores espirométricos em idosos. Adicionalmente, pretendemos verificar os efeitos da aplicação das Recomendações Globais de Atividade Física. Setenta e sete idosos (média ± DP = 71.90 ± 5.50 anos) de ambos os géneros, voluntariaram-se a participar neste estudo transversal, sendo divididos no grupo ativo (n=37) (70.76 ± 4.91 anos) e no grupo inativo (n=40) (72.95 ± 5.87 anos) de acordo com as diretrizes estabelecidas. O tempo sedentário e de atividade física foi avaliado através do acelerómetro ActiGraph® GT1M. Para a avaliação dos valores espirométricos utilizou-se o espirómetro Microquark da Cosmed®. A análise dos dados foi baseada na estatística descritiva, inferencial e magnitude dos efeitos. Não se verificaram correlações significativas entre o tempo sedentário e de atividade física (leve e moderada a vigorosa) com os valores espirométricos, assim como não se verificaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Os nossos resultados são claros quanto à não existência de evidência estatística significativa acerca da relação entre as variáveis analisadas.peerReviewe

Genetic signature of blind reintroductions of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) in Catalonia, Northeast Spain

Altres ajuts: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia PD/BD/150645/2020. FCT/MCTES (National Funds) UIDP/50017/2020+UIDB/50017/2020+LA/P/0094/2020, CESAM PORTUGAL 2020 (NORTE 2020), NORTE-06-3559-FCE-000045The Iberian ibex is one of the most singular species of the Iberian Peninsula. Throughout the years, this species suffered several threats which led the population to its decline. Many reintroductions and translocations were made, however, none of those actions took into account the genetic patterns of both reintroduced individuals and the target populations. In this paper, we explored the genetic traits of three populations of Iberian ibex in Catalonia, which experienced blind reintroductions in past years: The populations of Iberian ibex from Els Ports de Tortosa i Beseit National Game Reserve (TBNGR), Montserrat Natural Park (Monserrat) and Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter Natural Park (Montgrí) Based on the genetic patterns of the three populations coupled with the absence of genetic introgression with domestic goats-inferred using mitochondrial and nuclear markers-we propose that these should be regarded as two different management units: TBNGR coupled with Montserrat, and Montgrí. Montserrat population should be targeted as a population model for ecology and evolution studies. Although we did not detect evidences of recent bottleneck events, this population seems to be monomorphic for the mtDNA haplotype. Our results suggest that the blind reintroductions from TBNGR to Montserrat failed on maximizing the genetic diversity of the latter. We enhance the importance of genetic monitoring of both the source population and the selected individuals to be re-introduced. We conclude that the three studied population of Iberian ibex must be monitored to explore which strategy would be advantageous for maintaining the genetic diversity. On the other hand, TBNGR should be monitored to assess the existence of its singular genetic variation, where stochastic events could preserve this lost genetic variation

Alterations to cerebral perfusion, metabolite profiles, and neuronal morphology in the hippocampus and cortex of male and female mice during chronic exposure to a high-salt diet

Excess dietary salt reduces resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) and vascular reactivity, which can limit the fueling of neuronal metabolism. It is hitherto unknown whether metabolic derangements induced by high-salt-diet (HSD) exposure during adulthood are reversed by reducing salt intake. In this study, male and female mice were fed an HSD from 9 to 16 months of age, followed by a normal-salt diet (ND) thereafter until 23 months of age. Controls were continuously fed either ND or HSD. CBF and metabolite profiles were determined longitudinally by arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. HSD reduced cortical and hippocampal CBF, which recovered after dietary salt normalization, and affected hippocampal but not cortical metabolite profiles. Compared to ND, HSD increased hippocampal glutamine and phosphocreatine levels and decreased creatine and choline levels. Dietary reversal only allowed recovery of glutamine levels. Histology analyses revealed that HSD reduced the dendritic arborization and spine density of cortical and hippocampal neurons, which were not recovered after dietary salt normalization. We conclude that sustained HSD exposure throughout adulthood causes permanent structural and metabolic alterations to the mouse brain that are not fully normalized by lowering dietary salt during aging

Canopy insect herbivores in the Azorean Laurisilva forests: key host plant species in a highly generalist insect community

Copyright © ECOGRAPHY 2005.This article explores patterns of insect herbivore distribution in the canopy of the Laurisilva forests on seven islands in the Azores archipelago. To our knowledge, this is one of the first extensive studied of this type in tree or shrub canopies of oceanic island ecosystems. One of the most frequently debated characteristics of such ecosystems is the likely prevalence of vague, ill-defined niches due to taxonomic disharmony, which may have implications for insect-plant interactions. For instance, an increase in ecological opportunities for generalist species is expected due to the lack of predator groups and reduced selection for chemical defence in host plants. The following two questions were addressed: 1) Are specialists rare species, and insect herbivore species randomly distributed among host plant species in the Azores? 2) Are the variances in insect herbivore species composition, frequency and richness explained by host plants or by regional island effects? We expect a proportional distribution of herbivore species between host plants, influenced by host frequency and distinct island effects; otherwise, deviation from expectation might suggest habitat preference for specific host tree crowns. Canopy beating tray samples were performed on seven islands, comprising 50 transects with 1 to 3 plant species each (10 replicates per species), giving 1320 samples from ten host species trees or shrubs in total. From a total of 129 insect herbivore species, a greater number of herbivore species was found on Juniperus brevifolia (s=65) and Erica azorica (s=53). However, the number of herbivore species per individual tree crown was higher for E. azorica than for any other host, on all islands, despite the fact that it was only the fourth more abundant plant. In addition, higher insect species richness and greater insect abundance were found on the trees of Santa Maria Island, the oldest in the archipelago. Insect species composition was strongly influenced by the presence of E. azorica, which was the only host plant with a characteristic fauna across the archipelago, whereas the fauna of other plant crowns was grouped by islands. The great insect occurrence on E. azorica reflects strong habitat fidelity, but only four species were clearly specialists. Our findings indicate a broadly generalist fauna. The simplicity of Azorean Laurisilva contributed to the understanding of insect-plant mechanisms in canopy forest habitats