Benthic meiofauna as indicator of ecological changes in estuarine ecosystems: The use of nematodes in ecological quality assessment

a b s t r a c t Estuarine meiofauna communities have been only recently considered to be good indicators of ecological quality, exhibiting several advantages over macrofauna, such as their small size, high abundance, rapid generation times and absence of a planktonic phase. In estuaries we must account not only for a great natural variability along the estuarine gradient (e.g. sediment type and dynamics, oxygen availability, temperature and flow speed) but also for the existence of anthropogenic pressures (e.g. high local population density, presence of harbors and dredging activities). Spatial and temporal biodiversity patterns of meiofauna and freeliving marine nematodes were studied in the Mondego estuary (Portugal). Both taxonomic and functional approaches were applied to nematode communities in order to describe the community structure and to relate it with the environmental parameters along the estuary. At all sampling events, nematode assemblages reflected the estuarine gradient, and salinity and grain size composition were confirmed to be the main abiotic factors controlling the distribution of the assemblages. Moreover, the low temporal variability may indicate that natural variability is superimposed by the anthropogenic pressures present in some areas of the estuary. The characterization of both meiofauna and nematode assemblages highlighted the usefulness of the integration of both taxonomic and functional attributes, which must be taken into consideration when assessing the ecological status of estuaries

Metabolic aspects of palladium(II) potential anti-cancer drugs

This mini-review reports on the existing knowledge of the metabolic effects of palladium [Pd(II)] complexes with potential anticancer activity, on cell lines and murine models. Most studies have addressed mononuclear Pd(II) complexes, although increasing interest has been noted in bidentate complexes, as polynuclear structures. In addition, the majority of records have reported in vitro studies on cancer cell lines, some including the impact on healthy cells, as potentially informative in relation to side effects. Generally, these studies address metabolic effects related to the mechanisms of induced cell death and antioxidant defense, often involving the measurement of gene and protein expression patterns, and evaluation of the levels of reactive oxygen species or specific metabolites, such as ATP and glutathione, in relation to mitochondrial respiration and antioxidant mechanisms. An important tendency is noted toward the use of more untargeted approaches, such as the use of omic sciences e.g., proteomics and metabolomics. In the discussion section of this mini-review, the developments carried out so far are summarized and suggestions of possible future developments are advanced, aiming at recognizing that metabolites and metabolic pathways make up an important part of cell response and adaptation to therapeutic agents, their further study potentially contributing valuably for a more complete understanding of processes such as biotoxicity or development of drug resistance.AG acknowledges funding from the CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials project, with references UIDB/50011/2020 & UIDP/50011/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT/MEC and when appropriate co-financed by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement. MM acknowledges financial support from POCentro, COMPETE 2020, Portugal 2020 and European Community through the FEDER and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (UIDB/00070/2020). TC and AM are grateful to the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for grants SFRH/BD/145920/2019 and SFRH/BD/111576/2015, respectively.publishe

Calibration in Water Distribution Networks with Pressure-Driven Analysis

Water distribution networks (WDN) connect consumers to the water sources, and its goal is to fulfil water demand. However, it is a well-known fact that WDN have losses and an important part of them occur at pipe level. Despite all the research efforts focused on this subject, the identification of leaky pipes is still a major challenge. EPANET is frequently used to simulate WDN’ models, using a link-node formulation, similar to a graph, where the water demands are assigned to the nodes. A linearized system of equations (mass and energy conservation laws) is iteratively solved by a Newton-Raphson algorithm. The EPANET is demand-driven, since it assumes the water pressure is always enough to satisfy the demands. However, on real WDN, states of insufficient pressure also occur. Besides that, the demand-driven approach is not suitable for pipe leakage simulation, which depends on the pressure. WaterNetGen — an EPANET extension— allows both demand and pressure driven simulations, including pipes’ leakage modelling. However, the leakage parameters (bursts and background leakage coefficients and exponents) must be set manually by an expert — manual calibration — for the whole network or for each pipe. This work proposes a calibration methodology to estimate the pipe background leakage parameters. The approach is tested on a set of synthetic models, generated by WaterNetGen, and then applied to a real WDN to assess its performance on real world conditions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Nematodes vs Macrofauna assemblages along an estuarine gradient (Mondego estuary, Portugal)

The spatial distribution of the nematodes and macrofauna communities in the subtidal sediments along estuarine gradient in the Mondego estuary was studied. The main aim is to compare the response of the nematodes and macrofauna communities structure adjusted for each estuarine stretch. Spatial distribution of nematode assemblages followed the estuarine gradients, allowing to distinguish: The freshwater and oligohaline sections, characterised by the presence of freshwater nematodes, low densities and diversity; Mesohaline section, the densities and diversity were also low; Polyhaline and Euhaline sections, attained highest densities and diversity. Significant differences of diversity were obtained between estuarine sections by Shannon-Wiener index. Significant differences in macrofauna densities were also obtained, the highest values were obtained in euhaline and mesohaline areas. The euhaline stations presented higher species richness, while the freshwater section registered lower values. Significant differences of diversity were also obtained between estuarine sections by Shannon-Wiener index. From the management point of view both communities are very useful in assessing ecological quality in transitional waters, however the rapid response of nematodes to environmental changes became an important tool

A 2d in vivo approach to study photosynthesis in grape berry

Is argued that fruit photosynthesis serves mainly as a respiratory CO2 refixation mechanism [1] but its contribution to growth and metabolism, localization and dynamics during fruit development are poorly known. Unlike the leaves, fruit volume imposes a constraint to photosynthesis by limiting light penetration. However, the patterns of chlorophyll distribution are apparently independent of a light intensity gradient. Microscopic observations of transversal slices of green stage grape berries (6-8 weeks after fruit set) of Alvarinho cultivar, revealed that exocarp cells, mesocarp cells next to vascular bundles, and seed coat cells present higher chlorophyll contents than inner mesocarp cells. The photosynthetic activity was determined on this material by Imaging-PAM fluorometry, a powerful tool for 2D mapping of in vivo photosynthesis. In 2 mm-thick grape berry discs, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were estimated (Fv/Fm and II), and rapid light curves (RLC) were performed. Exocarp and seed coats of green berries showed the highest Fv/Fm values (ca. 0.6-0.7), and mesocarp cells around 85% of that value. Exocarp from mature grapes maintained Fv/Fm values during maturation, but in mesocarp and seed coats this value strongly decreased. ETRr were very sensitive to increasing light intensities and decreased with grape berry maturation. Our future prospects include the implication of photosynthesis on grape berry solute contents (sugars, acids), fruit and seed development.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (research project no. PTDC/AGR-ALI/100636/2008

a study on perceived effects on health and economic condition

Funding Information: Acknowledgments: We thank all the participants who answered the questionnaire. We extend our thanks to Fundação Ciência e Tecnologia for funding Research 4 COVID-19—Ref. FCT 608. Funding Information: Funding: The present publication was funded by Fundação Ciência e Tecnologia, IP national support through CHRC (UIDP/04923/2020). Funding Information: The present publication was funded by Funda??o Ci?ncia e Tecnologia, IP national support through CHRC (UIDP/04923/2020). We thank all the participants who answered the questionnaire. We extend our thanks to Funda??o Ci?ncia e Tecnologia for funding Research 4 COVID-19?Ref. FCT 608. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Increasing evidence on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that its social and health impacts are being disproportionately shouldered by socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, including migrants. Knowledge of how these populations are experiencing the COVID-19 crisis is scarce. We examined the effects of the pandemic on the perceived individual financial situation and health condition of migrants in Lisbon, Portugal, and described the most affected sub-groups. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a diverse community-based sample of 1126 migrants. A worsening of their financial situation since the pandemic was reported by 55.6% of the participants and a worsening of their health condition by 19.9%. A worsened financial situation was most often reported by those ≥45 years old and with a lower income (<EUR 650). Likewise, a worsened health condition was most often reported by older and lower-income migrants, as well as by women and those with a lower level of education. Migration-related factors such as length of stay and migration status were not associated with worsened health conditions. Socioeconomic characteristics appear to be more important when assessing differences in perceived effects of the pandemic among migrants. The social impact of the pandemic both exacerbates economic and gender inequalities and may lead to worse health conditions within the population in the medium and long terms.publishersversionpublishe

Genomic diversity of Oenococcus oeni from different winemaking regions of Portugal

Oenococcus oeni is an alcohol-tolerant, acidophilic lactic acid bacterium that plays an important role in the elaboration&nbsp;of wine. It is often added as a starter culture to carry out malolactic conversion. Given the economic importance of&nbsp;this reaction, the taxonomic structure of this species has been studied in detail. In the present work, phenotypic and molecular&nbsp;approaches were used to identify 121 lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from the wines of three winemaking regions of&nbsp;Portugal. The strains were differentiated at the genomic level by M13-PCR fingerprinting. Twenty-seven genomic clusters&nbsp;represented by two or more isolates and 21 single-member clusters, based on an 85% similarity level, were recognized by&nbsp;hierarchic numerical analysis. M13-PCR fingerprinting patterns revealed a high level of intraspecific genomic diversity in O. oeni.&nbsp;Moreover, this diversity could be partitioned according to the geographical origin of the isolates. Thus, M13-PCR fingerprint&nbsp;analysis may be an appropriate methodology to study the O. oeni ecology of wine during malolactic fermentation as well as&nbsp;to trace new malolactic starter cultures and evaluate their dominance over the native microbiota

Características do enfermeiro supervisor: construções elaboradas pelos estudantes de 1º ciclo em Enfermagem

Introdução: A supervisão clínica em enfermagem constitui uma realidade no ensino da enfermagem em Portugal. O seu âmago não se restringe à transmissão de conhecimentos práticos. O enfermeiro supervisor deve possuir competências clínicas - técnicas, científicas e relacionais - a par da capacidade de discutir, questionar e fazer reflectir o estudante no desenvolvimento da acção (Ketola, 2009). Em simultâneo, deve possuir competências pessoais facilitadoras de uma relação efectiva com o estudante, como sejam, simpatia, empatia, assertividade, respeito, entre outras. Objectivos: Apreender as representações sociais das características do enfermeiro supervisor clínico, elaboradas por estudantes. Explorar a dimensão estrutural das representações sociais do enfermeiro supervisor clínico, na perspectiva dos estudantes. Identificar o campo das representações sociais de enfermeiro supervisor clínico, na perspectiva dos estudantes. Metodologia: Estudo exploratório, cuja amostra é constituída por 74 estudantes 4º ano, 1º ciclo de Enfermagem. A recolha dos dados foi feita em Fevereiro, através de questionário com questões que visavam a caracterização sócio-demográfica e um estímulo indutor (características do enfermeiro supervisor). Foram cumpridos procedimentos ético-legais, em conformidade com a comissão de ética da Área da Saúde e Bem-Estar da Universidade de Évora. Os dados foram categorizados recorrendo ao Microsoft Office Word e processados nos softwares Evoc e SIMI que forneceram estrutura das representações sociais e força da relação entre elementos. Resultados: A predominância dos respondentes era estudantes do sexo feminino, com idade média de 24,6 anos. As palavras evocadas pelos estudantes foram 359, apurando-se 47 palavras diferentes. As representações sociais de enfermeiro supervisor clínico têm a seguinte estrutura: - o núcleo central, fornece os elementos mais consensuais, é constituído por: acessível, competência, conhecimento, disponível, empatia, experiência, honestidade e imparcialidade; - a segunda periferia, fornece elementos menos consensuais com maior carga individual dos elementos do grupo em estudo, é constituída por: amigo, colaborador, cordial, directo e empenho. A árvore máxima que derivou da análise de similitude comprovou a centralidade dos elementos disponível, conhecimento e empatia. Mostrou, também, que existe uma relação forte entre os elementos disponível e cordial e uma relação moderada entre a maioria dos restantes elementos com centralidade. Conclusão: As representações sociais de enfermeiro supervisor, construídas pelos estudantes, assentam em duas competências básicas: competências de experiência profissional, alimentadas pelo conhecimento, e competências pessoais relacionadas com o carácter do enfermeiro. Assim, os estudantes têm no seu imaginário que o enfermeiro supervisor deve ter experiência e conhecimentos, deve ser acessível, compreensivo, disponível, empático, honesto e imparcial. Pearson (2009) diz que as experiências clínicas são condicionadas pela relação estabelecida entre enfermeiro supervisor e estudante. O enfermeiro supervisor deve ser capaz de questionar a sua prática clínica e estratégias utilizadas no sentido de possibilitar ao estudante compreensão dos ambientes de cuidados (Fernandes, 2007)

Application of the OPtimising HEalth LIteracy and Access (Ophelia) process

APP1155125. The present publication was funded by Funda??o Ci?ncia e Tecnologia, lP national support through CHRC (UIDP/04923/2020), and NOVA National School of Public Health ? NOVA University of Lisbon. Publisher Copyright: © Copyright © 2021 Dias, Gama, Maia, Marques, Campos Fernandes, Goes, Loureiro and Osborne.The drivers of high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) among migrants are well-documented. Health literacy is regarded as a potential tool to reduce health inequalities and improve migrant's access to and quality of health care. Yet, little is known about the health literacy needs among these groups and how to address them. This paper outlines the protocol for a migrant community-based co-design project that seeks to optimize health literacy, health promotion, and social cohesion in support of prevention of NCDs among migrants in Lisbon using the OPtismizing HEalth LIteracy and Access (Ophelia) process. This participatory implementation research project starts with a mixed-methods needs assessment covering health literacy strengths, weaknesses and needs of migrants, and local data about determinants of health behaviors, service engagement, and organizational responsiveness. Diverse migrant groups will be engaged and surveyed using the Health Literacy Questionnaire and questions on sociodemographic and economic characteristics, health status, use of health services, and perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews with migrants will also be conducted. Based on data collected, vignettes will be developed representing typical persons with diverse health literacy profiles. Migrants and stakeholders will participate in ideas generation workshops for depth co-creation discussions in simulated real-world situations based on the vignettes, to design health literacy-based multisectoral interventions. Selected interventions will be piloted through quality improvement cycles to ensure ongoing local refinements and ownership development. Through a genuine engagement, the project will evaluate the uptake, effectiveness and sustainability of the interventions. This protocol takes a grounded approach to produce evidence on real health literacy needs from the perspective of key stakeholders, especially migrants, and embodies strong potential for effective knowledge translation into innovative, locally relevant, culturally and context congruent solutions for prevention of NCDs among migrants. Given the diverse communities engaged, this protocol will likely be adaptable to other migrant groups in a wide range of contexts, particularly in European countries. The scale-up of interventions to similar contexts and populations will provide much needed evidence on how health literacy interventions can be developed and applied to reduce health inequality and improve health in diverse communities.publishersversionpublishe

Nutritional and phytochemical composition of Vaccinium padifolium Sm wild berries and radical scavenging activity

Blueberries have a well-deserved reputation as a potential functional food, supported by studies which have identified and quantified various nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals with known benefits for human diet and health. Wild blueberries have attracted particular attention due to the levels and concentrations of those phytonutrients. This study aims to evaluate for the first time the chemical composition of Madeira Island's endemic Vaccinium padifolium Sm wild berry. Results show that this fruit contains high values of total soluble phenolic content (around 4 g GAE kg-1 FW), as well as significant values of total monomeric anthocyanin content (around 3 g eq. cyanidin kg-1 FW) and DPPH scavenging activity (around 86.72%). Additionally, results reveal that this fruit has water content of about 88% as well as low sugar content (17.98 and 29.73 g kg-1 for glucose and fructose, respectively). Results also confirm that this wild blueberry is a good source of dietary fiber, fat and minerals. The high level of terpenoid compounds stands out in the aroma profile analysis.Ana C. Pereira acknowledges Agencia Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI) for financial support through her grant, M1420-09-5369-FSE- 000001.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio