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

Inventory of tiger- and ground-beetles (Coleoptera Caraboidea: Cicindelidae, Carabidae) from the Gorongosa National Park (Mozambique)

The Gorongosa National Park (Mozambique) is one of the most emblematic protected areas in Africa, well known for its vertebrate biodiversity and restoration ecology efforts following the Mozambican civil war in 1992. The invertebrate biodiversity of Gorongosa National Park is still poorly studied, although the scarce information available indicates the existence of a rich number of species, particularly ground-beetles. The study of Caraboidea beetles is key for designing conservation practices since they are frequently used as biodiversity and ecological indicators and provide valuable information to help decision making. Therefore, the diversity assessment of Caraboidea beetles using standardized methodologies, can be used to quantify the effects of climate change in areas identified as vulnerable to climate change, such as the Gorongosa National Park. We report the occurrence of five tiger-beetles (Cicindelidae) and 93 ground-beetles (Carabidae) species/morphospecies in Gorongosa National Park from a field survey funded by the ECOASSESS project. Sampling was performed in the four main habitat types present in the park (miombo tropical forest, mixed dry forest, transition forest and grasslands) between October 25th and November 25th. In this sampling window, the turnover of Caraboidea species from the dry season to the wet season was recorded for the first time. Twenty-eight species of ground-beetles are new records to Mozambique, including 4 new subgenera and 2 new genera. Additional information on species phenology and habitat preferences is also provided.FUNDING: This study was supported by the Project ECOASSESS – A biodiveristy and ECOlogical ASSESSment of soil fauna of Gorongosa National Park (Mozambique) (PTDC/BIA-CBI/29672/2017) funded through national funds by FCT / MCTES (PIDDAC) under the Programme All Scientific Domains. Marie Bartz was contracted by the University of Coimbra (contract nr. IT057-19-7955) through financial support by the Project/R&D Instituition ECOASSESS. Sara Mendes was financially supported by FCiências – Associação para a investigação e Desenvolvimento de Ciências through research grants funded by the Project/R&D Institution ECOASSESS. Mário Boieiro and Sérgio Timóteo were supported by FCT under contracts DL57/2016/CP1375/CT0001 and CEECIND/00135/2017, respectively.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Supressão do Campo Eléctrico Atmosférico aquando do sismo de Sousel, M = 4.1

In recent years different phenomena associated with seismic events have been referred in the literature. These include: unusual ultra-low-frequency electromagnetic emissions; anomalies in radio transmissions; variation of the ionosphere total electron content; and anomalous levels of different geochemical elements (in particular radon) in the earthquake preparation zone. Recent works shown the possibility of enhanced air ionization, with consequent atmospheric electricity perturbations, in the preparatory stage of seismic events. They relate possible atmospheric electrical field anomalies during the earthquake preparation with surface air ionization through radon emanations. In fact, this work presents the observation of a significant suppression of the vertical component of the atmospheric electrical field that occurred in Évora (Portugal) soon before the M = 4.1 Sousel earthquake of 27 March 2010. The observation is reported, followed by the analysis and interpretation. Preliminary conclusions and plans for future works are drawn

Influence of seismic activity in the atmospheric electrical field in Lisbon (Portugal) from 1961 until 1991

The atmospheric electric field (AEF) can be influenced by different factors like cosmic radiation, radioactivity and aerosols [1]. Two innovative works have shown the possibility of enhanced air ionization, with consequent AEF perturbations, in the preparatory stage of earthquakes (EQ): Freund et al. [2] base their arguments on charge separation generated in the stressed volume followed by positive charges flow that reach surface and ionize the air within the boundary layer; Harrison et al. [3] relate possible AEF anomalies during the EQ preparation with surface air ionization through radon emanations. It is clear that AEF plays a role in many of the studied electromagnetic seismic precursors, but systematic preearthquake AEF measurements are still lacking. There are reports of AEF anomalies [4], but no clear conclusions could yet be drawn. Hence we believe that in near future a deeper inspection of AEF is required since it could be vital for a better comprehension of these phenomena. Here we consider hourly values of the AEF recorded at Portela-Lisbon meteorological station (38º47’N, 9º08’W) in the period 1961–1991. They were recorded with a Benndorff electrograph at 1m-height probe. The data series was interrupted in 1975–1977 when the electrometer was switched off for maintenance. The continuous and reliable data of AEF observed are used to study the correlation between possible anomalies in AEF and occurrence of eleven EQ with magnitude (M) above three. These verify the condition that the distance between the AFE sensor to the EQ epicentre lies inside the EQ preparation radius, R = 100:43M [5]. The influences of meteorological variables (relative humidity, precipitation, wind intensity and cloudiness) are considered too. We also analyze the atmospheric radon concentration in the same period since radon is important to estimate the alteration of the AEF conditions in response to the crustal behaviour. In fact, EQ’s originate many factures in the Earth surface that create many pathways for radon in the crust thus enhancing its migration [6], which may lead to the enormous release into the atmosphere and consequently decrease in the AEF. We are just starting a very careful study and for the moment we do not have clear proves to confirm or denied an EQ-AEF correlation. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that a previous case study has given interesting results [7]

Sphaerococcus coronopifolius bromoterpenes as potential cancer stem celltargeting agents

Cancer is one of the major threats to human health and, due to distinct factors, it is expected that its incidence will increase in the next decades leading to an urgent need of new anticancer drugs development. Ongoing experimental and clinical observations propose that cancer cells with stem-like properties (CSCs) are involved on the development of lung cancer chemoresistance. As tumour growth and metastasis can be controlled by tumourassociated stromal cells, the main goal of this study was to access the antitumor potential of five bromoterpenes isolated from Sphaerococcus coronopifolius red alga to target CSCs originated in a co-culture system of fibroblast and lung malignant cells. Cytotoxicity of compounds (10–500 μM; 72 h) was evaluated on monocultures of several malignant and non-malignant cells lines (HBF, BEAS-2B, RenG2, SC-DRenG2) and the effects estimated by MTT assay. Co-cultures of non-malignant human bronchial fibroblasts (HBF) and malignant human bronchial epithelial cells (RenG2) were implemented and the compounds ability to selectively kill CSCs was evaluated by sphere forming assay. The interleucine-6 (IL-6) levels were also determined as cytokine is crucial for CSCs. Regarding the monocultures results bromosphaerol selectively eliminated the malignant cells. Both 12S-hydroxy-bromosphaerol and 12R-hydroxy-bromosphaerol steroisomers were cytotoxic towards non-malignant bronchial BEAS-2B cell line, IC50 of 4.29 and 4.30 μM respectively. However, none of the steroisomers induced damage in the HBFs. As to the co-cultures, 12R-hydroxy-bromosphaerol revealed the highest cytotoxicity and ability to abrogate the malignant stem cells; however its effects were IL-6 independent. The results presented here are the first evidence of the potential of these bromoterpenes to abrogate CSCs opening new research opportunities. The 12R-hydroxy-bromosphaerol revealed to be the most promising compound to be test in more complex living models.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Antimonene-modified screen-printed carbon nanofibers electrode for enhanced electroanalytical response of metal ions.

A two-dimensional (2D) Sb-modified screen-printed carbon nanofibers electrode (2D Sbexf-SPCNFE) was developed to improve the stripping voltammetric determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II), taking advantage of the synergistic effect between the two nanomaterials. The surface morphology of the 2D Sbexf-SPCNFE was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The analytical performance of 2D Sbexf-SPCNFE was compared to those presented by screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with 2D Sbexf (2D Sbexf-SPCE) and the corresponding bare electrodes: screen-printed carbon nanofibers electrode (SPCNFEbare) and screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCEbare). After optimizing the experimental conditions, the 2D Sbexf-SPCNFE exhibited much better analytical parameters compared to the other assessed sensors. Analysis in 0.01 mol L−1 HCl (pH = 2) using 2D Sbexf-SPCNFE showed excellent linear behavior in the concentration range of 2.9 to 85.0 µg L−1 and 0.3 to 82.0 µg L−1 for Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The limits of detection after 240 s deposition time for Cd(II) and Pb(II) were 0.9 and 0.1 µg L−1, and sensitivities between 1.5 and 3 times higher than those displayed by SPCEbare, SPCNFEbare, and 2D Sbexf-SPCE were obtained. Finally, the 2D Sbexf-SPCNFE was successfully applied to the determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) traces in a certified estuarine water sample

Reproduction of the Blue Jack Mackerel, Trachurus picturatus, in Western Portugal: Microscopic gonad analysis reveals indeterminate fecundity and skipped spawning patterns

This study was partially supported by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund MAR2020 project “VALOREJET: Valorização de espécies rejeitadas e de baixo valor comercial”, MAR- 01.03.01-FEAMP-0003 and by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia through research contracts attributed to Vera Sequeira (CEECIND/02705/2017) and Ana Rita Vieira (CEECIND/01528/2017) and strategic project UIBD/04292/2020.Blue jack mackerel, Trachurus picturatus, is the fifth most landed fish species in mainland Portugal, but information on its reproductive biology is scarce. From September 2018 to August 2019, 626 specimens were collected from commercial vessels to clarify the reproductive strategy of the T. picturatus population off the west coast of Portugal. The proportion and length range of males and females were similar. Only three of the specimens collected were categorized as immature, indicating that the fish caught in the fishery are primarily mature. The spawning season lasted from late January until the end of March, with gonadosomatic indices being similar for males and females. Fecundity was indeterminate, and estimated batch fecundity ranged between 6,798 (at 25.4 cm TL) and 302,358 oocytes (at 33.8 cm TL). The low number of females showing direct evidence of imminent or recent spawning suggests a low number of spawning events. In addition, 12.7% of females were considered non-reproductive due to ovary abnormalities including parasitic infection by Kudoa species, atretic structures and skipped spawning events. This study highlights the importance of accounting for skipped spawning events and ovary abnormalities in the management of species fisheries.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

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

Adding value to bycatch fish species captured in the Portuguese coast—development of new food products

We live in a world of limited biological resources and ecosystems, which are essential to feed people. Consequently, diversifying target species and considering full exploitation are essential for fishery sustainability. The present study focuses on the valorization of three low commercial value fish species (blue jack mackerel, Trachurus picturatus; black seabream, Spondyliosoma cantharus; and piper gurnard, Trigla lyra) and of two unexploited species (comber, Serranus cabrilla and boarfish, Capros aper) through the development of marine-based food products with added value. A preliminary inquiry with 155 consumers from Região de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (Center of Portugal) was conducted to assess fish consumption, the applicability of fish product innovation, and the importance of valorizing discarded fish. Five products (black seabream ceviche, smoked blue jack mackerel pâté, dehydrated piper gurnard, fried boarfish, and comber pastries) were developed and investigated for their sensory characteristics and consumer liking by hedonic tests to 90 consumers. The most important descriptors were identified for each product (texture, flavor, color, and appearance). Comber pastries had the highest purchase intention (88%), followed by black seabream ceviche (85%) and blue jack mackerel pâté (76%). Sensory evaluations showed a clear tendency of consumers to accept reformulated products, with the introduction of the low-value and unexploited species under study.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio