Protein glycosylation as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal and liver diseases

Glycans are sequences of carbohydrates that are added to proteins or lipids to modulate their structure and function. Glycans modify proteins required for regulation of immune cells, and alterations have been associated with inflammatory conditions. For example, specific glycans regulate T-cell activation, structures, and functions of immunoglobulins; interactions between microbes and immune and epithelial cells; and malignant transformation in the intestine and liver. We review the effects of protein glycosylation in regulation of gastrointestinal and liver functions, and how alterations in glycosylation serve as diagnostic or prognostic factors, or as targets for therapy

Novos sítios de arte rupestre na bacia do rio Cávado, Noroeste de Portugal

São poucos os lugares de arte rupestre conhecidos na bacia do rio Cávado. Tornando-se crucial a divulgação de sítios inéditos, são apresentados novos dados relativos a lugares com gravuras rupestres no concelho de Barcelos, distrito de Braga. Considerado como a representação clássica de Arte Atlântica, o complexo da Quinta de Paranho conjuga círculos concêntricos, círculos segmentados e covinhas. Motivo raro nesta área geográfica, a representação de um possível equídeo, surge no corpo da capela de Santiago de Moldes. Por fim, em Campo de Moinhos ocorre a representação de outro raro motivo, uma mão com antebraço. Entre outras considerações, os dados revelam uma ampla tradição na gravação de afloramentos nesta área, entre a Pré- história Recente e a Proto-história ou mesmo época posterior. A presença de um equídeo, a sul da bacia do rio Lima, considerada a “fronteira” destas representações, permite colocar a hipótese de que a expansão deste tipo de motivos possa ter ocorrido de norte para sul, quiçá por via marítima.Este trabalho foi realizado no âmbito dos projetos Rota da Arte Rupestre do Noroeste. Um projeto de Turismo Cultural, desenvolvido no seio do Laboratório de Paisagem, Património e Território (Lab2PT), e Arte Rupestre do Noroeste Ibérico. Liminaridade e Heterotopia, apoiado pela Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia através da bolsa SFRH/BSAB/114296/2016.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The middle and the beginning of the late bronze age in the north-western Iberian peninsula

The aim of this paper is to present a synthesis on the Middle Bronze Age and the origins of the Late Bronze Age in the Northwest of Iberia. This approach takes into account the burial contexts and practices and the new scenarios (compared to the Early Bronze Age) that structured the world and promoted social identities: settlements, some “natural spaces” and reinterpreted past loci. In many cases these “natural spaces” were sometimes materialized by the cere- monial deposition of metallic artefacts and the erection of statues-menhirs. New conceptions of the world, understandable in societies depending on husbandry, forestry and shepherding activi- ties, dedicated to the land, becoming more sedentary and bearing an animist cosmology increasingly connected to the properties of minerals, metallic artefacts and others elements, are also addressed.Le but de cet article est de présenter une synthèse sur l’âge du Bronze moyen et les origines de l’âge du Bronze final dans le nord-ouest de la péninsule ibérique. cette approche prend en compte les contextes et les pratiques funéraires ainsi que de nouvelles mises en scène (en les comparant au Bronze ancien) qui ont structuré le monde et ont mis en place une identité sociale : les habitats, les environnements naturels et la réinterprétation des occupations. Dans de nombreux cas, ces «espaces naturels» ont été matérialisés par le dépôt d’objets métalliques et l’érection de statues-menhirs. ces nouveaux concepts, qui sont compréhensibles dans des communautés qui dépendent de l’élevage et de la gestion forestière, ainsi rattachées à la terre et qui deviennent de plus en plus sédentaires et en même temps adossant une cosmologie animiste de plus en plus liée aux propriétés des minéraux, des objets métalliques et d’autres éléments, seront abordés.This work was developed under the project Natural Spaces, Architecture, Rock Art and Depositions from the Late Prehistory of the Western Front of Central and Northern Portugal: from Actions to Meanings (PTDC/HIS-­‐ARQ/112983/2009) financed by the Programa Operacional Temático Factores de Competitivade(COMPETE) and by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). We would like to thank Emilio Abad for the map in figure 1.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Performance assessment of a semi-circular breakwater through CFD modelling

Coastal defence works, such as breakwaters, are structures that aim to support the action of waves and dissipate their energy. Therefore, they provide conditions for stabilizing the coast, protecting ports, beaches and other coastal infrastructures and ecosystems. Semicircular breakwaters have been applied in different locations around the world due to their aesthetic advantages and high structural performance. Marine structures are subject to hydrodynamic actions normally estimated through physical models. However, these models are complex to implement, involving high costs and long experimental procedures. Thus, alternative methodologies for studying the hydrodynamic performance of these structures are of great use. This work presents the results of the application of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool to study the stability of a perforated semicircular breakwater, based on a rubble mound foundation. The model was validated against experimental results of the critical weight necessary to resist sliding, taking into account the effects of water depth and different characteristics of the waves. A comparison is made between the perforated and the non-perforated solution in terms of the breakwater’s performance to dissipate wave energy. Dissipation conditions of this energy, in the exposed face, are also evaluated in detail, in order to assess the potential of this structure as a biological refuge for marine species. Both solutions show similar performance in terms of results obtained for the wave reflectivity coefficient. The turbulence dissipation on the exposed face of the perforated breakwater is limited to a region of restricted extension around it, which is advantageous in terms of the passage of species into the breakwater.This research was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Northern Regional Operational Program, grant number NORTE-01-0247-FEDER-037417 EcOffShorBe—Eco Offshore Built Environment

Linking short- to medium-term beach dune dynamics to local features under wave and wind actions: a northern portuguese case study

Many coasts suffer from prevailing erosion, with them being particularly vulnerable to predicted climate change impacts, threatening coastal ecosystems, their services, infrastructures and populations. Understanding coastal morpho-sedimentary dynamics is thus essential for coastal management. However, coastal vulnerability may differ locally, depending on exposure/protection and local geological and morpho-hydrodynamical features, suggesting that a local approach to erosion risk assessment is needed to identify and understand local patterns. Digital elevation models of a 14 km long coastal stretch in northern Portugal that were extracted from aerial surveys obtained between November 2008 and February 2019 were analysed to quantify changes in shoreline position and sediment budgets, both for the whole study area and for distinct beach segments. The observed dynamics were subsequently analysed by considering prevailing wave and wind intensities and directions. Overall and during the decade analysed, the beach–dune system of the studied stretch slightly increased in volume (0.6%), although the shoreline retreated (by 1.6 m on average). Temporal variability in coastal dynamics was observed at all of the temporal scales considered—from seasons to 5-year periods—with them being related to variability in ocean and wind patterns. There was a trend from accretional to erosional conditions, with the first 5-year period showing a mean increase in the beach–dune system’s volume of 0.6% and a mean shoreline progradation of 1.5 m, followed by 5-years with 0.0% volume change and 3.1 m shoreline retreat. Locally, the dynamics were very variable, with shoreline dynamics ranging from 24.0 m regression to 51.5 m progradation, and sediment budgets from 213.8 m3 loss to 417.0 m3 gain, per segment and for the decade. Stretches with relatively stable morphologies and others with erosional or accretional trends were found, depending on the beach type, shoreline orientation and the presence of defence structures. Rocky beaches were the least dynamic and sandy beaches the most dynamic, with mean shoreline position changes of 0.0 m and −3.4 m, respectively, and mean sediment budgets of −1.1 m3 and −2.9 m3 per linear meter of coastline, respectively, for the studied decade. The observed dynamics showed how local conditions interacted with meteo-ocean conditions in shaping local morpho-sedimentary dynamics, stressing the importance of a local approach to coastal erosion monitoring and risk assessment.European Union MarRISK project: Adaptación costera ante el Cambio Climático: conocer los riesgos y aumentar la resiliencia (0262_MarRISK_1_E) through EP INTERREG V A España-Portugal (POCTEP) program and the project INNOVMAR-Innovation and Sustainability in the Management and Exploitation of Marine Resources (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000035, within Research Line ECOSERVICES), supported by NORTE 2020, under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the ERD

¿Entre héroes y deidades? actos de sacrificio de la Edad del Hierro grabados en la roca 6 del monte de Porreiras (Noroeste de Portugal)

El objetivo de este trabajo es publicar los grabados rupestres del Monte das Porreira 6, situado en Paredes de Coura, en el no de Portugal. El estudio se ha basado en un levantamiento fotogramétrico y el posterior contraste con la determinación de la distancia geométrica. Se trata de una roca profusamente decorada con una larga diacronía de grabados. La fase inicial incluye el arte atlántico clásico, integrado en el Calcolítico Reciente. La segunda fase incluye la representación de équidos, jinetes y puñales con mango de antenas. Basándose en los paralelos de dichas armas, es posible integrar estos motivos entre la Edad de Bronce Final y la Edad de Hierro Inicial. También es posible observar el paso de una gramática abstracta, durante la primera fase, a una gramática figurativa, en la que se puede identificar una narrativa relacionada con los sacrificios humanos y de animales, asociada al uso de puñales con mango de antenas. Estas representaciones evocan un simbolismo que recuerda a los textos de Estrabón y objetos de bronce que contienen escenas de sacrificio. La última fase del grabado indica nuevos cambios simbólicos, con la valorización de acciones aisladas perpetradas por un jinete, portando un arma arrojadiza, que pueden representar a una divinidad o a un héroe.The aim of this work is to publish the rock engravings of Monte das Porreira 6, located in the council of Paredes de Coura, in the Northwest of Portugal. The study was based on photogrammetric surveys and subsequent contrast recurring to geometric distance determination. It is a profusely decorated rock with a long diachrony of carving. The initial phase includes Classical Atlantic Art, integrated in the regional Neo-Chalcolithic period. The second phase includes representation of several types of equids, horsemen, and antenna-hilted daggers. Based on parallels for such weapons, it is possible to integrate these motifs between the Late Bronze Age and an Early Iron Age of North-western Iberia. It is also possible to observe a change from an abstract grammar, during the first phase, to a figurative grammar, in which we can identify a narrative related to human and animal sacrifices, associated with the use of antenna-hilted daggers. These depictions recall a symbolism reminiscent of Strabo’s writings, including bronze objects containing sacrificial scenes. The final phase of engraving indicates new symbolic changes, with valorisation of isolated actions perpetrated by horsemen, carrying throwing weapons, which may be a representation of a deity or hero

Rock art at S. Gonçalo hill, Barcelos (NW Portugal), and the construction of a structural place in the prehistoric landscape

[Excerpt] Introduction In 2012 the first engravings were discovered at hill of S. Gonçalo, due to occasional prospection works performed by the City Hall Archaeological Cabinet. Since 2015 this entity developed the systematic inventory of the rock art identified at the hill, mainly with two objectives: update the Archaeological County Map and classify the archaeological set of rock art as Property of Public Interest. At this scope, all the occurrences were photographed during daytime, and surveying photogrammetric works were accomplished. The morphological analysis to the engraved surfaces was done using Meshlab soLware.This work was developed under the projects Northwest Rock Art Route. A Project of Cultural Tourism (RAR/Lab2PT2014) and North‐west Iberia Rock Art. Liminality and Heterotopy (SFRH/BSAB/114296/2016)

Plasma phospholipidomic profile differs between children with phenylketonuria and healthy children

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disease of the catabolism of phenylalanine (Phe), caused by an impaired function of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. Therapeutics is based on the restriction of Phe intake, which mostly requires a modification of the diet. Dietary restrictions can lead to imbalances in specific nutrients, including lipids. In the present study, the plasma phospholipidome of PKU and healthy children (CT) was analysed by HILIC-MS/MS and GC-MS. Using this approach, 187 lipid species belonging to 9 different phospholipid classes and 3 ceramides were identified. Principal component analysis of the lipid species dataset showed a distinction between PKU and CT groups. Univariate analysis revealed that 146 species of phospholipids were significantly different between both groups. Lipid species showing significant variation included phosphatidylcholines, containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which were more abundant in PKU. The high level of PUFA-containing lipid species in children with PKU may be related to a diet supplemented with PUFA. This study was the first report comparing the plasma polar lipidome of PKU and healthy children, highlighting that the phospholipidome of PKU children is significantly altered compared to CT. However, further studies with larger cohorts are needed to clarify whether these changes are specific to phenylketonuric children.publishe

Repeatability and temporal consistency of lower limb biomechanical variables expressing interlimb coordination during the double-support phase in people with and without stroke sequelae

Reliable biomechanical methods to assess interlimb coordination during the double-support phase in post-stroke subjects are needed for assessing movement dysfunction and related variability. The data obtained could provide a significant contribution for designing rehabilitation programs and for their monitorisation. The present study aimed to determine the minimum number of gait cycles needed to obtain adequate values of repeatability and temporal consistency of lower limb kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic parameters during the double support of walking in people with and without stroke sequelae. Eleven post-stroke and thirteen healthy participants performed 20 gait trials at self-selected speed in two separate moments with an interval between 72 h and 7 days. The joint position, the external mechanical work on the centre of mass, and the surface electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior, soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, and gluteus maximus muscles were extracted for analysis. Both the contralesional and ipsilesional and dominant and non-dominant limbs of participants with and without stroke sequelae, respectively, were evaluated either in trailing or leading positions. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used for assessing intra-session and inter-session consistency analysis. For most of the kinematic and the kinetic variables studied in each session, two to three trials were required for both groups, limbs, and positions. The electromyographic variables presented higher variability, requiring, therefore, a number of trials ranging from 2 to >10. Globally, the number of trials required inter-session ranged from 1 to >10 for kinematic, from 1 to 9 for kinetic, and 1 to >10 for electromyographic variables. Thus, for the double support analysis, three gait trials were required in order to assess the kinematic and kinetic variables in cross-sectional studies, while for longitudinal studies, a higher number of trials (>10) were required for kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic variables.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Numerical modeling tools applied to estuarine and coastal hydrodynamics: a user perspective

Estuarine and coastal areas have been intensively studied given their complexity, ecological, and societal value and the importance of their ecosystem services. Estuarine and coastal management must be based on a sound characterization of these areas, which is achievable complementing the comprehensive field measurements with numerical models solutions. Based on a detailed comparison between two close-by, but extremely different, Portuguese estuaries (the Douro and Minho estuaries), this chapter intends to discuss how accurately numerical modeling tools can provide relevant information for a variety of coastal zones. They can be very useful for various applications in the planning and management fields, such as coastal and infrastructures protection, harbor activities, fisheries, tourism, and coastal population safety, thus supporting an effective and integrated estuarine and coastal management, which must consider both the safety of the populations and the sustainability of the marine ecosystems and services. In particular, the capacity of the numerical models to give a detailed characterization of morpho-hydrodynamic processes, as well as assess and predict the effects of anthropogenic interventions, extreme events and climate change effects, are presented.This research was partially supported by the Strategic Funding UID/Multi/ 04423/2013 through national funds provided by FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This contribution has also been funded by project EsCo-Ensembles (PTDC/ECI-EGC/30877/2017), co-funded by NORTE2020, Portugal 2020, and the European Union through the ERDF, and by FCT through national funds