Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2023-10"
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- Adaptation and preliminary validation of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) using the Structured Interview Guide (SIGMA) for European PortuguesePublication . Guiomar, Raquel; Samarra, Sara; Rodrigues, Mariana; Martins, Andreia; Martins, Vera; Jesus, Mariana; Fernandes, Filipe; Alves, Inês; Silva, Tânia; Ganho-Ávila, AnaThe Montgomery-angstrom sberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is considered one of the gold-standard measures to assess depression severity. To standardise the MADRS administration, a structured interview was developed (SIGMA). This study aims to translate and validate the SIGMA for European Portuguese. Twenty patients (80% women) were interviewed by ten dyads of raters (trained clinical psychologists and psychiatrists) using the European Portuguese version of the MADRS and its structured interview SIGMA. There was no significant difference in the total MADRS score between raters (interviewers and observers). The intraclass correlation for the total score between raters using the SIGMA was excellent (r = .98; p < .001). All items had excellent to good item-level intraclass correlation, and the internal consistency by rater role was good. The European Portuguese version of the SIGMA showed good preliminary psychometric properties (reliability and internal consistency). Our results suggest that the SIGMA is a useful and robust interview guide for assessing the ten depression symptoms in the MADRS, regardless of the rater clinical background.
- Psychological risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation: a study in an adolescent sample in an insular contextPublication . Cunha, Ana Margarida; Carmo, Cláudia; Brás, MartaObjectives: Adolescents are at risk of suicide. As suicide is a multifactorial process, risk and protective factors are relevant constructs for suicide prediction. This study explored the effects of risk and protective factors on suicidal ideation in adolescents on the island of Sao Miguel (Azores). Methods: A sample of 750 adolescents (male: n=358; 47.7%; mean age=14.67 years; standard deviation=1.85 years) from the island of Sao Miguel (Azores) completed several measures related to suicidal ideation and associated factors. Using a cross-sectional design, this study conducted descriptive, correlational, predictive, mediation, and moderation analyses. Results: Adolescents generally displayed high levels of risk and protective factors; an indicative proportion exhibited significant suicidal ideation with females presenting the greatest vulnerability. Furthermore, the results highlight that depression is the best predictor of suicidal ideation, however, the association between these variables is mediated. Conclusion: The data corroborate that the suicidal reality of adolescents in the Autonomous Region of the Azores is worrisome. Having substantiated the complexity of the suicidal context in young people in the present research, the need to continue studying risk/protective factors in this area is supported.
- FOXO family isoformsPublication . Santos, Bruno F; Grenho, Inês; Martel, Paulo; Ferreira, Bibiana; Link, WolfgangFOXO family of proteins are transcription factors involved in many physiological and pathological processes including cellular homeostasis, stem cell maintenance, cancer, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. Genetic evidence has been accumulating to suggest a prominent role of FOXOs in lifespan regulation in animal systems from hydra, C elegans, Drosophila, and mice. Together with the observation that FOXO3 is the second most replicated gene associated with extreme human longevity suggests that pharmacological targeting of FOXO proteins can be a promising approach to treat cancer and other age-related diseases and extend life and health span. However, due to the broad range of cellular functions of the FOXO family members FOXO1, 3, 4, and 6, isoform-specific targeting of FOXOs might lead to greater benefits and cause fewer side effects. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the common and specific features of these proteins as well as their redundant and specific functions in our cells represents the basis of specific targeting strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolution, structure, function, and disease-relevance of each of the FOXO family members.
- N-terminal acetylation shields proteins from degradation and promotes age-dependent motility and longevityPublication . Varland, Sylvia; Silva, Rui Duarte; Kjosås, Ine; Faustino, Alexandra; Bogaert, Annelies; Billmann, Maximilian; Boukhatmi, Hadi; Kellen, Barbara; Costanzo, Michael; Drazic, Adrian; Osberg, Camilla; Chan, Katherine; Zhang, Xiang; Tong, Amy Hin Yan; Andreazza, Simonetta; Lee, Juliette J.; Nedyalkova, Lyudmila; Ušaj, Matej; Whitworth, Alexander J.; Andrews, Brenda J.; Moffat, Jason; Myers, Chad L.; Gevaert, Kris; Boone, Charles; Martinho, Rui Gonçalo; Arnesen, ThomasMost eukaryotic proteins are N-terminally acetylated, but the functional impact on a global scale has remained obscure. Using genome-wide CRISPR knockout screens in human cells, we reveal a strong genetic dependency between a major N-terminal acetyltransferase and specific ubiquitin ligases. Biochemical analyses uncover that both the ubiquitin ligase complex UBR4-KCMF1 and the acetyltransferase NatC recognize proteins bearing an unacetylated N-terminal methionine followed by a hydrophobic residue. NatC KO-induced protein degradation and phenotypes are reversed by UBR knockdown, demonstrating the central cellular role of this interplay. We reveal that loss of Drosophila NatC is associated with male sterility, reduced longevity, and age-dependent loss of motility due to developmental muscle defects. Remarkably, muscle-specific overexpression of UbcE2M, one of the proteins targeted for NatC KO-mediated degradation, suppresses defects of NatC deletion. In conclusion, NatC-mediated N-terminal acetylation acts as a protective mechanism against protein degradation, which is relevant for increased longevity and motility. The most common protein modification in eukaryotes is N-terminal acetylation, but its functional impact has remained enigmatic. Here, the authors find that a key role for N-terminal acetylation is shielding proteins from ubiquitin ligase-mediated degradation, mediating motility and longevity.
- Water resources planning and management: from stakeholders’ local actions to the global perspectivePublication . Ben-Daoud, Mohamed; El Mahrad, Badr; Moroșanu, Gabriela Adina; Ben-Daoud, Abderrahmane; Swe, Wint Mon; Elhassnaoui, Ismail; Essahlaoui, Ali; Eljaafari, SamirWater planning and management, especially during periods of water stress, is becoming challenging for water managers worldwide. The aim of the present study was to provide an integrated water resources management (IWRM) plan designed to water management implementation at the local scale. This study was conducted in Morocco, a country which opts for anticipatory and long-term planning for the 2021-2050. The objective-based stakeholder interaction approach was adopted to establish the impact relationship between stakeholders and to develop an integrated water resources management (IWRM) plan. Thus, ten actors were involved and twelve water-related issues were identified and analysed. As a result, an analysis of stakeholders' engagement was carried out based on an indicator framework on the impact between actors and the similarity between the actors' objectives. The stakeholder's analysis shows a high level of the objective similarity amongst some stakeholders which is very important indicator to recognise in the IWRM planning process. Furthermore, an IWRM plan was developed, which consisted of nine components aimed at either implementing or enhancing the water management process. This IWRM plan emphasised capacity building and stakeholders' participation as main input of the process. The findings provide a roadmap for effective IWRM implementation through the operationalization of water management actions.
- Exercise training decreases the load and changes the content of circulating SDS-resistant protein aggregates in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fractionPublication . Gouveia, Marisol; Schmidt, Cristine; Basilio, Priscilla Gois; Aveiro, Susana; Domingues, Pedro; Xia, Ke; Colón, Wilfredo; Vitorino, Rui; Ferreira, Rita; Santos, Mário; Vieira, Sandra I.; Ribeiro, FernandoBackgroundHeart failure (HF) often disrupts the protein quality control (PQC) system leading to protein aggregate accumulation. Evidence from tissue biopsies showed that exercise restores PQC system in HF; however, little is known about its effects on plasma proteostasis.AimTo determine the effects of exercise training on the load and composition of plasma SDS-resistant protein aggregates (SRA) in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).MethodsEighteen patients with HFrEF (age: 63.4 +/- 6.5 years; LVEF: 33.4 +/- 11.6%) participated in a 12-week combined (aerobic plus resistance) exercise program (60 min/session, twice per week). The load and content of circulating SRA were assessed using D2D SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. Cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life, and circulating levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), haptoglobin and ficolin-3, were also evaluated at baseline and after the exercise program.ResultsThe exercise program decreased the plasma SRA load (% SRA/total protein: 38.0 +/- 8.9 to 36.1 +/- 9.7%, p = 0.018; % SRA/soluble fraction: 64.3 +/- 27.1 to 59.8 +/- 27.7%, p = 0.003). Plasma SRA of HFrEF patients comprised 31 proteins, with alpha-2-macroglobulin and haptoglobin as the most abundant ones. The exercise training significantly increased haptoglobin plasma levels (1.03 +/- 0.40 to 1.11 +/- 0.46, p = 0.031), while decreasing its abundance in SRA (1.83 +/- 0.54 x 1011 to 1.51 +/- 0.59 x 1011, p = 0.049). Cardiorespiratory fitness [16.4(5.9) to 19.0(5.2) ml/kg/min, p = 0.002], quality of life, and circulating NT-proBNP [720.0(850.0) to 587.0(847.3) pg/mL, p = 0.048] levels, also improved after the exercise program.ConclusionExercise training reduced the plasma SRA load and enhanced PQC, potentially via haptoglobin-mediated action, while improving cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life of patients with HFrEF.
- Site formation histories and context of human occupations at the paleolithic site of La Ferrassie (Dordogne, France)Publication . Aldeias, Vera; Sandgathe, Dennis; McPherron, Shannon; Bruxelles, Bibiana; Turq, Alain; Goldberg, PaulThe Paleolithic site of La Ferrassie (Dordogne, France) has contributed significantly to the understanding of Middle and Upper Paleolithic technocomplexes, as well as Neanderthal skeletal morphology. Excavations at the site have spanned more than a century and uncovered rich archaeological assemblages associated with the Mousterian, Chatelperronian, Aurignacian and Gravettian technocomplexes. Renewed excavations exposed a sequence spanning both Middle and Upper Paleolithic occupations in the Western Sector and low-density Mousterian deposits and Chatelperronian in the Northern Sector. Here, we report on an extensive geoarchaeological study of deposits at the western end of the site to reconstruct and interpret both the depositional history of the sediments and associated human occupations in this poorly documented part of La Ferrassie. Our results point to the nature of the site as originally a karstic cave, with the Western Sector located in what would have been the cave's mouth. The stratigraphic sequence comprises first fluvial deposition (Phase I) followed by soliflucted deposits and accretion cones that emanate from an elevated platform situated several meters above the modern road next to the site (Phase II) and, finally, spatially restricted channeling (Phase III). Most archaeological assemblages are associated with Phase II and reflect an interplay between occupations directly in this area and bones and artifacts sliding down the slope from the upper platform. Unlike in the Western Sector, in the Northern Sector - situated along the north wall and several meters inside the footprint of the cave - cold features dominate the entirety of the sequence; we interpret these as being linked to microenvironments specific to this location of the karst rather than to general (external) climatic conditions. Relevant is the identification of patterned ground formation in this area, which can be clearly linked to the "monticule" features first reported by Capitan and Peyrony and erroneously interpreted as anthropogenic in origin. Our geoarchaeological results point to a large and complex karst system, with distinct depositional sources and often locally independent sedimentary histories throughout its extent. These formation pathways have differently impacted the main occupation areas and resulted in distinct degrees of preservation of the archaeological assemblages throughout the different areas of the site.
- The osteogenic and mineralogenic potential of the microalgae Skeletonema costatum and Tetraselmis striata CTP4 in fish modelsPublication . Carletti, Alessio; Rosa, Joana; Pes, Katia; Borges, Inês; Santos, Tamara; Barreira, Luísa; Varela, João; Pereira, Hugo; Cancela, M. Leonor; J. Gavaia, Paulo; Laizé, VincentSkeletal disorders are problematic aspects for the aquaculture industry as skeletal deformities, which affect most species of farmed fish, increase production costs and affect fish welfare. Following recent findings that show the presence of osteoactive compounds in marine organisms, we evaluated the osteogenic and mineralogenic potential of commercially available microalgae strains Skeletonema costatum and Tetraselmis striata CTP4 in several fish systems. Ethanolic extracts increased extracellular matrix mineralization in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) bone-derived cell cultures and promoted osteoblastic differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. Long-term dietary exposure to both extracts increased bone mineralization in zebrafish and upregulated the expression of genes involved in bone formation (sp7, col1a1a, oc1, and oc2), bone remodeling (acp5a), and antioxidant defenses (cat, sod1). Extracts also improved the skeletal status of zebrafish juveniles by reducing the incidence of skeletal anomalies. Our results indicate that both strains of microalgae contain osteogenic and mineralogenic compounds, and that ethanolic extracts have the potential for an application in the aquaculture sector as dietary supplements to support fish bone health. Future studies should also identify osteoactive compounds and establish whether they can be used in human health to broaden the therapeutic options for bone erosive disorders such as osteoporosis.
- How European journalists cover marine issuesPublication . Pinto, Bruno; Matias, AnaKeeping citizens informed about the sea is important because it can motivate collective actions to address threats to coastal and marine sustainability. In this article, we wondered how European science and environmental journalists cover marine issues in the print media. We conducted 26 interviews with press journalists in 13 European countries and asked about topics, triggers, and sources to write marine-related news. We found that climate change, marine pollution, and biodiversity are the most important issues and that good working relationships with both scientists and NGOs are key for this media coverage.
- Microplastics in feces and pellets from yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) in the Atlantic Islands National Park of Galicia (NW Spain)Publication . Senes, Giovanni Paolo; Barboza, Luís Gabriel A.; Nunes, Luís; Otero, Xosé LuisThe Atlantic Islands National Park (AINP) in Galicia (NW of Spain) are host to large colonies of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis). Here, we aimed to provide baseline data for the presence of microplastics (MP) in feces and pellets regurgitated of these resident yellow-legged gulls within this unique ecosystem. MP particles found in the samples were of five shapes (fiber, fragment, foam, film and rubber) and the predominant color was blue. The main plastic polymers identified by Raman spectroscopy were polypropylene and cellulose. The average size of the MP particles in the regurgitations was larger than that in the feces. Considering the population of Larus michahellis in the AINP, our estimates suggested an annual deposition of approximately 32.2 million of MP particles from feces and regurgitated pellets in the area.