Early prey intake of a short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus Gray, 1846, Cetacea: Delphinidae) in the Canary Islands.

This study reveals early prey eating by a short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus Gray, 1846, Cetacea: Delphinidae) in the Canary Islands. Stomach contents, trophic markers, skin isotopic ratios of nitrogen (δ15N:15N/14N) and carbon (δ13C:13C/12C), and fatty acid profiles of the blubber of a short-finned pilot whale of 213 cm size euthanized in free-ranging conditions were analyzed. A total of 15 species of oegopsid squids, mostly diel vertical mesopelagic migrant species of the families Enoploteuthidae, Ommastrephidae, and Histioteuthidae, as well as mother's milk, were identified in the stomach contents. Asperoteuthis acanthoderma (Lu, 1977, Cephalopoda: Chiroteuthidae) was found as first time in this area, suggesting the possibility of its presence on both sides of the subtropical Atlantic, extending its current known distribution. The δ15N value (11.55‰) was higher than expected based on the size range of squid ingested, but lower than that of adult pilot whales, suggesting that mother's milk intake has a significant effect on these values in calves. Similarly, the δ13C values (-17.99‰) were shifted to those of adult pilot whales rather than the ingested squids, also due to the ingestion of high-fat breast milk. The fatty acid (FA) composition of blubber showed a clear stratification. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) were mainly present in the inner layer, while most relevant ≤C20 monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were more abundant in the outer layer.

Corrigendum: The significance of cephalopod beaks as a research tool: An update.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1038064.].

The significance of cephalopod beaks as a research tool: An update.

The use of cephalopod beaks in ecological and population dynamics studies has allowed major advances of our knowledge on the role of cephalopods in marine ecosystems in the last 60 years. Since the 1960's, with the pioneering research by Malcolm Clarke and colleagues, cephalopod beaks (also named jaws or mandibles) have been described to species level and their measurements have been shown to be related to cephalopod body size and mass, which permitted important information to be obtained on numerous biological and ecological aspects of cephalopods in marine ecosystems. In the last decade, a range of new techniques has been applied to cephalopod beaks, permitting new kinds of insight into cephalopod biology and ecology. The workshop on cephalopod beaks of the Cephalopod International Advisory Council Conference (Sesimbra, Portugal) in 2022 aimed to review the most recent scientific developments in this field and to identify future challenges, particularly in relation to taxonomy, age, growth, chemical composition (i.e., DNA, proteomics, stable isotopes, trace elements) and physical (i.e., structural) analyses. In terms of taxonomy, new techniques (e.g., 3D geometric morphometrics) for identifying cephalopods from their beaks are being developed with promising results, although the need for experts and reference collections of cephalopod beaks will continue. The use of beak microstructure for age and growth studies has been validated. Stable isotope analyses on beaks have proven to be an excellent technique to get valuable information on the ecology of cephalopods (namely habitat and trophic position). Trace element analyses is also possible using beaks, where concentrations are significantly lower than in other tissues (e.g., muscle, digestive gland, gills). Extracting DNA from beaks was only possible in one study so far. Protein analyses can also be made using cephalopod beaks. Future challenges in research using cephalopod beaks are also discussed.

Neuronal plasticity of the auditory pathway in children with speech sound disorder: a study of Long-Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials. / Plasticidade neuronal da via auditiva em crianças com transtorno dos sons da fala: estudo dos Potenciais Evocados Auditivos de Longa Latência.

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of Long-latency Auditory Evoked Potentials (LLAEP) in children with Speech Sounds Disorder (SSD) after speech therapy. METHODS: Longitudinal and prospective clinical study at 14 children with SSD, with ages ranging from five to seven years, of both genders. Were applied Picture Naming task and Imitation task, and from these tasks it was calculated the Percentage of Consonants Correct index. For an analysis of the LLAEP with speech stimulus and recorded the latency and amplitude values ​​of P1, N1, P2, N2 and P3 components. Each child was evaluated in two different moments: initial evaluation and after 12 sessions of speech therapy. RESULTS: It was observed that after twelve sessions of speech therapy the value of Percentage of Consonants Correct index increased, and a greater number of components were observed in the LLAEP records of children with SSD, as well as a statistically significant increase in the amplitude of the P3 component, demonstrating that anatomical and physiological changes occurred in the central auditory nervous system after intervention, resulting in improved of the LLAEP results. CONCLUSION: After speech therapy, improvement in the children's phonology was observed, and there was an increase in the number of components present in the LLAEP, as well as an increase in the amplitude of the P3 component, demonstrating that plasticity occurred in the auditory pathway during these three months of therapeutic intervention.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os achados dos Potenciais Evocados Auditivos de Longa Latência (PEALL) em crianças com Transtorno dos Sons na Fala (TSF) após terapia fonoaudiológica. MÉTODO: Estudo clínico longitudinal e prospectivo em um grupo de 14 crianças com TSF, de cinco a sete anos de idade, de ambos os sexos. Foram aplicadas as provas de Nomeação de Figuras e Imitação de palavras, para as quais foi calculado o índice de gravidade Porcentagem de Consoantes Corretas. Foram registrados os PEALL com estímulo de fala e foram analisados os valores de latência e amplitude dos componentes P1, N1, P2, N2 e P3. Cada criança foi avaliada em dois diferentes momentos: avaliação inicial e após 12 sessões de terapia fonoaudiológica. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que após terapia fonoaudiológica, o valor do índice de gravidade Porcentagem de Consoantes Corretas aumentou e um maior número de componentes foi observado nos registros dos PEALL nas crianças com TSF. Também foi observado um aumento estatisticamente significativo na amplitude do componente P3, demostrando que modificações anatomofisiológicas ocorreram no sistema nervoso auditivo central após intervenção, proporcionando melhora nos resultados dos PEALL. CONCLUSÃO: Após terapia fonoaudiológica, foi observada melhora no desempenho fonológico das crianças, aumento no número de componentes presentes nos PEALL, bem como aumento na amplitude do componente P3, demonstrando que ocorreu plasticidade na via auditiva após um curto período de intervenção fonoaudiológica.

Caracterização do Estilo de Vida de Universitários do Ensino Superior a Distância / Characterization of distance Higher Education Lifestyle

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os aspectos do estilo de vida em jovens estudantes universitários da modalidade Ensino a Distância (EaD). Deste estudo transversal, participaram 104 universitários dos seguintes cursos: Pedagogia, Serviço Social e Licenciatura em Educação Física. Os instrumentos utilizados para coleta de dados foram três questionários: geral com a caracterização da população entrevistada, IPAQ para investigar o nível de atividade física habitual e o questionário estilo de vida fantástico. Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o software SPSS versão 20.0, para a descrição das variáveis pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis para comparação entre os grupos. A média de idade foi de 30±9 anos, prevalecendo o sexo feminino com 63,4%. Em relação ao estilo de vida, 18% apresentaram-se na escala "regular", 54% "bom", 25% "muito bom" e 3% "excelente". Observou-se que mais da metade dos universitários dos cursos de graduação do EaD foi classificada com um bom estilo de vida, porém os muito ativos apresentaram um pior escore. Estes resultados têm implicações para a caracterização do perfil universitário e permitem o desenvolvimento de programas de promoção da saúde específicos para disseminação e conscientização dos jovens adultos a adquirirem comportamentos saudáveis relacionados ao seu estilo de vida.(AU).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Distance Education (EAD) Youth University Students lifestyle. 104 University students took part of this study belonging to the courses: Pedagogy, Social Work and Physical Education Teaching Degree. To give support to Research three questionnaires were used :General Questionnaire which aims the characterization of the Interviewed population, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and a lifestyle questionnaire. The mean age was 30 ± 9 years, prevailing the female gender with 63.4%. Regarding the scale lifestyle, 18% were "regular", 54% "good", 25% "very good" and 3% "excellent". This study analyzed through the questionnaires and statistical analysis program SPSS, that more than half of Undergraduate Distance Universiy courses, were classified asgood lifestyle, however, the very active ones had the worst scores.. These results have implications for the university profile characterization and allow the development of specific health promotion programs for the dissemination and awareness of Young Adults to acquire healthy behaviors concerning their lifestyle.(AU).

Avaliação dos Níveis de Atividade Física em Estudantes Universitários do Ensino a Distância / Evaluation of the Level of Physical Activity in University Students of Distance Education

Atualmente tem se observado que as incidências de mortes são ocasionadas por fatores relacionados ao comportamento humano, como no casoda inatividade física. Esta pesquisa se objetivou em avaliar o nível de atividade física habitual - AF em relação ao índice de massa corpórea -IMC em universitários do Ensino a distância - EaD, por meio do Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física - IPAQ. É um estudo do tipotransversal com o total de 107 universitários do EaD. Para as coletas de dados foi utilizado o questionário geral e o questionário IPAQ. O IMCfoi calculado pela equação IMC= peso corporal (Kg)/ altura (m)2, considerando os valores <18,5 kg abaixo do peso; e entre 18,5-24,9 kg peso normal; 25-29,9 kg sobrepeso; 30-34,9 kg obesidade leve; 35-39,9 kg obesidade moderada e obesidade mórbida >40 kg (CUNHA, 2009). A média de idade foi de 30,1±9,7 anos, prevalecendo o sexo feminino com 61,6%. Dos 107 entrevistados, 64,4% são praticantes de AF. Quanto ao IMC, 6,5% estão abaixo do peso; 46% estão no peso normal; 33% estão com sobrepeso; 9,3% estão com obesidade leve; 2% com obesidade moderada; 3,8% com obesidade mórbida, sendo 1,8%. Através dos dados analisados por meio do questionário GERAL, IPAQ e pelo programa de análise estatística SPSS se verificou que quanto maior o IMC, pior é a classificação quanto ao nível de atividade física. Sendo assim, nota-se a importância de ações voltadas para os universitários praticarem atividade física, além de estratégicas voltadas para a promoção da saúde e prevenção de doenças provenientes do sedentarismo.(AU);

It has now been observed that the incidence of deaths is caused by factors related to human behavior, as in the case of physical inactivity. This study aimed to evaluate the level of habitual physical activity (FA) in relation to the body mass index (BMI) in distance learning university students (EAD), through the International Questionnaire of Physical Activity (IPAQ). It is a cross-sectional study with a total of 107 university students. For data collection, the general questionnaire and the IPAQ questionnaire were used. The BMI was calculated by the equation BMI = body weight (kg) / height (m) 2, considering values <18.5 kg below weight; And between 18.5-24.9 kg normal weight; 25-29.9 kg overweight; 30-34.9 kg light obesity; 35-39.9 kg moderate obesity and morbid obesity> 40 kg (CUNHA, 2009). The mean age was 30.1 ± 9.7 years, prevailing the female sex with 61.6%. Of the 107 interviewees, 64.4% are AF practitioners. Regarding BMI 6.5% are underweight; 46% are in normal weight; 33% are overweight; 9.3% are lightly obese; 2% with moderate obesity; 3.8% with morbid obesity, being 1.8%. Through the data analyzed through the questionnaire GENERAL, IPAQ and the program of statistical analysis SPSS, it was verified that the higher the BMI, the worse the classification concerning the level of physical activity. Thus, we notice the importance of actions aimed at university students to practice physical activity, as well as strategies aimed at health promotion and prevention of sedentrary individuals' diseases.(AU);

Mid-arm muscle circumference and quality of life and survival in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with larger body or fat mass have greater survival than normal to low mass. We hypothesized that mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), a conveniently measured surrogate of lean body mass (LBM), has stronger association with clinical outcomes than triceps skinfold (TSF), a surrogate of fat mass. DESIGN, SETTINGS, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: The associations of TSF, MAMC, and serum creatinine, another LBM surrogate, with baseline short form 36 quality-of-life scores and 5-year survival were examined in 792 MHD patients. In a randomly selected subsample of 118 subjects, LBM was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-assessed LBM correlated most strongly with MAMC and serum creatinine. Higher MAMC was associated with better short form 36 mental health scale and lower death hazard ratios (HRs) after adjustment for case-mix, malnutrition-inflammation-cachexia syndrome, and inflammatory markers. Adjusted death HRs were 1.00, 0.86, 0.69, and 0.63 for the first to fourth MAMC quartiles, respectively. Higher serum creatinine and TSF were also associated with lower death HRs, but these associations were mitigated after multivariate adjustments. Using median values of TSF and MAMC to dichotomize, combined high MAMC with either high or low TSF (compared with low MAMC/TSF) exhibited the greatest survival, i.e., death HRs of 0.52 and 0.59, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Higher MAMC is a surrogate of larger LBM and an independent predictor of better mental health and greater survival in MHD patients. Sarcopenia-correcting interventions to improve clinical outcomes in this patient population warrant controlled trials.

Survival predictability of lean and fat mass in men and women undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Larger body size is associated with greater survival in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. It is not clear how lean body mass (LBM) and fat mass (FM) compare in their associations with survival across sex in these patients. OBJECTIVE: We examined the hypothesis that higher FM and LBM are associated with greater survival in MHD patents irrespective of sex. DESIGN: In 742 MHD patients, including 31% African Americans with a mean (± SD) age of 54 ± 15 y, we categorized men (n = 391) and women (n = 351) separately into 4 quartiles of near-infrared interactance-measured LBM and FM. Cox proportional hazards models estimated death hazard ratios (HRs) (and 95% CIs), and cubic spline models were used to examine associations with mortality over 5 y (2001-2006). RESULTS: After adjustment for case-mix and inflammatory markers, the highest quartiles of FM and LBM were associated with greater survival in women: HRs of 0.38 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.71) and 0.34 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.67), respectively (reference: first quartile). In men, the highest quartiles of FM and percentage FM (FM%) but not of LBM were associated with greater survival: HRs of 0.51 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.96), 0.45 (95% CI: 0.23, 0.88), and 1.17 (95% CI: 0.60, 2.27), respectively. Cubic spline analyses showed greater survival with higher FM% and higher "FM minus LBM percentiles" in both sexes, whereas a higher LBM was protective in women. CONCLUSIONS: In MHD patients, higher FM in both sexes and higher LBM in women appear to be protective. The survival advantage of FM appears to be superior to that of LBM. Clinical trials to examine the outcomes of interventions that modify body composition in MHD patients are indicated.

Association of serum alkaline phosphatase with coronary artery calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent in vitro studies have shown a link between alkaline phosphatase and vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). High serum levels of alkaline phosphatase are associated with increased death risk in epidemiologic studies of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. We hypothesized that coronary artery calcification is independently associated with increased serum alkaline phosphatase levels in MHD patients. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We examined the association of coronary artery calcification score (CACS) and alkaline phosphatase in 137 randomly selected MHD patients for whom markers of malnutrition, inflammation, and bone and mineral disorders were also measured. RESULTS: Serum alkaline phosphatase was the only measure with significant and robust association with CACS (P < 0.003), whereas either other biochemical markers had no association with CACS or their association was eliminated after controlling for case-mix variables. Serum alkaline phosphatase >120 IU/L was a robust predictor of higher CACS and was particularly associated with the likelihood of CACS >400 (multivariate odds ratio 5.0 95% confidence interval 1.6 to 16.3; P = 0.007). Serum alkaline phosphatase of approximately 85 IU/L seemed to be associated with the lowest likelihood of severe coronary artery calcification, but in the lowest tertile of alkaline phosphatase, the CACS predictability was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: An association between serum alkaline phosphatase level and CACS exists in MHD patients. Given the high burden of vascular calcification in patients with CKD, examining potential therapeutic interventions to modulate the alkaline phosphatase pathway may be warranted.