Unraveling Dynamic Transcriptomic Changes in Sheep's Lactating Mammary Gland Following Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide Exposure.

Mammary gland infections constitute a significant challenge in dairy sheep, impacting productivity and welfare. Temporal RNA-Seq provide a valuable approach to evaluate the evolution of the host defensive molecular mechanisms triggered by mastitis caused by external agents or events. This study aimed to characterize the transcriptomic response of sheep mammary glands to an intramammary inflammation induced with an Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inoculation based on RNA-Seq samples generated from milk somatic cells collected at 3 time points: pre-inoculation (0 h), and 6 h and 24 h post-LPS inoculation. The differential expression analyses between the analyzed time points were performed using 2 statistical approaches: one parametric (DESeq2) and one non-parametric (Wilcoxon rank sum test). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) commonly identified by both approaches encompass 5,872 for the 0 h versus 6 h comparison, 4,063 for the 0 h versus 24 h comparison, and 1,034 for the 6 h versus 24 h comparison. At both 6 h and 24 h, transcriptomic data highlighted a significant decrease in the expression of genes linked to metabolic processes crucial for milk protein and lipid synthesis within the mammary gland. Concurrently, increased expression of genes related to the neutrophil attraction was observed for 6 and 24 h, with differences in gene expression between DEGs with the highest expression at 6 h, related to T cell activation, type I interferon-mediated signaling pathway, and 24 h, related to cell-cell neutrophil adhesion extravasation or epithelial cell proliferation. In summary, this study reveals how the sheep mammary gland transcriptome responds dynamically to an LPS inoculation, providing a comprehensive understanding of how gene expression patterns evolve over time and shedding light on the molecular mechanisms driving the initial defensive response of the mammary gland against potential inflammatory challenges.

Solution-derived Ge-Sb-Se-Te phase-change chalcogenide films.

Ge-Sb-Se-Te chalcogenides, namely Se-substituted Ge-Sb-Te, have been developed as an alternative optical phase change material (PCM) with a high figure-of-merit. A need for the integration of such new PCMs onto a variety of photonic platforms has necessitated the development of fabrication processes compatible with diverse material compositions as well as substrates of varying material types, shapes, and sizes. This study explores the application of chemical solution deposition as a method capable of creating conformally coated layers and delves into the resulting modifications in the structural and optical properties of Ge-Sb-Se-Te PCMs. Specifically, we detail the solution-based deposition of Ge-Sb-Se-Te layers and present a comparative analysis with those deposited via thermal evaporation. We also discuss our ongoing endeavor to improve available choice of processing-material combinations and how to realize solution-derived high figure-of-merit optical PCM layers, which will enable a new era for the development of reconfigurable photonic devices.

Milk transcriptome biomarker identification to enhance feed efficiency and reduce nutritional costs in dairy ewes.

In recent years, rising prices for high-quality protein-based feeds have significantly increased nutrition costs. Consequently, investigating strategies to reduce these expenses and improve feed efficiency (FE) have become increasingly important for the dairy sheep industry. This research investigates the impact of nutritional protein restriction (NPR) during prepuberty and FE on the milk transcriptome of dairy Assaf ewes (sampled during the first lactation). To this end, we first compared transcriptomic differences between NPR and control ewes. Subsequently, we evaluated gene expression differences between ewes with divergent FE, using feed conversion ratio (FCR), residual feed intake (RFI), and consensus classifications of high- and low-FE animals for both indices. Lastly, we assess milk gene expression as a predictor of FE phenotype using random forest. No effect was found for the prepubertal NPR on milk performance or FE. Moreover, at the milk transcriptome level, only one gene, HBB, was differentially expressed between the NPR (n = 14) and the control group (n = 14). Further, the transcriptomic analysis between divergent FE sheep revealed 114 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for RFI index (high-FERFI = 10 vs low-FERFI = 10), 244 for FCR (high-FEFCR = 10 vs low-FEFCR = 10), and 1 016 DEGs between divergent consensus ewes for both indices (high-FEconsensus = 8 vs low-FEconsensus = 8). These results underscore the critical role of selected FE indices for RNA-Seq analyses, revealing that consensus divergent animals for both indices maximise differences in transcriptomic responses. Genes overexpressed in high-FEconsensus ewes were associated with milk production and mammary gland development, while low-FEconsensus genes were linked to higher metabolic expenditure for tissue organisation and repair. The best prediction accuracy for FE phenotype using random forest was obtained for a set of 44 genes consistently differentially expressed across lactations, with Spearman correlations of 0.37 and 0.22 for FCR and RFI, respectively. These findings provide insights into potential sustainability strategies for dairy sheep, highlighting the utility of transcriptomic markers as FE proxies.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular fitness correlates in youth: A hierarchy of behavioral, contextual, and health-related outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the health importance of identifying correlates of physical fitness in youth, no investigation to date has explored the influence of behavioral, health-related, and contextual correlates simultaneously. We investigated the hierarchical relationship of multiple modifiable correlates favoring or diminishing cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in youth. DESIGN: Cross-sectional investigation. METHODS: In a sample of 5174 children and adolescents, 31 correlates were hierarchized according to their impact on cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness assessed using the FITESCOLA® fitness battery. A Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection approach was employed and measures of correlation and association were used to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and correlates. RESULTS: In children, body mass index was the most relevant factor to discriminate between high and low cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness of the upper, middle, and lower body. While body mass index was more important than any other correlate to differentiate levels of upper and lower body muscular fitness during adolescence, specific characteristics of sports participation emerged as key factors to discriminate between high and low cardiorespiratory fitness and middle body muscular fitness. Other correlates, including the self-report of active recess time, active commuting to school, favorable neighborhood conditions, and limited time on screens and cellphones, were demonstrative of favorable physical fitness levels. CONCLUSIONS: Both body composition and sports-related characteristics emerged as the two most relevant factors of physical fitness in youth. Additional health benefits may be obtained from building supportive environments for sports and healthy exercise habits within the household and at different school education levels.

Assessment of milk metabolites as biomarkers for predicting feed efficiency in dairy sheep.

Estimating feed efficiency (FE) in dairy sheep is challenging due to the high cost of systems that measure individual feed intake. Identifying proxies that can serve as effective predictors of FE could make it possible to introduce FE into breeding programs. Here, 39 Assaf ewes in first lactation were evaluated regarding their FE by 2 metrics, residual feed intake (RFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The ewes were classified into high, medium and low groups for each metric. Milk samples of the 39 ewes were subjected to untargeted metabolomics analysis. The complete milk metabolomic signature was used to discriminate the FE groups using partial least squares discriminant analysis. A total of 41 and 26 features were selected as the most relevant features for the discrimination of RFI and FCR groups, respectively. The predictive ability when utilizing the complete milk metabolomic signature and the reduced data sets were investigated using 4 machine learning (ML) algorithms and a multivariate regression method. The orthogonal partial least squares algorithm outperformed other ML algorithms for FCR prediction in the scenarios using the complete milk metabolite signature (R2 = 0.62 ± 0.06) and the 26 selected features (R2 = 0.62 ± 0.15). Regarding RFI predictions, the scenarios using the 41 selected features outperformed the scenario with the complete milk metabolite signature, where the multilayer feedforward artificial neural network (R2 = 0.18 ± 0.14) and extreme gradient boosting (R2 = 0.17 ± 0.15) outperformed other algorithms. The functionality of the selected metabolites implied that the metabolism of glucose, galactose, fructose, sphingolipids, amino acids, insulin, and thyroid hormones was at play. Compared with the use of traditional methods, practical applications of these biomarkers might simplify and reduce costs in selecting feed-efficient ewes.

Limb-specific isometric and isokinetic strength in adults: The potential role of regional bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived phase angle.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is not yet known whether regional bioelectrical impedance (BIA) phase angle (PhA) may be informative of different types of strength performed by the lower and upper limbs, independently of lean soft tissue mass (LSTM). Using a sample of healthy adults, we aimed to examine the association and relevance of regional PhA relative to isometric and isokinetic strength of each limb. METHODS: A total of 57 participants (32.7 ± 12.9 years; 24.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2) were included in the present investigation. Regional raw BIA variables were determined using a phase-sensitive BIA device. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to evaluate LSTM. Absolute isometric and isokinetic (i.e., 60°/s and 180°/s) strength of each limb (extension and flexion) was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer and used to calculate relative strength. RESULTS: In absolute strength, only dominant leg PhA was associated with isometric extension strength (ß = 0.283) and isokinetic 180°/s flexion strength (ß = 0.354), regardless of LSTM (p < 0.05). In relative strength, a significant association of regional PhA was found for dominant arm flexion isometric strength (ß = 0.336), and non-dominant arm and dominant leg extension isometric strength (ß = 0.377, ß = 0.565, respectively; p < 0.05), independently of LSTM. Similarly, for isokinetic 180°/s strength, regional PhA significantly explained the variance in the relative strength of both arms and dominant leg (ß = 0.350 to 0.506), regardless of LSTM (p < 0.05). Relative isokinetic 60°/s strength was not consistently associated with regional PhA (p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regional PhA significantly explained relative (isometric and 180°/s isokinetic strength of both arms and dominant leg), but not absolute muscle strength, independently of regional LSTM. Thus, after accounting for body size, regional PhA seems to have its own characteristics that explain relative strength independently of LSTM.

Morphophysiological changes of Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae: Myrtoideae) saplings under shade gradient

Abstract Understanding morphological and physiological changes under different light conditions in native fruit species in juveniles stage is important, as it indicate the appropriate environment to achieve vigorous saplings. We aimed to verify growth and morphophysiological changes under shade gradient in feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) to achieve good quality saplings adequate to improve cultivation in orchards. The saplings were grown for twenty-one-month under four shading treatments (0%, 30%, 50%, and 80%). Growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchanges, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf anatomy parameters were evaluated. Saplings under full sun and 30% shade had higher height and diameter growth and dry mass accumulation due to higher photosynthesis rate. As main acclimatization mechanisms in feijoa saplings under 80% shade were developed larger leaf area, reduced leaf blade thickness, and enhanced quantum yield of photosystem II. Even so, the net CO2 assimilation and the electron transport rate was lower and, consequently, there was a restriction on the growth and dry mass in saplings under deep shade. Therefore, to obtain higher quality feijoa saplings, we recommend that it be carried out in full sun or up to 30% shade, to maximize the sapling vigor in nurseries and, later, this light environment can also be used in orchards for favor growth and fruit production.

Resumo A verificação de mudanças morfológicas e fisiológicas sob diferentes condições luminosas em espécies frutíferas nativas em estágio juvenil é importante, uma vez que indicam o ambiente adequado para a formação de mudas com alto vigor. Objetivou-se verificar o crescimento e as alterações morfofisiológicas sob gradiente de sombreamento em mudas de feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) para obter mudas de boa qualidade, adequadas para fomentar os plantios da espécie em pomares. As mudas foram cultivadas por vinte e um meses sob quatro tratamentos de sombreamento (0%, 30%, 50% e 80%). Foram avaliados parâmetros de crescimento, pigmentos fotossintéticos, trocas gasosas, fluorescência da clorofila e anatomia foliar. Mudas a pleno sol e 30% de sombra apresentaram maior crescimento em altura, diâmetro e acúmulo de massa seca, devido à maior taxa de fotossíntese. Como principais mecanismos de aclimatação sob 80% de sombra, as mudas desenvolveram maior área foliar, redução da espessura do limbo foliar e aumento do rendimento quântico do fotossistema II. Mesmo assim, a assimilação líquida de CO2 e a taxa de transporte de elétrons foram menores e, consequentemente, houve restrição ao crescimento e acúmulo de massa seca das mudas no maior nível de sombreamento. Portanto, para a obtenção de mudas de feijoa de maior qualidade, recomendamos que seja realizada a pleno sol ou até 30% de sombra, para maximizar o vigor das mudas em viveiros e, posteriormente, este ambiente de luz também pode ser utilizado em pomares para favorecer o crescimento e a produção de frutos.

Morphophysiological changes of Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae: Myrtoideae) saplings under shade gradient / Alterações morfofisiológicas em mudas de Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae: Myrtoideae) sob gradiente de sombreamento

Abstract Understanding morphological and physiological changes under different light conditions in native fruit species in juveniles' stage is important, as it indicate the appropriate environment to achieve vigorous saplings. We aimed to verify growth and morphophysiological changes under shade gradient in feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) to achieve good quality saplings adequate to improve cultivation in orchards. The saplings were grown for twenty-one-month under four shading treatments (0%, 30%, 50%, and 80%). Growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchanges, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf anatomy parameters were evaluated. Saplings under full sun and 30% shade had higher height and diameter growth and dry mass accumulation due to higher photosynthesis rate. As main acclimatization mechanisms in feijoa saplings under 80% shade were developed larger leaf area, reduced leaf blade thickness, and enhanced quantum yield of photosystem II. Even so, the net CO2 assimilation and the electron transport rate was lower and, consequently, there was a restriction on the growth and dry mass in saplings under deep shade. Therefore, to obtain higher quality feijoa saplings, we recommend that it be carried out in full sun or up to 30% shade, to maximize the sapling vigor in nurseries and, later, this light environment can also be used in orchards for favor growth and fruit production.

Resumo A verificação de mudanças morfológicas e fisiológicas sob diferentes condições luminosas em espécies frutíferas nativas em estágio juvenil é importante, uma vez que indicam o ambiente adequado para a formação de mudas com alto vigor. Objetivou-se verificar o crescimento e as alterações morfofisiológicas sob gradiente de sombreamento em mudas de feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) para obter mudas de boa qualidade, adequadas para fomentar os plantios da espécie em pomares. As mudas foram cultivadas por vinte e um meses sob quatro tratamentos de sombreamento (0%, 30%, 50% e 80%). Foram avaliados parâmetros de crescimento, pigmentos fotossintéticos, trocas gasosas, fluorescência da clorofila e anatomia foliar. Mudas a pleno sol e 30% de sombra apresentaram maior crescimento em altura, diâmetro e acúmulo de massa seca, devido à maior taxa de fotossíntese. Como principais mecanismos de aclimatação sob 80% de sombra, as mudas desenvolveram maior área foliar, redução da espessura do limbo foliar e aumento do rendimento quântico do fotossistema II. Mesmo assim, a assimilação líquida de CO2 e a taxa de transporte de elétrons foram menores e, consequentemente, houve restrição ao crescimento e acúmulo de massa seca das mudas no maior nível de sombreamento. Portanto, para a obtenção de mudas de feijoa de maior qualidade, recomendamos que seja realizada a pleno sol ou até 30% de sombra, para maximizar o vigor das mudas em viveiros e, posteriormente, este ambiente de luz também pode ser utilizado em pomares para favorecer o crescimento e a produção de frutos.

Interindividual variability in energy intake and expenditure during a weight loss intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Behavioral compensations may occur as a response to a negative energy balance. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between changes in energy intake (EI) and changes in physical activity (PA, min/day; kcal/d) as a response to a weight loss (WL) intervention and to understand if interindividual differences occur in EI and energy expenditure (EE). METHODS: Eighty-one participants [mean (SD): age = 42.8 (9.4)y, BMI = 31.2 (4.4)kg/m2, 37% females] divided in intervention (IG, n = 43) and control group (CG, n = 38) were included. The IG underwent a moderate energy restriction (300-500 kcal/d). EI was measured through the intake-balance method. Non-exercise PA (NEPA) and exercise (through logbook) were assessed by accelerometery. The EE in NEPA (NEAT) and in exercise (EiEE) was calculated by applying the Freedson Combination'98 algorithm over the time spent in these activities. Pearson correlations were performed in IG to examine associations between EE components, EI and body composition. To understand if interindividual differences were observed, the SD of individual response (SDIR) and the smallest worthwhile change (SWC, SDbaselineCG×0.2) were calculated. RESULTS: Changes in EI [Δ EI, (kcal/d)] was negatively associated with Δ exercise (min/d:r = -0.413, p = 0.045; %:r = -0.846, p = 0.008) and with Δ EiEE (kcal/d:r = -0.488, p = 0.016; %:r = -0.859, p = 0.006). A negative correlation was found between Δ sedentary time and Δ NEPA (min/d:r = -0.622, p = 0.002; %:r = -0.487, p = 0.018). An interindividual variability was found for EI(SDIR = 151.6, SWC = 72.3) and EE (SDIR = 165, SWC = 134). CONCLUSIONS: Decreases in EI were not associated to compensatory responses such as decreases in PA and/or increases in sedentary time. Interindividual variability was found for EI and EE. Nevertheless, behavioral compensations and the interindividual variability should be considered when implementing WL interventions, to increase the likelihood of achieving sustainable results. (clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03031951).

Functional fitness trends among older adults in Portugal between 2008 and 2018: Keeping up with a healthy aging process.

OBJECTIVES: Maintaining a healthy aging process is vital to combating and delaying the adverse health outcomes faced by the growing older adult population, where a key aspect to achieving healthy aging is the preservation of functional fitness. This study aims to present trends on the functional fitness of Portuguese older adults between 2008 and 2018 and build new normative reference standards for the Senior Fitness Battery Tests. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Functional fitness was measured with the Senior Fitness Battery Tests in two national representative cohorts of the Portuguese older adult population (≥65 years) using the 2008 (n = 4712) and 2018 (n = 2717) surveys. Changes were assessed according to sex and age group. Sex and age-group normative fitness scores were developed. RESULTS: Overall findings suggested that older adults' point prevalence for arm-curl, 8-ft up-and-go, and 30-s chair sit-to-stand remained stable between 2008 and 2018, with declining trends being observed for the 6-min walk and back-scratch tests. However, results for trends varied when stratified by sex and age categories. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a trend toward a stabilization of most of the functional fitness tests over the past decade, but with a critical decline in the 6-min walk test. Thus, this test should be targeted by future health-care policies. Moreover, this investigation provides new and updated normative reference standards for the Senior Fitness Battery Tests that should be used as a tool to promote a healthy aging process among Portuguese older adults.

Isotopic Control of the Boron-Vacancy Spin Defect in Hexagonal Boron Nitride.

We report on electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy of boron-vacancy (V_{B}^{-}) centers hosted in isotopically engineered hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) crystals. We first show that isotopic purification of hBN with ^{15}N yields a simplified and well-resolved hyperfine structure of V_{B}^{-} centers, while purification with ^{10}B leads to narrower ESR linewidths. These results establish isotopically purified h^{10}B^{15}N crystals as the optimal host material for future use of V_{B}^{-} spin defects in quantum technologies. Capitalizing on these findings, we then demonstrate optically induced polarization of ^{15}N nuclei in h^{10}B^{15}N, whose mechanism relies on electron-nuclear spin mixing in the V_{B}^{-} ground state. This work opens up new prospects for future developments of spin-based quantum sensors and simulators on a two-dimensional material platform.

Optically Active Spin Defects in Few-Layer Thick Hexagonal Boron Nitride.

Optically active spin defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are promising quantum systems for the design of two-dimensional quantum sensing units offering optimal proximity to the sample being probed. In this Letter, we first demonstrate that the electron spin resonance frequencies of boron vacancy centers (V_{B}^{-}) can be detected optically in the limit of few-atomic-layer thick hBN flakes despite the nanoscale proximity of the crystal surface that often leads to a degradation of the stability of solid-state spin defects. We then analyze the variations of the electronic spin properties of V_{B}^{-} centers with the hBN thickness with a focus on (i) the zero-field splitting parameters, (ii) the optically induced spin polarization rate and (iii) the longitudinal spin relaxation time. This Letter provides important insights into the properties of V_{B}^{-} centers embedded in ultrathin hBN flakes, which are valuable for future developments of foil-based quantum sensing technologies.

Epigenetic regulation of functional candidate genes for milk production traits in dairy sheep subjected to protein restriction in the prepubertal stage.

BACKGROUND: As the prepubertal stage is a crucial point for the proper development of the mammary gland and milk production, this study aims to evaluate how protein restriction at this stage can affect methylation marks in milk somatic cells. Here, 28 Assaf ewes were subjected to 42.3% nutritional protein restriction (14 animals, NPR) or fed standard diets (14 animals, C) during the prepubertal stage. During the second lactation, the milk somatic cells of these ewes were sampled, and the extracted DNA was subjected to whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 1154 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified between the NPR and C groups. Indeed, the results of functional enrichment analyses of the genes harboring these DMRs suggested their relevant effects on the development of the mammary gland and lipid metabolism in sheep. The additional analysis of the correlations of the mean methylation levels within these DMRs with fat, protein, and dry extract percentages in the milk and milk somatic cell counts suggested associations between several DMRs and milk production traits. However, there were no phenotypic differences in these traits between the NPR and C groups. CONCLUSION: In light of the above, the results obtained in the current study might suggest potential candidate genes for the regulation of milk production traits in the sheep mammary gland. Further studies focusing on elucidating the genetic mechanisms affected by the identified DMRs may help to better understand the biological mechanisms modified in the mammary gland of dairy sheep as a response to nutritional challenges and their potential effects on milk production.

Clinical characterisation and long-term survival of paediatric and juvenile lymphoma in cats: 33 cases (2008-2022).

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to describe the clinical presentation, tumour characteristics, responses to chemotherapy protocols and toxicity in a cohort of cats with lymphoma up to 18 months of age. In addition, the probability of long-term (>2 years) survival was explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of client-owned cats aged up to 18 months diagnosed with lymphoma between 2008 and 2022 at five UK-based veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-three cats were included. The most common anatomical forms were mediastinal (42%), disseminated disease (30%) and renal (15%), with all cats having intermediate to large cell lymphoma. Three out of 29 cats tested were positive for FeLV but none for FIV. Twenty-six cats were treated with multi-agent chemotherapy protocols with complete and partial responses seen in 46% and 50% of cats, respectively. For this group, median progression-free survival was 133 days (95% confidence interval [Cl] 67 to 199) and median survival time was 268 days (95% Cl 106 to 430). Complete response to chemotherapy was associated with a longer progression-free survival. Seven cats were considered long-term survivors (>2 years). Chemotherapy was generally well tolerated with none of the long-term survivors suffering from chronic sequelae from cytotoxic treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Paediatric and juvenile cats with lymphoma showed a high response rate to multi-agent chemotherapy protocols with rare significant toxicities. The presence of long-term survivors may suggest a more favourable outcome in a subset of patients.

Physical fitness trends in a nationally representative sample of Portuguese youth: What has changed from 2008 to 2018?

This investigation aimed to describe the current physical fitness (PF) status of Portuguese youth, compare secular trends from 2008 and 2018, and establish updated age- and sex-specific percentile values for distinct PF tests. In 2008 and 2018, 22 048 and 8960 children and adolescents (10-18 years) were included in two national cross-sectional investigations. PF was evaluated using the FITESCOLA® battery tests and the handgrip strength test. Independent sample t-tests and chi-squared tests were used to model the results. Weight smoothed percentile values were calculated using Cole's Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method. All analyses were weighted according to age, sex, and geographic region. In 2018, boys surpassed girls in the 20-m shuttle run, curl-ups, push-ups, standing long, and vertical jump tests, while girls performed better in the sit-and-reach (p < 0.05). The percentage of boys and girls meeting the healthy zone in the 20-min shuttle run test did not differ between 2008 and 2018 (p ≥ 0.05). In boys, a higher percentage fell in the healthy zone for the curl-up and push-up tests in 2018 compared to 2008 (85.8% vs. 83.4%, and 57.8% vs. 53.8%; p < 0.05). Girls improved their flexibility component (sit-and-reach test), with a higher percentage meeting the healthy zone in 2018 (32.6% vs. 36.9%; p < 0.05); an opposite trend was seen for boys (65.5% vs. 50.1%; p < 0.05). The present investigation provides new and updated PF percentile curves for Portuguese youth, which can be used as a general overview of the current PF state among the Portuguese young population.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in the Portuguese Population: What Has Changed from 2008 to 2018?

PURPOSE: Assessment of trends in physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) is important for evaluating the effectiveness of national policies and setting goals to improve population PA. This study describes changes in measured PA and ST through motion sensors of the Portuguese population from 2008 to 2018. METHODS: PA and ST were measured with accelerometry from individuals (≥10 yr) participating in the 2008 ( n = 4 532) and 2018 ( n = 6 369) Portuguese PA Surveillance Systems. Changes were analyzed using generalized linear and logistic models adjusted for accelerometer wear time. A weight factor was applied to all analyses in order to achieve national representativeness of the present results. RESULTS: In 2018, 15.4%, 71.2%, and 30.6% of Portuguese youth, adults, and older adults met the PA recommendations. Compared with 2008, the percentage meeting the PA guidelines increased in youth females (4.7% vs 7.7%, P < 0.05) and adult males (72.2% vs 79.4%, P < 0.05). A decrease in ST was observed for adult males, whereas ST increased in all youth. Male youth decreased the number of breaks in ST (BST per hour), whereas a favorable increase was found for both adult and older adult males and females. CONCLUSIONS: PA has remained fairly stable between 2008 and 2018 for all groups, except for youth females and adult males. For ST, a favorable decrease was observed for adult males; however, an inverse trend was found in youth. These results are relevant for policy makers to develop health care policies aimed at promoting PA and reducing ST across all age-groups.

Effects of home-based exercise programs on physical fitness in cancer patients undergoing active treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of home-based exercise on physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and body composition) in cancer patients undergoing active treatment. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis and Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation of the evidence. METHODS: A comprehensive search of existing literature was carried out in four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PEDro. All databases were searched for randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of home-based exercise on physical fitness outcomes in cancer patients during active treatment. Multicomponent interventions (i.e., exercise plus diet/behavioral therapy) were excluded. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Meta-analytical procedures were performed when appropriate and standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated. RESULTS: Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials (n = 2424 cancer patients) were included. Most of the interventions were conducted in breast cancer patients (n = 13) during the adjuvant treatment period (n = 17); 18 studies included a walking component in their home-based protocol. Home-based exercise was effective at improving the distance of the 6-minute walk test (k = 6; SMD = 0.321, p = 0.010). However, the results were no longer significant when performing sensitivity analysis based on exclusively walking (k = 1) and non-exclusively walking interventions (k = 5; SMD = 0.258; p = 0.072). No effects were found for muscle strength and body composition outcomes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regular home-based exercise programs are an effective strategy to improve 6-minutes walk test in cancer patients undergoing active treatment. Conversely, no alterations were found in muscle strength and body composition.

Nanoporous GaN by selective area sublimation through an epitaxial nanomask: AlN versus SixNy.

Nanoporous GaN layers were fabricated using selective area sublimation through a self-organized AlN nanomask in a molecular beam epitaxy reactor. The obtained pore morphology, density and size were measured using plan-view and cross-section scanning electron microscopy experiments. It was found that the porosity of the GaN layers could be adjusted from 0.04 to 0.9 by changing the AlN nanomask thickness and sublimation conditions. The room temperature photoluminescence properties as a function of the porosity were analysed. In particular, a strong improvement (>100) of the room temperature photoluminescence intensity was observed for porous GaN layers with a porosity in the 0.4-0.65 range. The characteristics of these porous layers were compared to those obtained with a SixNynanomask. Furthermore, the regrowth of p-type GaN on light emitting diode structures made porous by using either an AlN or a SixNynanomask were compared.

Phase angle, muscle tissue, and resistance training.

The biophysical response of the human body to electric current is widely appreciated as a barometer of fluid distribution and cell function. From distinct raw bioelectrical impedance (BIA) variables assessed in the field of body composition, phase angle (PhA) has been repeatedly indicated as a functional marker of the cell's health and mass. Although resistance training (RT) programs have demonstrated to be effective to improve PhA, with varying degrees of change depending on other raw BIA variables, there is still limited research explaining the biological mechanisms behind these changes. Here, we aim to provide the rationale for the responsiveness of PhA determinants to RT, as well as to summarize all available evidence addressing the effect of varied RT programs on PhA of different age groups. Available data led us to conclude that RT modulates the cell volume by increasing the levels of intracellular glycogen and water, thus triggering structural and functional changes in different cell organelles. These alterations lead, respectively, to shifts in the resistive path of the electric current (resistance, R) and capacitive properties of the human body (reactance, Xc), which ultimately impact PhA, considering that it is the angular transformation of the ratio between Xc and R. Evidence drawn from experimental research suggests that RT is highly effective for enhancing PhA, especially when adopting high-intensity, volume, and duration RT programs combining other types of exercise. Still, additional research exploring the effects of RT on whole-body and regional BIA variables of alternative population groups is recommended for further knowledge development.