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La creciente preocupación por la contaminación generada por los plásticos derivados del petróleo representa uno de los desafíos ambientales más apremiantes a nivel global en la actualidad. El uso generalizado de plásticos en una amplia gama de productos, combinado con una gestión inadecuada de los residuos, ha dado lugar a una acumulación masiva de estos materiales en entornos naturales como océanos, ríos, suelos y diversos ecosistemas. Esta problemática no solo afecta la biodiversidad y la calidad de vida de las comunidades, sino que también plantea interrogantes éticos y de sostenibilidad para las generaciones presentes y futuras. En este contexto de urgencia ambiental, es necesario explorar y promover soluciones innovadoras y sostenibles que aborden de manera integral la problemática de los plásticos y fomenten una cultura de reducción, reutilización y reciclaje. Dentro de este marco, el arte emerge como una poderosa herramienta capaz de generar conciencia, transformación social y ambiental, así como de inspirar cambios significativos en las prácticas individuales y colectivas. El artículo se centra en el desarrollo de un modelo de evaluación para el Arte Público Participativo que utiliza desechos plásticos como material artístico. Este enfoque, conocido como Upcycling o Supra-reciclaje, tiene como objetivo principal la reutilización creativa de los plásticos en la creación de obras artísticas. Además de su función estética, estas obras tienen la intención de empatizar y transmitir emociones que aporten concienciación sobre sostenibilidad, consumo responsable y gestión de residuos. Este estudio analiza cómo el arte puede ser un instrumento efectivo para abordar desafíos ambientales globales al transformar desechos en recursos artísticos y educativos. Para fundamentar y enriquecer este estudio, se recurre a diversas corrientes teóricas y disciplinas, que van desde la sociología ambiental hasta la psicología social y la ecología cultural. Entre las teorías y consideraciones relevantes se encuentran la "Teoría del valor, las normas y las creencias hacia el medioambiente" de Stern et al. (2000), que proporciona un marco conceptual para comprender cómo se construyen y transforman las actitudes y comportamientos hacia el entorno natural. Asimismo, se considera la "Psicología social de los objetos" de Mead (1932), que explora la relación entre los individuos, los objetos y la identidad personal en el contexto de la sociedad contemporánea. Además, se aborda la "Teoría de la Basura" de Thompson (1979), que analiza la evolución del valor social de los objetos, incluyendo los desechos, en el contexto de la cultura material y el consumo. La metodología propuesta para la evaluación de estos proyectos artísticos participativos se sustenta en un conjunto de variables fundamentales que abarcan aspectos como el grado de participación comunitaria en la creación de las obras, la selección y uso innovador de materiales plásticos, el impacto ambiental de las instalaciones artísticas, la integración con el entorno urbano o natural, así como el mensaje temático y simbólico que transmiten las obras a la audiencia. Este modelo de evaluación no solo busca valorar la calidad estética y conceptual de las obras, sino también su impacto social, educativo y medioambiental. Desde una perspectiva más amplia, esta focalización de Arte Público Participativo orientado en la reutilización creativa de desechos plásticos representa una oportunidad única para transformar la percepción y las prácticas relacionadas con los residuos y el consumo en nuestra sociedad. En resumen, este artículo aborda el papel crucial que desempeña el arte, especialmente cuando se integra en proyectos participativos que incluyen la reutilización creativa de desechos plásticos. Se examina cómo esta guía puede ser fundamental en la sensibilización, educación y movilización de la sociedad hacia prácticas más sostenibles y conscientes. Además de su impacto en el ámbito artístico, este enfoque contribuye significativamente a la construcción de una cultura de respeto y cuidado hacia el medio ambiente y los recursos naturales

Fishmeal and fish oil substitution in aquafeeds might have adverse effects on fish growth and health, mainly in carnivorous species, such as Mediterranean yellowtail (Seriola dumerili). Mediterranean yellowtail shows great potential as an alternative aquaculture species due to its fast growth and high price on the market, but the need for high-quality protein and fatty acid content in its diets is limiting its production. In order to improve the sustainability of its production, this study was conducted with 360 fish of 35 g to evaluate the effects on fish growth and health. Six diets were used: one control diet without replacement, three with FM replacement (FM66, FM33, and FM0) (33%, 66%, and 100% FM replacement), and two with FO replacement (FO50 and FO0) (50% and 100% FO replacement). The substitution of FM was with vegetable (VM) (corn gluten) and animal (AM) (krill and meat meal) meals. The reductions in FM and FO of up to 33 and 0%, respectively, did not affect the growth and survival of S. dumerili at the intestinal morphology level, except for the anterior intestine regarding the lower villi length and width and the posterior intestine regarding the lower width of the lamina propria. On the other hand, the substitution of fish ingredients in the diet affects liver morphology, indicating alterations in the major diameter of hepatocytes or their nuclei. Finally, diet did not affect the gut microbiota with respect to the control, but significant differences were found in alpha and beta diversity when FO and FM microbiota were compared. A 66% FM replacement and total FO replacement would be possible without causing major alterations in the fish.

A reunificação familiar é um processo complexo que se inicia com o acolhimento residencial da criança e/ou jovem na instituição e continua após o regresso a casa, podendo contribuir para consolidação e sucesso das medidas de proteção. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as dinâmicas geradoras dos processos de resiliência em famílias após implementação do Programa “Caminhar em Família” que visa a reunificação familiar por meio de promoção de competências parentais durante o acolhimento. Foi desenvolvido um estudo de caso qualitativo de caráter descritivo e retrospectivo. A amostra não probabilística foi composta por 4 famílias, sendo 5 progenitores e 6 crianças/jovens que saíram do acolhimento no ano de 2019 e estavam aptas à reunificação. A participação das famílias no programa permitiu confirmar o fortalecimento da resiliência no sistema relacional de pais e filhos graças à compreensão, capacitação e empoderamento suscitados nas diferentes etapas da medida de proteção. A associação conceitual de dois modelos teóricos da resiliência familiar das autoras Froma Walsh e Lietz e Strenght possibilitou identificar diferentes forças e recursos individuais e familiares na gestão da crise e respostas específicas às necessidades das famílias nos diferentes estádios do acolhimento e reunificação. Os resultados reforçam a importância de programas socioeducativos que privilegiam o fortalecimento das dimensões promotoras de aspectos saudáveis que compõe a resiliência em famílias. Estes elementos devem ser os norteadores das intervenções para uma reunificação familiar segura e estável.

The use of organic ingredients as a source of protein in aquaculture diets has gained significant attention due to the growing demand for organic seafood products. This study aimed to evaluate the potential for the use of organic ingredients as protein sources in the diet of juvenile organic seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). A total of 486 juvenile seabass with an average weight of 90 g were fed six diets containing varied organic proteins. The control group (CON) was fed a diet with conventional fishmeal from sustainable fisheries as the primary protein source. The other five groups were fed diets with different compositions: organic Iberian pig meal byproduct (IB diet), a combination of organic Iberian pig meal byproduct and insect meal (IB-IN diet), a mix of organic Iberian pig meal byproduct and organic rainbow trout meal byproduct (IB-TR diet), a blend of organic rainbow trout meal byproduct and insect meal (TR-IN), and a mixed diet containing all of these protein sources (MIX diet). Over a 125-day feeding trial, growth performance, feed utilisation, feed digestibility, and histological parameters were assessed. The results showed that the fish fed the control diet had the highest final weight and specific growth rate, followed by the fish fed the TR-IN and IB-TR diets. The IB-TR diet had the highest apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for protein, while the TR-IN diet had the lowest. Histological analysis revealed that fish fed the control diet had the largest nucleus diameter and hepatocyte diameter. Use of IN seems to penalise performance in several ways. Fish fed diets containing insect meal grew less, and those diets had lower digestibility. Fish fed the TR and IB diets grew at rates near that of the control, and the feed had acceptable digestibility.

A 120-day experiment investigated the new organic raw materials for Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) feeding on growth, nutritional parameters, digestibility, and histology. An organic control diet (CON) and three diets with 100% organic raw materials—the rest of rainbow trout, visceral Iberian pig, and insects as a protein source (TRO, IBE, and INS)—were tested. After the experiment, growth, nutritional parameters, digestibility, and histology were measured. The CON diet-fed seabream obtained the highest weight; there was no difference between the experimental diets. The crude protein content was the highest in seabream fed the TRO and INS diets. Crude fat was the highest value observed in the CON diet. High digestibility was observed in seabream-fed IBE and INS diets. Except for EAA methionine (Met), there were no static differences in retention efficiency. The diet with the highest hydrolysis rate was IBE. Diet differences were significant but had the typical healthy liver morphology of seabream. Seabream fed on the TRO and INS diets had shorter distal gut measurements. In conclusion, the full substitution of fishmeal with organic raw materials, including rainbow trout remains, Iberian pig viscera, and insects, offers several benefits in terms of digestibility, histology, and growth performance and may help improve sustainable and healthy aquaculture practices.

Skin cancers are among the most common cancers worldwide and are increasingly prevalent. Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is characterized by the malignant transformation of melanocytes in the epidermis. Although CM shows lower incidence than other skin cancers, it is the most aggressive and responsible for the vast majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Indeed, 75% of patients present with invasive or metastatic tumors, even after surgical excision. In CM, the photoprotective pigment melanin, which is produced by melanocytes, plays a central role in the pathology of the disease. Melanin absorbs ultraviolet radiation and scavenges reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) resulting from the radiation exposure. However, the scavenged ROS/RNS modify melanin and lead to the induction of signature DNA damage in CM cells, namely cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, which are known to promote CM immortalization and carcinogenesis. Despite triggering the malignant transformation of melanocytes and promoting initial tumor growth, the presence of melanin inside CM cells is described to negatively regulate their invasiveness by increasing cell stiffness and reducing elasticity. Emerging evidence also indicates that melanin secreted from CM cells is required for the immunomodulation of tumor microenvironment. Indeed, melanin transforms dermal fibroblasts in cancer-associated fibroblasts, suppresses the immune system and promotes tumor angiogenesis, thus sustaining CM progression and metastasis. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of melanin secretion in CM aggressiveness and the molecular machinery involved, as well as the impact in tumor microenvironment and immune responses. A better understanding of this role and the molecular players involved could enable the modulation of melanin secretion to become a therapeutic strategy to impair CM invasion and metastasis and, hence, reduce the burden of CM-associated deaths.

Introduction: PIK3CA is one of the most mutated oncogenes in solid tumors. In breast cancer (ER-positive, HER2-negative), these events represent a predictive biomarker of response to alpelisib. In glioblastomas (GBM), PIK3CA mutations were described as early constitutive events. Here, we investigated PIK3CA mutational profile across glioma molecular subgroups and its relevance during glioma recurrence. Furthermore, PIK3CA mutations’ effect in PI3K pathway, prognosis, and response to therapy was also explored. Material and Methods: Exons 10 and 21 of PIK3CA mutations were evaluated in 394 gliomas and 19 glioma recurrences from Instituto Português de Oncologia Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG) and compared with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. TIMER2.0 and NetMHCpan4.1 were used to assess the immune-microenvironment contribution. Results: PIK3CA mutations were identified among all glioma subgroups, although with no impact on their stratification or prognosis. In both cohorts (IPOLFG and TCGA), PIK3CA mutation frequencies in IDH -mutant and IDH -wild-type GBM were similar (IPOLFG: 9% and 3%; TCGA: 8% and 2%). These mutations were not mutually exclusive with PTEN deletion and EGFR amplification. Despite their reduced frequency, we discovered PIK3CA mutations were maintained during glioma recurrence regardless of administered therapies. The immune microenvironment might not contribute to this phenotype as PIK3CA mutations did not influence immune cell infiltration. Conclusions: Despite the absence of a predominant effect in glioma stratification, PIK3CA mutations were maintained during glioma recurrence, possibly contributing to glioma cell survival, representing promising therapeutic targets in recurrent glioma. Nevertheless, understanding the potential synergistic effects between PIK3CA mutations, PTEN deletion, and EGFR amplification is pivotal to targeted therapies’ efficiency.

The fishmeal replacement by vegetable meals or other alternative sources, without affecting fish performance and productivity, is one of the principal challenges in aquaculture. The use of hydrolyzed porcine mucosa (HPM) and nucleotide (NT) concentrates, as feed additives in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) non-fishmeal diets was assessed in order to determine the possible effects on growth, feed efficiency, protein digestion, and gut histology when these were included in a plant-based diet (HPM 1% and 2%, P1 and P2; NT 250 and 500 ppm, N250 and N500), in comparison with two control diets, AA0 (100% plant-protein-based diet) and FM100 (100% fishmeal-protein-based diet). Diets were assayed in triplicate and the growth assay lasted 134 days. Results showed a significant improvement in all groups in terms of final weight and specific growth rate in comparison with the AA0 group. An improvement in the feed conversion ratio and the protein efficiency ratio was also observed when the additives were included in lower percentages (P1 and N250) compared to the FM100 group. Significant differences were found in hepatosomatic index, villi thickness, and goblet cells. Thus, the inclusion of NT and HPM was tested as beneficial for the improvement of efficiency of plant feed in seabream.

O objetivo deste texto é identificar o espaço urbano da cidade de Lisboa entre os princípios do século XIX e os princípios do século XXI recorrendo a uma metodologia que possa ser aplicada de forma homogénea ao longo do todo o período considerado. Para essa abordagem, tomam-se como base os dados dos recenseamentos da população realizados ao longo desses séculos e informações sobre a rede de transportes da região de Lisboa no mesmo período. Identifica-se a área com população de densidade urbana em torno do núcleo central constituído pela cidade na sua definição legal e administrativa; a área onde predominam atividades económicas de natureza urbana, isto é, dos setores secundário e terciário, em torno do mesmo núcleo central; e a área abrangida pelo sistema de transportes públicos da região de Lisboa. Conclui-se que a área urbana de Lisboa viveu um período de estagnação durante a primeira metade do século XIX, um período de expansão moderada e intensiva entre meados do século XIX e meados do século XX e um período de expansão acelerada e extensiva desde meados do século XX, alterando-se significativamente a distribuição no interior desse espaço.

Triploid, sterile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) could make a contribution to the development of the farming industry, but uncertainties about the performance and welfare of triploids have limited their adoption by farmers. In this study, we compared the ontogeny of digestive tract morphology and enzyme activities (pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, alkaline phosphatase and aminopeptidase) of diploid and triploid Atlantic salmon. Fish were fed diets based on fishmeal (STD) or a mix of fishmeal and hydrolysed fish proteins (HFM) whilst being reared at low temperature from start-feeding to completion of the parr-smolt transformation. Fish weights for each ploidy and feed combination were used to calculate thermal growth coefficients (TGCs) that spanned this developmental period, and the data were used to examine possible relationships between enzyme activities and growth. At the end of the experiment, faeces were collected and analyzed to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of the dietary amino acids (AAs). Digestive tract histo-morphology did not differ substantially between ploidies and generally reflected organ maturation and functionality. There were no consistent differences in proteolytic enzyme activities resulting from the inclusion of HFM in the diet, nor was there improved digestibility and AA bioavailability of the HFM feed in either diploid or triploid fish. The triploid salmon had lower ADCs than diploids for most essential and non-essential AAs in both diets (STD and HFM), but without there being any indication of lower intestinal protease activity in triploid fish. When trypsin-to-chymotrypsin activity and trypsin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ratios (T:C and T:ALP, respectively) were considered in combination with growth data (TGC) low T:C and T:ALP values coincided with times of reduced fish growth, and vice versa, suggesting that T:C and T:ALP may be used to predict recent growth history and possible growth potential.

Abstract Purpose Studying the effect of citrus pulp silage in the growth performance, amino acid retention of sharpsnout sea bream juveniles. Methods Citrus pulp is an energy and protein source that has been used to replace wheat meal in Diplodus puntazzo fingerlings; 96 fish of 21.5 ± 0.67 g were nourished with two experimental diets for 105 days. The control diet (CON) contained 421.6 g/kg of protein and 22.6 MJ/kg of energy. The citrus pulp diet (CPD) included 442.7 g/kg of protein and 22.02 MJ/kg of energy. Results At the end of this trial, the CPD did not affect the growth parameters, but the feed efficiency values exhibited statistically significant differences, with those fish fed the CPD having higher values, possibly due to the presence of limonene in the diet. The CPD also resulted in a reduction in amino acid (AA) content due to the protein being bound to fibre; this consequence did not affect the final fish AA profile. For AA retention, only arginine displayed significant differences, although the rest of the AAs also showed effects of AA reduction from the CPD. Conclusion Citrus pulp silage can be used in D. puntazzo feeding, without adverse in the growth performance and the amino acid profile, although it did cause a reduction in feed efficiency.

Abstract Background In order to ensure sustainability of aquaculture production of carnivourous fish species such as the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata, L.), the impact of the inclusion of alternative protein sources to fishmeal, including plants, has been assessed. With the aim of evaluating long-term effects of vegetable diets on growth and intestinal status of the on-growing gilthead seabream (initial weight = 129 g), three experimental diets were tested: a strict plant protein-based diet (VM), a fishmeal based diet (FM) and a plant protein-based diet with 15% of marine ingredients (squid and krill meal) alternative to fishmeal (VM+). Intestines were sampled after 154 days. Besides studying growth parameters and survival, the gene expression related to inflammatory response, immune system, epithelia integrity and digestive process was analysed in the foregut and hindgut sections, as well as different histological parameters in the foregut. Results There were no differences in growth performance (p = 0.2703) and feed utilization (p = 0.1536), although a greater fish mortality was recorded in the VM group (p = 0.0141). In addition, this group reported a lower expression in genes related to pro-inflammatory response, as Interleukine-1β (il1β, p = 0.0415), Interleukine-6 (il6, p = 0.0347) and cyclooxigenase-2 (cox2, p = 0.0014), immune-related genes as immunoglobulin M (igm, p = 0.0002) or bacterial defence genes as alkaline phosphatase (alp, p = 0.0069). In contrast, the VM+ group yielded similar survival rate to FM (p = 0.0141) and the gene expression patterns indicated a greater induction of the inflammatory and immune markers (il1β, cox2 and igm). However, major histological changes in gut were not detected. Conclusions Using plants as the unique source of protein on a long term basis, replacing fishmeal in aqua feeds for gilthead seabream, may have been the reason of a decrease in the level of different pro-inflammatory mediators (il1 β, il6 and cox2) and immune-related molecules (igm and alp), which reflects a possible lack of local immune response at the intestinal mucosa, explaining the higher mortality observed. Krill and squid meal inclusion in vegetable diets, even at low concentrations, provided an improvement in nutrition and survival parameters compared to strictly plant protein based diets as VM, maybe explained by the maintenance of an effective immune response throughout the assay.

Mia40/CHCHD4 and Erv1/ALR are essential for oxidative protein folding in the mitochondrial intermembrane space of yeast and mammals. In contrast, many protists, including important apicomplexan and kinetoplastid parasites, lack Mia40. Furthermore, the Erv homolog of the model parasite Leishmania tarentolae (LtErv) was shown to be incompatible with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mia40 (ScMia40). Here we addressed structure-function relationships of ScErv1 and LtErv as well as their compatibility with the oxidative protein folding system in yeast using chimeric, truncated, and mutant Erv constructs. Chimeras between the N-terminal arm of ScErv1 and a variety of truncated LtErv constructs were able to rescue yeast cells that lack ScErv1. Yeast cells were also viable when only a single cysteine residue was replaced in LtErvC17S. Thus, the presence and position of the C-terminal arm and the kinetoplastida-specific second (KISS) domain of LtErv did not interfere with its functionality in the yeast system, whereas a relatively conserved cysteine residue before the flavodomain rendered LtErv incompatible with ScMia40. The question whether parasite Erv homologs might also exert the function of Mia40 was addressed in another set of complementation assays. However, neither the KISS domain nor other truncated or mutant LtErv constructs were able to rescue yeast cells that lack ScMia40. The general relevance of Erv and its candidate substrate small Tim1 was analyzed for the related parasite L. infantum. Repeated unsuccessful knockout attempts suggest that both genes are essential in this human pathogen and underline the potential of mitochondrial protein import pathways for future intervention strategies.

The aquaculture of carnivorous fish is in continuous expansion, which leads to the need to reduce the dependence on fishmeal (FM). Plant proteins (PP) represent a suitable protein alternative to FM and are increasingly used in fish feed. However, PP may lead to stunted growth and enteritis. In the current study, the effect of high FM substitution by PP sources on the growth, mortality and intestinal health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was evaluated in terms of the histological intestine parameters and expression of genes related to inflammation (IL-1β, IL-8 and TGF-β) and immune responses (Transferrin, IgT and IFN-γ). The results show that a total substitution registered lower growth and survival rates, probably due to a disruption to the animal’s health. Confirming this hypothesis, fish fed FM0 showed histological changes in the intestine and gene changes related to inflammatory responses, which in the long-term could have triggered an immunosuppression. The FM10 diet presented not only a similar expression to FM20 (control diet), but also similar growth and survival. Therefore, 90% of FM substitution was demonstrated as being feasible in this species using a PP blend of wheat gluten (WG) and soybean meal (SBM) as a protein source.

Seabass is one of the leading aquaculture species in Europe. Sensory analysis is essential for new product development. This research focused on establishing and differentiating the opinion of consumers about seabass quality obtained with organic feeding. Fish were fed for 196 days with four treatments (a control diet with 30% fishmeal and three diets with different levels of fishmeal supplemented with organic vegetable ingredients: 25%, 30% and 35%). Experimental diets were compared with commercial samples from the retail industry that were considered as “adequate quality for fish”. Two sensory analyses were carried out, check-all-that-apply (CATA) to obtain feedback on consumers’ characterization towards a different type of fish evaluated and projective mapping (PM) to measure the similarity among a set of products and establish a comparison between results provided by both methods. According to the CATA results, white color, softness, meaty taste and juicy texture were considered relevant attributes, also showing a good relationship with an adequate cooked fish description. A penalty analysis confirmed that the previous characteristics were considered essential while fibrous was an undesirable attribute. The projective mapping showed a similar sensory configuration to the CATA, corroborating these findings that showed that commercial fish were placed in a position away from the rest of the treatments, and the organic diet with a higher level of fishmeal (35%) was the most distant from the control diet.

This study was conducted to evaluate the apparent availability and P and N excretion in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using different inorganic phosphorus sources. With this goal, fish (153 ± 14.1 g) fed four inorganic P sources were assayed: monoammonium phosphate (MAP, NH4H2PO4), monosodium/monocalcium phosphate (SCP-2%, AQphos+, NaH2PO4/Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O in proportion 12/88), monosodium/monocalcium phosphate (SCP-5%, NaH2PO4/Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O in proportion 30/70) and monocalcium phosphate (MCP, Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O). Phosphorus (P) digestibility, in diets that included MAP and SCP-2% as inorganic phosphorus sources, were significantly higher than for SCP-5% and MCP sources. In relation to the P excretion pattern, independent of the diet, a peak at 6 h after feeding was registered, but at different levels depending on inorganic P sources. Fish fed an MAP diet excreted a higher amount of dissolved P in comparison with the rest of the inorganic P sources, although the total P losses were lower in MAP and SCP-2% (33.02% and 28.13, respectively) than in SCP-5% and MCP sources (43.35% and 47.83, respectively). Nitrogen (N) excretion was also studied, and the fish fed an SCP-5% diet provided lower values (15.8%) than MAP (28.0%). When N total wastes were calculated, SCP-2% and SCP-5% showed the lowest values (31.54 and 28.25%, respectively). In conclusion, based on P and N digestibility and excretion, the SCP-2% diet showed the best results from a nutritional and environmental point of view.

The meagre is a carnivorous species and might be a suitable candidate species for the diversification of aquaculture in the Mediterranean region. This is based on its high growth and flesh quality. Nevertheless, there is little information available about its growth rates and nutrient requirements. The objective of this study was to determine the protein and energy requirements of juvenile meagre (Argyrosomus regius). Two trials for different weights of 53 and 188 g were conducted with rations from starvation to apparent satiation with the scope of studying its nutritional needs. In the first trial, the initial mean body weight of the fish was 53 g, and they were fed at feeding rates, measured as a percentage of the body weight, of 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5%, with two replicates per treatment. In a second trial, another group with approximately 188 g of initial body weight was fed at feeding rates of 0, 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5%, with two replicates per treatment. The optimum thermal growth coefficient was obtained with a feed intake of 2.2% day−1 in trial A and 1.73% day−1 in trial B. The digestible protein (DP) intake for maintenance was determined as 0.57 g kg−0.7 day−1, the DP intake for maximum growth was 6.0 g kg−0.7 day−1, and the point for maximum efficiency in protein retention was 1.8 g kg−0.7 day−1. The requirement for digestible energy (DE) intake for maintenance was recorded at 25.4 kJ kg−0.82 day−1, the DE intake to maximize growth was 365 kJ kg−0.82 day−1, and the point for maximum efficiency in energy retention occurs with a digestible energy intake of 93 kJ kg−0.82 day−1. The requirements and retention efficiency of protein and energy in Argyrosomus regius tend to be within the range other fish species. The maintenance needs are in agreement with species with low voluntary activity and growth requirements in agreement with fast-growth species.

Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, characterized by a high molecular and metabolic heterogeneity which contributes to therapy resistance. Despite advances in treatment, more efficient therapies are needed. Olive oil compounds have been described as having anti-cancer properties. Here, we clarified the cytotoxic potential of oleic acid, homovanillyl alcohol, and hydroxytyrosol on melanoma cells. Metabolic viability was determined 48 h post treatment of A375 and MNT1 cells. Metabolic gene expression was assessed by qRT-PCR and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) activation by Western blot. Hydroxytyrosol treatment (100 and 200 µM) significantly reduced A375 cell viability (p = 0.0249; p < 0.0001) which, based on the expression analysis performed, is more compatible with a predominant glycolytic profile and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. By contrast, hydroxytyrosol had no effect on MNT1 cell viability, which demonstrates an enhanced oxidative metabolism and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. This compound triggered cell detoxification and the use of alternative energy sources in A375 cells, inhibiting JNK and ERK pathways. Despite oleic acid and homovanillyl alcohol demonstrating no effect on melanoma cell viability, they influenced the MNT1 glycolytic rate and A375 detoxification mechanisms, respectively. Both compounds suppressed ERK activation in MNT1 cells. The distinct cell responses to olive oil compounds depend on the metabolic and molecular mechanisms preferentially activated. Hydroxytyrosol may have a cytotoxic potential in melanoma cells with predominant glycolytic metabolism and JNK activation.

The effect of different weekly feeding frequencies on Nile tilapia fingerlings of 2.02 g, was determined during 12 weeks. This was done by feeding the fish 7 days/week, 6 days/week or 5 days/week. After this restriction feeding period, all fish were fed as the control group (7 days/week) during 26 days to study the capability of the fish to compensate the growth during this re-feeding period. At the end of the feeding restriction period, there were significant differences in weights among the different treatments, although the significance was detected only at 7 days/week level, which presented the highest final body weight compared with the other 2 treatments. The daily feed intake and the feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios did not present significant differences. Crude protein efficiency (CPE) and gross energy efficiency (GEE) were affected by the feeding frequency, presenting high values in fish fed 7 days/week. Growth results obtained during this re-feeding period indicate that weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) presented a linear increase from 7 to 5 days/week, i.e. with increasing feed deprivation period the fish could compensate the growth effectively, trying to reach to the weight as those of the control group.

The study aimed to evaluate how replacing different proportions of fish oil (FO) with vegetable oils (VO) in the diet of Mediterranean yellowtail, Seriola dumerili (Risso, 1810), affects the fatty acids (FA) signature, i.e.; overall FA profile, in different tissues. A total of 225 Mediterranean yellowtail juveniles (initial live weight: 176 ± 3.62 g) were fed for 109 days with one of three diets: A control diet (FO 100), with FO as the only lipid source, or diets with 75% and 100% of FO replaced with a VO mixture. At the end of the feeding trial, the brains, muscles, livers, and visceral fat were sampled in four fish per tank (12 per treatment), and their fat were extracted and used for FA analysis. The FA signatures of red and white muscle, liver, and visceral fat tissues changed when the dietary FA source changed, whereas FA signatures in the brain were rather robust to such dietary changes. These new insights might help evaluate whether key physiological functions are preserved when fish are fed diets with low FO levels, as well as define the dietary FA requirements of Mediterranean yellowtail to improve the sustainability of the production and welfare of the fish.

Resumen: El trabajo evalúa la eficacia del programa de educación parental Grupo La-ços de Inclusão (Grupo Lazos de Inclusión), aplicado en una asociación de arte inclusiva, de la Región Autónoma de Madeira. Han participado en el estudio 11 padres (ocho madres y tres padres) de nueve niños/jóvenes con necesidades especiales y de tres niños/jóvenes sin ninguna necesidad especial. Se ha realizado una evaluación pre-test y post-test y los resultados previos indican para una disminución de la percepción: del estrés global de los participantes; de exigencias de como relacionarse con el niño; del nivel de la salud de los padres, que pueden interferir na relación con el niño. Aunque los resultados parecen ser positivos, todavia se destacan algunas limitaciones y se sacan reflexiones para futuras intervenciones de educación parental.

A avaliação das famílias em risco psicossocial sob o prisma da resiliência familiar permite compreender as forças, recursos e estratégias que se constituem processos chave desenvolvidos pelas famílias na adversidade. Através do Q-set da Resiliência familiar, ancorado no método Q-sort (Block, 2008) e no modelo da Resiliência Familiar (Walsh, 1998, 2005), 30 famílias de menores com medidas de promoção e proteção foram avaliadas pelos respetivos gestores de caso (n=17 profissionais). Os resultados confirmam a sobrevalorização do risco nestas famílias. Contudo, a ponderação da dinâmica risco-proteção favorece o reconhecimento de mecanismos de proteção imprescindíveis ao desenvolvimento de um funcionamento familiar resiliente.

Este trabajo invita a una reflexión sobre el papel actual de la ciudadanía europea en el corazón del debate político y jurídico europeo. Los retos y desafíos que amenazan y minan la unidad de la Unión Europea en la actualidad afectan indefectiblemente a su ciudadanía, desplazándola a un segundo plano y colocándola en una posición de “paro sistémico”. En plena celebración del sesenta aniversario del Tratado de Roma y los treinta años de entrada de España en la Unión Europea y la relevante Declaración Schumann, hemos de afrontar un reto todavía pendiente: que los ciudadanos nos identifiquemos cada vez más con la Unión Europea, desarrollando una opinión pública, una conciencia política y una identidad europea.

La iniciativa empresarial y económica de las personas extranjeras, a la que nos referiremos como «economía étnica» o ethnic business, constituye un componente de crecimiento muy relevante no sólo para nuestra nación, sino también para el conjunto de países europeos. Emerge como fuente de riqueza económica, puente hacia la movilidad social y el emprendedurismo; así como mecanismo eficaz para la lucha contra el estigma social y la trasformación de la imagen negativa y estereotipada en torno a la figura del inmigrante. Partiendo de esta premisa, el presente trabajo pretende mostrar y poner en valor la (hipotética) relación existente entre la Constitución económica, la normativa estatal en materia laboral y la adopción de políticas públicas eficaces, capaces de atraer y consolidar empresas de origen extranjero y con proyección de futuro en España y en la Unión Europea. Publicación en línea: 29 diciembre 2016

A ordem jurídica e a medida de internamento constituem-se como categorias centrais da análise de conteúdo das entrevistas de 15 jovens institucionalizados num Centro Educativo de Portugal, por prática de facto qualificado pela lei como crime. A técnica geradora de estrutura de discurso, usada como instrumento de validação comunicativa dos significados emergentes dos discursos, permite identificar as representações sociais que os jovens constroem sobre as categorias, a partir das quais o investigador realiza o seu próprio trabalho interpretativo. Os resultados apontam para uma concepção heterónoma do dever jurídico, sendo que os jovens associam ao internamento uma função, simultaneamente, educativa e sancionadora. Finalmente, este estudo pretende evidenciar as potencialidades de uma abordagem interpretativa em termos de investigação e intervenção.This study is based on the content analysis of interviews done with 15 young males institutionalized in a Re-Education Center in Portugal for offensive behavior and conflict with the law. The technique of generating discourse structure, used as a communication validity tool, allows the definition of law and institutionalization as the main categories. The main goal is to describe the social representations youngsters build about the categories, upon which the researcher performs her own interpretative work. The analyses revealed that youngsters conceive law in terms of its legal consequences, while perceiving institutionalization as an educational measure, in terms of their social rehabilitation, but also referring to it as a punishment element. This study aims at accounting for the potentialities of the interpretative approach concerning research and intervention.

This study is based on the content analysis of interviews done with 15 young males institutionalized in a Re-Education Center in Portugal for offensive behavior and conflict with the law. The technique of generating discourse structure, used as a communication validity tool, allows the definition of law and institutionalization as the main categories. The main goal is to describe the social representations youngsters build about the categories, upon which the researcher performs her own interpretative work. The analyses revealed that youngsters conceive law in terms of its legal consequences, while perceiving institutionalization as an educational measure, in terms of their social rehabilitation, but also referring to it as a punishment element. This study aims at accounting for the potentialities of the interpretative approach concerning research and intervention.

Iron plays a central role in host-parasite interactions, since both intervenients need iron for survival and growth, but are sensitive to iron-mediated toxicity. The host's iron overload is often associated with susceptibility to infection. However, it has been previously reported that iron overload prevented the growth of Leishmania major, an agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis, in BALB/c mice. In order to further clarify the impact of iron modulation on the growth of Leishmania in vivo, we studied the effects of iron supplementation or deprivation on the growth of L. infantum, the causative agent of Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis, in the mouse model. We found that dietary iron deficiency did not affect the protozoan growth, whereas iron overload decreased its replication in the liver and spleen of a susceptible mouse strain. The fact that the iron-induced inhibitory effect could not be seen in mice deficient in NADPH dependent oxidase or nitric oxide synthase 2 suggests that iron eliminates L. infantum in vivo through the interaction with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Iron overload did not significantly alter the mouse adaptive immune response against L. infantum. Furthermore, the inhibitory action of iron towards L. infantum was also observed, in a dose dependent manner, in axenic cultures of promastigotes and amastigotes. Importantly, high iron concentrations were needed to achieve such effects. In conclusion, externally added iron synergizes with the host's oxidative mechanisms of defense in eliminating L. infantum from mouse tissues. Additionally, the direct toxicity of iron against Leishmania suggests a potential use of this metal as a therapeutic tool or the further exploration of iron anti-parasitic mechanisms for the design of new drugs.

Objectives Antihypertensives reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic limited access to healthcare, which may have had a negative impact on drug prescribing. This study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the initiation of antihypertensive drugs.Design Interrupted time series study using a segmented linear regression model.Setting Swedish population assessed through linked national healthcare registers.Participants 720 300 new users of antihypertensives.Intervention March 2020, COVID-19 pandemic onset.Main outcomes measures The change in the initiation of antihypertensives expressed as monthly cumulative incidence, stratified by age and sex. Data on dispensed prescriptions of diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers were extracted from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, from March 2018 to November 2021. Initiation (new use) was defined as having no previous dispensations before March 2019. Monthly cumulative incidence in March 2019–November 2021 was calculated as the number of patients initiating each drug class in each month divided by the population.Results The start of the pandemic was associated with an immediate drop in the initiation of any antihypertensive, but no sustained effects were observed, as the incidence continued to increase in the postinterruption period by +0.02% each month in both sexes. The immediate drop was statistically significant for ACEi in both sexes and all antihypertensive classes except diuretics in patients >65 years. А significant postintervention trend change was observed for initiation of diuretics (+0.013% overall), driven mainly by a significant increase in patients >65 years. Similar findings were also observed for diuretics in females (+0.02%) and ACEi (+0.03%) in patients >65 years.Conclusions The pandemic had an immediate negative short-term effect, but we found no major long-term negative influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on initiation of any type of antihypertensive drugs.