University of Vigo

Background To revise and critically summarize the available scientific evidence regarding the effect of exercise on sleep quality in people with diabetes. Methods Three electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, PEDro Database and Scopus) were searched systematically from their inception until February 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Quality Assessment Tool for Before–After Studies with No Control Group scales. Results A total of 7 randomized controlled trials and 3 single-arm studies were included. Most of the studies included patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 8). Self-reported sleep quality (n = 9) and objective sleep status (n = 1) were the main outcomes analysed. A variety of training programs were assessed over durations ranging from 4 to 16 weeks in the studies included. Data from eleven interventions demonstrated a significant improvement in self-reported sleep quality among patients with type 2 diabetes (Hedges’ g -1.45; 95% CI -2.6; -0.29, p = 0.005). However, data synthesis indicated that participants who exercised did not obtain significant improvements on their self-reported sleep quality compared to those in the control groups (Hedges’ g 1.40; 95% CI -1.36; 4.18, p = 0.111). Conclusions Preliminary evidence suggests that exercise can be prescribed to manage self-reported sleep quality in this population, although its effects may not surpass those of usual care.

Despite ample evidence that extensive water–rock interactions occurred under a CO2-dominated atmosphere on early Mars, carbonate minerals are relatively rare at the surface. One possibility to explain this scarcity is that carbonates were initially abundant, but were later destroyed when atmospheric conditions changed, particularly as a result of volcanism releasing large volumes of sulfur dioxide SO2 into the atmosphere. However, despite some early theoretical and experimental results, no study has investigated the stability of the most common carbonates (Ca, Mg and Fe) in the presence of abundant SO2 gas. Here we present the results of experiments demonstrating that carbonates are systematically unstable when exposed to 0.8 bar of SO2 in moderately oxidizing (SO2 + H2O) or strongly oxidizing (SO2 + H2O + H2O2) environments. In both environments, the reaction end products are systematically sulfates, except for calcium carbonate, which predominantly transforms into calcium sulfite (hannebachite) in moderately oxidizing conditions. Based on these results, carbonates formed early in martian history would have been rapidly decomposed and replaced by sulfates (and sulfites if calcium was abundant enough) in the presence of abundant SO2 released by major volcanic events such as those associated with the build-up of the Tharsis rise.

Singular rock columns or blocks resting on tilted irregular rough joints can be found in rock masses in various geological environments. Their stability can be estimated based on traditional limit equilibrium approaches. However, the geometry of these rock blocks may not be regular, which makes uneasy stability computation tasks. Previous studies have addressed toppling mechanisms of rock blocks having various geometries and accounting for eroded or non-sharp-edged corners. Moreover, an analytical approach to consider the influence of regular roughness on the base of the block on its toppling response has been recently proposed. In this study, the authors advance towards a better understanding on how irregular roughness may affect the stability against toppling of cylindrical physical models with an irregular rough base in the lab, which are analyzed based on proposed analytical expressions. The study shows consistent empirical and analytical results regarding the toppling response of the samples tested, which indicates that toppling of blocks with irregular rough bases can be studied based on analytical formulations. Moreover, this roughness can slightly influence the instability mechanism of toppling, as shown in an illustrative example.

Migration flows are in constant evolution, marked by continuous and rapid changes in migratory patterns driven by various factors that necessitate in-depth analysis. Based on the push–pull theory of migration, with information of CIA (World Factbook Skyhorse Publishing Inc., New York, 2020) and World Development Indicators (WDI, World development indicators, Washington, 2020) and focus on push factors, the objective of the present research is to empirically examine the effects of economic growth and unemployment on migration for 23 Latin American and Caribbean countries during the period 2000–2020. The methodology is based on a five-stage process in which fixed and random effects panel models are estimated to determine the relationship between the migration rate, the unemployment rate, and the gross domestic product. The main results indicate that in the countries studied, the data show exogenous variables comply with the push–pull theory globally, that is, in Latin America. Likewise, the causal relationships present a bidirectionality at the global level between migration, unemployment and economic growth. Future research can address some of the limitations of the present study, such as the analysis of other non-economic factors and more up-to-date series.

Aspergillus aculeatus pectinase was immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles coated with calcium alginate for pectin hydrolysis in guava juice by a stirred electromagnetic reactor (SER). The average crystallite size estimated by the Scherrer formula was 33.7 nm. The reaction rate in SER (701.7 U/mL) was almost twice that of the static process (362.5 U/mL). Both processes displayed a sigmoidal trend with positive cooperativity (n) of 5 and 4, respectively. Both free and immobilized pectinase showed great performance in the pH range of 4.0-7.0. After immobilization, pectinase acted optimally at 50 °C. Pectin hydrolysis was performed for over 10 successive cycles in SER losing only 30% of its initial activity. Thermodynamic activation parameters of the reaction revealed higher spontaneity and efficiency when hydrolysis was performed in SER. Pectin hydrolysis in guava juice displayed 41% turbidity and 85.5% viscosity reduction. The electromagnetic reactor displayed great potential for performing hydrolysis of pectin in guava juice. The biocatalyst showed good features for further applications in food industries. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Resveratrol is an antioxidant abundant in plants like grapes and peanuts and has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic applications. This review explores its chemical attributes, stability, and solubility, influencing its diverse applications and bioavailability. Resveratrol’s multifaceted therapeutic roles encompass: antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-aging, and anticancer properties. While traditionally studied in preclinical settings, a surge in clinical trials underscores resveratrol’s promise for human health. Over 250 recent clinical trials investigate its effects alone and in combination with other compounds. Commercially utilized in food, cosmetics, supplements, and pharmaceuticals, the resveratrol market is expanding, driven by microbial fermentation. Microbes offer advantages over plant extraction and chemical synthesis, providing cost-effective, pure, and sustainable production. Microbial biosynthesis can be attained from carbon sources, such as glucose or xylose, among others, which can be obtained from renewable resources or agro-industrial wastes. While Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been the most used host, non-conventional yeasts like Yarrowia lipolytica and bacteria like Escherichia coli have also demonstrated potential. Genetic modifications such as increasing acetyl-CoA/malonyl-CoA pools, boosting the shikimate pathway, or multi-copy expression of pathway genes, allied to the optimization of fermentation strategies have been promising in increasing titers. Microbial biosynthesis of resveratrol aligns with the shift toward sustainable and renewable bio-based compounds, exemplifying a circular bioeconomy. Concluding, microbial fermentation presents a promising avenue for efficient resveratrol production, driven by genetic engineering, pathway optimization, and fermentation strategies. These advances hold the key to unlocking the potential of resveratrol for diverse therapeutic applications, contributing to a greener and sustainable future.

Anthropogenic-driven environmental changes are pushing species to the limits of their habitats. More often species are restricted to relic or suboptimal habitats that present the minimum requirements to sustain species populations. In this scenario of accelerated environmental change and biodiversity loss, is fundamental to understand why species can survive in such suboptimal conditions. In this study, we show how the Tenerife speckled lizard (Gallotia intermedia), a critically endangered endemic reptile from the Canary Islands, can maintain stable populations in relic habitats thanks to its interactions with the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) colony. A stable isotope analysis revealed that G. intermedia relies on marine subsidies for its diet and that the foraging area of this reptile is likely to be restricted to the limits of L. michahellis breeding colony. Furthermore, an antipredator behaviour analysis showed that L. michahellis displayed a strong anti-predator or mobbing response against cats, one of the main threats for G. intermedia, thus potentially providing some protection to the reptiles inhabiting the seabird colony. Our results show how unusual and poorly studied biotic interactions can provide valuable resources and conditions for the conservation of a critically endangered species inhabiting a suboptimal or relict habitat.

Germany's criminalisation of Palestine-solidarity intensified further after the7 October 2023 attack. Given Germany's historical responsibility for the Holocaust and its commitment to reconcile this history, many attribute Germany's relation to Israel to that of historical guilt. Considering the event cancellations of academics, artists and activists in Germany who criticise Israel's settler colonial-ism of Palestine, which includes increasing institutional and extra-legal violence against Palestine-solidarity protesters, such explanations are far too simplistic. This Contentions article shows how the conflating of Zionism and Israeli settler colonialism with antisemistism are the vehicles through which Germany strengthens its anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, and nationalist white supremacist agenda. Highlighting the internationally lesser-known phenomenon of the autonomous left that celebrates the state of Israel, namely Anti-Deutsche (Anti-German), the article aims to unpack some nuances concerning the acceptance of censorship, reproduction of fascism and support for the Palestinian-genocide that are advanced by the German state and its followers across the 'Left' and 'Right' political spectrum.

Evaluation of anticancer effects on cell levels plays a crucial role in drug discovery. This guideline summarizes various methods for assessing anticancer effects and mechanisms, including cell viability, cell cycle, cell metabolism, cell damage and death, cell behaviors and function, it also briefly reviews the basic principles and specific experimental procedures. It is worth noting that it is recommended to use more than three methods to verify the accuracy of experimental results, so as to provide necessary references for the screening and evaluation of anticancer drugs and foods.

Earthworms are a key faunal group in agricultural soils, but little is known on how farming systems affect their communities across wide climatic gradients and how farming system choice might mediate earthworms' exposure to climate conditions. Here, we studied arable soil earthworm communities on wheat fields across a European climatic gradient, covering nine pedo‐climatic zones, from Mediterranean to Boreal (S to N) and from Lusitanian to Pannonian (W to E). In each zone, 20–25 wheat fields under conventional or organic farming were sampled. Community metrics (total abundance, fresh mass, and species richness and composition) were combined with data on climate conditions, soil properties, and field management and analyzed with mixed models. There were no statistically discernible differences between organic and conventional farming for any of the community metrics. The effects of refined arable management factors were also not detected, except for an elevated proportion of subsurface‐feeding earthworms when crop residues were incorporated. Soil properties were not significantly associated with earthworm community variations, which in the case of soil texture was likely due to low variation in the data. Pedo‐climatic zone was an overridingly important factor in explaining the variation in community metrics. The Boreal zone had the highest mean total abundance (179 individuals m⁻²) and fresh mass (86 g m⁻²) of earthworms while the southernmost Mediterranean zones had the lowest metrics (<1 individual m⁻² and <1 g m⁻²). Within each field, species richness was low across the zones, with the highest values being recorded at the Nemoral and North Atlantic zones (mean of 2–3 species per field) and declining from there toward north and south. No litter‐dwelling species were found in the southernmost, Mediterranean zones. These regional trends were discernibly related to climate, with the community metrics declining with the increasing mean annual temperature. The current continent‐wide warming of Europe and related increase of severe and rapid onsetting droughts will likely deteriorate the living conditions of earthworms, particularly in southern Europe. The lack of interaction between the pedo‐climatic zone and the farming system in our data for any of the earthworm community metrics may indicate limited opportunities for alleviating the negative effects of a warming climate in cereal field soils of Europe.

Two enzyme immunoassays for the quantitative determination of total thyroxine (T4) and total triiodothyronine (T3) in human serum were validated to measure total T4 and T3 in rat serum. The specificity, sensitivity, detectability and reproducibility have been tested as well as the effects of different anaesthetics (pentobarbital and a mixture of ketamine and xylacine) on serum thyroid hormone levels. Hormones were quantified, by means of a previously validated technique, 18 hours after surgery for the placement of a stem for blood extraction in conscious and freely moving animals. Thyroid serum levels, especially T3, were slightly lower in xylacine plus ketamine treated animals than in those treated with pentobarbital. The administration of glutamic acid, stimulated the secretion of thyroid hormones, this effect appearing 30 minutes after its administration and it was independent of the anaesthetic used during the surgery for the cannula placement, although in pentobarbital treated rats, the serum T3 level increase induced by glutamate appears 60 minutes after the treatment.

Context : Professional soccer players frequently experience fatigue due to the demanding nature of the sport. In this context, effective recovery strategies are essential for maintaining performance. Static stretching (SS) is commonly used in soccer, but its efficacy is debated. Vibration foam rolling (VFR) is a novel recovery technique that has not been extensively studied in soccer. Objective : This research aimed to investigate the acute effects of VFR (3 sets of 45 s of rolling and 15 s of rest between sets) and SS (3 sets of 45 s and 15 s of rest between sets) on muscle contractile properties in professional soccer players. Design : Eighteen players participated in this counterbalanced crossover study. Settings : After a 1-week washout period between sessions, the subjects completed the 2 condition trials (VFR or SS) in counterbalanced order following a training session, which had a duration of 77 min and a total distance of 6500 m covered. Main Outcome Measures : Muscle contractile properties of the rectus femoris were assessed with tensiomyography before training (pre), immediately after training (post 1), and postrecovery intervention (post 2). Tensiomyography parameters included maximal radial muscle-belly displacement and contraction time and velocity. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results : There were no significant differences in the training load between groups during the training sessions ( P > .05). Results showed that maximal radial muscle-belly displacement ( P = .004) and contractiontime ( P = .007) significantly decrease from pre (before training) to post 1 (after training). No significant main effects for group were obtained for all the variables ( P > .05). However, both VFR and SS interventions effectively restored maximal radialmuscle-belly displacement ( P = .011) and contraction time ( P = .008) from post 1 (after) to post 2 (postrecovery intervention), suggesting reduced muscular stiffness. Contraction velocity remained unchanged after both interventions ( P > .05). Conclusions : Therefore, these interventions could offer valuable advantages for posttraining neuromuscular acute recovery in professional soccer players.

Extratropical cyclones (ETCs) are the focus of many open questions, spanning from weather to climate and from local to global scales. The relationship between moisture uptake and precipitation over different mesoscale ETC structures remains poorly understood. The availability of moisture parameters to the scientific community through tracer dispersion models benefits the representation of the processes involving moisture, the dynamics of ETCs and the understanding of the associated meteorological fields. In this study, we present a database for North Atlantic ETC tracks and a Lagrangian-Derived Moisture Uptake Dataset, both of which are derived from dynamically downscaled ERA5 reanalysis data. We provide moisture parameters such as the total moisture uptake and its vertical distribution by layer, and shapefiles of ETC structures, to facilitate further studies in this area. Our data have been thoroughly validated to ensure that the storm tracks and their characteristics are accurately represented in the model without distortion. Additionally, we conduct a series of experiments to demonstrate the rigour and quality of the methods employed to generate the data.

The physicochemical and microbiological properties of traditional Portuguese ready-to-eat dry fermented sausage chouriça de carne samples from 14 regional producers were analysed and subjected to multivariate analysis to determine the relationships between them and to evaluate how the quality and safety of these sausages is affected by these properties. Producer-mean values for physicochemical analyses were quite variable, with intervals of 4.87–6.11 for pH, 0.803–0.965 for aw, moisture 19.5–48.5%, protein 32.0–60.1% (db), fat 22.0–53.3% (db), ash 3.52–9.69% (db), and carbohydrates 1.66–13.5% (db). Mesophilic counts varied (5.61–8.68 log CFU/g), while lactic acid bacteria were generally high (MRS: 8.21–10.2; M17: 7.66–10.0 log CFU/g). S. aureus was enumerated in levels up to 2.55 log CFU/g, while presumptive C. perfringens never surpassed 2 log CFU/g. Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. were also detected in the samples tested. Principal component (PC) analysis yielded a three-dimension solution that explained 60% of the data variation; PC1 (26%) characterized chorizo formulations with more meat, while PC2 (19.3%) described sausages with longer/rapid fermentation, and PC3 (14.5%) highlighted chouriços with poorer hygiene. Cluster analysis identified three quality groups: (i) chorizos with high moisture, high protein content, and lowest pH; (ii) sausages with low moisture, high fat content, and elevated pH; and (iii) chouriças with high moisture and high protein but lower fat contents, low pH, and improved hygiene. Lastly, factor analysis yielded a varimax-rotated three-factor solution that explained 65% of the data, with similar results to PCA; factor 1 (23.5%) depicted chorizos with low pH but high moisture, factor 2 (20.8%) described sausages with more meat in the formulation, and factor 3 (20.6%) longer or rapid fermentation. Overall, the results evidenced the great variability in the quality attributes of Portuguese chorizo sausages, very likely to arise from multiple recipes, ingredients, and manufacturing practices. The definition of quality clusters is expected to play a crucial role for the self-denominated “artisanal” food companies to benchmark their chouriço sausages against the proper artisanal quality group.

Earthworms play a critical role in many essential soil processes (e.g., soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and nutrient cycling, improved soil structure, better drainage and aeration, etc.), which have important implications for the sequestration/emissions of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in soils. This is the result of a wide array of activities, including feeding, casting, burrowing, and interacting with other above- and below-ground organisms. The soil mixing, the incorporation of fresh organic residues into the soil, the formation of micro and macroaggregates, and the changes in soil structure promote both SOM mineralization and stabilization. Therefore, several studies have tried to elucidate whether the positive effects of earthworms on mineralization and nitrification/denitrification processes would make them responsible for increased greenhouse emissions (mainly CO2 and N2O) or to be the mediators for trapping nutrients and thus helping to reduce C and N emissions instead. Part of the problem is the difficulties in measuring the “direct” earthworm contribution to the dynamic transformations (mobilization vs. stabilization) of SOM and their separation from their “indirect” effects (via plant and microbial interactions). Proving that earthworms are strengthening the greenhouse effect requires a more complete understanding of the functional dissimilarity among species and the modulating effects of the soil abiotic conditions. Here, I will synthesize the current knowledge on the role of earthworms on biogeochemical cycles and how earthworm biogenic structures (casts, burrows, and pores) could act as potential hotspots for C and N mineralization/retention. The final implications for C and N stocks will also need to take into account experimental biases and research gaps to fully integrate all controlling factors so that the role of earthworms on C and N cycling and dynamics can be unambiguously assessed.