Risk factors for executive function impairment in adolescence: an analysis of data from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort study

Objective: To investigate risk factors associated with impaired attention-related executive functions (EFs) at age 11 and working memory at age 15. Methods: Data from participants of the population-based 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort at ages 11 (n=3,582) and 15 (n=1,950) were analyzed. The study measured attentional control, cognitive flexibility, and selective attention using the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch). Spatial working memory was assessed by the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Logistic regression was employed to explore the relationship between perinatal and childhood exposures and EF impairment. Results: Low maternal education had a significant negative impact on EFs. At age 11, it was associated with decreased attentional control (OR = 3.04; 95%CI 2.09-4.43), and at age 15, it was linked to impaired spatial working memory (OR = 2.21; 95%CI 1.58-3.09). Additional risk factors included low household income, black or brown maternal skin color, high parity, prematurity, low birth weight, and multiple siblings. Breastfeeding, regardless of duration, was found to be a protective factor against impaired cognitive flexibility (OR = 0.38; 95%CI 0.22-0.65). Conclusion: This study underscores the lasting impact of perinatal exposures on EF development. Policies that mitigate the negative effects of risk factors and promote EF development, especially among vulnerable populations, are needed.

Changes and predictors of adolescent emotion regulation, self-esteem, and locus of control during the COVID-19 pandemic: 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort

Objectives: There is growing interest in examining the impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on adolescent socioemotional development. This study aimed to examine changes in adolescent emotion regulation (ER), self-esteem (SE), and locus of control (LoC) from before to during the pandemic in a Brazilian birth cohort, and to investigate the variables associated with changes in those socioemotional competences. Methods: 1,949 adolescents from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort were assessed before (T1, November 2019 to March 2020) and during (T2, August to December 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic (mean ages [SD] = 15.69 [0.19] and 17.41 [0.26], respectively). Adolescents' socioemotional competences were assessed, including ER, SE, and LoC. Sociodemographic, pre-pandemic, and pandemic-related correlates were examined as predictors of change. Multivariate latent change score models were used in the analyses. Results: There were significant mean increases in adolescents' ER and SE (mean ER = 1.918, p < 0.001; mean SE = 1.561, p = 0.001) and a significant mean decrease (towards internalization) in LoC levels (MLoC = -0.497, p < 0.01) during the pandemic. Factors that predicted a lower competency increase included family conflicts, harsh parenting, and maternal depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Conclusion: Despite the stress imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the adolescents of this cohort showed positive development in their socioemotional competences. Family-related factors emerged as important predictors of adolescent socioemotional adjustment during the study period.

Prevalence of adolescent risk behaviors at 11 and 15 years of age: data from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the following risk behaviors: experimentation with cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, alcohol, substances, delinquent behavior, and sex at age 15, stratified by sex and socioeconomic position. We also investigated the prevalence of cigarette and alcohol experimentation at age 11 and the persistence and cumulative incidence of these behaviors between 11 and 15 years of age. Methods: In this cohort study, we included 3,491 11-year-olds and 1,949 15-year-olds from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort. All outcomes were identified via confidential questionnaires and were analyzed as binary variables. Results: At age 11, there was a higher prevalence of cigarette experimentation among boys. At age 15, there was a higher prevalence of experimentation with alcohol, cigarettes, and substances among girls; experimentation with cigarettes and sex were more prevalent among those in a low socioeconomic position. We found a high cumulative incidence of alcohol experimentation, as well as persistent alcohol experimentation, in both boys and girls. Conclusions: Further research should clarify causal paths of the high prevalence of risk behaviors during adolescence and its increase among girls.

Sleep characteristics and excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents and adults: results from the birth cohorts of three Brazilian cities — RPS Consortium / Características do sono e sonolência diurna excessiva em adolescentes e adultos: resultados das coortes de nascimento de três cidades brasileiras - Consórcio RPS

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the prevalence of insufficient sleep duration, long sleep latency, terminal or maintenance insomnia, subjective sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness among participants of birth cohorts conducted in three Brazilian cities, and to evaluate differences in prevalence rates within cohorts according to sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses involving adolescents and adults participating in four birth cohorts conducted in Ribeirão Preto (RP78 and RP94), Pelotas (PEL93) and São Luís (SL97/98). Sleep duration, latency, terminal or maintenance insomnia, and subjective sleep quality were obtained through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; and excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Differences in the prevalence of the outcomes were analyzed in each cohort according to sociodemographic characteristics (skin color, marital status, socioeconomic status, study and working at the time of the interview) stratified by sex. Results: Insufficient sleep duration was the most common outcome at the four cohorts, with higher frequency among men. Long latency was more frequently reported by young adult women in RP94 and PEL93 cohorts, and insomnia by women of the four cohorts, when compared to men of the same age. Women generally suffered more from excessive daytime sleepiness and evaluated the quality of their sleep more negatively than men. In addition to sex, being a student and working were associated with the largest number of outcomes in both sexes. Conclusion: Sleep disorders are more prevalent in women, reinforcing the need for greater investment in sleep health in Brazil, without disregarding gender and socioeconomic determinants.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a prevalência de duração do sono, latência, insônia terminal, qualidade subjetiva do sono e sonolência diurna excessiva entre participantes de coortes de nascimentos realizadas em três cidades brasileiras, bem como avaliar as diferenças nas taxas de prevalência das coortes de acordo com características sociodemográficas. Métodos: Análises transversais envolvendo participantes de quatro coortes de nascimento realizadas em Ribeirão Preto (RP78 e RP94), Pelotas (PEL93) e São Luís (SL97). A duração, a latência, a insônia terminal e a qualidade subjetiva do sono foram obtidas por meio do Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh; e a sonolência diurna excessiva foi avaliada pela Escala de Sonolência de Epworth. As diferenças na prevalência dos desfechos foram analisadas em cada coorte segundo características sociodemográficas estratificadas por sexo. Resultados: A duração insuficiente do sono foi o desfecho mais comum nas quatro coortes, com maior frequência entre os homens. Latência longa foi mais frequentemente relatada por mulheres adultas jovens nas coortes RP94 e PEL93, e insônia por mulheres das quatro coortes, quando comparadas a homens da mesma idade. As mulheres geralmente sofriam mais com sonolência diurna excessiva e avaliavam a qualidade do sono de forma mais negativa do que os homens. Além do sexo, ser estudante e trabalhar estiveram associados ao maior número de desfechos em ambos os sexos. Conclusão: Os distúrbios do sono são mais prevalentes em mulheres, reforçando a necessidade de maior investimento na saúde do sono no Brasil, sem desconsiderar gênero e determinantes socioeconômicos.

Simultaneidade de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em população rural de um município no sul do Brasil / Simultaneity of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases in a rural population of a Southern Brazilian city

RESUMO: Objetivos: Descrever a ocorrência simultânea de fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e os fatores associados à simultaneidade dessas prevalências em adultos residentes na zona rural de um município no sul do Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal com 1.445 adultos da zona rural de Pelotas, RS. Foram considerados quatro fatores de risco: tabagismo, consumo de álcool, inatividade física e consumo inadequado de legumes/verduras. Para verificar a ocorrência simultânea, utilizou-se análise de clusters. A associação foi avaliada por regressão ordinal, obtendo-se estimativas em razões de odds. Resultados: Dos quatro fatores de risco avaliados, três foram mais prevalentes entre os homens, sendo apenas inatividade física maior entre as mulheres. Na análise de clusters, consumo de álcool + tabagismo + consumo inadequado de vegetais foi a única combinação que apresentou prevalência observada significativamente maior que a esperada (O/E = 2,67; IC95% 1,30; 5,48), sendo superior a encontrada em outro estudo no sul do país, dado que pode ser justificado pois tal estudo incluiu o consumo de frutas além de ter avaliado população urbana, enquanto para este estudo avaliou-se apenas a população rural. Após ajuste, os homens, indivíduos solteiros, de cor da pele preta, parda ou outra, com baixa escolaridade, pior condição socioeconômica, pior percepção de saúde e que não desenvolviam atividades rurais apresentaram maior odds ratio de acúmulo de fatores de risco. Conclusão: Os achados evidenciam a importância do desenvolvimento de ações prioritárias em relação à saúde da população rural com atenção específica aos subgrupos de maior risco identificados.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To describe the occurrence of simultaneous risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases, and factors associated with these prevalences in rural adults of a Southern Brazilian city. Methods: The design of this study was cross-sectional with a sample of 1,445 adults from the rural area of Pelotas, RS. Four risk factors were considered: smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and inadequate consumption of vegetables. To verify the simultaneous occurrence of the outcomes, a cluster analysis was used. The association was tested by ordinal regression resulting in odds ratios. Results: Among the four risk factors evaluated, three were the most prevalent among men, and only physical inactivity was greater among women. In the cluster analysis, only the combination of alcohol consumption + smoking + inadequate vegetable consumption presented an observed prevalence that was significantly higher than the expected (O/E = 2.67, 95%CI 1.30, 5.48), and higher than another study in the south of the country. This can be justified because that study included an evaluation of urban dwellers and the consumption of fruits. After adjustment, men, single individuals, non-white people, those with less schooling, those with a worse socioeconomic status, those who reported poor perception of health, and those who do not work in specifically rural activities had a greater probability of having the simultaneity of risk factors. Conclusion: The results show the importance of developing priority actions regarding the health of rural populations with special attention to the subgroups with an identified higher risk.

Prevalências de obesidade em zonas rurais e urbanas no Brasil: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013 / Prevalence of obesity in rural and urban areas in Brazil: National Health Survey, 2013

RESUMO: Objetivo: Investigar o papel da situação de domicílio na prevalência de obesidade geral e abdominal, usando dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2013. Metodologia: As prevalências de obesidade geral e abdominal, em zonas rural e urbana, foram descritas de acordo com o sexo e a macrorregião do país. A associação entre situação de domicílio e obesidade foi testada por regressão de Poisson bruta e ajustada com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Foram incluídos 59.226 indivíduos. Destes, 20,7% apresentaram obesidade geral e 38% obesidade abdominal (maiores em mulheres: 24,3 e 52%, respectivamente). Em zonas urbanas, as maiores prevalências de obesidade geral foram observadas na Região Sul (20,8 e 26,5% para homens e mulheres, respectivamente). Em zonas rurais, na Região Centro-Oeste (17,2%) em homens e na Região Sul (27,4%) em mulheres. Após ajuste por idade e cor da pele, em homens, viver em zonas rurais foi associado à menor prevalência de obesidade geral nas regiões Norte (razão de prevalência - RP = 0,60; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 0,40 - 0,89) e Nordeste (RP = 0,47; IC95% 0,38 - 0,59) e para a obesidade abdominal em todas as regiões. Para as mulheres, na Região Centro-Oeste, viver em zona rural foi associado a maiores prevalências de obesidade abdominal (RP = 1,11; IC95% 1,01 - 1,23). Conclusão: Os resultados evidenciam o papel da situação de domicílio entre os desfechos em nível nacional, com menores prevalências em homens residentes em zonas rurais, no entanto maiores prevalências foram encontradas entre as mulheres, principalmente para obesidade abdominal.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To investigate the role of the domiciliary situation in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity through the National Health Survey of 2013. Methodology: General obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥ 102 cm in men and ≥ 88 cm in women) in rural and urban areas were described according to sex and macroregion. Crude and adjusted Poisson regression models were used to test the association between obesity and household situation, with the significance level of 5%. Results: The study included 59,226 individuals. Out of these, 20.7% presented general obesity and 38% abdominal obesity (higher in women: 24.3 and 52%, respectively). The highest prevalences of general obesity were observed in southern urban areas, for both sexes (20.8% in men and 26.5% in women). In rural areas, the highest prevalences were observed for the central-west region (17.2%) in men and in the south region (27.4%) in women. In males, after adjusting for demographic variables, living in rural areas was associated with lower prevalences of general obesity in the North (prevalence ratios - PR = 0.60; confidence interval of 95% - 95%CI 0.40 - 0.89) and Northeast (PR = 0.47, 95%CI 0,38 - 0.59), and for abdominal obesity in all regions. For women in the Midwest, the rural household situation was associated with lower prevalences of obesity. (PR = 1.11, 95%CI 1.01 - 1.23). Conclusions: The results evidenced the role of the domiciliary situation among outcomes at the national level, with lower prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in men living in rural areas. However, higher prevalences were found among women, especially for abdominal obesity.

General and abdominal obesity in adults living in a rural area in Southern Brazil / Obesidade geral e abdominal em adultos residentes em zona rural no Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity and the concomitant presence of both outcomes and their determinants among adults living in a rural area. METHODS This cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out in a medium-sized city in the southern region of Brazil. We evaluated three outcomes: general obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ), abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥ 102 cm and ≥ 88 cm in men and women, respectively), and concomitant obesities, classified as: no risk, only one risk factor, and aggregate factors. We performed crude and adjusted Poisson regression analyses for each obesity outcome and multinomial logistic regression for metabolic risk. We considered demographic and socioeconomic characteristics as independent variables. RESULTS A total of 1,433 individuals were included in the study. Of them, 29.5% presented general obesity and 37.8% presented abdominal obesity. We observed the presence of a risk factor in 15.8% of the sample, while 25.8% presented aggregate factors. The risk of general and abdominal obesity and concomitant outcomes increased significantly with age in both sexes. Richer men were at increased risk for general obesity (PR = 1.7; 95%CI 1.0-2.9), abdominal obesity (PR = 1.8; 95%CI 1.1-2.9), and aggregate factors (OR = 1.9; 95%CI 1.4-5.8). An education level of twelve years or more was a protective factor for women in relation to abdominal obesity (PR = 0.4; 95%CI 0.2-0.8) and aggregate factors (OR = 0.2; 95%CI 0.05-0.7). Rural activity reduced the risk of general obesity (PR = 0.6; 95%CI 0.5-0.8) and aggregate factors (OR = 0.5; 95%CI 0.3-0.8) in women, and the risk of abdominal obesity (PR = 0.6; 95%CI 0.5-0.8) and presence of a risk factor (OR = 0.5; 95%CI 0.3-0.7) in men. Skin color and time lived in rural areas were not statistically associated with the outcomes studied. CONCLUSIONS We observed high prevalences of general and abdominal obesity in this population, which is consistent with the values found in urban populations. However, rural activities were a protective factor for obesity outcomes.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a prevalência de obesidade geral, abdominal e concomitância de ambos os desfechos e seus determinantes em adultos residentes na zona rural. MÉTODOS Este estudo transversal de base populacional foi conduzido em município de médio porte da região Sul do Brasil. Três desfechos foram avaliados: obesidade geral (índice de massa corporal ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ), abdominal (circunferência da cintura ≥ 102 cm e ≥ 88 cm em homens e mulheres, respectivamente) e concomitância de ambas, classificada em: sem risco; apenas um fator de risco; e fatores agregados. Foram realizadas análises brutas e ajustadas por regressão de Poisson para cada desfecho de obesidade e regressão logística multinomial para o risco metabólico. Características demográficas e socioeconômicas foram consideradas como variáveis independentes. RESULTADOS Foram incluídos no estudo 1.433 indivíduos. Desses, 29,5% apresentaram obesidade geral e 37,8%, abdominal. A presença de um fator de risco foi observada em 15,8% da amostra, enquanto 25,8% apresentaram fatores agregados. O risco de obesidade geral, abdominal e a concomitância dos desfechos aumentaram significativamente com a idade, em ambos os sexos. Homens mais ricos apresentaram risco aumentado para obesidade geral (RP = 1,7; IC95% 1,0-2,9), abdominal (RP = 1,8; IC95% 1,1-2,9) e fatores agregados (RO = 1,9; IC95% 1,4-5,8). Ter 12 anos ou mais de estudo se mostrou fator de proteção para mulheres em relação à obesidade abdominal (RP=0,4; IC95% 0,2-0,8) e fatores agregados (RO = 0,2; IC95% 0,05-0,7). Realizar atividade rural reduziu o risco de obesidade geral (RP = 0,6; IC95% 0,5-0,8) e fatores agregados (RO = 0,5; IC95% 0,3-0,8) em mulheres, e de obesidade abdominal (RP = 0,6; IC95% 0,5-0,8) e presença de um fator de risco (RO = 0,5; IC95% 0,3-0,7), em homens. Cor da pele e tempo de vida residido na zona rural não foram estatisticamente associados aos desfechos estudados. CONCLUSÕES Altas prevalências de obesidade geral e abdominal foram observadas nessa população, condizentes com os valores encontrados em populações urbanas. Entretanto, a realização de atividades rurais mostrou-se um fator de proteção para os desfechos de obesidade.

Population-based study in a rural area: methodology and challenges / Estudo de base populacional na zona rural: metodologia e desafios

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the planning, sampling, operational aspects of the field, and the sample obtained during a research conducted in a rural area, specifying and discussing the main logistical difficulties unique to these places and the solutions adopted. METHODS We carried out a population-based, cross-sectional survey between January and June 2016, with a representative sample of the population aged 18 years or over living in the rural area of Pelotas (approximately 22,000 individuals), State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We collected demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related information, such as alcohol consumption, cigarette consumption, depressive symptoms, quality of diet, quality of life, physical activity, satisfaction with the health unit, overweight or obesity, and sleep problems. RESULTS In the 720 domiciles sampled, 1,697 individuals were identified and 1,519 were interviewed (89.5%). The study initially drew 24 census tracts and proposed the visit to 42 households per tract; however, we need to adjust the method, such as decreasing the number of households per census tract (from 42 to 30) and identifying housing centers in each tract. The main reasons for these changes were difficulty accessing the area, large distances between households, misconceptions in the satellite data available (which did not fit the reality), and high cost of the field work. CONCLUSIONS The previous detailed recognition of the research environment was crucial for decision making as the maps and territory had geographical inconsistencies. The strategies and techniques used in studies for the urban area are not applicable to the rural area given the outcomes observed in Pelotas. The decisions taken, keeping the methodological rigor, were essential to ensure the timely execution of the study with the financial resources available.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever o planejamento, a amostragem, os aspectos operacionais do campo e a amostra obtida durante pesquisa realizada na zona rural, especificando e discutindo as principais dificuldades logísticas peculiares a esses locais e as soluções adotadas. MÉTODOS Entre janeiro e junho de 2016, foi realizado inquérito transversal de base populacional, com amostra representativa da população com 18 anos de idade ou mais residente na zona rural de Pelotas (cerca de 22 mil), RS, Brasil. Foram coletadas informações demográficas, socioeconômicas e relacionadas à saúde, como consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, consumo de cigarros, sintomas depressivos, qualidade da alimentação, qualidade de vida, atividade física, satisfação com a unidade de saúde, excesso de peso ou obesidade e problemas do sono. RESULTADOS Em 720 domicílios amostrados, 1.697 indivíduos foram identificados e 1.519 foram entrevistados (89,5%). O estudo, inicialmente, sorteou 24 setores e propôs-se a visitar 42 domicílios/setor, mas foram necessárias adequações metodológicas, especialmente a redução do número de domicílios por setor (de 42 para 30) e a identificação de núcleos habitacionais nos setores. As principais razões para as adequações foram dificuldade de acesso aos locais, grandes distâncias entre residências, equívocos nos dados geográficos disponíveis via satélite (não condiziam com a realidade) e alto custo. CONCLUSÕES O prévio reconhecimento detalhado do ambiente de pesquisa foi fundamental para a tomada de decisão perante às inconsistências geográficas entre mapas e território. As estratégias e técnicas dos estudos na zona urbana não são aplicáveis à zona rural no que tange ao contexto observado em Pelotas. As medidas adotadas, mantendo o rigor metodológico, foram fundamentais para garantir a execução do estudo no tempo planejado e com os recursos financeiros disponíveis.

Simultaneidade de comportamentos de risco para infecções sexualmente transmissíveis em adolescentes brasileiros, 2012 / Simultaneidad de comportamientos de riesgo para infecciones de transmisión sexual en adolescentes brasileños, 2012 / Simultaneity of risk behaviors for sexually transmitted infections in Brazilian adolescents, 2012

OBJETIVO: analisar a simultaneidade de dois grupos de comportamentos de risco para infecções sexualmente transmissíveis em adolescentes brasileiros. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar 2012; os desfechos foram (1) simultaneidade de consumo de álcool, fumo e drogas (pelo menos dois) e (2) não uso de camisinha e relação sexual com dois ou mais parceiros. RESULTADOS: a simultaneidade de consumo de álcool, fumo e drogas foi de 14,7% nos meninos e 21,5% nas meninas, mais prevalente em brancos, com mães mais escolarizadas, que não moravam com os pais; aproximadamente 12,0% dos adolescentes apresentaram simultaneidade de não uso de camisinha e dois ou mais parceiros, sendo mais frequente nos meninos mais novos, não brancos (RP=1,22; IC95% 1,10;1,36) e que não moravam com os pais (RP=1,78; IC95% 1,48;2,16), enquanto nas meninas, esse desfecho associou-se a maior idade. CONCLUSÃO: ambos desfechos associaram-se a diferentes características, dependendo do sexo do adolescente.

OBJETIVO: analizar la simultaneidad de dos grupos de comportamientos de riesgo para infecciones de transmisión sexual, en adolescentes brasileños. MÉTODOS: estudio transversal con datos de la Investigación en Salud Escolar Nacional, 2012; las variables de desenlace fueron (1) simultaneidad de alcohol, tabaco y drogas (al menos dos) y (2) no uso de condones y relaciones sexuales con dos o más compañeros. RESULTADOS: 14,7% de los niños y 21,5% de las niñas presentaron simultaneidad de alcohol, tabaco y drogas, fue más frecuente entre blancos, con madres más educadas, y que no viven con sus padres; aproximadamente 12,0% de los adolescentes mostraron simultaneidad de no usar condón y dos o más compañeros sexuales, más común entre más jóvenes, no blancos [RP=1,22 (IC95% 1,10;1,36) ] y que no viven con sus padres [RP=1,78 (IC95% 1,48;2,16) ], en las niñas, este resultado se asoció con un aumento de la edad. CONCLUSIÓN: ambos resultados se asociaron con diferentes características, en función del sexo de los adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the simultaneity of two groups of risk behaviors for sexually transmitted infections in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: cross-sectional study with data from the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey 2012; the outcomes were (1) simultaneous consumption of alcohol, tobacco and drugs (at least two), and (2) no use of condom and having two or more sexual partners. RESULTS: simultaneity of consumption of alcohol, tobacco and drugs was present in 14.7% of the boys and 21.5% of the girls, and was more prevalent among white individuals, with more educated mothers, and who did not live with their parents; approximately 12.0% of the adolescents presented simultaneity of no use of condom and having two or more sexual partners; this was more common among younger boys, not white (PR=1.22; 95%CI 1.10;1.36), and who did not live with their parents (PR=1.78; 95%CI 1.48;2.16), whilst among girls, this outcome was associated with higher age. CONCLUSION: both outcomes were associated with different characteristics, depending on the sex of the adolescent.

FOXP in Tetrapoda: Intrinsically Disordered Regions, Short Linear Motifs and their evolutionary significance

Abstract The FOXP subfamily is probably the most extensively characterized subfamily of the forkhead superfamily, playing important roles in development and homeostasis in vertebrates. Intrinsically disorder protein regions (IDRs) are protein segments that exhibit multiple physical interactions and play critical roles in various biological processes, including regulation and signaling. IDRs in proteins may play an important role in the evolvability of genetic systems. In this study, we analyzed 77 orthologous FOXP genes/proteins from Tetrapoda, regarding protein disorder content and evolutionary rate. We also predicted the number and type of short linear motifs (SLIMs) in the IDRs. Similar levels of protein disorder (approximately 70%) were found for FOXP1, FOXP2, and FOXP4. However, for FOXP3, which is shorter in length and has a more specific function, the disordered content was lower (30%). Mammals showed higher protein disorders for FOXP1 and FOXP4 than non-mammals. Specific analyses related to linear motifs in the four genes showed also a clear differentiation between FOXPs in mammals and non-mammals. We predicted for the first time the role of IDRs and SLIMs in the FOXP gene family associated with possible adaptive novelties within Tetrapoda. For instance, we found gain and loss of important phosphorylation sites in the Homo sapiens FOXP2 IDR regions, with possible implication for the evolution of human speech.