In defence of the entity of Macaronesia as a biogeographical region.

Since its coinage ca. 1850 AD by Philip Barker Webb, the biogeographical region of Macaronesia, consisting of the North Atlantic volcanic archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira with the tiny Selvagens, the Canaries and Cabo Verde, and for some authors different continental coastal strips, has been under dispute. Herein, after a brief introduction on the terminology and purpose of regionalism, we recover the origins of the Macaronesia name, concept and geographical adscription, as well as its biogeographical implications and how different authors have positioned themselves, using distinct terrestrial or marine floristic and/or faunistic taxa distributions and relationships for accepting or rejecting the existence of this biogeographical region. Four main issues related to Macaronesia are thoroughly discussed: (i) its independence from the Mediterranean phytogeographical region; (ii) discrepancies according to different taxa analysed; (iii) its geographical limits and the role of the continental enclave(s), and, (iv) the validity of the phytogeographical region level. We conclude that Macaronesia has its own identity and a sound phytogeographical foundation, and that this is mainly based on three different floristic components that are shared by the Macaronesian core (Madeira and the Canaries) and the outermost archipelagos (Azores and Cabo Verde). These floristic components are: (i) the Palaeotropical-Tethyan Geoflora, formerly much more widely distributed in Europe and North Africa and currently restricted to the three northern archipelagos (the Azores, Madeira and the Canaries); (ii) the African Rand Flora, still extant in the coastal margins of Africa and Arabia, and present in the southern archipelagos (Madeira, the Canaries and Cabo Verde), and (iii) the Macaronesian neoendemic floristic component, represented in all the archipelagos, a result of allopatric diversification promoted by isolation of Mediterranean ancestors that manage to colonize Central Macaronesia and, from there, the outer archipelagos. Finally, a differentiating floristic component recently colonized the different archipelagos from the nearest continental coast, providing them with different biogeographic flavours.

A multitaxa approach to biodiversity inventory in Matela protected area (Terceira, Azores, Portugal).

Background: This manuscript is the first contribution of the project, "Matela - uma ilha de biodiversidade" ("Matela - an island of biodiversity"), that aims to restore the native vegetation within the Azorean Protected Area of the Terceira Island Nature Park known as the "Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species of Matela" (TER08), situated on Terceira Island, the Azores Archipelago, Portugal. This small fragment of native forest, positioned at a low-medium altitude (300-400 m a.s.l.), is facing some conservation impacts as a consequence of the spread of different invasive exotic plant species, mainly Pittosporumundulatum, Rubusulmifolius and Hedychiumgardnerianum. The database we present encompasses diverse taxonomic groups, including bryophytes, vascular plants, arthropods, birds and mammals. It is derived from intensive sampling campaigns conducted in 2022, but some data from a previous vascular plant survey in 2015 were also included. The objective of this study was to provide an updated inventory of bryophytes, vascular plants, arthropods, birds and mammals within this protected area. In this way we are providing the reference conditions necessary for the monitoring of the impacts of the current ongoing restoration efforts within the project "Matela - an island of biodiversity". Whenever feasible, the present inventory is juxtaposed with historical data from previous surveys conducted in Matela. New information: In the realm of bryophytes, our analysis revealed the presence of 75 taxa, comprising 44 mosses and 32 liverworts. Amongst these, 71 were indigenous, while three remained indeterminate and one, Campylopusintroflexus, was identified as invasive. A comparison with previous historical data revealed a decrease in species richness, which was partially counterbalanced by the discovery of 23 new recorded species in the area.Regarding vascular plants, we distinguished 54 species, comprising 28 indigenous and 26 introduced taxa. Almost 80% of the inventoried species (n = 43) were newly documented in Matela.The study of arthropods encompassed a total of 103 taxa. Within the realm of soil arthropods, we documented eight indigenous and 25 introduced taxa, witnessing the disappearance of endemic species alongside a substantial increase in introduced ones between 2002 and 2022. Canopy arthropods, totalling 36 indigenous and 18 introduced taxa, exhibited few changes when compared with data from 2002. SLAM traps captured 24 indigenous and 15 introduced arthropod taxa and no historical data are available for comparison.As for avian species, we noted 12 indigenous birds and one introduced species, confirming the presence of most of the historical recorded native species.The mammalian census revealed eight introduced species, setting new precedents for Matela, alongside the identification of one endemic species: the Azorean endemic bat Nyctalusazoreum.

Arceuthobium Species (Viscaceae) Parasitizing an Angiosperm: The Unique Case of A. azoricum in the Azores Islands.

Arceuthobium azoricum Wiens & Hawksw. is a rare Azorean endemic epiphytic hemiparasite (mistletoe), which typically parasitizes branches of the gymnosperm Juniperus brevifolia (Hochst. ex Seub.) Antoine (Cupressaceae), which is also an Azorean endemic. Here, we describe a population of A. azoricum, on Pico Island, parasitizing Erica azorica Hochst. ex Seub. (Ericaceae), which is also an Azorean endemic. Our molecular analysis (using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer) showed no differences between individuals parasitizing Erica and Juniperus species. Moreover, a preliminary analysis showed no differences in morphological characteristics between accessions sampled from different hosts. Given that this is the first bona fide record of Arceuthobium sp. parasitizing an angiosperm, this population represents a unique host-shifting event, and its conservation is important because it may allow new insights into host recognition mechanisms in mistletoes. Immediate attention should be given to characterizing this Pico Island population using appropriate molecular methods and additional morphological analyses.

Effects of a short-term temperature increase on arthropod communities associated with pastures.

The impact of climate change on islands is expected to cause dramatic consequences on native biodiversity. However, limited data are available for arthropod communities in island agroecosystems. In this study, we simulate a small-scale climatic change (average of +1.2°C), using Open Top Chambers (OTCs) in forage crops in the Azores Archipelago (Portugal) and test the responses of arthropod communities associated with intensively-managed pastures. At three sites, twenty 1 x 1 m plots were established: 10 treatment plots with OTCs and 10 control plots. Arthropods were sampled with pitfall traps on two sampling events (winter and summer of 2020). When considering all species collected, arthropods' abundance was lower in OTCs. Specific taxa, namely spiders and beetles, showed a fast response to the OTCs' presence. The assemblage of non-indigenous spiders well adapted to pastures showed a significant difference in diversity with a slightly greater richness, but lower abundance inside the warmer plots. However, the presence of OTCs resulted in a decrease in beetle richness and abundance. This decline may be attributed to the multiple effects of warming. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct further investigations to elucidate the ecological processes that underlie the observed patterns.

Vascular plant taxa occurrences in exotic woodland and in natural and production forests on the Islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Pico (Azores).

Background: The data presented here originated from field expeditions carried out between 2017 and 2018, within the framework of Forest-Eco2 project: "Towards an Ecological and Economic valorisation of the Azorean Forest". The project aimed to quantify the ecological value of the Azorean forests, including carbon accumulation and to design and propose measures that could further enhance forest sustainability. For that, 90 forest plots were sampled on three Azores islands - São Miguel, Terceira and Pico - equally distributed into natural forest, exotic woodland and production forest. The aim of this report is to further expand knowledge on biodiversity trends enclosed in the different forest types present in the Azores, by providing a list of the occurrences of the 105 different vascular plant taxa together with a brief characterisation of their origin and life-form. New information: We provide an inventory of indigenous and non-indigenous vascular plant taxa from 90 forest stands. A total of 105 taxa were identified and registered, belonging to 60 families, 91 genera, 101 species and four subspecies. A total of 35% of the taxa were endemic, 27% native and 38% non-indigenous, including 19% of invasive taxa. Endangered and vulnerable taxa were registered, including Elaphoglossumhirtum (Sw.) C.Chr., Lactucawatsoniana Trel. and others which were considered by the authors a priority for conservation (e.g. Arceuthobiumazoricum Wiens & Hawksw., Bellisazorica Hochst. ex Seub., Saniculaazorica Guthnick ex Seub., Platantheramicrantha (Hochst. ex Seub.) Schltr.). Our records provide detailed and updated knowledge of Azorean Forest flora and highlight the role of natural forests as indigenous plant diversity hotspots and exotic woodland as a source of invasive taxa within the Archipelago.

Assessing the effects of climate change on arthropod abundance in Azorean pastures: PASTURCLIM project's baseline monitoring data.

Background: The data we present are part of the project PASTURCLIM (Impact of climate change on pasture's productivity and nutritional composition in the Azores). The project aims to assess the consequences of climate change (e.g. temperature increase) on the grass production and its quality for forage, as well as to assess changes in the arthropod communities associated with the Azorean intensive pastures. An in situ experiment was set up using Open Top Chambers (OTCs), in order to simulate an increasing of temperature (average of +1.2ºC) on pastures. In this contribution, we present the data relative to the arthropod sampling. New information: We provide an inventory of all arthropods recorded inside OTCs and in control plots in three intensively managed pastures dominated by grasses in Terceira Island (Azores): two of them dominated by ryegrass, Loliummultiflorum Lam. (Poaceae), located respectively at 186 m and 301 m above sea level; and one field dominated by common velvetgrass, Holcuslanatus L. (Poaceae), located at an altitude of 385 m.A total of 41351 specimens were collected. Organisms collected belong to four classes, 15 orders, 60 families and 171 species/morphospecies (including 34 taxa identified only at order, family or genus level). Therefore, for only 137 taxa, we have a scientific name associated (n = 38918). A total of 75% of the species (n = 129 species) are considered introduced (including all the species with indeterminate colonisation status that are possibly also exotic species (n = 7622)), representing 71% of the total abundance (n = 29664 specimens). A total of 19% of the species (n = 33 species) are considered native non-endemic representing 28% of the total abundance (n = 11608 specimens). Only one endemic species was sampled, the wolf spider Pardosaacorensis Simon, 1883 (1% of the species), representing 0.2% of the total abundance (n = 79 specimens). Spiders (5056 specimens) and beetles (18310 specimens) were the dominant taxa representing, respectively, 20 and 78 morphospecies.Since the main aim of this study was to have a better knowledge on arthropod communities present in Azorean pastures under a simulated temperature increase, the principal novelty of this paper is the contribution with distribution and abundance data to a baseline knowledge on the future consequences of climate changes on arthropod communities in Azorean pastures.

Taxonomic, structural diversity and carbon stocks in a gradient of island forests.

Assessment of forest ecosystems and their services is seen as a key action for the advancement of biodiversity objectives, and to inform the development and implementation of related policies and planning. The Azorean forest is important for timber production, the protection of soil and water resources, and for its recreational and aesthetic value. However, its role in carbon accumulation has not been fully addressed. We assessed plant diversity, forest structure and carbon stocks in a gradient of three forest types (Natural Forest-NF; Exotic Woodland-EW and Production Forest-PF) in three of the Azores islands. We used biodiversity indices and found that NF harbored the highest plant diversity levels and PF the lowest. Diversity levels were lower for structural than for taxonomic data, particularly for PF. The highest tree carbon stock was found at EW in one of the islands, while PF consistently exhibited relatively high tree carbon stocks in the three islands. The largest soil carbon stocks were found at EW, while leaf litter carbon stocks were higher at PF. We concluded that NF play a fundamental role as plant diversity hotspots but have lower relevance as carbon stocks what might be associated with montane environmental conditions. PFs provide economic assets and act as carbon sinks, while EWs play a major role as carbon sinks in soil, but also at tree level in the oldest forests.

Arthropods and other biota associated with the Azorean trees and shrubs: Laurusazorica (Seub) Franco (Magnoliophyta, Magnoliopsida, Laurales, Lauraceae).

This study explores the composition and structure of species communities associated with the native Azorean tree species Laurusazorica (Seub) Franco (Magnoliophyta, Magnoliopsida, Laurales, Lauraceae). Communities were sampled in six Islands covering the occidental (Flores), central (Faial, Pico, Terceira) and eastern (São Miguel, Santa Maria) groups of Azores Archipelago during the BALA project, using standardised sampling protocols for surveying canopy arthropod fauna. In addition, the study characterises the distribution of species regarding their colonisation status and feeding modes and, finally, compares communities of different Islands. Ninety-four arthropod species totalling 10,313 specimens were collected on L.azorica. The Arthropod community was dominated by Hemiptera species, most of them being herbivores. Endemic and native species showed a very high abundance representing about 94% of the total species abundance. However, despite introduced species being represented by few individuals (6% of the total abundance), their diversity was remarkable (28 species and no significant difference with diversity found in endemic and native species communities). Analysis of rarity patterns revealed a stable community of endemic species (alpha gambin SAD model approaching a log-normal shape), intermediate stable community of native species (alpha SAD gambin model approaching a poisson log-normal) and a less stable community of introduced species (alpha SAD gambin model approaching a log-series shape). A dissimilarity analysis revealed high similarity between communities of Terceira and Pico and high dissimilarity between Flores and Faial communities. We observed a clear individualisation of the different islands when considering endemic species, whereas we observed high overlap when considering native and introduced species groups. Canopy community distribution confirms the results obtained in a previous study which suggest the stability of native and endemic arthropods species communities over introduced species community in native forests fragments. Arthropod species were richer than bryophytes, lichens and vascular plants species. We found that L.azorica serve as the substrate for very few vascular plants species (four epiphytes species), which were present in all Islands, except Elaphoglossumsemicylindricum, which does not occur in Santa Maria. L.azorica shelters a significant number of bryophytes and lichens species. Thirty-two lichens and 92 bryophyte species, including 57 liverworts and 35 mosses, are referred to this phorophyte. Five bryophyte species, all Azorean endemics, are considered Endangered by IUCN Criteria. L.azorica harbours a poor community of epiphyte vascular plant species and all of them were ferns, but the community of bryophytes and lichens are not negligible although very low compared to the community found on other previously studied Azorean trees, the Azorean cedar Juniperusbrevifolia. The present study shows that most islands present particular species distribution patterns without geographical correlation and that conservation programmes should be adapted to each Island. The study, therefore, calls for a specialisation of conservation programmes for each of the Islands.

Associated Determinants Between Evidence of Burnout, Physical Activity, and Health Behaviors of University Students.

Risk behaviors and signs of burnout are associated with substantial health losses and university dropouts. Physical activity can be an effective approach to reduce these factors. The objective of this study was to analyze aspects related to health behaviors, physical activity, and signs of burnout in university students and their association with physical activity. The probabilistic cluster sample consisted of 3,578 regularly enrolled undergraduate students from UFPR in Curitiba, based on a population sample of 24,032 university students. The students completed the MBI-SS and NCHA II instruments. Descriptive statistics were used to identify demographic indicators and characteristics of the university environment. For the proportion of subjects with respective confidence intervals (CI = 95%), contingency tables involving the chi-square test (χ2) were used. The prevalence of signs of burnout was estimated in punctual proportions accompanied by the respective confidence intervals (CI = 95%). To analyze the associations between the independent variables and signs of burnout, the Hierarchical Logistic Regression was used through an analysis adjusted by the other independent variables involved in the models (CI = 95%). Results showed that the prevalence of individuals who showed signs of burnout was 40.4%. The hierarchical multiple regression model pointed to: female sex (OR = 1.30; 1.11-1.51); age between 20-24 years (OR = 1.51; 1.25-1.83); and 25-29 years (OR = 1.69; 1.27-2.24); being single (OR = 2.67; 1.01-7.10); presenting regular/poor health perception (OR = 1.59; 1.13-2.22), belonging to Human Sciences courses (OR = 1.37; 1.14-1.64); attending 2nd or 3rd year (OR = 1.34; 1.12-1.61); poor academic performance (OR = 5.35; 4.11-6.96); mean (OR = 2.08; 1.78-2.43). We conclude that academics showed a high prevalence of health risk behaviors and correlate and diagnose emotional problems and signs of burnout. Signs of burnout were significantly associated with the practice of physical activity in its three dimensions; however, in the adjusted analysis for demographic indicators, the characteristics of the university environment, and health behaviors, physical activity was not significant for the model.

Synthesis of a novel glibenclamide-pioglitazone hybrid compound and its effects on glucose homeostasis in normal and insulin-resistant rats.

A new library of hybrid compounds that combine the functional parts of glibenclamide and pioglitazone was designed and developed. Compounds were screened for their antihyperglycemic effects on the glucose tolerance curve. This approach provided a single molecule that optimizes the pharmacological activities of two drugs used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and that have distinct biological activities, potentially minimizing the adverse effects of the original drugs. From a total of 15 compounds, 7 were evaluated in vivo; the compound 2; 4- [2- (2-phenyl-4-oxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl) ethyl] benzene-1-sulfonamide (PTEBS) was selected to study its mechanism of action on glucose and lipid homeostasis in acute and chronic animal models related to DM2. PTEBS reduced glycemia and increased serum insulin in hyperglycemic rats, and elevated in vitro insulin production from isolated pancreatic islets. This compound increased the glycogen content in hepatic and muscular tissue. Moreover, PTEBS stimulated the uptake of glucose in soleus muscle through a signaling pathway similar to that of insulin, stimulating translocation and protein synthesis of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). PTEBS was effective in increasing insulin sensitivity in resistance rats by stimulating increased muscle glucose uptake, among other mechanisms. In addition, this compound reduced total triglycerides in a tolerance test to lipids and reduced advanced glycation end products (AGES), without altering lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Thus, we suggest that PTEBS may have similar effects to the respective prototypes, which may improve the therapeutic efficacy of these molecules and decrease adverse effects in the long-term.

Efeitos de diferentes métodos de treinamento na melhora dos indicadores cardiometabólicos em corredores recreacionais: uma revisão sistemática / Effects of different training methods in improving cardiometabolic indicators in recreational runners: a systematic review

: O exercício físico, em especial a corrida de rua tem sido recomendada para prevenção e tratamento de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi verificar os efeitos de diferentes métodos de treinamento sobre os indicadores cardiometabólicos de corredores recreacionais. As bases de dados eletrônicas utilizadas na presente pesquisa foram: PUBMED, SCIENCE DIRECT, LILACS e COCHRANE LIBRARY, usando os descritores agrupados segundo o método PICO; População ("adults" OR "young adult" OR "middle aged") AND Intervenção ("endurance training" OR "aerobic training" OR "running") OR Comparação ("recreational runners" OR "jogging") AND Outcome/Desfecho ("cardiovascular risk factors" OR "cardiometabolic risk factors" OR "metabolic syndrome"). Na seleção os artigos foram excluídos por título, resumo e texto. Obteve-se um total de 813 artigos encontrados, no qual nove (9) preencheram os critérios de inclusão e baixo risco de viés de acordo com a Escala Testex. Foram encontrados três métodos de treinamento: Combinado (Contínuo +Intervalado); Contínuo e Intervalado. Considerando a somatória das amostras dos nove estudos, um total de 604 indivíduos (466 homens e 138 mulheres) participaram dos ensaios. Os diferentes métodos de treinamentos resultaram na redução dos níveis de triglicerídeos, insulina e glicose e na redução do colesterol total e LDL, e consequentemente o aumento do HDL. Na composição corporal houve diminuição significativa do peso e da gordura corporal, do IMC, na medida da circunferência da cintura, e no aumento da capacidade aeróbia (VO2). Concluiu-se que os treinamentos combinado, contínuo e intervalado podem ser aplicados para melhora dos indicadores cardiometabólicos, cada um dentro da sua especificidade de frequência, volume e intensidade.(AU)

Physical exercise, especially running, has been recommended for the prevention and treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases. The objective of this systematic review was to verify the effects of different training methods on the cardiometabolic indicators of recreational runners. The electronic databases used in the present research were: PUBMED, SCIENCE DIRECT, LILACS and COCHRANE LIBRARY, using the descriptors grouped according to the PICO method; Population ("adults" OR "young adult" OR "middle aged") AND Intervention ("endurance training" OR "aerobic training" OR "running") OR Comparison ("recreational runners" OR "jogging") AND Outcome / Outcome ("Cardiovascular risk factors" OR "cardiometabolic risk factors" OR "metabolic syndrome"). In the selection, articles were excluded by title, abstract and text. A total of 813 articles were obtained, in which nine (9) met the inclusion criteria and low risk of bias according to the Testex Scale. Three training methods were found: Combined (Continuous + Interval); Continuous and Interval. Considering the sum of the samples from the nine studies, a total of 604 individuals (466 men and 138 women) participated in the trials. The different training methods resulted in a reduction in the levels of triglycerides, insulin and glucose and in the reduction of total cholesterol and LDL, and consequently an increase in HDL. In body composition, there was a significant decrease in weight and body fat, in BMI, as measured by waist circumference, and in increased aerobic capacity (VO2). It is concluded that combined, continuous and interval training can be applied to improve cardiometabolic indicators, each within its specific frequency, volume and intensity.(AU)

Physical Activity, Sport Practice and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Workers From a Public Hospital: A Trajectory Analysis.

Background: Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of physical activity on cardiovascular risk factors. Longitudinal studies using modeled trajectories are necessary to understand patterns of physical activity and association with cardiovascular risk factors. Objective: To analyze the association between sports practice in young people and current physical activity with the trajectory of cardiovascular risk factors in workers at a public hospital. Methods: Four hundred and seventeen workers was followed for four years reporting Physical Activity, health status, lifestyle behaviors and socio-demographic characteristics. Group-based trajectory modeling identified the trajectories of PA and associations with time-stable and time-varying covariates. We considered a range of sociodemographic and health and lifestyle factors as potential covariates. Results: The results shows the association between participation in sports activities in youth and current physical activity and trajectories of cardiovascular risk, adjusted for sex and age (p < 0.05). Adults who reported having played sports in their youth and are currently active have a lower risk of having a history of obesity and low HDL-c than workers who did not play sports in their youth and are currently sedentary 0.690 (0.565-0.844) obesity, 0.647 (0.500-0.837) low HDL-c. Conclusion: The practice of sports in youth and current physical activity is a protective factor against the trajectory of obesity and low HDL-c, mainly in female workers. Programs to encourage the practice of physical activity should be carried out in order to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and prevent chronic diseases in workers.

Hiit, resistance training, and risk factors in adolescents: a systematic review / Hiit, treinamento resistido e fatores de risco em adolescentes: uma revisão sistemática / Hiit, entrenamiento resistido y factores de riesgo en adolescentes: una revisión sistemática

ABSTRACT It has been shown that combined physical exercise is an efficient non-pharmacological approach in the context of public health, since it has demonstrated satisfactory results in the prevention, treatment and control of various morbidities. Therefore, it is essential to systematize current knowledge to enable professionals involved in the prescription of physical exercise to do so based on evidence. Thus, the objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of randomized clinical trials to verify changes in cardiometabolic risk factors induced by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training (RT) in adolescents. The systematic search was performed in the following databases: Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, LILACS and Scielo. Initially 933 studies were identified, then two researchers eliminated duplications and manuscripts that did not meet the eligibility criteria. Thus, two articles were included that met these criteria: a randomized clinical trial conducted with adolescents (10 to 19 years) of both sexes, an intervention lasting for at least four weeks, which prescribed HIIT and RT in the same session or not, and evaluation of at least one cardiometabolic risk factor. The results demonstrated that eight to 12 weeks of HIIT and RT without nutritional intervention were effective in significantly reducing waist circumference and body fat percentage. However, data pertinent to the efficacy of this combination on risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension are controversial. In view of the above, it is ascertained from the included studies that the combination of HIIT and RT has the potential to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents; therefore, further studies should be conducted to determine the effectiveness of this prescription of physical exercise. Level of Evidence II; Systematic review of Level II or Level I Studies with discrepant results.

RESUMO Tem sido evidenciado que o exercício físico combinado é uma abordagem não farmacológica eficiente no âmbito da saúde pública, uma vez que tem demonstrado resultados satisfatórios na prevenção, tratamento e controle de diversas morbidades. Portanto, é essencial a sistematização do conhecimento atual para que profissionais envolvidos na prescrição de exercícios físicos possam fazê-lo baseados em evidências. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos randomizados para verificar as alterações dos fatores de risco cardiometabólicos induzidas pelo treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade (HIIT) e treinamento resistido (TR) em adolescentes. A busca sistemática foi realizada nas seguintes bases de dados: Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, LILACS e Scielo. Inicialmente foram identificados 933 estudos, em seguida, dois pesquisadores eliminaram as duplicações e os manuscritos que não atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade. Assim, foram incluídos dois artigos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão: ensaio clínico randomizado conduzido com adolescentes (10 a 19 anos) de ambos os sexos, intervenção com duração de, pelo menos, quatro semanas, que prescreveu HIIT e TR na mesma sessão ou não, e avaliação de, pelo menos, um fator de risco cardiometabólico. Os resultados demonstraram que oito a 12 semanas de HIIT e TR, sem intervenção nutricional, foram eficazes para reduzir significativamente a circunferência da cintura e o percentual de gordura. Entretanto, os dados pertinentes à eficácia dessa combinação sobre o risco de desenvolvimento de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e hipertensão arterial são controversos. Diante do exposto, verifica-se, a partir dos estudos incluídos, que a combinação de HIIT e TR tem o potencial de reduzir fatores de risco cardiometabólicos em adolescentes, portanto, novos estudos devem ser realizados para determinar a efetividade dessa prescrição de exercícios físicos. Nível de Evidência II; Revisão sistemática de Estudos de Nível II ou Nível I com resultados discrepantes.

RESUMEN Se ha evidenciado que el ejercicio físico combinado es un enfoque no farmacológico eficiente en el ámbito de la salud pública, ya que ha demostrado resultados satisfactorios en la prevención, tratamiento y control de diversas morbilidades. Por lo tanto, es esencial la sistematización del conocimiento actual, para que los profesionales involucrados en la prescripción de ejercicios físicos puedan hacerlo basándose en evidencias. De esta forma, el objetivo del presente estudio fue realizar una revisión sistemática de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados para verificar los cambios de los factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos inducidos por el entrenamiento en intervalos de alta intensidad (HIIT) y entrenamiento resistido (ER) en adolescentes. La búsqueda sistemática se realizó en las siguientes bases de datos: Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, LILACS y Scielo. Inicialmente se identificaron 933 estudios, luego dos investigadores eliminaron las duplicaciones y los manuscritos que no cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad. Así, se incluyeron dos artículos que cumplieron estos criterios de inclusión: ensayo clínico aleatorizado conducido con adolescentes (10 a 19 años) de ambos sexos, intervención con una duración de al menos cuatro semanas, que prescribió HIIT y ER en la misma sesión o no, y evaluación de al menos un factor de riesgo cardiometabólico. Los resultados demostraron que ocho a 12 semanas de HIIT y ER, sin intervención nutricional, fueron eficaces para reducir significativamente la circunferencia de la cintura y el porcentaje de grasa. Sin embargo, los datos pertinentes sobre la eficacia de esta combinación sobre el riesgo de desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e hipertensión arterial son controvertidos. Delante de lo expuesto se verifica, a partir de los estudios incluidos, que la combinación de HIIT y ER tiene el potencial de reducir factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos en adolescentes, por lo tanto, deben ser realizados nuevos estudios para determinar la efectividad de esa prescripción de ejercicios físicos. Nivel de evidencia II; Revisión sistemática de Estudios de Nivel II o Nivel I con resultados discrepantes.

Effects of 2 Methods of Combined Training on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of 2 combined training methods on the cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents. METHODS: A total of 76 adolescents (16.1 [1.1] y, n = 44 female) were randomized into groups of moderate-intensity continuous training combined with resistance training (MICT + RT), high-intensity interval training combined with resistance training (HIIT + RT), or control. The training sessions were performed twice weekly for 12 weeks. The outcomes evaluated included body fat percentage, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance index, blood pressure, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), and cardiometabolic risk Z score. RESULTS: The intervention groups presented a significant reduction in the cardiometabolic risk Z score after 12 weeks of the combined exercise program. In relation to the cardiometabolic risk Z score between groups, the HIIT + RT group presented a significant intervention effect when compared with the control group (Cohen d = 0.23; P < .05). Significant intervention effects were found when comparing the MICT + RT and control groups for body fat percentage, high-density lipoprotein, and VO2peak. Between the HIIT + RT and control groups, significant intervention effects were found for body fat percentage, blood pressure, and VO2peak. There were not significant differences between the HIIT + RT and MICT + RT groups. CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of HIIT + RT and MICT + RT were effective in significantly reducing the cardiometabolic risk in these adolescents.

Biota from the coastal wetlands of Praia da Vitória (Terceira, Azores, Portugal): Part 4 - Vascular plants.

BACKGROUND: The data presented here come from field observations, carried out between 2014 and 2017, as part of a LIFE research project aiming to preserve and restore three coastal wetlands of Praia da Vitória (Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal) (LIFE-CWR). A total of 23 vascular plant species surveys were carried out in three sites: one for each semester in Paul da Praia da Vitória (PPV) and Paul da Pedreira do Cabo da Praia (PPCP); one for each semester (except in 2014) in Paul do Belo Jardim (PBJ). The main objectives were to determine the plant richness of the three sites and to monitor yearly variation on species composition. NEW INFORMATION: A total of 107 taxa, belonging to 50 families, were observed, many of which are new records for the area, especially in PBJ and PPCP, where 78 and 92% of species records were new. A few very rare species in the Azores were recorded in these coastal wetlands, namely Lotus creticus, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Juncus maritimus and Polygonum maritimum.

Comparison of different criteria in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in students from paranavaí, paraná / Comparação de diferentes critérios na prevalência de síndrome metabólica em escolares de paranavaí, paraná

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the difference in the proportion of students with metabolic syndrome, diagnosed according to different criteria. Methods: The sample consisted of 241 students (136 boys and 105 girls) aged 10 to 14 years, from public and private schools in Paranavaí, Paraná. We used three distinct diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome, considering the presence of at least three of the following risk factors: increased waist circumference, hypertension, fasting hyperglycemia, low HDL-C, and elevated triglycerides. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome found was 1.7% (confidence interval of 95% - 95%CI 0-3.3) for the IDF criterion; 3.3% (95%CI 1.0-5.6) for Cook; and 17.4% (95%CI 12.6-22.3) for Ferranti. Analyzing the criteria in pairs, the agreement between IDF and Cook was 97.5% (k=0.95); between IDF and Ferranti, 83.4% (k=0.67); and between Cook and Ferranti, 85.9% (k=0.72). Onlyone student (0.4%) was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome solely by the IDF criterion, while 34 (14.1%) were diagnosed exclusively by Ferranti. The comparison of the three criteria showed that Ferranti presented the highest proportion of metabolic syndrome (p<0.001), and Cook had a greater proportion than IDF (p<0.001). Conclusions: We found a significant difference in the proportion of metabolic syndrome in the three criteria. The choice of which criterion to use can compromise not only the percentage of metabolic syndrome prevalence but also interfere in strategies of intervention and prevention in children and adolescents with and without metabolic syndrome, respectively.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a diferença na proporção de escolares com síndrome metabólica diagnosticada segundo diferentes critérios. Métodos: Duzentos e quarenta e um escolares (136 meninos e 105meninas), com idade entre dez e 14 anos, das redes pública e privada de Paranavaí, Paraná. Foram utilizados três diferentes critérios para o diagnóstico da síndrome metabólica, considerando a presença de, ao menos, três dos seguintes fatores de risco: circunferência de cintura aumentada, hipertensão arterial, hiperglicemia em jejum, baixo nível de HDL-C e triglicerídeos elevado. Resultados: A prevalência de síndrome metabólica encontrada foi de 1,7% (intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 0-3,3), para o critério de IDF; 3,3% (IC95% 1,0-5,6) em Cook; e 17,4% (IC95% 12,6-22,3) em Ferranti. Na verificação dos critérios em pares, a concordância entre IDF e Cook foi de 97,5% (k=0,95); entre IDF e Ferranti, 83,4% (k=0,67); e entre Cook e Ferranti, 85,9% (k=0,72). Em apenas um aluno (0,4%) a síndrome metabólica foi diagnosticada exclusivamente pelo critério de IDF, e em 34 alunos (14,1%), pelo critério de Ferranti. A comparação entre os três critérios mostrou que o de Ferranti apresentou maior proporção de síndrome metabólica que os demais (p<0,001), e o de Cook maior proporção em relação ao da IDF (p<0,001). Conclusões: Houve diferença significante na proporção de síndrome metabólica nos três critérios. A escolha do critério a ser utilizado pode comprometer não apenas o percentual de prevalência de síndrome metabólica, mas também atrapalhar as estratégias de prevenção e intervenção em crianças e adolescentes com e sem síndrome metabólica, respectivamente.

Correction: Implications of climate change to the design of protected areas: The case study of small islands (Azores).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218168.].

COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT CRITERIA IN THE PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME IN STUDENTS FROM PARANAVAÍ, PARANÁ.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the difference in the proportion of students with metabolic syndrome, diagnosed according to different criteria. METHODS: The sample consisted of 241 students (136 boys and 105 girls) aged 10 to 14 years, from public and private schools in Paranavaí, Paraná. We used three distinct diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome, considering the presence of at least three of the following risk factors: increased waist circumference, hypertension, fasting hyperglycemia, low HDL-C, and elevated triglycerides. RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome found was 1.7% (confidence interval of 95% - 95%CI 0-3.3) for the IDF criterion; 3.3% (95%CI 1.0-5.6) for Cook; and 17.4% (95%CI 12.6-22.3) for Ferranti. Analyzing the criteria in pairs, the agreement between IDF and Cook was 97.5% (k=0.95); between IDF and Ferranti, 83.4% (k=0.67); and between Cook and Ferranti, 85.9% (k=0.72). Onlyone student (0.4%) was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome solely by the IDF criterion, while 34 (14.1%) were diagnosed exclusively by Ferranti. The comparison of the three criteria showed that Ferranti presented the highest proportion of metabolic syndrome (p<0.001), and Cook had a greater proportion than IDF (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant difference in the proportion of metabolic syndrome in the three criteria. The choice of which criterion to use can compromise not only the percentage of metabolic syndrome prevalence but also interfere in strategies of intervention and prevention in children and adolescents with and without metabolic syndrome, respectively.