Activity budget of a group of black-horned capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) in an urban environment / Orçamento de atividades de um grupo de macacos-prego-pretos (Sapajus nigritus) em ambiente urbano

Urban growth and human impacts on the environment have forced animals to adjust to habitat fragmentation and reduced home ranges. Capuchin monkeys are known for their great social and behavioral flexibility, occupying even highly urbanized environments in a way that the time budget of this primate in synanthropic situation may be affected by the area they inhabit. This study aims to analyze the activity budget of a group of Sapajus nigritus living in an anthropized area, 1) comparing the behavioral frequencies in urbanized areas and forest fragments; 2) comparing behavioral frequencies in different sex-age classes. During the study, the number of individuals ranged from 35 to 40 individuals identified based on sex-age classes. Behavioral data were collected using the instantaneous scan sampling method, for two minutes with eight-minute intervals. We obtained 319 scans over 28 days, distributed between November 2021 and June 2022, with eight hours per day. We compared the behaviors different areas and between sex-age classes using the Kruskal-Wallis's test. Overall, the group performed a higher frequency of traveling (21.22%), followed by foraging (18.07%), feeding (16.57%) and vigilance (15.61%). The frequency of behaviors varied between areas, with vigilance, social, resting, interaction with humans and self-activity more frequent in urbanized areas compared to forest fragments. We also found variation between the sex-age classes, primarily with juveniles foraging more and adults performing more vigilance. The differences in the behaviors performed by the group express the behavioral flexibility of S. nigritus, adapting its activity pattern according to the area occupied.

O crescimento urbano e os impactos humanos no ambiente forçaram os animais a se adaptarem à fragmentação de hábitat e à redução da área de vida. Os macacos-prego são conhecidos por sua flexibilidade social e comportamental, ocupando até mesmo ambientes altamente urbanizados, sendo que seu padrão de atividades pode ser afetado pela área que habitam. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o padrão de atividades de um grupo de Sapajus nigritus vivendo em área antropizada, com base em: 1) comparação das frequências comportamentais em áreas urbanizadas e fragmentos florestais; e 2) comparação das frequências comportamentais em diferentes classes sexo-etárias. Durante o estudo, o número de indivíduos variou entre 35 e 40 indivíduos, identificados a partir de classes sexo-etárias. Os dados comportamentais foram coletados pelo método scan sampling, durante dois minutos com intervalo de oito minutos. Foram obtidos 319 scans ao longo de 28 dias (entre novembro de 2021 e junho de 2022), por oito horas diárias. Comparamos os comportamentos em diferentes áreas e entre classes sexo-etárias através do teste de Kruskal-Wallis. Em geral, o grupo apresentou frequência maior de deslocamento (21,22%), seguido de forrageio (18,07%), alimentação (16,57%) e vigilância (15,61%). A frequência dos comportamentos variou entre áreas (vigilância, social, descanso, interação com humanos e autoatividade foram mais frequentes em áreas urbanizadas) e classes sexo--etárias (principalmente com os juvenis forrageando mais e os adultos realizando mais vigilância). As diferenças nos comportamentos realizados pelo grupo expressam a flexibilidade comportamental de S. nigritus, adaptando seu padrão de atividade conforme a área ocupada.

Relationships of Physical Activity and Type 2 Diabetes With Cognition in Mexican Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites.

Problem, Research Strategy, and Findings: Low physical activity (PA) and Type 2 diabetes are associated with cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease, but the evidence is inconsistent and particularly limited by ethnicity. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of PA and Type 2 diabetes with cognition in Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites. The study was a cross-sectional analysis of the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities (n = 1,982-2,000 after removing outliers). Predictors included Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Episodic memory was assessed by Weschler Memory Scale-Third Edition Logical Memory and Spanish-English Verbal Learning Test, executive function by Weschler Memory Scale-Third Edition Digit Span and Digit Symbol Substitution Test, verbal fluency by FAS and animal naming, and global cognition by the Mini-Mental State Examination. Results show that aerobic PA and HbA1c were not associated with domain-specific, or global cognition, but strength/flexibility PA was associated with FAS (b = 0.404, 95% CI [0.023, 0.761]). Higher aerobic PA was associated with greater verbal fluency for Mexican Americans (b = 0.294, 95% CI [0.96, 0.497]) only. HbA1c was negatively associated with Mini-Mental State Examination (b = 0.838, 95% CI [0.008, 1.656]). For low HbA1c, the association between aerobic PA and Digit Symbol Substitution Test was significant for non-Hispanic Whites (b = 0.838, 95% CI [0.008, 1.656]) in comparison to Mexican Americans. Takeaway for Practice: The relationships between PA, Type 2 diabetes, and cognition vary by cognitive domains and ethnicity. Increasing aerobic activities may be particularly important for Mexican Americans who have elevated HbA1c to potentially improve fluency or executive function.

Validity and Internal Consistency of a Spanish Version of the Cognitive Flexibil ity Scale (CFS).

Objective: This study presents a Spanish version of the Cognitive Flexi bility Scale (CFS), a subjective and brief instrument to measure Cognitive Flexibility (CF), and analyzes its psychometric characteristics. Method: The items of the scale's original version were adapted to Spanish. An interview containing the adapted version of the CFS, the Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and sociodemographic data, was administered to an intentional sample of 369 Argentine adults, aged between 18 and 60, through an online platform. Results: The CFS's internal consistency was high (a = .813). A two-factor model, Strengths and Difficulties in CF, showed the best fit for the data. The CFS shows a negative correlation with the executive deficit and a positive correlations with empathy dimensions. Discussion: The Spanish-adapted version of the CFS shows satisfactory psychometric properties in the Argentine adult population.

Objetivo: Este estudio presenta una versión en español de la Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS), un instrumento subjetivo y breve para medir la Flexibilidad Cognitiva (FC), y analiza sus características psicométricas. Método: Los ítems de la versión original de la escala fueron adaptados al español. Se administró una entrevista estructurada conteniendo la versión adaptada de la CFS, el Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI), el Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) y datos sociodemográficos, a una muestra intencional de 369 adultos argentinos de entre 18 y 60 años, a través de una plataforma en línea. Resultados: La consistencia interna de la CFS fue alta (a = .813). Un modelo de dos factores, Fortalezas y Dificultades en la CF, mostró el mejor ajuste a los datos. La CFS mostró una correlación negativa con el déficit ejecutivo y una correlación positiva con diferentes dimensiones de la empatía. Discusión: La versión adaptada al español de la CFS mues tra propiedades psicométricas satisfactorias en población adulta argentina.

A new neuropsychological tool for simultaneous reading and executive functions assessment: initial psychometric properties.

Introduction: The development of reading and complex executive functions is fundamental for achieving social, academic, and professional success. So far, there is no single neuropsychological instrument that comprehensively assesses the domains of inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and reading comprehension. To assess executive functions related to reading, the "Assessment of Reading and Executive Functions" (AREF) was developed. In this study, we show initial evidence of validity and reliability for four subtests - Graphophonological-Semantic Flexibility, Inhibitory Control, Flexibility, and Working Memory. Methods: A total of 93 students from 4th to 9th grade, aged 8-14, in public (n = 61) and private (n = 32) schools were evaluated. Tasks from the AREF instrument, as well as measures of reading comprehension, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and intelligence, were administered. Correlations between AREF scores and the other measures were performed to assess external construct validity. Performance differences between school groups on AREF subtests were analyzed using ANOVA, t-test, and Mann-Whitney tests, and the internal consistency of the instrument's tasks was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Results: The scores of the AREF subtests demonstrated significant positive correlations with reading measures (ranging from 0.339 to 0.367) and executive functions (ranging from 0.209 to 0.396). Significant differences were found in the performance of some AREF tasks when comparing individuals from public and private schools, as well as between 4th and 5th graders compared to students in higher grades. The internal consistency of the tasks was low for Graphophonological-Semantic Flexibility (Cronbach's α = 0.566), moderate for Inhibitory Control and Flexibility (Cronbach's α = 0.768), and high for Working Memory (Cronbach's α = 0.881). Discussion: The results provide initial evidence of construct validity and reliability for the AREF subtests. It is expected that this new neuropsychological test will contribute to the assessment of reading skills and executive functions, assisting in guiding clinical and educational interventions for individuals with and without neurodevelopmental disorders.

Increasing flexibility in vulnerable power grids using electrochemical storage.

Developing a reliable power grid and investing in non-conventional renewable energy resources pose problems for low- and medium-income countries. Frequently, maintaining a robust power grid infrastructure can present challenges in terms of reliability, resilience, and flexibility. This article presents a methodology for improving power flexibility in susceptible power systems through the utilization of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The methodology entails the examination of power stability, operating conditions, and security criteria in order to identify suitable locations for storage allocation. A study was conducted utilizing the Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP®) software to simulate the Central American power transmission grid. The results of the study indicate that including storage systems to offer virtual inertia and backup during emergency situations is a recommended strategy for mitigating potential challenges. The study suggests that applying specific criteria for allocation and sizing at critical points in sensitive systems can enhance power transfer flexibility, eliminating potential constraints. The Central American electrical Power System, which faces power transfer limitations, is well-suited for BESS. In severe contingencies, such as when the system frequency drops to 58.75 Hz and power transfer between Mexico and Central America exceeds 300 MW with voltage levels below 0.97 pu, BESS can help mitigate these issues. The solution involves deploying BESS both centrally and distributively. Results show decreased instability, with power increases not exceeding 300 MW for more than 11 study cycles in all scenarios. The approach includes a BESS with an installed capacity of 1,060 MWh/160 MW and a virtual inertia of H=6s.

Las funciones ejecutivas y el ajedrez: una revisión sistemática / Executive functions and chess: a systematic review

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de la formación en ajedrez sobre las funciones ejecutivas: planificación, flexibilidad cognitiva, memoria de trabajo e inhibición por medio de la revisión de la literatura científica de investigaciones en la última década. Método: Se desarrolló una búsqueda en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scielo, Pubmed, Scopus y en Google académico, para el período 2012-2022, mediante la metodología de revisión sistemática. Resultados: Se encontraron sesenta y seis artículos y solo se analizaron trece que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Fue posible identificar relaciones del ajedrez con las cuatro funciones ejecutivas: inhibición, flexibilidad, memoria de trabajo y planificación, además del funcionamiento ejecutivo en general. Discusión: Los resultados han sugerido que la práctica sistemática del ajedrez contribuye al desarrollo del funcionamiento ejecutivo. Por ser una práctica de fácil alcance, se podría aprovechar sus beneficios incorporándola en diversos escenarios educativos. Conclusión: La mayoría de las investigaciones de los últimos diez años provee evidencia que permite demostrar la hipótesis de que la práctica del ajedrez se asocia un mejor desempeño ejecutivo; también se encontró un único artículo que por el contrario rechaza esta relación.

Abstract Objective: Determine the effect of chess training on executive functions: planning, cognitive flexibility, working memory and inhibition by reviewing the scientific research literature in the last decade. Method: A search was carried out in the Web of Science, Scielo, Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases for the period 2012-2022, using the systematic review methodology. Results: Sixty-six articles were found and only thirteen that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. It was possible to identify relationships between chess and the four executive functions: inhibition, flexibility, working memory and planning, in addition to executive functioning in general. Discussion: The results have suggested that the systematic practice of chess contributes to the development of executive functioning. Because it is an easily accessible practice, its benefits could be taken advantage of by incorporating it into various educational scenarios. Conclusion: The majority of research from the last ten years provides evidence that allows us to demonstrate the hypothesis that chess practice is associated with better executive performance; there is also a single article that, on the contrary, rejects this relationship.

Physical Exercise and Executive Function in the Pediatric Overweight and Obesity Population: A Systematic Review Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Executive function is often altered in overweight/obese children and adolescents, which has a negative impact on their learning and daily life. Furthermore, research has shown the benefits of physical exercise in improving cognitive performance. This protocol aims to define in a detailed and structured manner the procedures that will be conducted for the development of a systematic review of the literature aimed at evaluating the effects of physical exercise on the executive functions of children and adolescents (≤18 years) with overweight/obesity in comparison with peers in control groups. METHODS: The Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases will be searched for longitudinal studies that have at least one experimental and one control group using pre- and post-intervention measures of executive function, including working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility in the pediatric population who are overweight or obese. The risk of bias and certainty of evidence will be assessed using Cochrane RoB2 and GRADE, respectively. Furthermore, Der Simonian-Laird's random effects model will be employed for meta-analyses. The effect sizes will be calculated with 95% confidence intervals, and p values < 0.05 indicate statistical significance for each dimension of executive function in the different groups before and after the intervention. DISCUSSION: The results of this review may be useful for education and health professionals to design treatment plans for overweight/obese children and adolescents, offering potential benefits related to the learning and cognitive abilities of this population. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023391420.

Acute effects of a pilates method session on flexibility and performance in practitioners of an extreme conditioning program: A preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of Pilates exercises on flexibility and performance in practitioners of an extreme conditioning program (ECP). The hypothesis adopted was that Pilates could activate deeper muscles and improve the stability of core muscles. METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional study with individuals practicing an ECP submitted to a Pilates method (PM) exercise session. The Wells bench test was used to assess flexibility, while performance was evaluated using the Wall Ball exercise commonly performed by ECP practitioners. The perception of effort was measured using the Borg scale. RESULTS: A single session of PM exercises was able to significantly improve flexibility immediately after the exercises (p < 0.001) and performance in one of the movements of the ECP (p < 0.001), as well as decrease the perception of effort. CONCLUSION: An acute intervention with Pilates exercises promoted improvement in performance of the CrossFit Wall Ball exercise.

Biodegradable starch foams reinforced by food-chain side streams.

Biodegradable starch foam trays offer an eco-friendly substitute for petroleum-based single-use packaging, notably polystyrene foams. However, they lack flexibility, tensile strength, and water-sensitivity, addressable through lignocellulosic reinforcement. This study aimed to develop biodegradable starch foam trays filled with different food-chain side streams for sustainable alternative packaging. Corncob, soybean straw, cassava peel, araucaria seed hull, yerba mate stalks and yerba mate leaves petiole were collected, dried and ground to <250 µm. The trays were filled with 13 % (w/w) of each food-chain side streams and produced by hot molding. The trays morphology, moisture, water activity (aw), thickness, bulk density, tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, bending strength, maximum deflection, and sorption isotherms were investigated. Reinforcements slightly increased the foams bulk density, reduced the tensile strength and maximum deflection and while bending strength increased from 0.20 MPa to 1.17-1.80 MPa. The elasticity modulus decreased by adding any filling, that resulted in ductility improvement; however, these packaging have moisture-sensitive material especially for aw higher than 0.52, which drives the use recommendation for dry products storage or shipping/transport. The biodegradable starch foam trays filled with side streams were successfully produced and offer excellent alternative to petroleum-based packaging low-density material with bending strength improved.

Psychological inflexibility as a predictor associated with insomnia.

Psychological flexibility has recently attracted the attention of researchers in the field of sleep disorders; therefore, in the study, psychological flexibility was evaluated as a predictor or factor related to the presence/severity of insomnia. We included 2218 individuals selected from the randomized-control trial for behavioural therapy for insomnia and cross-sectional studies, including 1797 individuals with insomnia and 421 controls without insomnia. All participants completed the DSM-5-based insomnia diagnosis interview, Insomnia Severity Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Acceptance Action Questionnaire-II. Linear regression and multinomial logistic regression models were used. Sex, education, occupation, marital status, anxiety, depression and psychological inflexibility were possible predictors or factors associated with the severity of insomnia. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that sex (𝛽 = 0.88; t = 2.80; p = 0.005), depression (𝛽 = 0.41; t = 10.7; p < 0.001), anxiety (𝛽 = 0.58; t = 14.1; p < 0.001) and psychological inflexibility (𝛽 = 0.09; t = 5.07; p < 0.001) were predictors of insomnia. The results of the multinomial logistic regression demonstrate that, in comparison to the absence of insomnia, insomnia at all levels (mild, moderate and severe) was associated with sex, anxiety and depression. Psychological inflexibility was only associated with severe insomnia (odds ratio = 1.04). These findings are important from a public health perspective because behavioural strategies designed to treat insomnia with a focus on psychological flexibility are low-cost and may help improve sleep quality in adults with insomnia, which also influences mental health.

Desarrollo de categorías del modo de actuación creativo en estudiantes universitarios

Introducción: Es importante la relación entre el desarrollo de las categorías originalidad, flexibilidad, autonomía y motivación del modo de actuación creativo. El objetivo del artículo consistió en elaborar un sistema de indicaciones para el desarrollo de categorías del modo de actuación creativo en estudiantes universitarios. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación mixta, donde el universo lo constituyeron estudiantes de la carrera de Pedagogía-Sicología de la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus "José Martí Pérez" en el curso 2021-2022 y se tomó una muestra aleatoria intencional de 24 educandos del tercer año. Resultados: El procesamiento estadístico de los instrumentos aplicados permitió ubicar al 75 % de la muestra entre un nivel medio y bajo en el desarrollo de categorías del modo de actuación creativo, por carencias en su expresión. Discusión: Desde fundamentos teóricos referenciados se analizó una propuesta de indicaciones que permiten la sistematización de contenidos de aprendizaje y facilitan el desarrollo de acciones autónomas y motivadoras para solucionar problemáticas en el contexto laboral. Conclusiones: La elaboración de indicaciones, desde la disciplina principal integradora y en estrecha relación con las categorías declaradas del modo de actuación creativo, facilitaron su desarrollo y demostraron pertinencia y factibilidad en el contexto de la práctica laboral.

Introduction: The relationship between the development of the categories of originality, flexibility, autonomy and motivation of the creative mode of action is important. The objective of the article was to develop a system of indications for the development of categories of the creative mode of action in university students. Methods: A mixed investigation was carried out, where the universe was made up of students of the Pedagogy-Psychology degree at the University of Sancti Spíritus "José Martí Pérez" in the 2021-2022 academic year and an intentional random sample of 24 students from the third year was taken. In the research, actions were designed to solve problems in work practice and a self-assessment scale about the development of the categories of the creative mode of action. Results: The statistical processing of the applied instruments allowed 75 % of the sample to be placed between a medium and low level in the development of categories of the creative mode of action, due to deficiencies in its expression. Discussion: From referenced theoretical foundations, a proposal of indications was analyzed that allow the systematization of learning content and facilitate the development of autonomous and motivating actions to solve problems in the work context. Conclusions: The development of indications, from the main integrative discipline and in close relationship with the declared categories of the creative mode of action, facilitated its development and demonstrated relevance and feasibility in the context of work practice.

Structured Tandem Repeats in Protein Interactions.

Tandem repeats (TRs) in protein sequences are consecutive, highly similar sequence motifs. Some types of TRs fold into structural units that pack together in ensembles, forming either an (open) elongated domain or a (closed) propeller, where the last unit of the ensemble packs against the first one. Here, we examine TR proteins (TRPs) to see how their sequence, structure, and evolutionary properties favor them for a function as mediators of protein interactions. Our observations suggest that TRPs bind other proteins using large, structured surfaces like globular domains; in particular, open-structured TR ensembles are favored by flexible termini and the possibility to tightly coil against their targets. While, intuitively, open ensembles of TRs seem prone to evolve due to their potential to accommodate insertions and deletions of units, these evolutionary events are unexpectedly rare, suggesting that they are advantageous for the emergence of the ancestral sequence but are early fixed. We hypothesize that their flexibility makes it easier for further proteins to adapt to interact with them, which would explain their large number of protein interactions. We provide insight into the properties of open TR ensembles, which make them scaffolds for alternative protein complexes to organize genes, RNA and proteins.

Impact of warm-up methods on strength-speed for sprinters in athletics: a mini review.

In athletics, achieving peak performance during competitions is crucial. Warm-up strategies play a crucial role in optimizing the strength-speed performance of sprinters in athletics, especially tailored to the physiological demands of speed events. The need to balance flexibility, prevent injuries, and enhance power output makes the selection of an effective warm-up protocol essential. This narrative review examines different warm-up methods used by athletes and their effects on strength-speed in sprinters in athletics. The main findings indicate that Foam Rolling (FR), Isometric Exercises and Pre-Competitive Massages have no significant effects on sprint performance. Static stretching and prolonged Pre-Competitive Massages have negative impacts on strength and power. The Vibration Platform enhances step length, step rate and running velocity, jump height and total number of jumps performed in a 30-s period in non-experienced sprinters. Eccentric Exercise increases vertical force, Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) demonstrates a reduction in 100-meter time and short-term improvement in vertical and horizontal jumps. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) significantly improving jump height and flight time. Various warm-up methods have been identified, some focusing on flexibility, others potentially detrimental, and some enhancing strength and power. Implementing effective warm-ups, particularly those promoting strength and power, poses a challenge for coaches seeking reliable alternatives to boost performance.

Mind over mood: exploring the executive function's role in downregulation.

Emotion regulation plays a key role in well adapted behaviour, however, factors influencing individual differences in ER are still under investigation. Across two studies we investigate the complex relationship between executive functions (EFs) and emotional downregulation through two complementary research designs. The focus lies on key components of EFs-working memory, inhibitory control, and switching-and their relationship with effective emotional regulation. Surprisingly, switching emerged as the sole significant predictor in two multiple linear regression models, challenging the conventional belief that all major EFs broadly contribute to emotional downregulation. The first study, involving 248 Ecuadorian adults between 18 and 60 years old, used experimental tasks to assess the association between EFs and emotional regulation, aligning with existing literature that posits a link between EFs and emotional control. The second study, involving 180 Ecuadorian adults between 18 and 43 years old, added depth by incorporating self-report measures, providing a broader, ecologically valid perspective. However, these measures did not significantly predict downregulation, highlighting a gap between self-perception and actual cognitive abilities. Additionally, demographic predictors varied between the two studies, urging future research to consider methodological design and task selection carefully. The study also raises questions about the validity of commonly used measures, emphasising the need for more nuanced tools to capture the complexity of EFs and emotional regulation. Our findings suggest a targeted research avenue focusing on EFs for both future research and clinical interventions. Attention is called to the methodological decisions that can influence the observed associations, and the need for broader demographic representation in future studies.

A Naturalistic Intervention to Promote Executive Functions in Primary School Children: A Pilot Study.

Executive functions are related to the control of cognition, emotion, and behavior. They are essential to lifelong outcomes, including school performance. Naturalistic interventions embedded in children's daily activities and environments have greater effects. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to develop a naturalistic program suitable for schools, based on Goal Management Training (GMT), and to analyze its effects on executive functions and behavior. The participants consisted of 35 students from 2nd to 5th grade with executive dysfunction complaints. They underwent neuropsychological assessments of working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and intellectual capacity. Teachers and parents answered questionnaires on executive functions and behavior. Students were randomly assigned to an active control group, who participated in sessions on citizenship, and an experimental group (EG), stimulated through the executive function program, both with 16 sessions conducted by psychologists. After the intervention, all participants were reevaluated. The two-way Wald-type statistic (WTS) revealed greater improvement in executive functions for the EG, including working memory and inhibition. Additionally, parents and teachers, blind to the experimental conditions, reported improvements in some measures of executive functions and behavior. The results are encouraging, but further studies should test the intervention when implemented with larger samples and by teachers.

Relation between flexibility and intrinsically disorder regions in thermosensitive TRP channels reveal allosteric effects.

How a protein propagates the conformational changes throughout its structure remains largely unknown. In thermosensitive TRP channels, this allosteric communication is triggered by ligand interaction or in response to temperature changes. Because dynamic allostery suggests a dynamic role of disordered regions, in this work we set out to thoroughly evaluate these regions in six thermosensitive TRP channels. Thus, by contrasting the intrinsic flexibility of the transmembrane region as a function of the degree of disorder in those proteins, we discovered several residues that do not show a direct correlation in both parameters. This kind of structural discrepancy revealed residues that are either reported to be dynamic, functionally relevant or are involved in signal propagation and probably part of allosteric networks. These discrepant, potentially dynamic regions are not exclusive of TRP channels, as this same correlation was found in the Kv Shaker channel.

Review of terrestrial temporarily conserved areas in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The establishment of protected areas is a cornerstone of conservation, but permanent protection could be inefficient or even impossible in some situations. We synthesized the literature on temporarily conserved areas (TCAs) across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. We used a comprehensive search string to retrieve peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2021 from the Web of Science. We identified 27 relevant peer-reviewed articles that examined the potential benefits of TCAs in the study area, indicating TCA is a relatively understudied area of research in the peer-reviewed literature. The TCA studies were highly clustered; 77% of studies focused on protecting a single life stage of migratory species and 61% of studies related to temporary conservation of breeding or staging habitats for migratory birds. Ninety-three percent of studies focused on preventing human-driven threats, mainly on public lands of coastal areas, the Great Plains, and the Mississippi Valley in the central United States. Short-term and experimental studies were the dominant study types. TCAs have the potential to complement permanently protected areas and provide protection when permanent protection is difficult. Some included studies examined their conservation value, but the ecological, social, and economic outcomes of TCAs are unclear. More TCA research is needed to determine the role they could play in conservation worldwide. Embracing the concept of TCAs as conservation tool could lead to more comprehensive and consistent reporting of the outcomes of temporary area-based conservation measures. However, a global review and analysis of effectiveness of TCAs will be required if they are to play a formal role in meeting international targets for biodiversity conservation.

Revisión de áreas terrestres conservadas temporalmente en Canadá, Estados Unidos y México Resumen La creación de áreas protegidas es una piedra angular de la conservación, aunque en algunos casos la protección permanente podría ser ineficiente o incluso imposible. Condensamos la literatura sobre las áreas de conservación temporal (ACT) en Canadá, Estados Unidos y México. Usamos una cadena completa de búsqueda para obtener artículos revisados por pares publicados del 2000 al 2021 en Web of Science. Identificamos 27 artículos relevantes que analizaban el potencial de las ACT en el área de estudio, lo que indica que las ACT es un área poco estudiada en la literatura revisada por pares. Los estudios sobre ACT estaban muy agrupados: el 77% se enfocaban en la protección de un solo estadio de vida de las especies migratorias y el 61% se relacionaban con la conservación temporal de los hábitats de reproducción o de descanso de las aves migratorias. El 93% de los estudios se enfocó en la prevención de amenazas causadas por humanos, principalmente en los terrenos públicos de las áreas costeras, las Grandes Llanuras y el valle del Mississippi en el centro de los Estados Unidos. Los estudios experimentales y a corto plazo fueron el tipo de estudio dominante. Las áreas de conservación temporal tienen el potencial para complementar las áreas de protección permanente y proporcionar protección cuando es complicado proporcionarla permanentemente. Algunos de los estudios incluidos analizaron el valor para la conservación de las ACT, pero aún no están claros sus resultados ecológicos, sociales y económicos. Se necesita más investigación sobre las ACT para determinar el papel que podrían tener en la conservación mundial. Si se acepta el concepto de ACT como una herramienta de conservación, se podrían reportar los resultados de las medidas de conservación basadas en las ACT de forma más completa y consistente. Sin embargo, se requerirá una revisión y análisis global de la eficiencia de las ACT si se espera que tengan un papel formal en el cumplimiento de los objetivos internacionales de la conservación de la biodiversidad.

Relief and mobile veterinary careers may offer a path towards improved quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: Explore relief and mobile veterinarians' views and experiences related to their current job. In addition, examine reasons why these veterinarians opted to pursue careers in relief and mobile practice. SAMPLE: Veterinary members of the Veterinary Information Network working as relief or mobile veterinarians. METHODS: An electronic survey distributed via the Veterinary Information Network data collection portal from May 11, 2023, through May 30, 2023. RESULTS: A total of 444 responses were collected (125 veterinarians in mobile practice and 240 relief veterinarians). Factors most commonly reported to have a strong effect on mobile or relief veterinarians' decision to leave their previous job included administration, hospital culture, leadership, feeling their voice was heard, and workplace schedule factors. The majority of mobile and relief practitioners reported feeling satisfied with their work-life balance (mobile, 78%; relief, 91%) as well as availability for children (mobile, 84%; relief, 84%) and other family members (mobile, 85%; relief, 87%). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The majority of mobile and relief practitioners who participated in this survey reported feeling satisfied or very satisfied with managing their work and life, in their ability to be present and available for their children, and having opportunity to support and care for elderly family members and those with medical needs. As the field of veterinary medicine becomes increasingly feminized, schedule flexibility and work-life balance will likely increase in importance, making careers in nonpractice settings more desirable. Traditional brick-and-mortar clinics should note that dissatisfaction with administration and office/hospital culture might drive their employees to pursue other career avenues such as relief or mobile practice.