Genomic analysis of genotype-environment interaction in age at first calving of Murrah buffaloes.

Age at first calving (AFC) is a measure of sexual maturity associated with the start of productive life of dairy animals. Additionally, a lower AFC reduces the generation interval and early culling of females. However, AFC has low heritability, making it a trait highly influenced by environmental factors. In this scenario, one way to improve the reproductive performance of buffalo cows is to select robust animals according to estimated breeding value (EBV) using models that include genotype-environment interaction (GEI) with the application of reaction norm models (RNMs). This can be achieved by understanding the genomic basis related to GEI of AFC. Thus, in this study, we aimed to predict EBV considering GEI via the RNM and identify candidate genes related to this component in dairy buffaloes through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We used 1795 AFC records from three Murrah buffalo herds and formed environmental gradients (EGs) from contemporary group solutions obtained from genetic analysis of 270-day cumulative milk yield. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.15 to 0.39 along the EG. GWAS of the RNM slope parameter identified important genomic regions. The genomic window that explained the highest percentage of genetic variance of the slope (0.67%) was located on BBU1. After functional analysis, five candidate genes were detected, involved in two biological processes. The results suggested the existence of a GEI for AFC in Murrah buffaloes, with reclassification of animals when different environmental conditions were considered. The inclusion of genomic information increased the accuracy of breeding values for the intercept and slope of the reaction norm. GWAS analysis suggested that important genes associated with the AFC reaction norm slope were possibly also involved in biological processes related to lipid metabolism and immunity.

Genetic Mutations and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling as Modulating Factors in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Scoping Review.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart condition characterized by cellular and metabolic dysfunction, with mitochondrial dysfunction playing a crucial role. Although the direct relationship between genetic mutations and mitochondrial dysfunction remains unclear, targeting mitochondrial dysfunction presents promising opportunities for treatment, as there are currently no effective treatments available for HCM. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Searches were conducted in databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Scopus up to September 2023 using "MESH terms". Bibliographic references from pertinent articles were also included. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is influenced by ionic homeostasis, cardiac tissue remodeling, metabolic balance, genetic mutations, reactive oxygen species regulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The latter is a common factor regardless of the cause and is linked to intracellular calcium handling, energetic and oxidative stress, and HCM-induced hypertrophy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatments focus on symptom management and complication prevention. Targeted therapeutic approaches, such as improving mitochondrial bioenergetics, are being explored. This includes coenzyme Q and elamipretide therapies and metabolic strategies like therapeutic ketosis. Understanding the biomolecular, genetic, and mitochondrial mechanisms underlying HCM is crucial for developing new therapeutic modalities.

Differential activation states of direct pathway striatal output neurons during L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia development.

L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) is a debilitating motor side effect arising from chronic dopamine (DA) replacement therapy with L-DOPA for the treatment of Parkinson disease. LID associated with supersensitivity of striatal dopaminergic signaling and fluctuations in synaptic DA following each L-DOPA dose, shrinking the therapeutic window. The heterogeneous composition of the striatum, including subpopulations of medium spiny output neurons (MSNs), interneurons, and supporting cells, complicates the identification of the cell(s) underlying LID. We used single nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) to establish a comprehensive striatal transcriptional profile during LID development. Male h emiparkinsonian mice were treated with vehicle or L-DOPA for 1, 5, or 10 d and striatal nuclei were processed for snRNA-seq. Analyses indicated a limited population of DA D1 receptor-expressing MSNs (D1-MSNs) formed three subclusters in response to L-DOPA treatment and expressed cellular markers of activation. These activated D1-MSNs display similar transcriptional changes previously associated with LID; however, their prevalence and transcriptional behavior was differentially influenced by L-DOPA experience. Differentially expressed genes indicated acute upregulation of plasticity-related transcription factors and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, while repeated L-DOPA induced synaptic remodeling, learning and memory, and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) signaling genes. Notably, repeated L-DOPA sensitized Inhba, an activin subunit of the TGF-ß superfamily, in activated D1-MSNs and its pharmacological inhibition impaired LID development, suggesting that activin signaling may play an essential role in LID. These data suggest distinct subsets of D1-MSNs become differentially L-DOPA-responsive due to aberrant induction of molecular mechanisms necessary for neuronal entrainment, similar to processes underlying hippocampal learning and memory.Significance Statement These data establish a comprehensive transcriptional profile of the striatum across the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia at the level of individual cells in a mouse model of parkinsonism, indicating that unique subclusters of striatal neurons differentially respond to experience with L-DOPA. These neurons have a profile enriched for markers of synaptic plasticity, neuronal entrainment underlying learning and memory, and activin signaling. Negative modulation of activin receptors dampened L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia development suggesting that activin directly modulates aberrant behavioral sensitization to chronic L-DOPA.

A small proportion of Zebu genetic background in crossbred calves may not be enough to improve resistance against natural bovine Babesia spp. infections.

The main objective of cattle breeders in tropical and subtropical regions is to acquire animals with taurine-productive traits adapted to the broad weather range of these regions. However, one of the main challenges on using taurine genetics in these areas is the high susceptibility of these animals to tick-borne diseases. Consequently, the present study evaluated from 10 November 2021-19 April 2022, the over 13 assessments, the Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina DNA loads and the IgG anti-B. bovis and anti-B. bigemina levels in Angus (n = 17, 100% Taurine) and Ultrablack (n = 14, ∼82% taurine and 18% Zebu) calves. Data were analyzed using a multivariate mixed model with repeated measures of the same animal including the fixed effects of evaluation, genetic group, sex, Babesia spp., and their interactions. The repeatability values were estimated from the (co)variances matrix and expressed for each species. The correlations between the DNA loads (CNlog) and IgG titers (S/P) values for the two species were also estimated using the same model. Regarding the specific IgG antibody titers for both Babesia spp., no significant differences were observed between the two genetic groups. However, for B. bovis and B. bigemina DNA loads, Ultrablack calves presented significantly higher values than Angus calves. Under the conditions evaluated in this study, our findings suggest that the low percentage of Zebu genetic in the Ultrablack breed was insufficient to improve resistance against babesiosis. Further studies must demonstrate if the low percentages of Zebu genetics in Taurine breeds can modify the susceptibility to babesiosis infections.

Gravity's impact on visual search asymmetries: Is visual gravitational motion a distinct visual feature or a familiar dynamic event?

A wealth of converging research lines has led support to the notion that specialized neural processes output a priori information about the expected effects of gravity to fine-tune motor and perceptual responses to dynamic events. Arguably, these putative internal models of gravity might modulate the efficiency in visual search for objects conforming or not to gravitationally coherent dynamics. In the present work, we explored this possibility with a visual search task involving arrays of two to eight objects moving periodically back and forth. The target could be an accelerating/decelerating ball (as if bouncing on earth's surface-1g) with distractors moving at a constant speed (0g) or the reverse. Moreover, the direction of the gravitational pull, as implied by the 1g motion patterns, could be aligned or misaligned with Earth's gravity. Overall, searches for 1g targets were more efficient than 0g targets except, notably, when stimuli displays were congruent with Earth's gravitational pull, in which case the visual search asymmetry is significantly reduced. Outcomes are interpreted as reflecting the joint and mutually cancelling contribution of low-level detection of acceleration patterns and higher level detection of unexpected violations of gravitational motion. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Nurses' perceptions about the patient safety climate in Primary Health Care.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the patient safety climate in Primary Health Care from the perspective of nurses working in the services. METHOD: a quantitative and cross-sectional study conducted with 148 nurses from a municipality in the state of São Paulo. The Brazilian version of the Primary Care Safety Questionnaire Survey and personal, professional, and organizational performance variables (intention to stay at work, job satisfaction, care quality, and frequency of incidents) were used. Parametric and non-parametric comparison tests and Spearman's correlation coefficient were performed, considering a 5% significance level. RESULTS: the safety climate was positive, varying from 4.52 to 5.33 and differing across districts for workload (p=0.0214) and leadership (p=0.0129). The safety climate professional variables and dimensions differed in relation to the frequency of incidents. Teamwork and safety and learning system were strongly correlated with job satisfaction and moderately with perceived care quality. CONCLUSION: teamwork and safety and learning system stood out for their positive correlations with job satisfaction and care quality. A positive safety climate favors the involvement of Primary Care nurses to develop improvement plans aligned with the National Patient Safety Program. BACKGROUND: (1) The safety climate is perceived differently across health districts. (2) There is a correlation between the climate dimensions and professional satisfaction. (3) Workload and leadership exert an influence on the safety climate perception. (4) There is a relationship between the safety climate and reporting of care-related incidents. (5) The safety climate is perceived differently among nurses regarding their role.

How close are we to storing data in DNA?

DNA is an intelligent data storage medium due to its stability and high density. It has been used by nature for over 3.5 billion years. Compared with traditional methods, DNA offers better compression and physical density. DNA can retain information for thousands of years. However, challenges exist in scalability, standardization, metadata gathering, biocybersecurity, and specialized tools. Addressing these challenges is crucial for widespread implementation. Collaboration among experts, as well as keeping the future in mind, is needed to unlock the full potential of DNA data storage, which promises low energy costs, high-density storage, and long-term stability.

Nurses' perceptions about the patient safety climate in Primary Health Care / Percepción de los enfermeros sobre el clima de seguridad del paciente en la atención primaria de la salud / Percepção dos enfermeiros sobre o clima de segurança do paciente na atenção primária à saúde

Objective: to evaluate the patient safety climate in Primary Health Care from the perspective of nurses working in the services. Method: a quantitative and cross-sectional study conducted with 148 nurses from a municipality in the state of São Paulo. The Brazilian version of the Primary Care Safety Questionnaire Survey and personal, professional, and organizational performance variables (intention to stay at work, job satisfaction, care quality, and frequency of incidents) were used. Parametric and non-parametric comparison tests and Spearman's correlation coefficient were performed, considering a 5% significance level. Results: the safety climate was positive, varying from 4.52 to 5.33 and differing across districts for workload (p=0.0214) and leadership (p=0.0129). The safety climate professional variables and dimensions differed in relation to the frequency of incidents. Teamwork and safety and learning system were strongly correlated with job satisfaction and moderately with perceived care quality. Conclusion: teamwork and safety and learning system stood out for their positive correlations with job satisfaction and care quality. A positive safety climate favors the involvement of Primary Care nurses to develop improvement plans aligned with the National Patient Safety Program.

Objetivo: evaluar el clima de seguridad del paciente en la Atención Primaria de la Salud, desde la perspectiva de los enfermeros de los servicios. Método: estudio cuantitativo y transversal, con 148 enfermeros de un municipio del Estado de São Paulo. Se utilizó la versión brasileña del Primary Care Safety Questionnaire Survey y variables personales, profesionales y de desempeño organizacional (intención de permanecer en el empleo, satisfacción laboral, calidad de la atención y frecuencia de incidentes). Se realizaron pruebas de comparación paramétricas y no paramétricas y coeficiente de correlación de Spearman, considerando un nivel de significación del 5%. Resultados: el clima de seguridad fue positivo, osciló entre 4,52 y 5,33; difirió entre distritos en carga de trabajo (p=0,0214) y liderazgo (p=0,0129). Las variables profesionales y dimensiones del clima de seguridad difirieron en la frecuencia de incidentes. El trabajo en equipo, el sistema de seguridad y el aprendizaje tuvieron una correlación alta con la satisfacción laboral y una moderada con la percepción de la calidad de la atención. Conclusión: el trabajo en equipo y el sistema de seguridad y aprendizaje se destacaron por su correlación positiva con la satisfacción laboral y la calidad de la atención. Un clima de seguridad positivo favorece la participación de los enfermeros de la atención primaria en el desarrollo de planes de mejora que sigan las indicaciones del Programa Nacional de Seguridad del Paciente.

Objetivo: avaliar o clima de segurança do paciente na Atenção Primária à Saúde, sob a perspectiva dos enfermeiros dos serviços. Método: estudo quantitativo e transversal, com 148 enfermeiros de um município do Estado de São Paulo. Foram utilizadas a versão brasileira do Primary Care Safety Questionnaire Survey e variáveis pessoais, profissionais e desempenho organizacional (intenção permanecer no trabalho, satisfação no trabalho, qualidade do cuidado e frequência de incidentes). Realizaram-se testes de comparação paramétricos, não paramétricos e coeficiente de correlação de Resultados: o clima de segurança foi positivo, com variação de 4,52 a 5,33; diferiu entre distritos para carga de trabalho (p=0,0214) e liderança (p=0,0129). As variáveis profissionais e dimensões do clima de segurança diferiram em relação à frequência de incidentes. Trabalho em equipe, sistema de segurança e aprendizagem foram fortemente correlacionados à satisfação no trabalho e moderadamente com percepção da qualidade do cuidado. Conclusão: trabalho em equipe e sistema de segurança e aprendizagem se destacaram pela correlação positiva com satisfação no trabalho e qualidade do cuidado. O clima de segurança positivo favorece o envolvimento dos enfermeiros da atenção primária para desenvolver planos de melhorias alinhados ao Programa Nacional de Segurança do Paciente.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep disorders among Nursing professionals / O impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 nas alterações do sono de profissionais de enfermagem / Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en los trastornos del sueño de profesionales de enfermería

Abstract Objective: to analyze the factors related to sleep disorders reported by Nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: this is a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted with Nursing professionals from all Brazilian regions. Sociodemographic data, working conditions and questions about sleep disorders were collected. The Poisson regression model with repeated measures was used to estimate the Relative Risk. Results: 572 answers were analyzed, which revealed that non-ideal sleep duration, poor sleep quality and dreams about the work environment were predominant during the pandemic, with 75.2%, 67.1% and 66.8% respectively; as well as complaints of difficulty sleeping, daytime sleepiness and non-restorative sleep during the pandemic were reported by 523 (91.4%), 440 (76.9%) and 419 (73.2%) of the Nursing professionals, respectively. The relative risk of having such sleep disorders during the pandemic was significant for all variables and categories studied. Conclusion: non-ideal sleep duration, poor sleep quality, dreams about the work environment, complaints regarding difficulty sleeping, daytime sleepiness and non-restorative sleep were the predominant sleep disorders among Nursing professionals during the pandemic. Such findings point to possible consequences on health, as well as on the quality of the work performed.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar os fatores relacionados às alterações no sono relatadas pelos profissionais de enfermagem durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Método: trata-se de um estudo transversal e analítico, realizado com profissionais de enfermagem de todas as regiões do Brasil. Foram coletados dados de caracterização sociodemográfica, condições de trabalho e questões sobre alterações de sono. Para estimar o Risco Relativo foi utilizado o modelo de regressão de Poisson com medidas repetidas. Resultados: foram analisadas 572 respostas, as quais revelaram que a duração não ideal do sono, a má qualidade do sono e os sonhos com o ambiente de trabalho foram predominantes durante a pandemia, com 75,2%, 67,1% e 66,8% respectivamente, assim como as queixas de dificuldade ao dormir, sonolência diurna e sono não restaurador durante a pandemia foram relatadas por 523 (91,4%), 440 (76,9%) e 419 (73,2%) dos profissionais de enfermagem, respectivamente. O risco relativo de apresentar tais alterações de sono, durante a pandemia foi significativo para todas as variáveis e as categorias estudadas. Conclusão: duração não ideal do sono, má qualidade do sono, sonhos com o ambiente de trabalho, queixas de dificuldade ao dormir, sonolência diurna e sono não restaurador foram as alterações do sono predominantes entre os profissionais de enfermagem durante a pandemia. Estes achados apontam para possíveis consequências na saúde, bem como na qualidade do trabalho realizado.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar los factores relacionados con los trastornos del sueño que informaron los profesionales de enfermería durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Método: se trata de un estudio transversal y analítico realizado con profesionales de enfermería de todas las regiones de Brasil. Se recolectaron datos sobre caracterización sociodemográfica, condiciones de trabajo y preguntas sobre trastornos del sueño. Para estimar el Riesgo Relativo se utilizó el modelo de regresión de Poisson con medidas repetidas. Resultados: se analizaron 572 respuestas, que revelaron que durante la pandemia predominaron la duración del sueño no ideal, la mala calidad del sueño y los sueños sobre el ambiente laboral, con 75,2%, 67,1% y 66,8% respectivamente, además 523 (91,4%), 440 (76,9%) y 419 (73,2%) profesionales de enfermería manifestaron quejas de dificultad para conciliar el sueño, somnolencia diurna y sueño no reparador durante la pandemia, respectivamente. El riesgo relativo de padecer trastornos del sueño durante la pandemia fue significativo para todas las variables y categorías estudiadas. Conclusión: la duración del sueño no ideal, la mala calidad del sueño, los sueños sobre el ambiente laboral, las quejas de dificultad para conciliar el sueño, la somnolencia diurna y el sueño no reparador fueron los trastornos del sueño predominantes en los profesionales de enfermería durante la pandemia. Estos hallazgos indican posibles consecuencias para la salud, así como para la calidad del trabajo realizado.

Quality of measurement properties of medication adherence instruments in cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Medication adherence has a major impact on reducing mortality and healthcare costs related to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Selecting the best patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) among the many available for this kind of patient is extremely important. This study aims to critically assess, compare and synthesize the quality of the measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures to assess medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This review followed the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines and was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The searches were performed in Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, PsycINFO, and ProQuest (gray literature). RESULTS: A total of 110 records encompassing 27 different PROMs were included in the review. The included records were published between 1986 and 2023, most of which reported studies conducted in the United States and were published in English. None of the PROMs were classified in the category "a", thus being recommended for use due to the quality of its measurement properties. The PROMs that should not be recommended for use (category "c") are the MTA, GMAS, DMAS-7, MALMAS, ARMS-D, and 5-item questionnaire. The remaining PROMs, e.g., MMAS-8, SMAQ, MEDS, MNPS, ARMS-12, MGT, MTA-OA, MTA-Insulin, LMAS-14, MARS-5, A-14, ARMS-10, IADMAS, MAQ, MMAS-5, ProMAS, ARMS-7, 3-item questionnaire, AS, 12-item questionnaire, and Mascard were considered as having the potential to be recommended for use (category "b"). CONCLUSION: None of the included PROMs met the criteria for being classified as trusted and recommended for use for patients with cardiovascular diseases and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, 21 PROMs have the potential to be recommended for use, but further studies are needed to ensure their quality based on the COSMIN guideline for systematic reviews of PROMs. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019129109.

Validity, sensitivity and specificity of a measure of medication adherence instrument among patients taking oral anticoagulants.

Although self-report instruments are currently considered a valuable tool for measuring adherence, due to their low cost and ease of implementation, there are still important factors that impact measurement accuracy, such as social desirability and memory bias. Thus, the Global Assessment of Medication Adherence Instrument (GEMA) was developed to provide an accurate measure of this construct. The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of the measurement of the Global Evaluation of Medication Adherence Instrument (GEMA) among patients with chronic diseases. A methodological study was conducted in the public hospital of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The adherence to anticoagulants as well as the international normalized ratio (INR) was assessed on 127 patients. Besides GEMA, two other instruments were used to assess adherence: the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) and the Measurement of Adhesion to Treatments (MAT). The GEMA presented a satisfactory level of specificity (0.76) to identify adherents among those with a stable INR, low sensitivity (0.43) for the identification of non-adherents among those with an unstable INR, and a Positive Predictive Value of 0.70. Positive and weak to moderate correlations were observed between the proportion of doses assessed with GEMA and the scores on the MMAS-8 (r = .26 and r = .22, respectively) and the MAT (r = .22 and r = .30, respectively). The GEMA presented good practicality, acceptability, and evidence of specificity regarding the stability of the INR. The validity of the construct was partially supported by the relationship with self-reported measures of adherence.

Brief research report pesticide occupational exposure leads to significant inflammatory changes in normal mammary breast tissue.

Studies have documented the high occurrence of several tumors, including female breast cancer, in populations occupationally exposed to pesticides worldwide. It is believed that in addition to direct DNA damage, other molecular alterations that indicate genomic instability are associated, such as epigenetic modifications and the production of inflammation mediators. The present study characterized the profile of inflammatory changes in the breast tissue of women without cancer occupationally exposed to pesticides. In samples of normal breast tissue collected during biopsy and evaluated as negative for cancer by a pathologist, oxidative stress levels were assessed as inflammatory markers through measurements of lipoperoxides and total antioxidant capacity of the sample (TRAP) by high-sensitivity chemiluminescence, as well as levels of nitric oxide (NOx) metabolites. The levels of inflammation-modulating transcription factors PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) and NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) were also quantified, in addition to the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 12 (IL-12). The levels of lipoperoxides, TRAP, and NOx were significantly lower in the exposed group. On the other hand, PPAR-γ levels were increased in the breast tissue of exposed women, with no variation in NF-κB. There was also a rise of TNF-α in exposed women samples without significant variations in IL-12 levels. These findings suggest an inflammatory signature of the breast tissue associated with pesticide exposure, which may trigger mechanisms related to mutations and breast carcinogenesis.

A rapid literature review on the health-related outcomes of long-term person-centered care models in adults with chronic illness.

Introduction: The strong association between age and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, makes it imperative to promote self-care throughout life. Systematic knowledge on the health findings of person-centered care models may contribute to designing effective healthcare strategies to promote empowerment for self-care in long-term care. Objective: To assess the association between the implementation of person-centered care models that promote self-care training in long-term care and health-related outcomes, among adults with chronic illness. Methods: A rapid review of the literature was performed following the Cochrane rapid review methodology. The electronic databases CINAHL, MedicLatina, MEDLINE, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection were searched for randomized experimental studies, published between 2017 and 2022, that implemented interventions based on person-centered models to promote self-care in adults aged ≥18 years with chronic diseases and needing long-term health care. Verification of the eligibility of the articles and the extraction of data were performed by two independent investigators. Quantitative data on the health-related variables assessed were collected and, through narrative synthesis, health outcomes were grouped into individual, institutional and societal levels. Results: Eight studies, mostly conducted in European countries, were included. All satisfied more than 60% of the methodological quality score. A large variability among studies was found regarding the number of participants, the data collection period and duration of the intervention, the samples selected and the care model implemented. A high number of health-related outcomes (n = 17) were analyzed in the studies, using 52 different instruments. The main health-related outcomes were multidimensional, with implications at the individual, institutional and societal levels. The promotion of overall health and wellbeing (n = 4), the implementation of patient-centered care models (n = 1), the positive and more frequent interactions with health professionals (2), the decrease on staff psychosocial distress (n = 1), and the absence of added costs (n = 1), while improving family caregivers' skills (n = 1) were the main health-related outcomes described. Conclusion: There is a need to develop robust experimental studies focused on the views and experiences of all stakeholders and conducted in different countries and cultures. Short-, medium- and long-term health outcomes should be measured using internationally accepted and validated scales for chronic patients.

Growth rate, evolutionary entropy and ageing across the tree of life.

The growth rate of a population serves as a measure of its Darwinian fitness, while its sensitivity indicates the intensity of selection. Generally, the sensitivity of r decreases with age, resulting in an expected increase in population mortality over time. However, this does not hold true for many populations, especially those exhibiting negative senescence. Both evolutionary entropy and its sensitivity serve as complementary measures for assessing fitness and the intensity of selection. The sensitivity of entropy is typically a convex function of age, implying stronger selection pressures in younger and older age groups. We show that the sensitivity functions of entropy exhibit a greater range of behaviours compared to those of the growth rate alone. This strongly suggests that evolutionary entropy offers an extremely valuable measure for capturing the diversity in aging patterns within populations, complementing what can be captured by the growth rate alone.

Estimation of genetic parameters for the tick and hemoparasite burden in Angus cattle.

The study was conducted with the objective of estimating genetic and phenotypic parameters for tick (CRM) and Babesia bigemina (IBBi), Babesia bovis (IBBo), and Anaplasma marginale (IAM) burden in Angus female breed in Brazil. The sample group was composed of Angus females raised in herds located in a region of endemic instability for cattle tick fever in the state of Rio Grande Sul (RS), Brazil. The variance components were estimated using Bayesian inference and Gibbs sampling algorithm, considering a multi-trait animal model. Heritability estimates showed values of low magnitude, ranging from 0.03 (IBBo) to 0.16 (CRM), while repeatability estimates ranged between 0.07 (IBBo) and 0.21 (CRM). Regarding the genetic correlation estimates, the values showed low (-0.01 for IBBo × IAM) to moderate (0.55 between IBBi × IAM) magnitudes. The results indicate that it is possible to use tick count and hemoparasite infection levels as selection criteria, with small genetic gains.

Pendular mechanism determinants and elastic energy usage during walking of obese and non-obese children.

The mechanical and metabolic responses of walking by obese children are not yet well understood. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare the pendular mechanism (recovery, phase shift by α and ß values, and ratio between forward and vertical mechanical work), the maximum possible elastic energy usage and the bilateral coordination during walking between non-obese and obese children, and (2) to verify if the bilateral coordination could contribute to understanding the pendular mechanism and elastic energy usage in these populations. Nine obese (six female, 8.7 ± 0.5 years, 1.38 ± 0.04 m, 44.4 ± 6.3 kg and 24.1 ± 3.50 kg/m2 ) and eight non-obese (four female, 7.4 ± 0.5 years, 1.31 ± 0.08 m, 26.6 ± 2.1 kg and 16.4 ± 1.40 kg/m2 ) children were analysed during walking on a treadmill at five speeds: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 km/h. The results indicated that although the mechanical energy response of the centre of mass during walking is similar between obese and non-obese children, the obese children showed a lower pendulum-like mechanism and greater elastic energy usage during level walking. Therefore, obese children seem to use more elastic energy during walking compared to non-obese children, which may be related to their apparent higher positive work production during the double support phase. Finally, bilateral coordination presented high values at slow speeds in both groups and requires further attention due to its association with falls. NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Are there any differences of the pendular and elastic mechanisms and bilateral coordination during walking between non-obese and obese children? What is the main finding and its importance? To our knowledge, this study is the first to analyse the mechanical energy usage and the bilateral coordination of obese and non-obese children during walking. Obese children had a lower pendular recovery mechanism and used more elastic energy compared to non-obese children. The bilateral coordination was higher at slow speeds in both groups and requires further attention due to its association with falls.

Autotransplante dentário: da previsibilidade à técnica cirúrgica e resultados do tratamento / Dental Autotransplantation: from predictability to surgical technique and treatment results

Objetivo: apresentar o relato de duas pacientes com agenesias dentárias em que cinco dentes autotransplantados foram utilizados como modalidade de tratamento. Além disso, objetiva-se mostrar questões sobre a técnica cirúrgica, suas indicações e previsibilidade. Relato de caso: Neste estudo, foram relatados 5 casos de autotransplante dentário em duas pacientes jovens, em que a equipe realizou os procedimentos e o acompanhamento clínico e radiográfico por 5 e 7 anos. Devido à alta sensibilidade da técnica, foram seguidos princípios previamente estabelecidos na literatura envolvendo o autotransplante dentário. Durante o período de acompanhamento, os dentes se mantiveram em posição e em função e as pacientes não apresentavam queixas associadas. Considerações finais: a técnica do autotransplante dentário, quando bem indicada e executada, é capaz de promover resultados bastante satisfatórios, sendo uma ótima alternativa reabilitadora, com taxas de sucesso elevadas e custos reduzidos. No entanto, critérios em relação aos sítios doadores e receptores e a habilidade do cirurgião devem ser levados em conta para o sucesso do técnica.

Objective: presenting the report of two patients with tooth agenesis in which five autotransplanted teeth were used as a treatment modality. Furthermore, the aim is to show questions about the surgical technique and its indications and predictability. Case report: In this study, 5 cases of dental autotransplantation were reported in two young patients, in which the team performed procedures and had clinical and radiographic follow-up for 5 and 7 years. Due to the high sensitivity of the technique, principles previously established in the literature involving dental autotransplantation were followed. During the follow-up period, the teeth remained in position and function and the patients had no associated complaints. Final considerations: the dental autotransplantation technique, when well indicated and executed, is capable of achieving very satisfactory results, being a great rehabilitative alternative, with high success rates and reduced costs. However, criteria regarding donor and receptor sites and the surgeon's skill must be taken into account for the success of the technique.

The Effectiveness of Nursing Rehabilitation Interventions on Self-Care for Older Adults with Respiratory Disorders: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Background: This research work aimed to summarize the rehabilitation nursing interventions published in the scientific literature that most contribute to effective adherence to self-care in older adults with respiratory diseases. Methods: A systematic literature review with meta-analysis was conducted by searching the EBSCOhost platform (CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane, and MedicLatina) using the PRISMA methodology. Five articles were selected for final analysis. Meta-analysis was carried out using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software, and the results were presented in a forest plot. Results: Thirty-one self-promoting rehabilitation nursing interventions were identified, with the most effective being those related to the assessment of progress in physical capacity/activity tolerance (functional status category/domain) and the assessment of the increase in health-related quality of life (health-related quality of life category/domain). Conclusions: Rehabilitation nursing interventions such as self-management programs led by nurses, community-based and home-based rehabilitation programs, and inspiratory muscle training can effectively reduce and enable the effective control of symptoms associated with respiratory disorders, boosting older adults' empowerment to engage in self-care.

The use of noninvasive measurements of intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: The most frequent cause of death in neurosurgical patients is due to the increase in intracranial pressure (ICP); consequently, adequate monitoring of this parameter is extremely important. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to analyze the accuracy of noninvasive measurement methods for intracranial hypertension (IH) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: The data were obtained from the PubMed database, using the following terms: intracranial pressure, noninvasive, monitoring, assessment, and measurement. The selected articles date from 1980 to 2021, all of which were observational studies or clinical trials, in English and specifying ICP measurement in TBI. At the end of the selection, 21 articles were included in this review. RESULTS: The optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), pupillometry, transcranial doppler (TCD), multimodal combination, brain compliance using ICP waveform (ICPW), HeadSense, and Visual flash evoked pressure (FVEP) were analyzed. Pupillometry was not found to correlate with ICP, while HeadSense monitor and the FVEP method appear to have good correlation, but sensitivity and specificity data are not available. The ONSD and TCD methods showed good-to-moderate accuracy on invasive ICP values and potential to detect IH in most studies. Furthermore, multimodal combination may reduce the error possibility related to each technique. Finally, ICPW showed good accuracy to ICP values, but this analysis included TBI and non-TBI patients in the same sample. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive ICP monitoring methods may be used in the near future to guide TBI patients' management.

ANTECEDENTES: A causa mais frequente de morte em pacientes neurocirúrgicos é devido ao aumento da pressão intracraniana (PIC); consequentemente, o monitoramento adequado desse parâmetro é de extrema importância. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar na literatura científica os principais métodos não invasivos de medida da PIC em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE). MéTODOS: Os dados foram obtidos na base de dados PubMed, utilizando os seguintes termos: pressão intracraniana, não invasivo, monitoramento, avaliação e medida, resultando em 147 artigos. Os artigos selecionados datam de 1980 a 2021, sendo todos estudos observacionais ou ensaios clínicos, em inglês e especificando a medida da pressão intracraniana em traumatismo cranioencefálico. Ao final da seleção, 21 artigos foram incluídos nesta revisão. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados os seguintes métodos: diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico (ONSD), pupilometria, doppler transcraniano (TCD), combinação multimodal, complacência cerebral por meio da análise de ondas intracerebrais (ICPW), HeadSense e visual evocado por flashes de luz (FVEP). A pupilometria não se correlacionou com os valores de PIC, enquanto que o monitor HeadSense e o método FVEP parecem ter uma boa correlação, mas os dados de sensibilidade e especificidade desses métodos não estão disponíveis. Os métodos ONSD e TCD mostraram acurácia de boa a moderada quanto aos valores de IPCi, além de bom potencial para detectar hipertensão intracraniana. Ademais, a combinação multimodal pode reduzir a possibilidade de erro relacionado a cada técnica. Por fim, o ICPW apresentou boa acurácia quanto aos valores de ICPi, mas, no estudo analisado, foram incluídos pacientes com e sem TCE em uma mesma amostra. CONCLUSõES: Métodos não invasivos de medição da PIC podem atuar no futuro no manejo de pacientes com TCE como uma potencial ferramenta de triagem para TCE grave e para a detecção de hipertensão intracraniana.

Genomic inbreeding estimation, runs of homozygosity, and heterozygosity-enriched regions uncover signals of selection in the Quarter Horse racing line.

With the advent of genomics, significant progress has been made in the genetic improvement of livestock species, particularly through increased accuracy in predicting breeding values for selecting superior animals and the possibility of performing a high-resolution genetic scan throughout the genome of an individual. The main objectives of this study were to estimate the individual genomic inbreeding coefficient based on runs of homozygosity (FROH ), to identify and characterize runs of homozygosity and heterozygosity (ROH and ROHet, respectively; length and distribution) throughout the genome, and to map selection signatures in relevant chromosomal regions in the Quarter Horse racing line. A total of 336 animals registered with the Brazilian Association of Quarter Horse Breeders (ABQM) were genotyped. One hundred and twelve animals were genotyped using the Equine SNP50 BeadChip (Illumina, USA), with 54,602 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; 54K). The remaining 224 samples were genotyped using the Equine SNP70 BeadChip (Illumina, USA) with 65,157 SNPs (65K). To ensure data quality, we excluded animals with a call rate below 0.9. We also excluded SNPs located on non-autosomal chromosomes, as well as those with a call rate below 0.9 or a p-value below 1 × 10-5 for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The results indicate moderate to high genomic inbreeding, with 46,594 ROH and 16,101 ROHet detected. In total, 30 and 14 candidate genes overlap with ROH and ROHet regions, respectively. The ROH islands showed genes linked to crucial biological processes, such as cell differentiation (CTBP1, WNT5B, and TMEM120B), regulation of glucose metabolic process (MAEA and NKX1-1), heme transport (PGRMC2), and negative regulation of calcium ion import (VDAC1). In ROHet, the islands showed genes related to respiratory capacity (OR7D19, OR7D4G, OR7D4E, and OR7D4J) and muscle repair (EGFR and BCL9). These findings could aid in selecting animals with greater regenerative capacity and developing treatments for muscle disorders in the QH breed. This study serves as a foundation for future research on equine breeds. It can contribute to developing reproductive strategies in animal breeding programs to improve and preserve the Quarter Horse breed.