Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency During the Use of Semaglutide: A Case Report.

Although acute pancreatitis has been reported as an adverse event in patients treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, to date we have not identified a case describing exocrine pancreatic insufficiency related to this drug. Here we present a case of a patient with no history of acute pancreatitis, who was diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency during the third year of weekly subcutaneous semaglutide for obesity control. A 68-year-old man with previous unsuccessful therapeutic approaches for weight loss used subcutaneous semaglutide, once a week, for 181 weeks. The pharmacological treatment, combined with instructions on lifestyle changes, resulted in a weight loss of 11.6% of initial body weight, with a reduction in body mass index from 35.7 to 31.9 kg/m2. The patient received a regular dose of 0.5mg/week in the first 14 weeks in a private physician's office. During this period, an asymptomatic elevation of serum lipase was identified and attributed to alcohol consumption. Because the patient complained of less satiety and weight loss stabilization, the dose of semaglutide was increased to 1.0mg/week. Serum lipase levels increased to up to eight times the upper normal limit and the use of semaglutide was discontinued for 10 weeks. Due to progressive weight regain and serum lipase levels being near normal, semaglutide was reintroduced at 0.25mg/week with progressive increments until 1.0mg/week. The patient missed the follow-up appointments, continued the same dose of semaglutide for another 16 weeks, and discontinued treatment after another asymptomatic elevation in serum lipase levels. Four weeks later, the patient reported steatorrhea and was seen by a gastroenterologist, who diagnosed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The course of our case suggests a potential association between semaglutide and chronic alcohol consumption in the development of exogenous pancreatic insufficiency. We call attention to the importance of regular monitoring of serum lipase levels in patients taking GLP-1 analogues and suggest that the consumption of any amount of alcohol should be discouraged in patients in long-term treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

Transcription factors and miRNA act as contrary regulators of gene expression in the testis and epididymis of Bos indicus animals.

Spermatogenesis is highly conserved among mammalians, but its gene expression and regulatory profile are not entirely known. As transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs are crucial for gene expression regulation, identifying genes negatively regulated by miRNAs and positively regulated by TFs in the testis and epididymis can provide a deeper understanding of gene expression and regulatory patterns. To do this, we used expression data coming from RNA-Seq and miRNA-Seq experiments made with biopsies from testicular parenchyma, head of the epididymis, and tail of the epididymis of four Brahman bulls. We identified miRNA differentially expressed (DE) by comparing the three distinct tissues. A co-expression analysis combined with a regulatory impact factor approach identified miRNAs and TFs with regulatory impact over gene expression regulation in the Bos indicus tissues studied. We identified 116 DE miRNAs, 206 miRNAs and 237 TFs with a significant regulatory impact on mRNA patterns in the tissues' comparisons. bta-miR-196b was the only DE miRNA for all tissue comparisons and it may be a regulator of spermatogenesis through its links with adipogenesis and insulin biosynthesis. DE genes and TFs involved in contrary regulations between the epididymis head and testis parenchyma were associated with spermatogenesis, sexual reproduction, and sperm motility. Our results provide possible mechanisms, governed by the contrary effect of miRNA and TF, leading to the differential expression between the studied tissues. We have demonstrated that our predictions of miRNAs and TFs co-regulations over target DE genes can retrieve known regulatory mechanisms and predict new ones that merit further validation.

Performance, carcass characteristics and non-carcass components of Santa Ines and crossbred (Santa Ines x Dorper) lambs finished in different confinement strategies.

Genetic group, age at entry into confinement and at slaughter, are characteristics that have an important influence on lamb performance and carcass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics and non-carcass components from different genetic groups (Santa Inês and ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês) sheep, submitted to different feedlot entry and exit strategies. Were used 72 lambs males and castrated; 36 Santa Inês (SI) and 36 crossbred (Dorper x Santa Inês-DSI), with 6 months of average initial age. The groups were established in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 2x3x4 factorial arrangement, from the combination of genetic groups (GG), body weight at the beginning of confinement (WBC) and length of stay in confinement (LSC). The body weight classes at the beginning of confinement were: light (25 kg), intermediate (28 kg) and heavy (31 kg), for Santa Inês and crossbreeds, respectively. Slaughters were carried out every 28 days of confinement, in four LSC: 0, 28, 56 and 84 days. The GG did not influence performance, carcass and non-carcass component traits of lambs (p > 0.05). There was an effect of the WBC on the weights: final (FW), metabolic (MW), body at slaughter (BWS), empty body (EBW), hot carcass (HCY) and cold (CCW), loin, shoulder, leg musculature; loin eye area (LEA) and loin fat (p < 0.05). There was also an effect on LSC, for FW, average daily weight gain (ADG), MW, weight and yield of body components, weight of cuts and tissue ratio components of cuts (p < 0.05). In non-carcass components, effect on full and empty weight of: omasum, rumen-reticulum, small intestine; empty large intestine, liver and kidneys, paws and skin, and perirenal, pelvic and inguinal fat (p < 0.05). Interaction double effect on the tissue muscle/fat:bone ratio (MF:B) and for the full omasal component (p < 0.05). And triple interaction effect for ADG, full omasum and perirenal fat (p < 0.05). Weight at the beginning of confinement and confinement time are the characteristics that most influence performance, quantitative characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components. Regardless of the genetic group and age class, the animals reach the same weight after 84 days of confinement. Thus, the confinement of heavier lambs (31 kg) can be a profitable alternative, as they presented the highest weights for the most commercially valued cuts (shank and loin). The confinement strategy must adapt to market situations.

Parental supervision and sexual behavior among Brazilian adolescents / Supervisão dos pais e comportamento sexual entre adolescentes brasileiros

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the association between parental supervision and sexual behaviors among Brazilian adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study with data from 102,072 adolescents who responded to the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey. We estimated the prevalence of sexual behaviors (initiation, use of condoms, contraception, and number of partners). Parental supervision was evaluated using a score considering five indicators. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) adjusted by age and sex in order to estimate the association between parental supervision score and sexual behaviors of adolescents. Results: Prevalence of risky sexual behavior for adolescents with minimum and maximum parental supervision were: sexual initiation (min.: 58.0%; max.: 20.1%), condom use in the last sexual intercourse (min.: 50.9%; max.: 80.2%), use of contraceptives (min.: 40.8; max.: 49.1%), and mean number of partners (min.: 3.25; max.: 2.88). Parental supervision was greater among girls. Those with higher supervision scores had higher prevalence of condom use in the first and last sexual intercourse and of contraceptive methods, and a smaller mean number of partners, even after adjustments for sex and age. Conclusion: The greater the parental supervision, the better the sexual behavior for both sexes, although supervision seems to occur differently between girls and boys. These findings point to the role of the family in providing adolescents with monitoring, along with dialogue and affection, conditions that encourage healthy and risk-free sexual behavior.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre a supervisão dos pais e comportamentos sexuais entre os adolescentes brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo transversal com dados de 102.072 estudantes do 9º ano que responderam à Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar de 2015. Estimou-se a prevalência dos comportamentos sexuais (iniciação, uso de preservativo, contracepção e número de parcerias). A supervisão dos pais foi avaliada por meio de escore formado por cinco indicadores. Foram calculadas razões de prevalência ajustadas por sexo e idade para a análise das relações existentes entre o escore de supervisão dos pais e os comportamentos sexuais de adolescentes. Resultados: As prevalências de comportamentos sexuais em adolescentes com mínima e máxima supervisão parental foram: iniciação sexual (mín.: 58,0%; máx.: 20,1%), uso do preservativo na última relação sexual (mín.: 50,9%; máx.: 80,2%), de contraceptivos (mín.: 40,8; máx.: 49,1%) e número de parceiros (mín.: 3,25; máx.: 2,88). A supervisão parental apresentou maior magnitude no sexo feminino. Aqueles com maior escore de supervisão apresentaram maiores prevalências do uso de preservativos na primeira e última relação sexual, de métodos contraceptivos e menor média do número de parceiros, mesmo após ajustes por sexo e idade. Conclusão: Quanto maior a supervisão dos pais, melhores os comportamentos sexuais, para ambos os sexos, apesar de a supervisão ocorrer de forma diferenciada entre os sexos. Esses achados apontam o papel da família em proporcionar aos adolescentes monitoramento simultâneo ao diálogo e ao afeto, condição estimuladora do comportamento sexual saudável e livre de riscos.

Parental supervision and sexual behavior among Brazilian adolescentes / Supervisão dos pais e comportamento sexual entre adolescentes brasileiros

Objective: to evaluate the association between parental supervision and sexual behaviors among Brazilian adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study with data from 102,072 adolescents who responded to the National Adolescent Health Survey. We estimated the prevalence of sexual behaviors (initiation, use of condoms, contraception, and number of partners). Parental supervision was evaluated using a score           considering five indicators. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) adjusted by age and sex in order to estimate the association between the parental supervision score and the sexual behaviors of the adolescents.  Results: Prevalence of risky sexual behavior for adolescents with minimum and maximum parental supervision were: sexual initiation (min.: 58.0%; max.: 20.1%), condom use in the last sexual intercourse (min.: 50.9%; max.: 80.2%), use of contraceptives (min.: 40.8; max.: 49.1%), and mean number of partners (min.: 3.25; max.: 2.88). Parental supervision was greater among girls. Those with greater supervision score had higher prevalence of condom use in the first and last sexual intercourse, use of contraceptive methods and a lower mean number of partners, even after adjustments for sex and age. Conclusion: The greater parental supervision, the better the sexual behavior for both sexes, although supervision seems to occur differently between girls and boys. These findings point to the role of the family in providing adolescents with monitoring, along with dialogue and affection, conditions that encourage healthy and risk-free sexual behavior.

Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre a supervisão dos pais e comportamentos sexuais entre os adolescentes brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo transversal com dados de 102.072 estudantes do 9° ano que responderam à Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar de 2015. Estimou-se a prevalência dos comportamentos sexuais (iniciação, uso de preservativo, contracepção e número de parcerias). A supervisão dos pais foi avaliada por meio de escore formado por cinco indicadores. Foram calculadas razões de prevalência (RP) ajustadas por sexo e idade para análise das relações existentes entre o escore de supervisão dos pais e os comportamentos sexuais de adolescentes. Resultados: As prevalências de comportamentos sexuais em adolescentes com mínima e máxima supervisão parental foram: iniciação sexual (min.: 58,0%; máx.: 20,1%), uso do preservativo na última relação sexual (mín.: 50,9%; máx.: 80,2%), de contraceptivos (min.: 40,8; máx.: 49,1%), e número de parceiros (mín.: 3,25; máx.: 2,88). Supervisão parental apresentaram maior magnitude no sexo feminino. Aqueles com maior escore de supervisão, apresentaram maiores prevalências do uso de preservativos na primeira e última relação sexual, de métodos contraceptivos e menor média do número de parceiros, mesmo após ajustes por sexo e idade. Conclusão: Quanto maior a supervisão dos pais melhores os comportamentos sexuais, para ambos os sexos, apesar da supervisão ocorrer de forma diferenciada entre os sexos. Esses achados apontam o papel da família em proporcionar aos adolescentes monitoramento, simultâneo ao diálogo e ao afeto, condições estimuladoras ao comportamento sexual saudável e livre de riscos.

A Novel Approach to Multi-Provider Network Slice Selector for 5G and Future Communication Systems.

The Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) in heterogeneous technology environments is a complex problem, which still does not have a fully acceptable solution. Thus, the implementation of new network selection strategies represents an important issue in development, mainly due to the growing demand for applications and scenarios involving 5G and future networks. This work presents an integrated solution for the NSSF problem, called the Network Slice Selection Function Decision-Aid Framework (NSSF DAF), which consists of a distributed solution in which a part is executed on the user's equipment (for example, smartphones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, IoT brokers) functioning as a transparent service, and another at the Edge of the operator or service provider. It requires a low consumption of computing resources from mobile devices and offers complete independence from the network operator. For this purpose, protocols and software tools are used to classify slices, employing the following four multicriteria methods to aid decision making: VIKOR (Visekriterijumska Optimizacija i Kompromisno Resenje), COPRAS (Complex Proportional Assessment), TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and Promethee II (Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations). The general objective is to verify the similarity among these methods and applications to the slice classification and selection process, considering a specific scenario in the framework. It also uses machine learning through the K-means clustering algorithm, adopting a hybrid solution in the implementation and operation of the NSSF service in multi-domain slicing environments of heterogeneous mobile networks. Testbeds were conducted to validate the proposed framework, mapping the adequate quality of service requirements. The results indicate a real possibility of offering a complete solution to the NSSF problem that can be implemented in Edge, in Core, or even in the 5G Radio Base Station itself, without the incremental computational cost of the end user's equipment, allowing for an adequate quality of experience.

Major differences between single or twin hair lambs in the immediate postpartum period: Metabolic and thermodynamic patterns detected by infrared thermography.

The objective was to evaluate the differences between hair lambs, born from single or twin births, regarding the latency periods for standing up and suckling, the vitality, glycemic, cortisol, and triiodothyronine concentrations, as well as the phenotypic characteristics related to the maintenance of homeothermy in the immediate postpartum. Single (n = 10) or twin (n = 12) Morada Nova lambs were evaluated after birth, during the first successful suckling (M0 = Timepoint 0), and at regular intervals of 20 min (M20, M40, M60). Lambs from single births had higher birth weight (3.09 vs 2.58 kg; P ≤ 0.05) and higher serum triiodothyronine concentration (267 vs 209 ng/dL; P ≤ 0.05) compared to twin lambs. There was a positive correlation between weight and blood glucose (0.57; P ≤ 0.05) for both single and twin lambs. The type of birth did not affect vitality, which was negatively associated with cortisol concentration (-0.53; P ≤ 0.05). Twin lambs had higher internal and ocular temperatures (39.29 vs 38.67 °C and 38.84 vs 38.13 °C; P ≤ 0.05, respectively). Body surface temperatures increased over time in both groups (P ≤ 0.05). An increase in the temperature of the hips region (ysingle = 27.88 + 0.019*time; R2 = 0.96; P = 0.019 and ytwin = 28.74 + 0.019*time; R2 = 0.94; P = 0.029) was observed for both single and twin lambs, which coincides with the region of brown adipose tissue deposition. The lowest absolute thermal variabilities between twin and single lambs in M0 and M60 were recorded in the midloin and integral dorsal area. The parturition type did not influence the latencies to stand up (P = 0.908) and for the first suckling (P = 0.888), and the vitality score (P = 0.353). Thus, single and twin lambs do not differ in neonatal behavior, but they presented specific metabolic strategies to regulate body temperature over time. Midloin and integral dorsal areas are anatomical regions suggested for use in serial thermographic monitoring. Infrared thermography may be an important complementary resource in neonatal care.

Prevalência de indicadores de saúde sexual e reprodutiva dos adolescentes brasileiros: análise comparativa da pesquisa nacional de saúde do escolar 2015 e 2019 / Prevalencia de indicadores de salud sexual y reproductiva de los adolescentes brasileños: análisis comparativo de la encuesta nacional de salud escolar 2015 y 2019 / Prevalence of brazilian adolescents' sexual and reproductive health indicators: a comparative analysis of the 2015 and 2019 national school health survey

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar estimativas de prevalência de indicadores de saúde sexual e reprodutiva dos adolescentes brasileiros que participaram das edições 2015 e 2019 da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE). Método: estudo transversal que analisou dados de adolescentes escolares de 13 a 17 anos de idade respondentes da PeNSE 2015 e 2019. Estimou-se a prevalência dos indicadores com intervalos de 95% de confiança de acordo com o sexo, a faixa etária, a dependência administrativa da escola e a região. Resultados: destaca-se o aumento da prevalência de iniciação sexual precoce entre os mais novos, 171,2% entre os meninos e 425,2% entre as meninas. Também houve aumento da prevalência de gravidez na adolescência nas regiões Nordeste (376,9%) e Sudeste (416,6%), entre as mais jovens. Entre os adolescentes de 16 e 17 anos, houve redução do uso de preservativo na última relação e aumento na prevalência de recebimento de orientações sobre prevenção de gravidez e sobre HIV/Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, entre os estudantes de escolas públicas. Houve redução na prevalência de acesso a essas orientações nas escolas privadas entre os mais jovens. Em 2019, observou-se redução no uso de pílulas anticoncepcionais entre as adolescentes mais novas das regiões Norte, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste. Conclusão: houve piora na prevalência dos comportamentos sexuais de risco em adolescentes brasileiros, incluindo o aumento da gravidez em algumas regiões do país. Ressalta-se a importância da cooperação entre os serviços de saúde e de educação, que devem estar alinhados para promover melhores hábitos de vida, destacando os de saúde sexual e reprodutiva entre os jovens.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar las estimaciones de prevalencia de los indicadores de salud sexual y reproductiva de los adolescentes brasileños que participaron en las ediciones 2015 y 2019 de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Escolar (PeNSE). Método: estudio transversal que analizó los datos de los adolescentes escolares de 13 a 17 años encuestados en la PeNSE 2015 y 2019. La prevalencia de los indicadores se estimó con intervalos de confianza del 95% según el sexo, el grupo de edad, la dependencia administrativa del centro escolar y la región. Resultados: Se distingue el aumento de la prevalencia de la iniciación sexual precoz, entre los más jóvenes, 171,2% entre los chicos y 425,2% entre las chicas. También hubo aumento de la prevalencia de embarazo en la adolescencia en las regiones Nordeste (376,9%) y Sudeste (416,6%), entre los más jóvenes. Entre los adolescentes de 16 y 17 años, hubo reducción del uso del preservativo en la última relación y aumento en la prevalencia de recibir orientación sobre prevención de embarazo y sobre VIH/infecciones sexualmente transmisibles, entre los alumnos de escuelas públicas. La prevalencia del acceso a esta orientación en las escuelas privadas se redujo entre los más jóvenes. En 2019, se redujo el uso de píldoras anticonceptivas entre los adolescentes más jóvenes de las regiones Norte, Sureste y Centro-Oeste. Conclusión: hubo un empeoramiento de la prevalencia de los comportamientos sexuales de riesgo en los adolescentes brasileños, incluyendo un aumento de los embarazos en algunas regiones del país. Se destaca la importancia de la cooperación entre los servicios sanitarios y educativos, que deben estar alineados, para promover mejores hábitos de vida, destacando los de salud sexual y reproductiva entre los jóvenes.

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare prevalence estimates of sexual and reproductive health indicators among Brazilian adolescents who participated in the 2015 and 2019 editions of the National School Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar, PeNSE). Method: a cross-sectional study that analyzed data from in-school adolescents aged from 13 to 17 years old who answered the 2015 and 2019 editions of PeNSE. Prevalence of the indicators was estimated with 95% confidence intervals according to gender, age group, the school's administrative system and region. Results: the increase in the prevalence of early initiation of sexual activity stands out among the youngest adolescents: 171.2% in the boys and 452.2% in the girls. An increase in the prevalence of teenage pregnancy was also recorded in the Northeast (376.9%) and Southeast (416.6%) regions in the youngest subjects. Among the in-school adolescents aged 16 and 17 from public institutions there was a reduction in condom use in the last intercourse and an increase in the prevalence of receiving guidelines on pregnancy prevention and about HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infections. There was a reduction in the prevalence of access to these guidelines in private schools among the youngest students. In 2019, a reduction in the use of contraceptive pills was observed among the youngest female adolescents from the North, Southeast and Midwest regions. Conclusion: the prevalence of risk sexual behaviors worsened among Brazilian adolescents, including an increase in the number of pregnancies in some regions of the country. The importance of cooperation between the health and education services is emphasized, which should be aligned to promote better life habits, with those related to sexual and reproductive health among young people standing out.

Human chorionic gonadotropin affects original (ovulatory) and induced (accessory) corpora lutea, progesterone concentrations, and pregnancy rates in anestrous dairy goats.

Two experiments were conducted in acyclic Alpine (A) and Saanen (S) goats that received intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate for 6 days, as well as 200 IU of eCG and 30 µg d-cloprostenol i.m. 24 h before sponge removal. On day 7 (day 0 = onset of synchronized estrus), all goats were randomly divided into two groups: animals treated with 300 IU of hCG i.m. (hCG; Exp.1: n = 8A; Exp.2: n = 75A + S) and untreated controls (Control; Exp.1: n = 8A; Exp. 2: n = 70A + S). In Exp.2, all goats were artificially inseminated. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography and blood collection were done on days 7, 10, 13, 17, and 21 (Exp.1), and pregnancy detection on day 60 (Exp.2). Estrus and ovulations occurred in five hCG and seven Control animals. Accessory CL (aCL) were detected in all hCG does. The total luteal area of ovulatory corpora lutea (oCL) increased (P < 0.05) on day 10 in hCG does and remained greater (P < 0.05) than in Control until day 21. Total and high-velocity color Doppler area were greater (P < 0.05) for oCL of hCG does on days 13 and 17. Progesterone concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in hCG does from days 13 to 21 and related directly to the total luteal and oCL area for the duration of the study in all does. The pregnancy rate was higher (P < 0.05) in hCG than in Control by 22.5 %. Human chorionic gonadotropin given on day 7 of the synchronized estrous cycle positively affected CL function and pregnancy rates in seasonally anovular dairy goats.

Overnutrition of Ewe in Late Gestation and the Impact on Placental Efficiency and Lamb's Performance.

The objective of the study was to evaluate energy or energy/protein supplementation in the ewe diet, in the last third of gestation, on maternal placental and endocrine characteristics, as well as its effects on the behavior of neonatal lambs and productive performance until weaning. A total of 128 ewes were used, and the experimental diet was fed from 100 days gestation until lambing, with the birth of 172 lambs. The ewes were distributed into three treatments: CTL (control, n = 43) with metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) intake according to NRC (1985); ME (energy supplementation, n = 44) plus 21% ME; and MECP (energy/protein supplementation, n = 41) plus 26% ME and CP. Body weight, body condition score, serum hormone concentrations, placental characteristics, lamb performance and behavior, and production efficiency of the ewe from lambing to weaning were measured. ME and MECP ewes were heavier before (p = 0.006) and just after lambing (p = 0.002) and had higher serum triiodothyronine (p = 0.001) and cortisol (p = 0.004) concentrations on the day of lambing. ME ewes had higher placental efficiency (p = 0.036) and lower total cotyledon weight (p = 0.011). ME and MECP diets increased both lamb birth weight (p = 0.015) and weaning weight (p = 0.009). Production efficiency at birth and at weaning was not influenced (p > 0.05) by treatments. Lamb behavior was influenced by the ME and MECP diets, reducing the time to kneel (p ≤ 0.05), to try to stand (p ≤ 0.05), and the latency to stand (p ≤ 0.005). It is concluded that overnutrition in the last third of gestation was positive for the ovine production system, with improved production rates, hormonal profile, placental characteristics, and neonatal behavior.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms affect miRNA target prediction in bovine.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can have significant effects on phenotypic characteristics in cattle. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that act as post-transcriptional regulators by binding them to target mRNAs. In the present study, we scanned ~56 million SNPs against 1,064 bovine miRNA sequences and analyzed, in silico, their possible effects on target binding prediction, primary miRNA formation, association with QTL regions and the evolutionary conservation for each SNP locus. Following target prediction, we show that 71.6% of miRNA predicted targets were altered as a consequence of SNPs located within the seed region of the mature miRNAs. Next, we identified variations in the Minimum Free Energy (MFE), which represents the capacity to alter molecule stability and, consequently, miRNA maturation. A total of 48.6% of the sequences analyzed showed values within those previously reported as sufficient to alter miRNA maturation. We have also found 131 SNPs in 46 miRNAs, with altered target prediction, occurring in QTL regions. Lastly, analysis of evolutionary conservation scores for each SNP locus suggested that they have a conserved biological function through the evolutionary process. Our results suggest that SNPs in microRNAs have the potential to affect bovine phenotypes and could be of great value for genetic improvement studies, as well as production.

Oblique astigmatism and field curvature measured with light-field imaging.

The testing of astigmatism and field curvature of an optical system with light-field imaging is proposed. The method consists in measuring the depth map, obtained with a plenoptic camera, of the image of a test pattern formed by the optical system. To demonstrate the accuracy of the method, the virtual image formed by a plano-convex lens was tested. The resulting depth map was compared with the sagittal and tangential foci distances calculated with the Coddington theory. The proposed method could be applied to the quality testing of ocular optics, including eyeglasses, eyepieces, virtual reality goggles, and augmented reality devices.

Successful transcervical uterine flushing can be performed without or reduced dose of oestradiol benzoate in cervical relaxation protocol in Dorper ewes.

This study assessed the efficiency of cervical relaxation protocol using none, half or full dose (1.0 mg) of oestradiol benzoate in Dorper ewes subjected to non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER). Thirty-six pluriparous ewes received progestogen sponge (60 mg) for 9 days plus eCG administration (300 IU i.m.) 24 hr before sponge removal. Ewes were not mated and were randomly assigned to receive at 16 hr before NSER 37.5 µg d-cloprostenol i.m. and different doses of oestradiol benzoate: 0.0 mg (0EB group; n = 12); 0.5 mg (0.5EB group; n = 12) or 1.0 mg of oestradiol (1.0EB group, n = 12). All ewes received oxytocin (50 IU) i.v. 20 min before NSER, which was performed 8 days after sponge removal. Corpora lutea were counted by transrectal ultrasonography 24 hr before NSER. After procedure, the ewes were kept in natural breeding period to check their post-NSER fertility. NSER was performed in 91.7% (33/36) of the animals with overall fluid recovery efficiency over 97% (p > .05). The cervical transposing with Hegar dilator was longer (p < .05) in 0EB (4.2 ± 0.3 min) compared to 0.5EB (1.7 ± 0.3 min) and 1.0EB group (1.5 ± 0.3 min). The cervical transposing with mandrel/catheter was longer (p < .05) in 0EB (2.4 ± 0.5 min) than 1.0EB group (1.3 ± 0.5 min). Overall duration of uterine flushing was 25.4 min with structure recovery rate of 43.5%, with no difference among groups (p > .05). The post-NSER fertility was higher (p < .05) in 0.0EB (90%) than 0.5EB group (36.4%). In conclusion, NSER can be successfully performed in Dorper ewes by using a cervical relaxation protocol without oestradiol benzoate.

Environmental and individual factors associated with quality of life of adults who underwent bariatric surgery: a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a multifactorial chronic condition associated with genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. Understanding the role of the built and social environment in Quality of Life (QOL) is critical to reducing the negative impacts of the environment on health. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the built and social environmental and individual factors that influence the QOL of adults who underwent bariatric surgery. METHODS: A prospective cohort study conducted with adults who underwent bariatric surgery. Using longitudinal linear regression analysis, we verified the association between the domains of World Health Organization Quality of Life in version bref (WHOQOL-Bref) - General QOL and domains psychological, physical health, social relations and environment - and possible influencing factors. RESULTS: The increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) reduces on average 0.47 points in physical domain assessment score. The increase of healthy establishments within the buffer increases on average 0.52 points in the physical domain score. Being female reduces, on average, 5.35 points in the psychological domain evaluation score. Adults who practiced less than 150 min a week of leisure-time physical activity had a 3.27 point average reduction in the social relations domain assessment score. The increase in the number of Supermarkets and Hypermarkets in the buffer increases on average 2.18 points from the Social Relations domain score. CONCLUSIONS: Individual and contextual factors were associated with the QOL of adults who underwent bariatric surgery. Although the surgery yields positive results, the maintenance of same is strongly related to changes in lifestyle, the built environment and multi-professional guidance.

Comparison of the intravenous and intravaginal route of oxytocin administration for cervical dilation protocol and non-surgical embryo recovery in oestrous-induced Santa Inês ewes.

This study compared the effects of intravaginal and intravenous routes of oxytocin (OT) administration in 46 oestrous-induced Santa Inês ewes (6-day treatment with progestin-releasing intravaginal sponges and a single injection of 200 IU of eCG at the time of sponge removal) that underwent transcervical embryo recovery 6-7 days after oestrous onset and mating. All ewes received 37.5 µg of d-cloprostenol via latero-vulvar route, and 1 mg of oestradiol benzoate i.m. 16 hr before and 50 IU of OT 20 min before non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER), with OT being administered intravenously (n = 21) or intravaginally (n = 21). An overall oestrous response was 95.6% (44/46), and adequate cervical retraction could be accomplished in 78.6% (33/42) of ewes. The percentage of successful NSER procedures was 57% (24/42) or 72.7% (24/33) of animals with sufficient cervical retraction. The duration of NSER procedure averaged 28 min (range: 17-40 min) and ~96% of flushing fluid could be recovered (range: 85%-100%). Out of 18 ewes that could not undergo NSER, 12 (66.6%) presented various anatomical barriers, whilst the other 33.4% did not present these barriers and still could not be traversed. Excluding the ewes with those anatomical features, the overall success rate of NSER was 80% (24/30). The route of OT administration had no effect on NSER efficiency or the ease with which transcervical embryo flushing was performed. Both routes of OT administration can be used for cervical dilation protocol. Discarding ewes with anatomical features precluding cervical penetration is highly recommended to increase the efficacy of NSER in sheep.

Tissue composition and allometric growth of carcass of lambs Santa Inês and crossbreed with breed Dorper.

This study aimed to assess the tissue composition and allometric growth of carcasses of Santa Inês and crossbred Dorper x Santa Inês lambs confined for different periods at three body weight classes. Sixty-four lambs from Santa Inês (SI) and crossbred Dorper x Santa Inês (DSI) were slaughtered. The carcasses were refrigerated at 4 °C for 24 h, and half of the right side carcass was divided into five primary cuts, which were then dissected into bone, muscle, and fat. The corrected cold carcass weight (CCWc) was calculated based on the sum of the cuts. There was no effect of the interactions evaluated (P > 0.05) among the factors tested. CCWc, muscle (kg), fat (kg), bone (%), M:F, M:B, F:B, and M+F:B were influenced by the lambs' genetic group (P < 0.05). An effect of body weight at the beginning of confinement was found only for CCWc, muscle (kg), fat (kg), bone (kg), bone (%), and M:F. The crossbreeding of Santa Inês with breeds Dorper promotes improvements in the qualitative characteristics of the carcass. To obtain better relationships of the quantitative characteristics of the carcass, of sheep introduced in confinements with larger weights, the slaughter weight must be adjusted to that initial weight.

The Role of Anatomy Computer-Assisted Learning on Spatial Abilities of Medical Students.

Currently, medical education context poses different challenges to anatomy, contributing to the introduction of new pedagogical approaches, such as computer-assisted learning (CAL). This approach provides insight into students' learning profiles and skills that enhance anatomy knowledge acquisition. To understand the influence of anatomy CAL on spatial abilities, a study was conducted. A total of 671 medical students attending Musculoskeletal (MA) and Cardiovascular Anatomy (CA) courses, were allocated to one of three groups (MA Group, CA Group, MA + CA Group). Students' pre-training and post-training spatial abilities were assessed through Mental Rotations Test (MRT), with scores ranging between 0-24. After CAL training sessions, students' spatial abilities performance improved (9.72 ± 4.79 vs. 17.05 ± 4.57, P < 0.001). Although male students in both MA Group and CA Group show better baseline spatial abilities, no sex differences were found after CAL training. The improvement in spatial abilities score between sessions (Delta MRT) was correlated with Musculoskeletal Anatomy training sessions in MA Group (r = 0.333, P < 0.001) and MA + CA Group (r = 0.342, P < 0.001), and with Cardiovascular Anatomy training sessions in CA Group (r = 0.461, P = 0.001) and MA + CA Group (r = 0.324, P = 0.001). Multiple linear regression models were used, considering the Delta MRT as dependent variable. An association of Delta MRT to the amount of CAL training and the baseline spatial abilities was observed. The results suggest that CAL training in anatomy has positive dose-dependent effect on spatial abilities.

Representação de adolescentes sobre HIV/AIDS com enfoque na sexualidade e na vulnerabilidade às infecções sexualmente transmissíveis

A aids é uma síndrome adquirida por meio da infecção pelo HIV, seja porcontato sexual ou sangue contaminado. A infecção pode atingir pessoas de todas asfaixas etárias, pois a transmissão ocorre desde o nascimento, durante o parto oupelo aleitamento materno, quando a mãe é infectada pelo HIV, além da transmissãosexual ou uso de seringas e materiais contaminados pelo sangue de pessoasinfectadas. O maior aumento de casos de aids está entre os jovens de 15 a 24 anos.Nos últimos oito anos, foram quase 30 mil novos casos nesse grupo da população, oque representa, em média, 10 novos casos por dia. Este quadro alerta para aimportância da promoção a saúde e prevenção de infecções sexualmentetransmissíveis (IST) e aids para esse grupo populacional. O descobrimento dasexualidade para o adolescente tem um caráter amplo, pois inclui crenças,mudanças de atitudes infantis e de posturas perante a sociedade, e faz parte do seucrescimento e desenvolvimento como pessoa e sujeito social. A promoção da saúdesexual é necessária para o conhecimento e autoconhecimento dos adolescentes emsuas novas descobertas sexuais, além do conhecimento e construção decomportamentos saudáveis no que diz respeito ao risco de infecção pelas ISTs eaids. Desse modo, surgem os questionamentos: como os adolescentes estãoencarando a sexualidade e a prevenção de HIV/aids? Quais são e como estãoconstituídas suas representações sobre estes dois assuntos? Buscar-se-ácompreender o que a aids significa para este grupo da população que está iniciandoa vida sexual e amorosa e cujas taxas de incidência de infecção pelo HIV sãocrescentes, em tempos de avanços nos tratamentos, mas sem a cura definitiva dadoença. O objetivo do presente estudo é, portanto, compreender representações deadolescentes de ambos os sexos sobre HIV/aids, com enfoque na sexualidade e navulnerabilidade às infecções sexualmente transmissíveis...

AIDS is a syndrome acquired through HIV infection, whether through sexual contact or contaminated blood. Infection can reach people of all age groups, since transmission occurs from birth, during childbirth or through breastfeeding, when the mother is infected with HIV, in addition to sexual transmission or use of syringes and materials contaminated with the blood of people infected. The highest increase in AIDS cases is among 15-24 years old. In the last eight years, there have been almost 30,000 new cases in this population group, which represents an average of 10 new cases per day. This chart highlights the importance of promoting health and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and AIDS for this population group. The discovery of sexuality for the adolescent has a broad character, because it involves beliefs, changes of attitudes and infantile postures before the society, and is part of its growth and development as a person and social subject. The promotion of sexual health is necessary for the knowledge and self-knowledge of adolescents in their new sexual discoveries, besides the knowledge and construction of healthy behaviors with respect to the risk of infection by STIs and AIDS. In this way, the questions arise: how are adolescents facing sexuality and HIV / AIDS prevention? What are and how are their representations made on these two subjects? It will be sought to understand what AIDS means for this group of the population that is initiating a sexual and loving life and whose rates of incidence of HIV infection are increasing at times of advances in treatments but without definitive cure of the disease , With a focus on the ways of representing the representations and according to the social categories. The purpose of the present study is to understand representations of adolescents of both sexes on HIV / AIDS, focusing on sexualityand vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections...

Validation of the Nursing Activities Score in Portuguese intensive care units. / Validação do Nursing Activities Score em unidades de cuidados intensivos portuguesas.

OBJECTIVE:: to describe the process of adaptation and validation of the Nursing Activities Score to the Portuguese context. METHOD:: this was a pilot study of adaptation and validation of the Nursing Activities Score with a sample consisting of 67 patients hospitalized in the intensive care units of three Portuguese hospitals. The construct validity was assessed through factor analysis procedures and the internal consistency of the items was measured through the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. RESULTS:: a mean workload value of 63.04% (SD = 14.25; Median = 61.30) was obtained. Psychometric data revealed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.71 in the total scale, indicating an acceptable accuracy. Confirmatory factor analysis suggested an appropriate adjustment between the model and the data (χ2(199) = 214.5, p = 0.214; CFI = 0.95; RMSA = 0.035). CONCLUSION:: in the present study, the Portuguese version of the Nursing Activities Score was found to be a valid instrument, enabling a safe assessment of the workload of nurses.

Validação do Nursing Activities Score em unidades de cuidados intensivos portuguesas / Validación del Nursing Activities Score en unidades de cuidados intensivos portuguesas / Validation of the Nursing Activities Score in Portuguese intensive care units

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever o processo de adaptação e validação do Nursing Activities Score para o contexto português. Método: trata-se de um estudo-piloto de adaptação e validação do Nursing Activities Score, com amostra de 67 doentes internados em unidades de cuidados intensivos de três hospitais portugueses. A validade de constructo avaliou-se mediante procedimentos de análise fatorial e a consistência interna dos itens através do coeficiente Alpha de Cronbach. Resultados: obteve-se um valor médio da carga de trabalho de 63,04% (DP = 14,25; Mediana = 61,30). Os dados psicométricos revelaram um Alpha de Cronbach de 0,71, na escala total, indicando uma fidelidade aceitável. A análise fatorial confirmatória sugeriu um ajustamento adequado entre o modelo e os dados (χ2(199) = 214,5, p = 0,214; CFI = 0,95; RMSA = 0,035). Conclusão: neste estudo, a versão portuguesa do Nursing Activities Score revelou-se um instrumento válido, permitindo avaliar a carga de trabalho dos enfermeiros com segurança.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir el proceso de adaptación y validación del Nursing Activities Score al contexto portugués. Método: estudio piloto de adaptación y validación del Nursing Activities Score, con muestra de 67 pacientes internados en unidades de cuidados intensivos de tres hospitales portugueses. La validez del constructo se evaluó mediante análisis factorial y por consistencia interna de los ítems evaluados a través del coeficiente Alpha de Cronbach. Resultados: se obtuvo un valor medio de carga de trabajo de 63,04% (SD=14,25; Mediana=61,30). Los datos psicométricos expresaron un Alpha de Cronbach de 0,71 en la escala total, indicando fidelidad aceptable. El análisis factorial confirmatorio sugirió un ajuste adecuado entre el modelo y los datos (χ2(199)=214,5; p=0,214; CFI=0,95; RMSA=0,035). Conclusión: en este estudio, la versión portuguesa del Nursing Activities Score demostró ser un instrumento válido, permitiendo evaluar la carga de trabajo de los enfermeros con precisión.

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the process of adaptation and validation of the Nursing Activities Score to the Portuguese context. Method: this was a pilot study of adaptation and validation of the Nursing Activities Score with a sample consisting of 67 patients hospitalized in the intensive care units of three Portuguese hospitals. The construct validity was assessed through factor analysis procedures and the internal consistency of the items was measured through the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Results: a mean workload value of 63.04% (SD = 14.25; Median = 61.30) was obtained. Psychometric data revealed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.71 in the total scale, indicating an acceptable accuracy. Confirmatory factor analysis suggested an appropriate adjustment between the model and the data (χ2(199) = 214.5, p = 0.214; CFI = 0.95; RMSA = 0.035). Conclusion: in the present study, the Portuguese version of the Nursing Activities Score was found to be a valid instrument, enabling a safe assessment of the workload of nurses.