Mycotoxins and coccidiosis in poultry - co-occurrence, interaction, and effects.

Avian coccidiosis, a common disease caused by Eimeria species, results in significant losses in global poultry production. Mycotoxins are low-molecular-weight natural products (i.e., small molecules) produced as secondary metabolites by filamentous fungi and they have the potential to economically and significantly affect global poultry production. Little is known about the relationship between mycotoxins and avian coccidiosis, although they often co-occur in the field. This comprehensive review examines the intricate relationship between mycotoxins and avian coccidiosis, in particular how mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes as well as Fusarium mycotoxins, compromise the health of the poultry flock and open the door to Eimeria parasites in the gut. In addition, this review sheds light on the immunosuppressive effects of mycotoxins, their disruption of cellular signaling pathways, and the consequent exacerbation of coccidiosis infections. The mechanisms of mycotoxin toxicity are also reviewed, emphasizing direct damage to intestinal epithelial cells, impaired nutrient absorption, inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in the gut microbiota. Finally, the consequences for the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis when mycotoxins are present in the feed are discussed. This review emphasizes the need for effective management strategies to mitigate the combined risks of mycotoxins and coccidiosis and highlights the complexity of diagnosing and controlling these interrelated problems in poultry. The review advocates a holistic approach that includes strict feed management, disease prevention measures and regular monitoring to maintain the health and productivity of poultry against these significant challenges.

Multi-Biomarkers' Responses in Gills of Oreochromis niloticus Exposed to Glyphosate and Polyethylene Microplastic, Isolated and in Mixture.

Microplastics (MPs) and glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are among the most common contaminants in aquatic environments. In Brazilian rivers, both contaminants were found in elevated levels, leading to a high probability of their association, which can alter their individual effects and potentially intensify their toxicity. This study evaluated the isolated and combined effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and GBH on Oreochromis niloticus using multi-biomarkers of toxicity. The fish were subjected to a 96-h exposure period, with concentrations set based either isolated, PE-MPs group (5 mg L-1), GBH group (5 mg L-1), or in a group of associated contaminants (GAC), PE-MP + GBH (5 mg L-1 + 5 mg L-1). Toxicity effects were evaluated using biochemical, cytogenetic, hematological, and histopathological biomarkers. We observed change in erythrocyte parameters leading to macrocytic normochromic anemia in GAC. Leukocyte parameters indicate a nonspecific immunosuppression caused by the exposure of associated contaminants, besides the attempts to repair damage caused by PE-MPs. Histopathological markers indicate damage to tissues exposed to contaminants. Besides, there were morphophysiological adjustments on gills, with proliferation and hypertrophy of mitochondria-rich cells on GBH and GAC, besides epithelium ruptures, which were mostly present in the exposed groups. Therefore, this study indicates that PE-MPs and GBHs present toxic effects in O. niloticus with the used concentrations, intensified by the association of contaminants. Thus, multi-biomarkers were useful key to verify toxicity, providing data to the investigation of high levels of contaminant's mixture toxicity present in aquatic environments.

ADAR-Mediated A>I(G) RNA Editing in the Genotoxic Drug Response of Breast Cancer.

Epitranscriptomics is a field that delves into post-transcriptional changes. Among these modifications, the conversion of adenosine to inosine, traduced as guanosine (A>I(G)), is one of the known RNA-editing mechanisms, catalyzed by ADARs. This type of RNA editing is the most common type of editing in mammals and contributes to biological diversity. Disruption in the A>I(G) RNA-editing balance has been linked to diseases, including several types of cancer. Drug resistance in patients with cancer represents a significant public health concern, contributing to increased mortality rates resulting from therapy non-responsiveness and disease progression, representing the greatest challenge for researchers in this field. The A>I(G) RNA editing is involved in several mechanisms over the immunotherapy and genotoxic drug response and drug resistance. This review investigates the relationship between ADAR1 and specific A>I(G) RNA-edited sites, focusing particularly on breast cancer, and the impact of these sites on DNA damage repair and the immune response over anti-cancer therapy. We address the underlying mechanisms, bioinformatics, and in vitro strategies for the identification and validation of A>I(G) RNA-edited sites. We gathered databases related to A>I(G) RNA editing and cancer and discussed the potential clinical and research implications of understanding A>I(G) RNA-editing patterns. Understanding the intricate role of ADAR1-mediated A>I(G) RNA editing in breast cancer holds significant promise for the development of personalized treatment approaches tailored to individual patients' A>I(G) RNA-editing profiles.

Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis reveals prognostic implications of TMEM92 in the tumor immune microenvironment.

BACKGROUND: Transmembrane protein 92 (TMEM92) has been implicated in the facilitation of tumor progression. Nevertheless, comprehensive analyses concerning the prognostic significance of TMEM92, as well as its role in immunological responses across diverse cancer types, remain to be elucidated. METHODS: In this study, data was sourced from a range of publicly accessible online platforms and databases, including TCGA, GTEx, UCSC Xena, CCLE, cBioPortal, HPA, TIMER2.0, GEPIA, CancerSEA, GDSC, exoRBase, and ImmuCellAI. We systematically analyzed the expression patterns of TMEM92 at both mRNA and protein levels across diverse human organs, tissues, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and cell lines associated with multiple cancer types. Subsequently, analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between TMEM92 and various parameters such as prognosis, DNA methylation, copy number variation (CNV), the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune cell infiltration, genes with immunological relevance, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), mismatch repair (MMR), and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. RESULTS: In the present study, we observed a pronounced overexpression of TMEM92 across a majority of cancer types, which was concomitantly associated with a less favorable prognosis. A notable association emerged between TMEM92 expression and both DNA methylation and CNV. Furthermore, a pronounced relationship was discerned between TMEM92 expression, the TME, and the degree of immune cell infiltration. Intriguingly, while TMEM92 expression displayed a positive correlation with macrophage presence, it inversely correlated with the infiltration level of CD8 + T cells. Concurrently, significant associations were identified between TMEM92 and the major histocompatibility complex, TMB, MSI, and MMR. Results derived from Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Gene Set Variation Analysis further substantiated the nexus of TMEM92 with both immune and metabolic pathways within the oncogenic context. CONCLUSIONS: These findings expanded the understanding of the roles of TMEM92 in tumorigenesis and progression and suggest that TMEM92 may have an immunoregulatory role in several malignancies.

A Four-Country Study of Strangulation-Related Alterations in Consciousness in Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence: Co-Occurrence with Traumatic Brain Injuries and Measures of Psychological Distress.

At least one in three women experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. The most commonly sustained IPV-related brain injuries include strangulation-related alterations in consciousness (S-AICs) and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Moreover, survivors of IPV-related S-AICs and/or TBIs often demonstrate psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. However, the co-occurrence of S-AICs and TBIs, and whether such TBIs may be moderate to severe, has not been systematically examined, and most data have been collected from women in North America. The purpose of this study was to examine the co-occurrence of IPV-related S-AICs and TBIs across a range of geographical locations and to determine the extent to which these S-AICs are related to psychological distress. Women who had experienced physical IPV (n = 213) were included in this secondary analysis of retrospectively collected data across four countries (Canada, the United States, Spain, and Colombia). The Brain Injury Severity Assessment (BISA) was used to assess IPV-related BI across all sites. Because various questionnaires were employed to assess levels of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder at each site, we created a standardized composite score by converting raw scores into Z-scores for analysis. Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-square tests were conducted to examine differences between women with and without experience of S-AICs and to discover if there was a relationship between the occurrence of S-AICs and TBIs. Analysis of variance and analysis of covariance (to control for the potential confounding effects of age, education, and non IPV-related TBI) were used to compare levels of psychological distress in women who had or had not experienced S-AICs. Approximately, 67% of women sustained at least one IPV-related BI (i.e., TBI and/or S-AIC). In a subsample of women who sustained at least one IPV-related BI, approximately 37% sustained both S-AICs and TBIs, 2% sustained only S-AICs (with no TBIs), and 61% sustained TBIs exclusively (with no S-AICs). Furthermore, women who had sustained S-AICs (with or without a TBI) were more likely to have experienced a moderate-to-severe BI than those who had not sustained an S-AIC (BISA severity subscale: U = 3939, p = 0.006). In addition, women who experienced S-AICs (with or without a TBI) reported higher levels of psychological distress compared with women who never experienced S-AICs, irrespective of whether they occurred once or multiple times. These data underscore the importance of assessing for S-AIC in women who have experienced IPV and when present, to also assess for TBIs and the presence of psychological distress. Unfortunately, there were methodological differences across sites precluding cross-site comparisons. Nonetheless, data were collected across four culturally and geographically diverse countries and, therefore, highlight IPV-related BIs as a global issue that needs to be aggressively studied with policies established and then implemented to address findings.

MicroRNA copy number alterations in the malignant transformation of pleomorphic adenoma to carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma.

OBJECTIVE: This study used array comparative genomic hybridization to assess copy number alterations (CNAs) involving miRNA genes in pleomorphic adenoma (PA), recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (RPA), residual PA, and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 13 PA, 4 RPA, 29 CXPA, and 14 residual PA using Nexus Copy Number Discovery software. The miRNAs genes affected by CNAs were evaluated based on their expression patterns and subjected to pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS: Across the groups, we found 216 CNAs affecting 2261 miRNA genes, with 117 in PA, 59 in RPA, 846 in residual PA, and 2555 in CXPA. The chromosome 8 showed higher involvement in altered miRNAs in PAs and CXPA patients. Six miRNA genes were shared among all groups. Additionally, miR-21, miR-455-3p, miR-140, miR-320a, miR-383, miR-598, and miR-486 were prominent CNAs found and is implicated in carcinogenesis of several malignant tumors. These miRNAs regulate critical signaling pathways such as aerobic glycolysis, fatty acid biosynthesis, and cancer-related pathways. CONCLUSION: This study was the first to explore CNAs in miRNA-encoding genes in the PA-CXPA sequence. The findings suggest the involvement of numerous miRNA genes in CXPA development and progression by regulating oncogenic signaling pathways.

Larotrectinib versus infigratinib for adult patients with both glioma and tyrosine kinase alterations after failure of initial therapies: Efficacy and safety analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of larotrectinib with those of infigratinib in adult glioma patients with tyrosine kinase alterations. METHODS: Patients received oral infigratinib 125 mg (IN cohort, n = 125) or oral larotrectinib (LB cohort, n = 105) until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. RESULTS: Duration of treatment was longer in the LB cohort than in the IN cohort (8 [9.5-6.25] months vs. 5.5 [6-5.25] months, p < 0.0001). Patients with partial responses (p = 0.0424) and overall survival (p = 0.03) were higher in the IN cohort than those in the LB cohort. The number of patients with disease progression was higher in the LB cohort (p = 0.0015). All the patients reported diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, constipation, and decreased appetite. Patients in the IN cohort reported hyperphosphatemia, hyperlipasemia, stomatitis, dry skin, alopecia, dyspepsia, onycholysis, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, nail disorders, and dry eyes. Patients in the LB cohort reported upper respiratory tract infections, pyrexia, cough, anemia, bacterial/viral infections, conjunctivitis, urinary tract infections, headaches, ataxia, dizziness, and muscle tremors. A total of 30 (24 %) and 40 (38 %) patients from the IN and the LB cohorts died at the follow-up of 18 months (p = 0.03). Patients who received bevacizumab initial therapy had higher overall survival (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Infigratinib has higher efficacy and overall survival than larotrectinib but has higher adverse effects in the management of both glioma and tyrosine kinase alterations after failure of initial therapies. Initial bevacizumab therapy is associated with a higher overall survival.

Autopercepção da voz, audição e saúde geral no rastreio de distúrbio vocal em idosas / Self-perception of voice, hearing, and general health in screening for voice changes in older women

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a associação de fatores sociodemográficos, do comportamento vocal, morbidades e autopercepção da voz, auditiva e de saúde geral de idosas com distúrbio vocal. Método Participaram 95 idosas com idades entre 60 e 84 anos (média 69,5). Realizou-se uma entrevista com apoio de um questionário estruturado contendo questões sociodemográficas, de saúde e do comportamento vocal. Utilizou-se o Protocolo para Rastreamento de Alterações Vocais em Idosos (RAVI) para identificar a presença de distúrbio vocal. Resultados Houve o predomínio de participantes com ensino médio completo e aposentadas. O número de idosas que apresentaram distúrbio vocal segundo o RAVI foi de 46,3%. Queixas relacionadas às sensações físicas como garganta seca, pigarro e coceira na garganta foram as mais presentes. O grupo de idosas com distúrbio vocal apresentou pior autopercepção da qualidade vocal, audição, saúde geral e maior frequência de infecções de vias aéreas superiores quando comparadas àquelas sem distúrbio vocal (p≤0,05). Conclusão Houve associação estatística entre a autoavaliação vocal mensurada pelo RAVI e a autopercepção da qualidade da voz, da audição, da saúde geral, inflamações de garganta, sinusite e alergias respiratórias.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the association between sociodemographic factors, vocal behavior, morbidities, and self-perception of voice, hearing, and general health in older women with voice disorders. Methods The sample had 95 older women aged 60 to 84 years (mean of 69,5). They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic aspects, health, and vocal behavior. The Screening Protocol for Voice Disorders in Older Adults (RAVI) was used to identify the presence of voice disorders. Results Participants who had finished high school and were retired predominated. The number of older women with voice disorders according to RAVI was 46.3%. Physical sensations such as dry throat, throat clearing, and itchy throat were the most common complaints. The group of older women with voice disorders had worse self-perception of voice quality, hearing, and general health and a higher frequency of upper airway infections than those without voice disorders (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion The vocal self-assessment measured with RAVI was statistically associated with self-perception of voice quality, hearing, general health, sore throat, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies.

Larotrectinib versus infigratinib for adult patients with both glioma and tyrosine kinase alterations after failure of initial therapies: Efficacy and safety analysis

Abstract Objectives To compare the efficacy and safety of larotrectinib with those of infigratinib in adult glioma patients with tyrosine kinase alterations. Methods Patients received oral infigratinib 125 mg (IN cohort, n = 125) or oral larotrectinib (LB cohort, n = 105) until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Results Duration of treatment was longer in the LB cohort than in the IN cohort (8 [9.5-6.25] months vs. 5.5 [6-5.25] months, p < 0.0001). Patients with partial responses (p = 0.0424) and overall survival (p = 0.03) were higher in the IN cohort than those in the LB cohort. The number of patients with disease progression was higher in the LB cohort (p = 0.0015). All the patients reported diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, constipation, and decreased appetite. Patients in the IN cohort reported hyperphosphatemia, hyperlipasemia, stomatitis, dry skin, alopecia, dyspepsia, onycholysis, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, nail disorders, and dry eyes. Patients in the LB cohort reported upper respiratory tract infections, pyrexia, cough, anemia, bacterial/viral infections, conjunctivitis, urinary tract infections, headaches, ataxia, dizziness, and muscle tremors. A total of 30 (24 %) and 40 (38 %) patients from the IN and the LB cohorts died at the follow-up of 18 months (p = 0.03). Patients who received bevacizumab initial therapy had higher overall survival (p = 0.048). Conclusions Infigratinib has higher efficacy and overall survival than larotrectinib but has higher adverse effects in the management of both glioma and tyrosine kinase alterations after failure of initial therapies. Initial bevacizumab therapy is associated with a higher overall survival.

Alterações epigenéticas associadas a agenesia dentária não sindrômica: uma revisão sistemática / Epigenetic alterations associated with non-syndromic tooth agenesis: a systematic review

Objetivo: Avaliar se alterações epigenéticas estão associadas à ocorrência da agenesia dentária não sindrômica. Métodos: Buscas computadorizadas foram conduzidas no PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Embase e Scopus. Consultas na literatura cinzenta (Open Grey), no Google Scholar e pesquisas manuais nas listas de referências dos artigos incluídos também foram realizadas. Apenas estudos caso-controle avaliando indivíduos com e sem agenesia dentária não sindrômica eram elegíveis. A seleção dos estudos, a extração de dados e a avaliação do risco de viés (ferramenta da Universidade da Adelaide) foram realizadas por dois autores de forma independente. Devido à diferença metodológica dos artigos incluídos, uma meta-análise não foi possível. Resultados: 206 artigos foram identificados nas bases de dados. Após a remoção de 128 duplicatas e a análise de 78 referências, oito artigos preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade e foram incluídos. Os estudos incluídos foram realizados na China, Turquia, Tunísia, Romênia e República Tcheca. As datas de publicação ocorreram entre 2015 e 2023. Os estudos com as menores amostras avaliaram cinco indivíduos com agenesia e cinco sem agenesia e o estudo com a maior amostra avaliou 625 indivíduos com agenesia e 1144 indivíduos sem agenesia. No total, essa revisão analisou 1325 indivíduos com agenesia e 1867 sem agenesia. Dos 33 polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único avaliados, 19 deles estavam potencialmente associados a uma maior suscetibilidade à agenesia dentária não sindrômica, sendo eles identificados nos genes PAX9, AXIN2, WNT10A, MDM2, MSX1 e BMP2. Foram identificadas 29 novas mutações. No geral, os artigos incluídos apresentaram baixo risco de viés. Conclusão: Existe a associação de algumas alterações epigenéticas com a ocorrência de agenesia dentária não sindrômica.

Aim: To assess whether epigenetic alterations are associated with the occurrence of non-syndromic tooth agenesis. Methods: Computerized searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Embase, and Scopus databases. Grey literature searches (Open Grey), Google Scholar, and manual searches in the reference lists of included articles were also performed. Only case-control studies evaluating individuals with and without non-syndromic tooth agenesis were eligible. Study selection, data extraction, and bias assessment (University of Adelaide tool) were independently conducted by two authors. Due to methodological differences in the included articles, a meta-analysis was not feasible. Results: This study identified 206 articles in the databases. After removing 128 duplicates and reviewing 78 references, eight articles met the eligibility criteria and were included. The included studies were conducted in China, Turkey, Tunisia, Romania, and the Czech Republic. Publication dates ranged from 2015 to 2023. Studies with the smallest sample assessed five individuals with agenesis and five without agenesis, and the study with the largest sample assessed 625 individuals with agenesis and 1,144 without agenesis. In total, this review analyzed 1,325 individuals with agenesis and 1,867 without agenesis. Of the 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms evaluated, 19 were potentially associated with an increased susceptibility to non-syndromic tooth agenesis, and these were identified in the PAX9, AXIN2, WNT10A, MDM2, MSX1, and BMP2 genes. Twenty-nine new mutations were identified. Overall, the included articles demonstrated a low risk of bias. Conclusion: There is an association between certain epigenetic alterations and the occurrence of non-syndromic tooth agenesis.

Efectos en la motilidad de fármacos para obesidad: impacto en la práctica clínica y endoscópica / Effects of obesity drugs on gastrointestinal motility: impact on clinical and endoscopic practice

Obesity is a very common pathology worldwide. Among the management alternatives are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, a hormone secreted mainly by the intestine. Apart from its effects as an incretin, effects on gastrointestinal motility have been described, which seem to be fundamental for its effect on obesity, but also the cause of its most frequent potential adverse effects. There is discussion regarding the large number of case reports in relation to the retention of gastric contents at the time of endoscopy. There is currently insufficient evidence to state categorically that they produce a significant change in gastric emptying. Nevertheless, it is recommended to inquire about the use of these drugs before endoscopic procedures that require sedation and, in the presence of symptoms, to suggest changes in the preparation

La obesidad es una patología muy frecuente a nivel global. Dentro de las alternativas del manejo están los análogos del péptido 1 similar al glucagón (GLP-1), hormona secretada principalmente por el intestino. Aparte de sus efec- tos como incretina, se han descrito efectos sobre la motilidad gastrointestinal, los que parecen ser fundamentales para su efecto sobre la obesidad, pero también los causales de sus potenciales efectos adversos más frecuentes. Existe discusión en relación con la gran cantidad de reportes de casos en relación con la retención de contenido gástrico al momento de una endoscopia. Actualmente no existe evidencia suficiente para afirmar categóricamente que producen un cambio significativo en el vaciamiento gástrico. No obstante, se recomienda indagar sobre el uso de estos fármacos antes de procedimientos endoscópicos que requieran sedación y, ante la presencia de síntomas, sugerir cambios en la preparación.

Unveiling Disrupted Lipid Metabolism in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, Prostate Cancer, and Metastatic Patients: Insights from a Colombian Nested Case-Control Study.

Prostate cancer is a significant global health concern, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Despite extensive research efforts, the complexity of the disease remains challenging with respect to fully understanding it. Metabolomics has emerged as a powerful approach to understanding prostate cancer by assessing comprehensive metabolite profiles in biological samples. In this study, metabolic profiles of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer (PCa), and metastatic prostate cancer (Met) were characterized using an untargeted approach that included metabolomics and lipidomics via liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Comparative analysis among these groups revealed distinct metabolic profiles, primarily associated with lipid biosynthetic pathways, such as biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid degradation and elongation, and sphingolipid and linoleic acid metabolism. PCa patients showed lower levels of amino acids, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and carnitines compared to BPH patients. Compared to Met patients, PCa patients had reduced metabolites in the glycerolipid, glycerophospholipid, and sphingolipid groups, along with increased amino acids and carbohydrates. These altered metabolic profiles provide insights into the underlying pathways of prostate cancer's progression, potentially aiding the development of new diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies.

Hematology and blood biochemistry in a declining population of mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata palliata) at La Pacifica, Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: Alouatta palliata palliata are an ecologically flexible howler monkey subspecies that has recently been relisted as Endangered. Populations are declining through much of the subspecies' range, including at our study site at La Pacifica, Costa Rica. Our objectives were to screen blood hematology and biochemistry samples collected from this wild population to elucidate their baseline health. METHODS: We collected blood samples from 38 adult individuals from across the study site and analyzed 13 hematology and 14 biochemistry parameters. RESULTS: Most hematology and blood biochemistry parameter values were similar between males and females. However, mean hemoglobin was significantly lower, and mean white blood cell count was significantly higher in females; and mean calcium and mean creatinine were significantly lower in females compared to males. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the La Pacifica population appeared healthy based on the blood parameters analyzed from sampled individuals. Our results were also largely consistent with published data available from other populations of A. p. palliata, and with reference values for captive Alouatta caraya.

Artificial cranial deformation in Tiwanaku, Bolivia.

PURPOSE: Herein lies a brief historical review of the practice of artificial cranial deformation (ACD) in Tiwanaku, Bolivia, a pre-Columbian archeological ruin once regarded as one of the most powerful pre-Inca regions whose influence extended into present-day Peru and Chile from 600 to 1000 AD. We describe the history, purpose, and implications of ACD from both a neuroanatomical and cultural perspective. METHODS: A literature review was conducted through PubMed on the history of artificial cranial deformation in South America, concentrating on the Tiwanaku region. The authors searched all available data with no specific time reference, using the mentioned keywords: ACD, neuroanatomical implications of ACD, cultural and social functions of ACD, Tiwanaku society, and Andean civilization. RESULTS: Early Andean civilization was hierarchical and stratified. In Tiwanaku, the practice of ACD served to delineate one's social class, caste, lineage, and vocation. This was especially useful for warriors, who distinguished their fellow combatants from insurgents by differences in their cranial structure. ACD was usually conducted within the first few months of an infant's life before morphogenetic features became permanent. Two popular cranial styles-tabular and annular-were achieved by applying various mechanical apparatus and resulted in several cranial shapes (conical, box-like, flattened, etc.). Neuroanatomically, each deformation technique and the duration for which mechanical stress was applied influenced the solidification of cranial bones and shaped the frontal, occipital, parietal, and temporal bones differently. Cognitive deficits and plagiocephalic defects were recorded in limitation and may have been overlooked as the era's occupational demands were more labor-intensive than knowledge-driven. CONCLUSION: In Tiwanaku, the custom of ACD was used to demonstrate group identity, with alterations of the cranial shape corresponding to a particular headdress. ACD was used to distinguish an individual's social identity, separating different groups of society into castes, classes, and slaves (Brain, 1979). The custom has also been used to mark territory and emphasize ethnic differences among groups, with potential cognitive implications that were largely unrecorded.

Alteraciones del comportamiento como contenido en la formación de estudiantes para la orientación a las familias

La formación de estudiantes para la prevención de las alteraciones del comportamiento en los niños de la primera infancia, es imprescindible porque contribuye a elevar la calidad de la atención educativa de salud y educación en ambas modalidades de atención educativa de la primera infancia. El artículo que se presenta tiene como objetivo exponer acciones dirigidas a los estudiantes en formación que los prepara para la orientación de las familias, en función de la prevención de las alteraciones del comportamientoen niños de infancia preescolar. Las acciones se aplicaron durante el periodo del 2019 al 2022 como parte de la preparación para la práctica laboral, lo que posibilitó que se elevara la calidad de la orientación familiar en función de la prevención de las alteraciones del comportamiento en los niños de infancia preescolar, en ambas modalidades de atención educativa.

The training of students for the prevention of behavioral disorders in early childhood children is essential because it contributes to raising the quality of educational health care and education in both modalities of early childhood educational care. The article that is presented aims to expose actions aimed at students in training that prepare them for the orientation of families, based on the prevention of behavioral disorders in preschool children. The actions were applied during the period from 2019 to 2022 as part of the preparation for labor practice, which made it possible to raise the quality of family guidance based on the prevention of behavioral disorders in preschool children, in both modalities of educational attention.

Accuracy of equations for estimating resting energy expenditure in children and adolescents living with phenylketonuria.

BACKGROUND: Measuring resting energy expenditure (REE) in individuals living with phenylketonuria (PKU) using indirect calorimetry (IC) is unusual in healthcare facilities because it requires specific protocols and expensive equipment. Considering that determining REE is crucial for devising nutritional strategies for the management of PKU, the aim of this study was to identify the predictive equations that provide the best estimates of REE in children and adolescents living with PKU and to propose a predictive equation for determining REE in this population. METHODS: An REE concordance study was conducted with children and adolescents living with PKU. Anthropometric and body composition assessments using bioimpedance and REE assessment using IC were performed. The results were compared to 29 predictive equations. RESULTS: Fifty-four children and adolescents were evaluated. The REE obtained using IC differed from all estimated REE, except Henry's equation for male children (p = 0.058). Only this equation showed good agreement (0.900) with IC. Eight variables were associated with the REE obtained using IC with emphasis on fat-free mass (kg) (r = 0.786), weight (r = 0.775), height (r = 0.759) and blood phenylalanine (r = 0.503). With these variables, three REE equations were suggested, with R2 = 0.660, 0.635 and 0.618, respectively, and the third equation, which involves weight and height, showed adequate sample size for a statistical power of 0.942. CONCLUSION: Most equations, not specific for individuals living with PKU, overestimate the REE of this population. We propose a predictive equation for assessing REE for children and adolescents living with PKU to be used in settings where IC is not available.

The effect of waterfowl signals and Pseudocorynosoma enrietti infection on the behaviour of the amphipod Hyalella patagonica.

In the present study, we sought to determine whether i) a waterfowl signal induces avoidance behaviour of the amphipod Hyalella patagonica, ii) infection by the acanthocephalan Pseudocorynosoma enrietti affects the behaviour of the amphipod, and iii) the parasite interferes with the amphipod response to waterfowl. We evaluated amphipod behaviour experimentally by measuring activity levels, phototaxis, geotaxis, and clinging behaviour. The main findings of this study indicate that uninfected amphipods show avoidance behaviour by reducing their activity in the presence of a predator signal. Secondly, infected amphipods show altered behaviour, such as swimming in bright areas near the water surface, which makes them more visible to predators in nature. Lastly, the presence of predatory cues causes infected amphipods to drop to the bottom, which increases their visibility to predators. The present research allows us to perceive the intricate interplay among predators, parasites, and their intermediate hosts and advance our understanding of these complex ecological dynamics.

Sperm head morphometry and chromatin alterations in bulls with different conception rates.

The objective of this investigation was to analyze timed-AI conception rates (CRs) of different sires in light of their conventional semen quality parameters, sperm head morphometry, and chromatin alterations. Semen was collected in the field from six Angus bulls and used for the timed-AI of 890 suckled multiparous Nellore cows at a single farm. Semen batches were evaluated on the following in vitro parameters: sperm motility, concentration, and morphology, sperm head morphometry, and chromatin alteration types. The overall CR was 49% and Bulls 1 (43%) and 2 (40%) presented reduced (P < 0.05) pregnancies per AI compared to Bull 6 (61%), even though no differences were observed between their conventional semen quality parameters. Bull 1, however, presented higher (P = 0.0001) shape factor, smaller (P = 0.0025) antero-posterior symmetry, and elevated (P = 0.0141) Fourier 1 parameter, whereas Bull 2 exhibited a higher (P = 0.0023) percentage of chromatin alteration along the central axis of the sperm head. In conclusion, bulls with varying CRs may present sperm head morphometric differences and/or chromatin alterations while not presenting differences in conventional in vitro semen quality parameters. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the concrete implications of chromatin alterations on field fertility, sperm morphometric differences and chromatin alterations may be at least partially causative of the lower pregnancies per timed-AI of certain sires.

Wings are not perfect: increased wing asymmetry in a tropical butterfly as a response to forest fragmentation.

Habitat fragmentation and ecosystem changes have the potential to affect animal populations in different ways. To effectively monitor these changes, biomonitoring tools have been developed and applied to detect changes in population structure and/or individual traits that reflect such changes. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) represents random deviations from perfect symmetry in bilateral traits from perfect symmetry in response to genetic and/or environmental stresses. In this study, we evaluated the use of FA as a tool to monitor stress caused by forest fragmentation and edge formation, using the tropical butterfly M. helenor (Nymphalidae) as a model species. We collected adult butterflies from three fragments of Atlantic Forest in Brazil encompassing both edge and interior habitats. Four wing traits (wing length, wing width, ocelli area, and ocelli diameter) were evaluated. Butterflies captured at edge sites exhibited higher FA values for wing length and wing width compared to those captured at interior sites, whereas traits related to ocelli did not show differences between the two habitat types. Our results suggest that the differences in abiotic and biotic conditions between forest interior and edges can act as a source of stress, impacting the symmetry of flight-related traits. On the other hand, as ocelli are crucial for butterfly camouflage and counter-predator strategies, our results indicate that this trait may be more conserved. By employing FA, we identified trait-specific responses to habitat fragmentation, thus suggesting its potential as a biomarker for environmental stress that can be used in butterflies to monitor habitat quality and change.

Calidad del sueño y factores que lo alteran en los pacientes críticos en la uti en una institución privada de córdoba 2022 / Sleep quality and factors that alter it in critical patients in the icu in a private institution in Córdoba 2022

Los pacientes que están hospitalizados tienen un desequilibrio en de sus necesidades, más si hablamos de los pacientes que se encuentran en una unidad de terapia intensiva donde el movimiento es dinámico segundo a segundo debido a la inestabilidad hemodinámica de cada paciente. Una vez que se haya estabilizado la salud del paciente orientado, aparece la dificultad de poder dormir, por diversos factores que rodean al paciente ya sea intrínsecos, lo que siente la misma persona o ambientales propiamente de la terapia. Objetivo: determinar la calidad del sueño y los factores que lo alteran los pacientes orientados críticos en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. Metodología: estudio descriptivo y transversal, como instrumento se utilizó el cuestionario de Richard Campbell que correspondía 5 preguntas sobre la calidad del sueño y la 6ta pregunta que corresponde al Cuestionario de Freedman sobre los factores que impide obtener un sueño óptimo. Resultado: Se realizó 40 entrevistas a los pacientes orientados de la unidad intensiva de diferentes edades, sexo y patología. Conclusión: El sueño en los pacientes orientados en la unidad de terapia intensiva dio una mala calidad de sueño, es decir un sueño superficial con despertares intermitentes. Los pacientes que tuvieron más dificultad para conciliar el sueño son lo que sufrieron enfermedades respiratorias y oncológicas en los cuales influyo los factores intrínsecos la ansiedad y el extrínseco la postura corporal y el ruido[AU]

The patients who are hospitalized have an imbalance in all their needs, more so if we talk about patients who are in an intensive care unit where movement is dynamic second by second due to the hemodynamic instability of each patient. Once the health of the oriented patient has stabilized, the deficit of being able to sleep appears, due to various factors that surround the patient, whether intrinsic, what the person feels, or the environment of the therapy itself. Objective: to determine the quality of sleep and the factors that alter it in critically oriented patients in the Intensive Care Unit.Methodology: descriptive and cross-sectional study, the Richard Campbell questionnaire was used as an instrument, corresponding to 5 questions on sleep quality and the 6th question corresponding to the Freedman Question-naire on the factors that prevent optimal sleep. Result: 40 interviews were con-ducted with oriented patients from the intensive unit of different ages, sex and pathology. Conclusion: The sleep in the patients oriented in the intensive care unit gave a poor quality of sleep, that is, a superficial sleep with intermittent awakenings. The patients who had more difficulty falling asleep are those who suffered respiratory and oncological diseases in which the intrinsic factors influ-ence anxiety and the extrinsic body posture and noise[AU]