Nature-Based Interventions Targeting Elderly People's Health and Well-Being: An Evidence Map.

BACKGROUND: Healthy aging encompasses more than the absence of disease, emphasizing the preservation of functional abilities for enhanced well-being and quality of life. Nature-based interventions are scientifically proven contributors to healthy aging. OBJECTIVE: To develop an evidence map showcasing nature-based interventions targeting older individuals' health and well-being. METHODS: The evidence map was developed through critical analysis of systematic reviews and clinical trials utilizing the tools AMSTAR2 and CONSORT. A systematic search spanning the past decade was conducted across databases: Cochrane, SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and LILACS. RESULTS: Twelve articles met the eligibility criteria. Nature-based interventions such as forest bathing, hiking, therapeutic gardens, virtual reality, and forest sounds were identified. Outcomes were categorized into physical aspects (cardiovascular and pulmonary; neuro-immuno-endocrinological) and mental/behavioral aspects. The final map integrated interventions, outcomes, and quality assessments. CONCLUSIONS: The survey highlights the positive impact of nature-based interventions on the health of the elderly. This study provides insights across various domains, fostering the development of programs and policies in management to promote healthy aging. Regarding healthcare, it encourages discourse among professionals regarding the integration of nature-based practices for equitable care in both individual and group settings. Furthermore, it underscores the need for research in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in Brazil, where the study was conducted.

Candidate genes for longitudinal traits under sequential sampling in beef cattle.

Both the measurement age of a longitudinal trait and the common pre-sampling procedures used in beef cattle herds may affect the identification of a functional candidate gene (FCG) that is potentially associated with a trait. To identify the FCG that takes part in the genetic control of body weight at five different ages in a beef cattle population with and without sequential sampling, the animals were weighed at different measurement events, around 330, 385, 440, 495 and 550 days old. Genetic parameters were estimated for body weight at each age using a single trait (STM) and a random regression model (RRM). In addition, two different databases were used to estimate the genetic parameters: the first (DB100) was formed by all animals that were weighed in the five measurement events, and the second (DB70) has records of the same population, considering that 70% of the heaviest animals were selected after each measurement event. For DB100, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed with 21,667 SNP markers to identify genomic windows that explained at least 1% of the genetic variance. Additionally, prioritization analyses were performed and FCGs were selected. We associated seven different FCGs with body weight at different ages. Among them, the gene DUSP10 was suggested as FCG in all five ages evaluated. Genetic parameters estimated for body weight using DB100 were similar when STM and RRM were applied. However, when DB70 was used as phenotypic data, there were differences between the two models. When the STM was applied, there were differences between the genetic parameters estimated for body weight when DB100 or DB70 were used as sources of phenotypes, but not for the estimates obtained with RRM. The importance of each gene for animal growth can change at different ages, and different genes may be more relevant to body weight at each different growth stage for beef cattle. Besides, sequential sampling can affect the GWAS results of a longitudinal trait. The age of the animal when a longitudinal trait is measured and pre-sampling can also contribute to inconsistencies in GWAS results for body weight in beef cattle, depending on the time when that data were collected, and consequently on the identification of FCG between studies, even when models that consider a covariance structure are used.

Unravelling the genetic variability of host resilience to endo- and ectoparasites in Nellore commercial herds.

BACKGROUND: Host resilience (HR) to parasites can affect the performance of animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present a detailed investigation of the genetic mechanisms of HR to ticks (TICK), gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), and Eimeria spp. (EIM) in Nellore cattle that were raised under natural infestation and a prophylactic parasite control strategy. In our study, HR was defined as the slope coefficient of body weight (BW) when TICK, GIN, and EIM burdens were used as environmental gradients in random regression models. In total, 1712 animals were evaluated at five measurement events (ME) at an average age of 331, 385, 443, 498, and 555 days, which generated 7307 body weight (BW) records. Of the 1712 animals, 1075 genotyped animals were used in genome-wide association studies to identify genomic regions associated with HR. RESULTS: Posterior means of the heritability estimates for BW ranged from 0.09 to 0.54 across parasites and ME. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-derived heritability for BW at each ME ranged from a low (0.09 at ME.331) to a moderate value (0.23 at ME.555). Those estimates show that genetic progress can be achieved for BW through selection. Both genetic and genomic associations between BW and HR to TICK, GIN, and EIM confirmed that parasite infestation impacted the performance of animals. Selection for BW under an environment with a controlled parasite burden is an alternative to improve both, BW and HR. There was no impact of age of measurement on the estimates of genetic variance for HR. Five quantitative trait loci (QTL) were associated with HR to EIM but none with HR to TICK and to GIN. These QTL contain genes that were previously shown to be associated with the production of antibody modulators and chemokines that are released in the intestinal epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: Selection for BW under natural infestation and controlled parasite burden, via prophylactic parasite control, contributes to the identification of animals that are resilient to nematodes and Eimeria ssp. Although we verified that sufficient genetic variation existed for HR, we did not find any genes associated with mechanisms that could justify the expression of HR to TICK and GIN.

Genetic and phenotypic parameters for sexual precocity and parasite resistance traits in Nellore cattle.

Indicator traits of sexual precocity are widely used as selection criteria for the genetic improvement of beef cattle; however, the impact of selection for these traits on resistance to endoparasites and ectoparasites is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the genetic and phenotypic parameters for indicator traits of sexual precocity and parasite resistance in Nellore cattle. The sexual precocity traits evaluated were probability of first calving (PFC) and scrotal circumference at 12 and 18 months of age (SC12 and SC18). The resistance-related traits included tick (TC), gastrointestinal nematode egg (NEC), and Eimeria spp. oocyst (EOC) counts. (Co)variance components were estimated by Bayesian inference using multitrait animal models. The mean heritabilities for PFC, SC12, SC18, TC, NEC, and EOC were 0.23, 0.38, 0.42, 0.14, 0.16, and 0.06, respectively, and suggest that selection will change the mean values of these traits over time. The genetic and phenotypic correlations for most pairs formed by a precocity and a resistance trait were not different from zero, suggesting that selection for sexual precocity traits will not result in changes in resistance traits. Thus, selection for indicator traits of sexual precocity does not elicit unfavorable correlated responses in resistance to endoparasites and ectoparasites, and joint selection aimed at improving these traits can be performed using multitrait selection methods, when necessary.

Correlation scan: identifying genomic regions that affect genetic correlations applied to fertility traits.

Although the genetic correlations between complex traits have been estimated for more than a century, only recently we have started to map and understand the precise localization of the genomic region(s) that underpin these correlations. Reproductive traits are often genetically correlated. Yet, we don't fully understand the complexities, synergism, or trade-offs between male and female fertility. In this study, we used reproductive traits in two cattle populations (Brahman; BB, Tropical Composite; TC) to develop a novel framework termed correlation scan (CS). This framework was used to identify local regions associated with the genetic correlations between male and female fertility traits. Animals were genotyped with bovine high-density single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) chip assay. The data used consisted of ~1000 individual records measured through frequent ovarian scanning for age at first corpus luteum (AGECL) and a laboratory assay for serum levels of insulin growth hormone (IGF1 measured in bulls, IGF1b, or cows, IGF1c). The methodology developed herein used correlations of 500-SNP effects in a 100-SNPs sliding window in each chromosome to identify local genomic regions that either drive or antagonize the genetic correlations between traits. We used Fisher's Z-statistics through a permutation method to confirm which regions of the genome harboured significant correlations. About 30% of the total genomic regions were identified as driving and antagonizing genetic correlations between male and female fertility traits in the two populations. These regions confirmed the polygenic nature of the traits being studied and pointed to genes of interest. For BB, the most important chromosome in terms of local regions is often located on bovine chromosome (BTA) 14. However, the important regions are spread across few different BTA's in TC. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and functional enrichment analysis revealed many significant windows co-localized with known QTLs related to milk production and fertility traits, especially puberty. In general, the enriched reproductive QTLs driving the genetic correlations between male and female fertility are the same for both cattle populations, while the antagonizing regions were population specific. Moreover, most of the antagonizing regions were mapped to chromosome X. These results suggest regions of chromosome X for further investigation into the trade-offs between male and female fertility. We compared the CS with two other recently proposed methods that map local genomic correlations. Some genomic regions were significant across methods. Yet, many significant regions identified with the CS were overlooked by other methods.

Meta-Analysis of Heifer Traits Identified Reproductive Pathways in Bos indicus Cattle.

Fertility traits measured early in life define the reproductive potential of heifers. Knowledge of genetics and biology can help devise genomic selection methods to improve heifer fertility. In this study, we used ~2400 Brahman cattle to perform GWAS and multi-trait meta-analysis to determine genomic regions associated with heifer fertility. Heifer traits measured were pregnancy at first mating opportunity (PREG1, a binary trait), first conception score (FCS, score 1 to 3) and rebreeding score (REB, score 1 to 3.5). The heritability estimates were 0.17 (0.03) for PREG1, 0.11 (0.05) for FCS and 0.28 (0.05) for REB. The three traits were highly genetically correlated (0.75-0.83) as expected. Meta-analysis was performed using SNP effects estimated for each of the three traits, adjusted for standard error. We identified 1359 significant SNPs (p-value < 9.9 × 10-6 at FDR < 0.0001) in the multi-trait meta-analysis. Genomic regions of 0.5 Mb around each significant SNP from the meta-analysis were annotated to create a list of 2560 positional candidate genes. The most significant SNP was in the vicinity of a genomic region on chromosome 8, encompassing the genes SLC44A1, FSD1L, FKTN, TAL2 and TMEM38B. The genomic region in humans that contains homologs of these genes is associated with age at puberty in girls. Top significant SNPs pointed to additional fertility-related genes, again within a 0.5 Mb region, including ESR2, ITPR1, GNG2, RGS9BP, ANKRD27, TDRD12, GRM1, MTHFD1, PTGDR and NTNG1. Functional pathway enrichment analysis resulted in many positional candidate genes relating to known fertility pathways, including GnRH signaling, estrogen signaling, progesterone mediated oocyte maturation, cAMP signaling, calcium signaling, glutamatergic signaling, focal adhesion, PI3K-AKT signaling and ovarian steroidogenesis pathway. The comparison of results from this study with previous transcriptomics and proteomics studies on puberty of the same cattle breed (Brahman) but in a different population identified 392 genes in common from which some genes-BRAF, GABRA2, GABR1B, GAD1, FSHR, CNGA3, PDE10A, SNAP25, ESR2, GRIA2, ORAI1, EGFR, CHRNA5, VDAC2, ACVR2B, ORAI3, CYP11A1, GRIN2A, ATP2B3, CAMK2A, PLA2G, CAMK2D and MAPK3-are also part of the above-mentioned pathways. The biological functions of the positional candidate genes and their annotation to known pathways allowed integrating the results into a bigger picture of molecular mechanisms related to puberty in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis. A reasonable number of genes, common between previous puberty studies and this study on early reproductive traits, corroborates the proposed molecular mechanisms. This study identified the polymorphism associated with early reproductive traits, and candidate genes that provided a visualization of the proposed mechanisms, coordinating the hypothalamic, pituitary, and ovarian functions for reproductive performance in Brahman cattle.

Genetic trends and trade-offs between growth and reproductive traits in a Nellore herd.

The knowledge of genetic trends and trade-offs between growth and reproductive traits might be useful to understand the evolution of these traits in livestock and natural populations of animals. We estimated the genetic trends and trade-offs between pre-weaning growth and calving intervals of Nellore animals from a commercial farm. Two-trait animal models were used to estimate covariance components and breeding values (EBV) for direct and maternal genetic effects of pre-weaning growth and direct genetic effects of calving intervals. Regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between direct and maternal EBV of pre-weaning growth and direct EBV of calving intervals (dependent variables) and the coefficient of generation of each animal (independent variable). We also performed regression analyses to examine the relationship between direct EBV of calving intervals (dependent variables) and direct and maternal EBV of pre-weaning growth (independent variables). The genetic trends for direct and maternal genetic effect for pre-weaning growth were significant and presented genetic evolution in the studied Nellore herd. The genetic trends for the reproductive traits were also significant but indicated genetic changes in an unfavorable way. The genetic correlations between direct effects of pre-weaning growth and calving intervals traits and the genetic correlations between maternal effects of pre-weaning growth traits and direct effects of calving interval traits were not different from zero. The presence of trade-offs between the direct effects of growth and reproductive traits were confirmed through regression from direct EBV of calving intervals over EBV of pre-weaning growth traits. In addition, regression analyses showed that selection to increase pre-weaning growth also increased calving intervals. Our results showed that pre-weaning growth and calving intervals are increasing over generations and that trade-offs occurred between those traits in the studied Nellore herd.

Successful Live Birth in a Woman With 17α-Hydroxylase Deficiency Through IVF Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer.

CONTEXT: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 17α-hydroxylase deficiency in 46,XX patients is characterized by primary amenorrhea, absent or incomplete sexual maturation, infertility, low serum levels of estradiol, and elevated progesterone (P). There were no previous reports of singleton live births from such women. OBJECTIVE: To describe the first successful singleton live birth in a female with CAH due to 17α-hydroxylase deficiency. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 26-year-old Brazilian woman with CAH associated with 17α-hydroxylase deficiency due to the compound heterozygote mutation (p.W406R/P428L) in the CYP17A1 gene expressed the desire to conceive. In vitro fertilization (IVF) was recommended due to the complexity of the disorder. The first attempt of treatment failed despite the production of viable embryos. At the second IVF attempt, all viable embryos were frozen due to inadequate endometrial development associated with prematurely elevated serum P during ovarian stimulation. Subsequently, a long-acting GnRH agonist and oral dexamethasone were used to lower ovarian and adrenal P overproduction. Once serum levels of P were < 1 ng/mL, endometrial preparation with estradiol valerate and frozen-thawed embryo transfer were performed, resulting in a singleton pregnancy. Estradiol supplementation was completely suspended by 14 weeks of gestation. She delivered at 30 weeks and 4 days due to acute fetal distress. The puerperium was uneventful; the newborn was discharged in good conditions 5 weeks after birth. CONCLUSION: A successful live birth was achieved in a woman with 17-hydroxylase deficiency through IVF, cryopreservation of all embryos, and frozen-thawed embryo transfer after adequate endometrial preparation.

Study of two strategies to induce follicular wave emergence for assisted reproductive treatments (ART)-a preliminary trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to induce follicular wave emergence (FWE) using pharmacological (recombinant hCG administration) or mechanical (aspiration of dominant follicle) interventions in infertile women. METHODS: Sixteen infertile women (≤35 years) with indications for in vitro fertilization due to tubal and/or male factor infertility were randomized into three groups: control (n = 6), pharmacological (n = 5) and mechanical (n = 5) groups. Women in both experimental groups underwent serial transvaginal sonograms (TVS) from menstrual cycle day 10 until identification of a dominant follicle ≥15 mm. Women in the pharmacological group received 250 µg of recombinant-hCG to induce ovulation, and resumed serial TVS 2 days later. In the mechanical group, dominant and subordinate follicles ≥10 mm were aspirated, and daily TVS was resumed on the following day. An increased pool of follicles ≥5 and ≤9 mm after interventions characterized FWE. Women in the control group underwent ovulation induction (OI) with 150 IU/day of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone started on menstrual cycle day 3 (D3). OI was started on the day of FWE in the experimental groups. Endometrial asynchrony with development of the embryo was expected in the experimental groups. Therefore, all viable embryos were cryopreserved and transferred in an endometrial-stimulated cycle. RESULTS: The number of follicles ≥5 and ≤9 mm increased after the interventions in both experimental groups (p < .001), indicating induction of FWE. OI outcomes were similar among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacological and mechanical interventions are efficient in inducing FWE; outcomes of OI synchronized with FWE should be further investigated.

Management practices to control gastrointestinal parasites in sheep farms in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil / Práticas de manejo para controle de parasitas gastrointestinais em fazendas com ovinos em Minas Gerais, Sudeste do Brasil

Parasite related problems are considered one of the major health problems for sheep breeding, causing considerable economic losses to commercial husbandry. The aim of this study was to determine the technological level and the level of knowledge of farmers regarding management practices to control gastrointestinal parasites in sheep in Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil. The analysis was based on 213 questionnaires applied by official veterinarians of the State Government Agency for Animal Health (Instituto Mineiro de Agropecuária, IMA), covering 16.6% of all counties. From two hundred and thirteen sheep farms sampled, 117 farms had their technological level determined. From the samples, 0.9% were characterized as high level, 45.3% as medium, and 53.0% as low technological level. The flock size ranged from 2 to 1843 with an average of 80.5 sheep per farm. The majority of the sheep production systems was extensive/semi-extensive (74.5%). The management practices adopted by the farmers to reduce parasitism were: split young and adult animals (5.6%), change pasture after deworm the animals (5.2%), use quarantine for incoming animals (2.3%), deworm newly arrived sheep (1.5%), and have regular technical assistance (31.9%). Although 76.5% of the farmers medicate the animals, treatments were performed without any major technical criteria, with an average interval of 4.6 months. The most commonly used drug families were macrocyclic lactones (38.5%) and benzimidazoles (24.9%). The management practices adopted in Minas Gerais are based on old recommendations and may not return in a good set of strategies to prevent parasite infections. Field observations reinforce the finding where farmers have obtained unsatisfactory results in maintaining the health and productivity level of their enterprises.

Problemas relacionados com parasitas são considerados um dos principais problemas sanitários na criação de ovinos, causando consideráveis perdas econômicas para criação comercial. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o nível tecnológico e o nível de conhecimento dos criadores sobre práticas de manejo para o controle de parasitas gastrintestinais em ovinos no estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil. A análise foi baseada em 213 questionários aplicados pelos veterinários oficiais da Agência de Governo Estudal de Saúde Animal (Instituto Mineiro de Agropecuária, IMA), cobrindo 16,6% de todos os municípios. Duzentos e treze propriedades com ovinos foram amostradas e 117 tiveram o seu nível tecnológico determinado. A partir da amostra, 0,9% foi caracterizado como nível elevado, de 45,3%, como de médio e 53,0% como baixo nível tecnológico. O tamanho do rebanho variou de 2 a 1843 com uma média de 80,5 ovinos por propriedade. A maioria dos sistemas de produção de ovinos eram extensivos/semi-extensivos (74,5%). As práticas de manejo adotadas pelos criadores para reduzir o parasitismo foram: separar animais jovens e adultos (5,6%), mudança de pastagem após vermifugar os animais (5,2%), uso de quarentena para animais recem adiquiridos (2,3%), vermifugação de ovelhas recém-chegadas (1,5%) e assistência técnica regular (31,9%). Apesar de 76,5% dos criadores vermifugarem os animais, os tratamentos foram realizados sem qualquer critério técnico importante, com um intervalo médio de 4,6 meses. As famílias de drogas mais comumente usadas foram lactonas macrocíclicas (38,5%) e benzimidazóis (24,9%). As práticas de manejo adotadas em Minas Gerais são baseadas em recomendações antigas e não em estratégias para prevenir infecções parasitárias. As observações de campo reforçam os achados em que os proprietários obtiveram resultados insatisfatórios na manutenção dos níveis de saúde e produtividade de seus empreendimentos.

Management practices to control gastrointestinal parasites in dairy and beef goats in Minas Gerais; Brazil.

Parasitic infection is recognized worldwide as a limiting factor in the production of goats, and various control methods are used to reduce economic losses, often without considering the epidemiology of the parasites. This has led to the development of highly tolerant parasite populations and the presence of chemical residues in the beef and milk. The objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of goat farmers about parasitic diseases and to correlate this with the epidemiology of endoparasites and parasite control practices in goat farms in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The analysis was based on a questionnaire applied by trained veterinarians. The sample was homogeneous throughout the state, covering 18.4% (157/853) of municipalities. Eighty-four dairy goat farms in 81 municipalities and 200 properties with beef goats in 76 municipalities were evaluated. The herd size per goat farm ranged from 4 to 57 (average 24) for beef herds and from 2 to 308 (average 63) for dairy farms. The majority of the beef herd production was extensive and semi-extensive (98.5%), while the dairy herds were maintained under intensive farming (98.8%). The mixed production of goats and sheep was reported by 36.5% of beef goat farmers and by 20.2% of dairy goat farmers. Among the beef goats farms on which the technological level was determined, 2.0% were categorized as having high technological level, 34.5% as medium, and 63.5% as low. Of the 84 dairy farms, 30% operated at a high, 47% at a medium, and 23% at a low technological level. The adoption of practices to reduce parasitism, such as the quarantine of animals, treatment of newly arrived animals, regular cleaning of the floor, and technical assistance, was significantly higher on dairy farms than on beef farms. Although 85.7% of dairy farmers and 83% of beef farmers medicate their animals, the treatments were performed without technical criteria, and deworming intervals ranged from 30 to 120 days or more. The average interval between treatments was significantly longer in dairy goat herds (4.8 months) than in the beef herds (3.6 months). The most commonly used drugs were macrocyclic lactones (37.7% in dairy and 39.5% in beef herds) and benzimidazoles (48.9% in dairy and 31.5% in beef herds). Goat production in Minas Gerais is still in its infancy, and even though using a control program associated with other health practices, producers still rely heavily on chemicals to get satisfactory results.