Sperm traits and seminal plasma proteome of locally adapted hairy rams subjected to intermittent scrotal insulation.

The present study evaluated the effects of heat stress on reproductive parameters of hairy rams. Six animals were subjected to scrotal insulation during four consecutive nights (6 PM - 6 AM). Day (D) 0 was the first day of insulation. Scrotal circumference increased from 30.5 ± 0.3 cm (at pre-insulation) to 31.8 ± 0.4 cm on D4, decreased 3.9 cm on D28, returning to 30.6 ± 0.6 cm on D57. Sperm concentration decreased from 3.7 ± 0.12 ×109 sperm/mL before insulation to 2.6 ± 0.1 ×109 on D23, returning to normal on D57. Sperm motility averaged 75 ± 2.9% before insulation, was undetectable on D23, and became normal on D77. Sperm with normal morphology reached 5.9 ± 2.6% on D35 but recovered (86.8 ± 2.1%) on D91. Sperm DNA integrity decreased from 86.5 ± 4.7% before insulation to 11.1 ± 3.7% on D63, returning to pre-insulation values on D120. Sperm BSP immunostaining was reduced after scrotal insulation. Variations in seminal protein abundances coincided with changes in sperm parameters. Seminal plasma superoxide dismutase, carboxypeptidase Q-precursor and NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2 decreased on D18, returning to normal after D28. Albumin, inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase precursor, EGF-like repeat and discoid I-like domain-containing protein 3 and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor increased after insulation. In summary, intermittent scrotal insulation drastically altered ram sperm attributes and seminal proteins, especially those associated with oxidative stress. Knowledge of animal´s response to thermal stress is vital in the scenario of climate changes.

Modalidades de Expressão dos Jovens Gamers nas Redes Sociais Digitais / Modes of Expression of the Young Gamers in the Digital Social Networks

O presente estudo, de caráter netnográfico, visou analisar as modalidades de expressão da subjetividade dos jovens gamers nas redes sociais e suas relações com a saúde. Foram entrevistados oito jovens na rede social facebook, em comunidades relacionadas ao console Playstation 4. Para sistematização dos resultados foi utilizada a análise de conteúdo. A análise evidenciou as seguintes categorias: comunicação escrita, interesse grupal, agressividade, valorização da imagem e do semblante, sinalizando modos de habitar o espaço cibernético. Tais dimensões devem ser consideradas ao se planejar políticas públicas e ações de promoção da saúde voltadas à realidade dos jovens gamers, tendo-se como apoio os princípios da cultura de paz e de respeito às diferenças, em busca do desenvolvimento de espaços saudáveis à expressão das singularidades. Palavras-chave: Jovens; jogos de computador; promoção da saúde.

This study aimed to analyze the subjectivity expression modes of young gamers in social networks and their relationships with health, using the netnographic method. Eight young people were interviewed on the facebook social network, in communities related to the Playstation 4. The analysis showed the following categories: written communication, group interest, aggressiveness, image and semblance valorization, signaling ways of inhabiting the cyber space. Such dimensions should be considered when planning public policies and health promotion actions focused on the reality of young gamers, having as support the principles of peace culture and respect for differences, in search of the development of healthy spaces for the expression of singularities.

Expression dynamics of Integrin Subunit Beta 5 in bovine gametes and embryos imply functions in male fertility and early embryonic development.

Integrins have been shown to act as signalling receptors, and they primarily recognise extracellular matrix ligands on the oocyte surface. However, their possible roles in oocyte activation and embryo development are not clearly understood. The objectives of this study were to evaluate expression of Integrin Subunit Beta 5 (ITGß5) in bovine sperm, oocytes, and early embryos and to ascertain the evolutionary conservation of ITGß5. To accomplish these objectives, we used western blotting to study expression levels of ITGß5 protein in sperm and RT-qPCR to determine expression levels of ITGß5 transcripts in oocytes and embryos. We have also used bioinformatic analysis to determine the evolutionary conservation of the ITGß5 protein among various species. Western blotting showed that ITGß5 protein was detectable in bull sperm. Moreover, results of RT-qPCR showed that levels of ITGß5 were significantly higher in the two-cell embryos, followed by the 8-16-cell embryos. However, no significant difference in expression levels were noted for the morula and blastocyst stages as compared to MII oocytes. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that ITGß5 is conserved among various species. We conclude that expression of ITGß5 in bovine gametes and embryos implies an important role in fertilisation and embryogenesis.

Estratégias de comunicação das Secretarias Municipais de Saúde: desafios para as Redes de Atenção à Saúde / Communication strategies of Municipal Health Secretariats: challenges for Health Care networks

Descrever as estratégias de comunicação em saúde dos 19 municípios paranaenses. Levantamento das Redes de Atenção Saúde da região e análise de conteúdo com entrevistas com os secretários de saúde. As ações de comunicação são do tipo circunstancial informativa e não têm foco educativo. Os municípios pequenos atuam mais com ações de comunicação direta (rádio e carros de som). Foi visto que as redes estão alicerçadas de forma frágil e apesar dos programas de promoção, campanhas, ainda não há um processo que empreenda medidas capazes de levar ao cidadão informação para que ele assuma a corresponsabilidade na construção e condução do SUS.

Current study describes health communication strategies in 19 municipalities in the state of Paraná. Methods comprised survey of health care networks of the region and content analysis with interviews with health secretaries. Communication events are actually circumstantial information, without any educational focus. Small municipalities have more direct communication activities (radio and loudspeakers). Networks have a weak base. In spite of such campaigns and propaganda, there is no process that would comprehend measures to provide information to citizens so that they would have co-responsibility in the construction and enhancement of the NHS.

Educação em saúde e jornalismo operativo: articulações teórico-metodológicas / Health education and operational journalism: theoretical-methodological articulations / Educación en salud y periodismo operativo: articulaciones teórico-metodológicas

O artigo relata pesquisa-ação realizada em Maringá (PR), Brasil com objetivo de enfrentar a epidemia de dengue cuidando do ambiente. A partir dos conceitos de mobilização social, jornalismo operativo e educação em saúde, desenvolvemos ações na região metropolitana de Maringá, no bairro do Borba Gato infectado pela dengue. A ação foi realizada com graduandos de jornalismo e pesquisadores da área de promoção da saúde numa escola pública de ensino fundamental. Nas oficinas comandadas pelos pesquisadores, os alunos produziram materiais, mais tarde utilizados pelos graduandos na ação de mobilização contra a dengue no bairro. Na avaliação dos graduandos, a ação de comunicação e educação em saúde, na forma de jornalismo operativo, foi eficaz para aproximar cidadãos e produtores de conteúdo e, juntos, buscar melhorias nas condições do ambiente. (AU)

The article reports action research carried out in Maringá (PR), Brazil with the objective of facing the epidemic of dengue taking care of the environment. From the concepts of social mobilization, operational journalism and health education, we developed actions in the metropolitan region of Maringá, in the Bairro do Borba Cat infected by dengue. The action was carried out with journalism graduates and researchers in the area of health promotion in a public elementary school. In the workshops led by the researchers, materials were produced by students and used by undergraduates in the mobilization action against dengue in the neighborhood. In the evaluation of undergraduates, the action of communication and health education in the form of operational journalism was effective in bringing citizens and producers of content closer together and seeking improvements in the conditions of the environment. (AU)

El artículo relata investigación-acción realizada en Maringá (PR), Brasil con el objetivo de enfrentar la epidemia de dengue cuidando el ambiente. A partir de los conceptos de movilización social, periodismo operativo y educación en salud, desarrollamos acciones en la región metropolitana de Maringá, en el Barrio del Borba Gato infectado por el dengue. La acción fue realizada con graduandos de periodismo e investigadores del área de promoción de la salud en una escuela pública de enseñanza fundamental. En los talleres comandados por los investigadores, fueron producidos materiales por los alumnos y utilizados por los graduandos en la acción de movilización contra el dengue en el Barrio. En la evaluación de los graduandos, la acción de comunicación y educación en salud, en forma de periodismo operativo, fue eficaz para acercar a ciudadanos y productores de contenido y, juntos, buscar mejoras en las condiciones del ambiente. (AU)

Metabolomic markers of fertility in bull seminal plasma.

Metabolites play essential roles in biological systems, but detailed identities and significance of the seminal plasma metabolome related to bull fertility are still unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine the comprehensive metabolome of seminal plasma from Holstein bulls and to ascertain the potential of metabolites as biomarkers of bull fertility. The seminal plasma metabolome from 16 Holstein bulls with two fertility rates were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Multivariate and univariate analyses of the data were performed, and the pathways associated with the seminal plasma metabolome were identified using bioinformatics approaches. Sixty-three metabolites were identified in the seminal plasma of all bulls. Fructose was the most abundant metabolite in the seminal fluid, followed for citric acid, lactic acid, urea and phosphoric acid. Androstenedione, 4-ketoglucose, D-xylofuranose, 2-oxoglutaric acid and erythronic acid represented the least predominant metabolites. Partial-Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLSDA) revealed a distinct separation between high and low fertility bulls. The metabolites with the greatest Variable Importance in Projection score (VIP > 2) were 2-oxoglutaric acid and fructose. Heat-map analysis, based on VIP score, and univariate analysis indicated that 2-oxoglutaric acid was less (P = 0.02); whereas fructose was greater (P = 0.02) in high fertility than in low fertility bulls. The current study is the first to describe the metabolome of bull seminal plasma using GC-MS and presented metabolites such as 2-oxoglutaric acid and fructose as potential biomarkers of bull fertility.

Seminal plasma proteins and metabolites: effects on sperm function and potential as fertility markers.

Molecular components of sperm and in the media surrounding them influence male fertility. In this regard, seminal plasma proteins and metabolites modulate various reproductive events, including sperm motility and capacitation, cell protection, acrosome reaction, fertilization and embryonic development. Empirical associations between seminal proteins and metabolites and fertility indicate that these molecules are potential molecular markers of male reproductive status in cattle and other species.

Testis specific histone 2B is associated with sperm chromatin dynamics and bull fertility-a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Bull fertility is the degree of sperm's ability to fertilize and activate the egg and support embryo development, and this is critical for herd reproductive performance. We used the bull as a unique model organism for the study of male fertility because cattle genetics and physiology is similar to those of other mammals including humans. Moreover, reliable fertility data along with well-established in vitro systems are available for bovine. The objective of this original study was to ascertain evolutionary diversification and expression dynamics of Testis Specific Histone 2B (TH2B) in sperm from Holstein bulls with different fertility scores. METHODS: The intensity of TH2B was determined by using flow cytometry in sperm from 13 high and 13 low fertility bulls. Expression levels of TH2B were measured using immunofluorescence and Western blotting in sperm from five high and five low fertility bulls. Sequence identity, evolutionary distance and interactome of TH2B were evaluated by dotmatcher, STRING and Cytoscape. Data were analyzed using linear mixed effects model and regression plots were drawn. RESULTS: The intensity of TH2B as measured by flow cytometry was significantly affected by an interaction between fertility group and fertility score (P = 0.0182). The intensity of TH2B in sperm from the high fertility group decreased (P = 0.0055) as fertility increased. TH2B was constantly detectable in sperm and expression levels of TH2B decreased in relation to fertility in sperm from the high fertility group (P = 0.018). TH2B biological functions include male gamete generation, chromosome organization, DNA packaging, DNA conformation change, chromatin organization, nucleosome organization, chromatin disassembly, spermatid nucleus elongation, spermatid nucleus differentiation, sperm motility, chromatin organization, chromatin condensation, chromatin silencing, nucleus organization, and chromatin remodeling (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We elucidated the cellular localization and molecular physiology of TH2B using both computational and cell biology approaches. In addition to advancing the fundamental science of mammalian male gamete, the present findings can be potentially used to evaluate semen quality and predict male fertility in the future. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study did not involve any live animals. We did not perform any anesthesia, euthanasia, or any kind of animal sacrifice. The cryopreserved semen samples were obtained from Alta Genetics, Inc., Watertown, WI, USA. All samples were preserved in liquid nitrogen.

Percepção de gestantes sobre o autocuidado e o cuidado materno / Perception of pregnant women about self-care and maternal care

Compreender a percepção de autocuidado e de cuidado materno no discurso de gestantes, sob o olhar psicossocial. Métodos: estudo qualitativo com coleta de dados realizada por meio de entrevista semiestrutura com dez gestantes. Utilizou-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo, associada ao programa computacional AtlasTI. Resultados: identificaram-se duas categorias analíticas, autocuidado: cuidando do próprio corpo e cuidado materno. O pensamento pós-moderno influenciou nas ações de autocuidado das gestantes. Entretanto, o cuidado materno não foi diretamente influenciado e as gestantes demonstraram indicadores de preocupação materna primária, como sentimentos e atitudes que proporcionam acolhimento, proteção e conforto ao bebê.Conclusão: as ações de autocuidado praticadas pelas gestantes demonstraram preocupação com a aparência estética em detrimento de atitudes para preservar a saúde e a qualidade de vida.

Objective: to understand the perception of self-care and maternal care in the discourse of pregnant women under the psychosocial perspective. Methods: qualitative study with data collection performed through a semi structure interview with ten pregnant women. The technique of content analysis, associated with the computer program Atlas TI, was used. Results: two analytical categories were identified, self-care: taking care of one’s own body and maternal care. Postmodern thinking influenced the self-care actions of pregnant women. However, maternal care was not directly influenced and pregnant women showed indicators of primary maternal concern, such as feelings and attitudes that provide the baby with comfort, protection and comfort. Conclusion: the self-care actions performed by the pregnant women showed concern about the aesthetic appearance at the expense of attitudes to preserve health and quality of life.

Traditional use of medicinal plants by elderly / Uso tradicional de plantas medicinais por idosos

Identificar o uso tradicional de plantas medicinais por idosos. Métodos: estudo exploratóriodescritivorealizado em Consórcio Intermunicipal de Saúde. Foram aplicados 351 questionários aos idosos,contendo informações sociodemográficas e questões relacionadas às plantas. Resultados: foi relatado o uso deplantas por 78,4% dos idosos, estas adquiridas em quintais. As mais citadas: hortelã, boldo, erva doce, capimlimão e camomila. Com relação ao motivo de uso, 33,3% afirmaram “não fazer mal à saúde”, 61,8% indicavamo uso para outras pessoas. A maioria dos idosos utiliza-se das plantas de forma segura, estando presentes nocotidiano destas pessoas como uma forma terapêutica. Conclusão: os idosos fazem uso das plantas medicinais,como um importante recurso terapêutico...

Mídias sociais digitais e a terceira idade: em busca de uma ferramenta para a promoção da saúde / Social media digital and third age: in search of a tool for health promotion

Este estudo analisa as redes sociais como meio de promoção da saúde do grupo de idosos do projeto de extensão “Qualidade de vida na terceira idade” do curso de Educação Física, do Centro Universitário Cesumar – UniCesumar, Brasil, por meio de uma pesquisa de campo. O que se pode concluir é que o interesse por notícias, e o fato de estar conectado, fazem o idoso se inserir no ciberespaço. Esta inserção no mundo digital tem grande poder para influenciar a promoção da qualidade de vida dos idosos, uma vez que atua como uma poderosa ferramenta de conexão e de comunicação com o mundo, e consequentemente, como promotora da saúde.(AU)

This study examines the social networks as a tool for health promotion of the elderly group. It was made a field research with individuals of the "Quality of life in old age", project of the Physical Education course, of the University Center Cesumar – UniCesumar, Brazil. The investigation can conclude that being connected and the interest in news make the elderly insert themselves in cyberspace. And this insertion in the digital environment has great power to influence in promoting quality of life, because it acts as a powerful tool for health promotion.(AU)

Mídias sociais digitais e a terceira idade: em busca de uma ferramenta para a promoção da saúde / Social media digital and third age: in search of a tool for health promotion

Este estudo analisa as redes sociais como meio de promoção da saúde do grupo de idosos do projeto de extensão “Qualidade de vida na terceira idade” do curso de Educação Física, do Centro Universitário Cesumar – UniCesumar, Brasil, por meio de uma pesquisa de campo. O que se pode concluir é que o interesse por notícias, e o fato de estar conectado, fazem o idoso se inserir no ciberespaço. Esta inserção no mundo digital tem grande poder para influenciar a promoção da qualidade de vida dos idosos, uma vez que atua como uma poderosa ferramenta de conexão e de comunicação com o mundo, e consequentemente, como promotora da saúde.

This study examines the social networks as a tool for health promotion of the elderly group. It was made a field research with individuals of the "Quality of life in old age", project of the Physical Education course, of the University Center Cesumar – UniCesumar, Brazil. The investigation can conclude that being connected and the interest in news make the elderly insert themselves in cyberspace. And this insertion in the digital environment has great power to influence in promoting quality of life, because it acts as a powerful tool for health promotion.