Genome-wide association study identifies genetic variants underlying footrot in Portuguese Merino sheep.

BACKGROUND: Ovine footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus (D. nodosus) is a contagious disease with serious economic and welfare impacts in sheep production systems worldwide. A better understanding of the host genetic architecture regarding footrot resistance/susceptibility is crucial to develop disease control strategies that efficiently reduce infection and its severity. A genome-wide association study was performed using a customized SNP array (47,779 SNPs in total) to identify genetic variants associated to footrot resistance/susceptibility in two Portuguese native breeds, i.e. Merino Branco and Merino Preto, and a population of crossbred animals. A cohort of 1375 sheep sampled across 17 flocks, located in the Alentejo region (southern Portugal), was included in the analyses. RESULTS: Phenotypes were scored from 0 (healthy) to 5 (severe footrot) based on visual inspection of feet lesions, following the Modified Egerton System. Using a linear mixed model approach, three SNPs located on chromosome 24 reached genome-wide significance after a Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). Additionally, six genome-wide suggestive SNPs were identified each on chromosomes 2, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 15. The annotation and KEGG pathway analyses showed that these SNPs are located within regions of candidate genes such as the nonsense mediated mRNA decay associated PI3K related kinase (SMG1) (chromosome 24) and the RALY RNA binding protein like (RALYL) (chromosome 9), both involved in immunity, and the heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2) (chromosome 2) and the Thrombospodin 1 (THBS1) (chromosome 7) implicated in tissue repair and wound healing processes. CONCLUSION: This is the first attempt to identify molecular markers associated with footrot in Portuguese Merino sheep. These findings provide relevant information on a likely genetic association underlying footrot resistance/susceptibility and the potential candidate genes affecting this trait. Genetic selection strategies assisted on the information obtained from this study could enhance Merino sheep-breeding programs, in combination with farm management strategies, for a more effective and sustainable long-term solution for footrot control.

Reconstrução total da cobertura cutânea do pênis com retalho miocutâneo: relato de caso / Total reconstruction of the skin coverage of the penis with myocutaneous flap: case report

Introdução: O pênis é uma importante estrutura do corpo masculino, sendo sua reconstrução um desafio. Existem diversas doenças e deformidades que acometem este órgão, sendo necessário, em certos casos, a reconstrução total da cobertura cutânea do pênis, tendo já sido descritas na literatura diversas técnicas, tais como o uso de enxertos totais, retalho escrotal, retalhos miocutâneos da fáscia lata e outros. Relato de Caso: Neste relato é apresentada uma reconstrução da cobertura total do pênis por meio do uso de retalho miocutâneo do músculo cremaster com pele da bolsa escrotal, conseguindo prover uma boa vascularização e mantendo a permeabilidade uretral. Conclusão: Tal técnica não foi encontrada em nenhuma das bases de dados pesquisadas no trabalho, apenas semelhantes, e mostrouse como uma boa opção para a reconstrução total da cobertura cutânea peniana.

Introduction: The penis is an important structure of the male body, and its reconstruction is a challenge. Several diseases and deformities affect this organ, being necessary, in certain cases, for the total reconstruction of the cutaneous coverage of the penis, having already been described in the literature several techniques, such as the use of total grafts, scrotal flap, myocutaneous flaps of the fasciae latae and others. Case Report: In this report, a reconstruction of the total coverage of the penis is presented using a myocutaneous flap of the cremaster muscle with skin from the scrotum, achieving good vascularization and maintaining urethral permeability. Conclusion: This technique was not found in any of the databases researched in this study, only similar ones, and it proved to be a good option for the total reconstruction of penile skin coverage.

The assistance gaps in combating COVID-19 in Brazil: for whom, where and when vaccination occurs.

BACKGROUND: Following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of infected Brazilian people has increased dramatically since February 2020, with Brazil being amongst the countries with the highest number of cases and deaths. Brazilian vaccination began in January 2021, aimed at priority groups. This study analysed the spatial and temporal evolution of vaccination in Brazil between the 3rd and 21st epidemiological weeks (EW) of 2021. METHODS: Spatial and temporal analyses were performed comprising 19 EW. Cases were structured into priority groups-elderly population (EP); healthcare workers (HW); indigenous and quilombola populations (I/Q), dose, vaccine (CoronaVac or AstraZeneca), and place of vaccination. A sweep test was performed to identify vaccination rate clusters. Vaccination rates (VR) were calculated according to a spatial window for each Health Region, indicating clusters above/below expected VR. Based on the discrete Poisson probability model, spatial analysis was performed to detect high/low VR clusters, which were converted into Kernel maps. Points were generated from SaTScan analyses associated with Health Region centroids. Temporal analysis of VR was carried out to identify significant trends, and results were converted into temporal cluster graphs. P-value ≤ 0.05 was adopted. RESULTS: Southeast region concentrated most of the vaccines of EP and HW, followed by the Northeast. The latter region had the largest contingent of I/Q vaccinated. In all priority age groups and all regions, a higher percentage of complete CoronaVac vaccination schedules were observed compared with AstraZeneca. The temporal analysis identified high VR clusters of CoronaVac first and second dose in the early weeks, except for the EP; of AstraZeneca first dose, only for HW in the early weeks, and for EP and I/Q in the final weeks; of AstraZeneca second dose for all priority groups in the final weeks. I/Q populations had the lowest general VR. The spatial profile of VR indicated significant regional cluster differences between the priority groups. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of establishing vaccination priority groups, considering the asymmetries that a pandemic can trigger, notably in vast geographic areas, to contemplate the main objective of vaccination: to prevent casualties.

Impact of Heat Stress on Bovine Sperm Quality and Competence.

Global warming has negatively influenced animal production performance, in addition to animal well-being and welfare, consequently impairing the economic sustainability of the livestock industry. Heat stress impact on male fertility is complex and multifactorial, with the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa affected by several pathways. Among the most significative changes are the increase in and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing lipid peroxidation and motility impairment. The exposure of DNA during the cell division of spermatogenesis makes it vulnerable to both ROS and apoptotic enzymes, while the subsequent post-meiotic DNA condensation makes restoration impossible, harming later embryonic development. Mitochondria are also susceptible to the loss of membrane potential and electron leakage during oxidative phosphorylation, lowering their energy production capacity under heat stress. Although cells are equipped with defense mechanisms against heat stress, heat insults that are too intense lead to cell death. Heat shock proteins (HSP) belong to a thermostable and stress-induced protein family, which eliminate protein clusters and are essential to proteostasis under heat stress. This review focuses on effects of heat stress on sperm quality and on the mechanisms leading to defective sperm under heat stress.

O ensino remoto no curso de Medicina de uma universidade brasileira em tempos de pandemia / Remote education at Brazilian university medical school during the pandemic

Resumo: Introdução: O processo de ensino-aprendizagem passou por grandes mudanças tecnológicas ao longo das décadas, com importante impacto nos cursos de Medicina. Uma dessas mudanças foi o uso dos ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem (AVA). Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade do processo de ensino-aprendizagem remoto no curso de Medicina durante a pandemia da Covid-19. Método: É um estudo de caráter descritivo com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. Seu desenvolvimento foi dividido em quatro fases: revisão da literatura, desenvolvimento do protocolo de avaliação, coleta e análise dos dados. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de um formulário on-line, e a análise dos dados, por análise estatística em três eixos: a avaliação do perfil tecnológico, a avaliação da aceitação da tecnologia e a experiência do usuário. Resultado: Foi constatado que a maioria dos estudantes (65%) e docentes (88.2%) possuía infraestrutura para participar do semestre suplementar. A maior parte dos alunos relatou sentir segurança em utilizar as ferramentas tecnológicas e estava satisfeita com o ensino remoto, porém 53% dos alunos relataram não ter um rendimento tão grande quanto teriam em um período presencial comum, além de terem mencionado dificuldades na adaptação ao ensino remoto, e 40,2% citaram uma alta taxa de problemas psicológicos entre eles. Os docentes em sua maioria se sentiam seguros em lecionar on-line e também tiveram uma avaliação em geral bastante positiva do semestre remoto, tendo apenas algumas discordâncias em relação ao tempo para preparação das aulas e da criação de materiais didáticos para seus alunos. Conclusão: Os diversos fatores relacionados à tecnologia, organização e saúde mental dos estudantes e docentes devem ser levados em consideração no planejamento dos próximos semestres, pois, até que a situação de saúde volte ao normal, os próximos semestres letivos terão todos os componentes teóricos do curso de Medicina trabalhados remotamente, ao menos com a maioria na modalidade híbrida. É provável que alunos e professores desenvolvam uma curva de aprendizagem e consequente adaptação, o que pode atenuar algumas das dificuldades observadas. É preciso que o processo de adaptação seja catalisado por normas, orientações e também inovações da universidade.

Abstract: Introduction: Introduction: The teaching-learning process has undergone major technological changes over the decades, with a significant impact on medical courses. One of these changes has been the use of virtual learning environments (VLEs). Objective: to evaluate the quality of the remote teaching-learning process in the medical course during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This is a descriptive study with a quantitative and qualitative approach. Its development was divided into 4 phases: literature review, development of the assessment protocol, data collection and analysis. Data collection was through an online form and data analysis was by statistical analysis on three axes: assessment of the technological profile, assessment of the acceptance of the technology and the user experience. Result: It was found that most students (65%) and teachers (88.2%) had the infrastructure to participate in the supplementary semester. Most students reported feeling safe in using technological tools and were satisfied with the remote teaching, however, 53% of students reported underachievement in relation to their performance in an ordinary classroom period and reported difficulties in adapting to remote learning, and 40.2% reported a high rate of psychological problems. Most teachers felt secure in teaching online and had a very positive overall evaluation of the remote semester, with only a few disagreements regarding the time to prepare classes and create teaching materials for their students. Conclusion: The various factors related to technology, organization and mental health of students and teachers must be taken into account in the planning of the next semesters, because until the health situation returns to normal, the forthcoming academic semesters will provide all the theoretical components of the medical course remotely, or at least the majority provided in a hybrid modality. It is likely that students and teachers will develop a learning curve and consequent adaptation, which may alleviate some of the difficulties observed. The adaptation process needs to be catalyzed by standards, guidelines and innovations from the university.

Jogos teatrais na pediatria, brincando com os objetos do teatro: dispositivos para cuidar / Theatrical games in pediatrics, playing with theater objects: devices for caring

Este trabalho está associado à pesquisa de mestrado profissional intitulada JOGOS TEATRAIS NA PEDIATRIA, BRINCANDO COM OS OBJETOS DO TEATRO: dispositivos para cuidar. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir das questões norteadoras: Como identificar nos jogos teatrais o significado das imagens produzidas pelas crianças no vídeo ou nos desenhos sobre a experiência de internar? Os significados das imagens ou desenhos podem ser indicadores de respostas para o cuidado em pediatria? Os objetivos foram: Identificar o que os jogos teatrais provocam na criança, ao criarem cenas e/ou desenhos sobre suas experiências da internação; destacar, nas cenas/imagens produzidas pelas crianças depois das atividades do jogo teatral, informações sobre sua experiência de internação. A metodologia da pesquisa é descritiva, observacional com caráter qualitativo, por produção de dados que indicassem significados sobre a experiência do brincar/jogar das crianças internadas. O jogo foi realizado com treze crianças, no qual 11 crianças estavam tristes e com dor, e duas estavam indiferentes antes de jogar/brincar. Depois das atividades do jogo, 12 crianças se apresentaram alegres e uma se manteve indiferente. Após a realização da organização da análise, destacam-se duas categorias centralizadas em relação ao estado emocional: a) as crianças se mostraram tristes antes de jogar; b) as crianças mostram alívio da dor após o jogar/brincar na internação. A conclusão deste estudo é que o brincar dentro de um hospital torna-se elemento importante para o desenvolvimento, saúde e bem-estar da criança enferma; as imagens produzidas falam do espaço de casa e do hospital, onde o segundo só é bom porque podem brincar/jogar e pintar como se estivessem em sua própria casa. Verificou-se também que os jogos cênicos podem contribuir atuando como ferramenta facilitadora no processo de cuidar da criança, além de auxiliar no resgate de algo tão natural e necessário na infância: o brincar. O jogo teatral favorece a liberação de conteúdos ocultos e emergentes, por meio da brincadeira, não se constituindo somente como instrumento para brincar, mas como ação terapêutica para diminuir a tensão, estresse e sofrimento decorrente da hospitalização. E, por fim, percebeu-se que a arte compõe o conjunto de ações do cuidado na saúde

Ce travail est lié au programme de recherche du Master professionnel intitulé LES JEUX THÉÂTRAUX À LA PÉDIATRIE, JOUER AVEC LES OBJETS DU THÉÂTRE: dispositifs pour le soin. Il a été réalisé à partir de questionnements spécifiques: Comment identifier dans les jeux théâtraux, la signification des images produites par les enfants dans la vidéo ou dans les dessins autour de l'expérience de l'internation ? Les significations des images ou des dessins peuvent être des indicateurs de réponses pour le soin dans la pédiatrie ? Et par rapport aux objectifs: identifier ce que les jeux théâtraux provoquent chez l'enfant à partir de la création de scènes et/ou de dessins sur leurs expériences d'internation; Remarquer dans les scènes/images produites par les enfants, les informations sur l'expérience de l'internation après les activités du jeu théâtral. La méthodologie de la recherche a eu un caractère qualitatif par production de données qui indiquent des significations sur l'expérience du jeu par les enfants hospitalisés. Le jeu a été réalisé avec treize enfants, dont onze étaient tristes et avec douleur et deux étaient indifférents avant de jouer. Après les jeux, douze enfants sont devenus contents et un enfant a continué indifférent. Après l'organisation de l'analyse, nous avons défini deux catégories par rapport à l'état émotionnel: a) Les enfants sont tristes avant de jouer. b) Après avoir joué dans l'internation, les enfants présentent un soulagement par rapport à la douleur. Nous arrivons ainsi à la conclusion que jouer dans un hôpital est un élément important pour le développement, la santé et le bien-être de l'enfant malade ; les images produites montrent un discours sur la maison et sur l'hôpital, où le deuxième est seulement agréable parce qu'ils peuvent y jouer et peindre comme s'ils étaient à la maison. On a pu vérifier aussi que les jeux scéniques peuvent contribuer comme outil facilitateur dans le processus de soin de l'enfant, et aussi comme auxiliaire dans la récupération de ce qui est si naturel et nécessaire à l'enfance : le jouer. Le jeu théâtral favorise la libération des contenus ocultés et emergents à travers l'acte de jouer, non seulement comme un instrument pour cet acte, mais également comme action thérapeutique pour la diminution de la tension, du stress et de la souffrance issus de l'hospitalisation. Enfin, l'art compose l'ensemble d'actions de soin dans le domaine de la santé

Prevalence of contagious and environmental mastitis-causing bacteria in bulk tank milk and its relationships with milking practices of dairy cattle herds in São Miguel Island (Azores).

This study aimed to assess the degree of contamination of bulk tank milk (BTM) by Staphylococcus spp. and coliform bacteria and to identify major milking practices that help perpetuate them in dairy cattle herds in São Miguel Island. In July 2014, BTM was sampled and a survey concerning local milking practices was conducted on 100 herds. Semi quantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction detected coagulase-negative staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and other coliform bacteria (Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Serratia marcescens) in 100, 75, 59, and 35 % of BTM, respectively. According to multivariable univariate models, on herds not using hot water for cleaning the milking machine and teat liners, there was at least 3.4 more odds (P < 0.01) to have S. aureus or coliform bacteria contamination in BTM. The likelihood of finding S. aureus in BTM was higher (P < 0.001) on herds without high hygiene during milking, when milking mastitic cows at the end, on abrupt cessation of milking at dry-off, and official milk control implementation. The glove use also favored (odds ratio (OR) 5.8; P < 0.01) the detection of coliform bacteria in BTM. Poor milking practices identified in this study should be avoided in order to decrease S. aureus and coliform bacteria contamination of BTM. Other factors associated with milk quality in São Miguel Island also should be further investigated.