The effect of cigarette smoke extract exposure on the size and sexual behaviour of Drosophila melanogaster.

Drosophila melanogaster is a widely used animal model in human diseases and to date it has not been applied to the study of the impact of tobacco use on human sexual function. Hence, this report examines the effects of different concentrations of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure on the size and sexual behavior of D. melanogaster. Wild-type flies were held in vials containing CSE-infused culture media at concentrations of 10%, 25%, and 50% for three days, and their offspring were reared under the same conditions before measuring their body size and mating behavior. CSE exposure during development reduced the tibia length and body mass of emerging adult flies and prolonged the time required for successful courtship copulation success, while courtship behaviors (wing extension, tapping, abdomen bending, attempted copulation) remained largely unchanged. Our findings indicate that CSE exposure negatively affects the development of flies and their subsequent reproductive success. Future experiments should investigate the CSE effect on male female fertility.

The kisspeptin-GnIH signaling pathway in the role of zebrafish courtship and aggressive behavior induced by azoxystrobin.

Azoxystrobin, a strobilurin widely used to control rice diseases, has raised concerns about possible adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. At present, very little is known about the effects of azoxystrobin on courtship and aggressive behavior and the potential underlying mechanisms. In the present study, after exposing adult male and female zebrafish to worst-case scenario concentrations of azoxystrobin (0, 2 µg/L, 20 µg/L, and 200 µg/L) for 42 d, we observed a decrease in courtship behavior and an increase in aggressive behavior in both male and female zebrafish. In addition, to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the behavioral effects of azoxystrobin, we quantified the changes in the concentrations of kisspeptin, 5-HT, GnIH, and their corresponding receptor mRNA expression in the brain. The results showed that 200 µg/L azoxystrobin decreased the concentrations of kisspeptin and increased the concentration of GnIH in both male and female zebrafish brain. In addition, azoxystrobin also significantly reduced 5-HT concentration in female zebrafish brain. Further investigation revealed that altered courtship and aggressive behavior were associated with the expression levels of genes (kiss1, kiss2, gnrh3, gnrhr3, 5ht1a, and 5ht2a) involved in kisspeptin-GnIH signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study suggested that azoxystrobin may impair courtship and aggressive behavior in zebrafish by interfering with the kisspeptin-GnIH signaling pathway, which may have more profound effects on natural zebrafish populations.

The masculinization steroid milieu caused by fluorene-9-bisphenol disrupts sex-typical courtship behavior in female zebrafish (Danio rerio).

In vertebrates, the behavior of congenital sex differences between males and females is highly dependent on steroid signals and hormonal milieu. The presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment generally plays a similar role to sex hormones, so its interference with aquatic organism population stability can not be ignored and is worth studying. Fluorene-9-bisphenol (BHPF) has been clarified as an endocrine disruptor on organisms by several studies but its mechanism in perturbation of courtship behavior of female zebrafish is not clear. Here, we proposed an automated multi-zebrafish tracking method quantifying the courtship process and reported that zebrafish females exposed to BHPF, are not receptive to males but rather court females, and lose normal ovarian function with an altered sex steroid milieu. Our results showed that BHPF damaged 17ß-estradiol synthesis by down-regulation of sox3 and cyp19a1a, linking apoptosis with ovary development and female fecundity. The down-regulated expression of estrogen signaling through an estrogen receptor, esr2b, caused the induction of masculinization of female courtship behavior and sexual preference in zebrafish females after BHPF treatment. This process might be mediated by inhibiting the transcription of a neuropeptide B (npb) in the brain. Our study reveals that the estrogen signaling pathway may play an important role in classical courtship behavior and sexual preference of zebrafish. This study provided evidence that anti-estrogenic chemical exposure caused adverse effects on the regulation of the brain-gonad-estrogen axis of aquatic organisms, which should be of concern and highlighted the importance of controlling environmental contamination.

Impact of Celiac Disease on Dating.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: When seeking a romantic partner, individuals with celiac disease (CD) must navigate challenging social situations. We aimed to investigate dating-related behaviors in adults with CD. METHODS: A total of 11,884 affiliates of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University were invited to participate in an online survey. Adults (≥ 18 years) with biopsy-diagnosed CD were included. Among the 5,249 who opened the email, 538 fully completed the survey (10.2%). The survey included a CD-specific dating attitudes/behaviors questionnaire, a Social Anxiety Questionnaire (SAQ), a CD-specific quality of life instrument (CD-QOL), and a CD Food Attitudes and Behaviors scale (CD-FAB). RESULTS: Respondents were primarily female (86.8%) and the plurality (24.4%) was in the 23-35 year age range. 44.3% had dated with CD, and among them, 68.4% reported that CD had a major/moderate impact on their dating life. A major/moderate impact was more commonly reported among females (69.3%, p < 0.001), 23-35-year-olds (77.7%, p = 0.015), those with a household income < $50 K (81.7%, p = 0.019), and those with a lower CD-QOL score (50.5 vs. 73.4, p = 0.002). While on dates, 39.3% were uncomfortable explaining precautions to waiters, 28.2% engaged in riskier eating behaviors, and 7.5% intentionally consumed gluten. 39.0% of all participants were hesitant to kiss their partner because of CD; females more so than males (41.1% vs. 22.7%, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of participants felt that CD had a major/moderate impact on their dating life. This impact may result in hesitation toward dating and kissing, decreased QOL, greater social anxiety, and less adaptive eating attitudes and behaviors. CD and the need to adhere to a gluten free diet have a major impact on dating and intimacy.

Myc suppresses male-male courtship in Drosophila.

Despite strong natural selection on species, same-sex sexual attraction is widespread across animals, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we report that the proto-oncogene Myc is required in dopaminergic neurons to inhibit Drosophila male-male courtship. Loss of Myc, either by mutation or neuro-specific knockdown, induced males' courtship propensity toward other males. Our genetic screen identified DOPA decarboxylase (Ddc) as a downstream target of Myc. While loss of Ddc abrogated Myc depletion-induced male-male courtship, Ddc overexpression sufficed to trigger such behavior. Furthermore, Myc-depleted males exhibited elevated dopamine level in a Ddc-dependent manner, and their male-male courtship was blocked by depleting the dopamine receptor DopR1. Moreover, Myc directly inhibits Ddc transcription by binding to a target site in the Ddc promoter, and deletion of this site by genome editing was sufficient to trigger male-male courtship. Finally, drug-mediated Myc depletion in adult neurons by GeneSwitch technique sufficed to elicit male-male courtship. Thus, this study uncovered a novel function of Myc in preventing Drosophila male-male courtship, and supports the crucial roles of genetic factors in inter-male sexual behavior.

Hemoglobina glucosilada en el diagnóstico de diabetes gestacional en mujeres mexicanas durante el tercer trimestre / Glycosylated hemoglobin in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes in Mexican women during the third trimester

Resumen El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar los valores de hemoglobina glucosilada en el tercer trimestre de embarazo como predictores alternativos de la diabetes gestacional en pacientes del Noreste de México. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles a partir de 121 expedientes de pacientes embarazadas, divididos en dos grupos, pacientes con diabetes gestacional (casos) y gestantes con valores glucémicos normales (controles). Se analizaron los factores de riesgo asociados a la diabetes gestacional y se obtuvo un punto de corte para la hemoglobina glucosilada. Se encontró que la obesidad materna, la edad y el antecedente del padecimiento fueron asociados significativamente con la diabetes gestacional. Valores de hemoglobina glucosilada ≥5% incrementaron el riesgo de padecer diabetes mellitus gestacional 4 veces y, aunado a un factor de riesgo, la probabilidad se incrementó 7 veces. Se concluye que los valores de hemoglobina glucosilada en el tercer trimestre de embarazo podrían emplearse como prueba diagnóstica de la diabetes gestacional en pacientes del Noreste de México. Sin embargo, aunque las diferencias encontradas fueron estadísticamente significativas, los resultados se deben interpretar con cautela y requieren su confirmación con estudios que incluyan una muestra mayor.

Abstract The objective of this study was to analise glycosylated hemoglobin values in the third trimester of pregnancy as an alternative predictor of gestational diabetes in North East Mexican cohort patients. This is a retrospective case-control study based on 121 records of pregnant patients, divided into two groups, patients with gestational diabetes (cases) and pregnant women with normal glycemic values (control). The risk factors associated with gestational diabetes were analised and a cut-off point for glycosylated hemogestaglobin was obtained. It was found that maternal obesity, age and a history of the condition were significantly associated with gestational diabetes. Values of glycosylated hemoglobin ≥5% increased the risk of suffering from gestational diabetes 4 times, and coupled with a risk factor, the risk increased 7 times. It is concluded that glycosylated hemoglobin values in the third trimester of pregnancy could be used as a diagnostic test for gestational diabetes in patients from the North East of Mexico. Although the differences found were statistically significant, our results must be interpreted with caution and require confirmation by studies with a larger sample.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os valores da hemoglobina glicada no terceiro trimestre de gestação como preditores alternativos do diabetes gestacional em pacientes na região nordeste do México. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de casos e controles utilizando 121 prontuários de gestantes divididas em dois grupos; pacientes com diabetes gestacional (casos) e gestantes com valores de glicemia normais (controles). Foram analisados os fatores de risco associados a diabetes gestacional obtendo-se um ponto de corte para a hemoglobina glicada. Descobriu-se que a obesidade materna, idade e antecedentes da doença foram associados significativamente ao diabetes gestacional. Valores da hemoglobina glicada ≥ 5% aumentaram o risco de padecer diabetes mellitus gestacional 4 vezes, e juntamente a um fator de risco, a probabilidade aumentou 7 vezes. Conclui-se que os valores da hemoglobina glicada no terceiro trimestre de gestação poderiam ser usados como teste diagnóstico do diabetes gestacional em pacientes da região nordeste do México. Embora as diferenças encontradas tenham sido estatisticamente significativas, os resultados devem ser interpretados com cautela e requerem confirmação através de estudos que incluam uma amostra maior.

Dating and dating violence: social representations of school adolescents / Namoro e violência no namoro: representações sociais de adolescentes escolares / Noviazgo y violencia en el noviazgo: representaciones sociales de alumnos adolescents

This study aimed to analyze the Social Representations of adolescents on dating and dating violence from their social anchors. This is a quantitative-qualitative, descriptive-exploratory study, involving 215 adolescents from public schools located in the city of João Pessoa - Paraíba, aged between 14 and 18 (M=16.16; SD=1.26), predominantly female (60.5%). Participants answered the Free Word Association Technique (FWAT); the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationship Inventory (CADRI); and, a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data from the CADRI and sociodemographic characterization were submitted to descriptive analysis, while those from the FWAT to the Correspondence Factor Analysis. Results anchored social objects in the affective, behavioral, psycho-affective, psycho-organic and valorative spheres. Dating was objectified as complicity, fidelity, respect, love, commitment, deception, betrayal, kiss, and fight. While dating violence was objectified as jealousy, disrespect, sadness, quarrel, cowardice, rape, wrong, hate, death and verbal. (AU)

Objetivou-se, neste estudo, analisar as Representações Sociais de adolescentes acerca do namoro e violência no namoro (VN) a partir de suas ancoragens sociais. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quanti-qualitativa, descritiva-exploratória, que contou com 215 adolescentes de escolas públicas da cidade de João Pessoa-Paraíba, com idades entre 14 e 18 anos (M=16,16; DP=1,26), prevalentemente do sexo feminino (60,5%). Os participantes responderam à Técnica de Associação Livre de Palavras (TALP); o Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationship Inventory (CADRI); e um questionário sociodemográfico. Dados do CADRI e de caracterização sociodemográfica foram submetidos a análises descritivas, enquanto os da TALP a uma Análise Fatorial de Correspondência. Os resultados ancoraram os objetos sociais nas esferas afetiva, comportamental, psicoafetiva, psico-orgânica e valorativa. O namoro foi objetivado como cumplicidade, fidelidade, respeito, amor, compromisso, decepção, traição, beijo e briga. Enquanto a VN foi objetivada como ciúmes, desrespeito, tristeza, briga, covardia, estupro, errado, ódio, morte e verbal. (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las Representaciones Sociales de los adolescentes sobre la violencia en el noviazgo (VN) desde sus anclajes sociales. Se trata de una investigación cuantitativa-cualitativa, descriptiva-exploratoria, que contó con 215 adolescentes de la ciudad de João Pessoa-Paraíba, con edades entre 14 y 18 años (M=16,16; DP=1,26), prevalentemente del sexo femenino (60,5%). Los participantes respondieron a la Técnica de Asociación Libre de Palabras (TALP); Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationship Inventory (CADRI); y un cuestionario sociodemográfico. Datos del CADRI y de caracterización sociodemográfica se sometieron a análisis descriptivos, mientras que los de la TALP através de la Análisis Factorial de Correspondencia. Resultados anclaron los objetos sociales en esferas afectivas, conductuales, psicoafetivas, psicoorgánicas y valorativas. El noviazgo fue objetivado como complicidad, fidelidad, respeto, amor, compromiso, decepción, traición, beso y pelea. El VN fue objetivada como celos, falta de respeto, tristeza, pelea, cobardía, violación, mal, odio, muerte y verbal. (AU)

Flexible scaling and persistence of social vocal communication.

Innate vocal sounds such as laughing, screaming or crying convey one's feelings to others. In many species, including humans, scaling the amplitude and duration of vocalizations is essential for effective social communication1-3. In mice, female scent triggers male mice to emit innate courtship ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs)4,5. However, whether mice flexibly scale their vocalizations and how neural circuits are structured to generate flexibility remain largely unknown. Here we identify mouse neurons from the lateral preoptic area (LPOA) that express oestrogen receptor 1 (LPOAESR1 neurons) and, when activated, elicit the complete repertoire of USV syllables emitted during natural courtship. Neural anatomy and functional data reveal a two-step, di-synaptic circuit motif in which primary long-range inhibitory LPOAESR1 neurons relieve a clamp of local periaqueductal grey (PAG) inhibition, enabling excitatory PAG USV-gating neurons to trigger vocalizations. We find that social context shapes a wide range of USV amplitudes and bout durations. This variability is absent when PAG neurons are stimulated directly; PAG-evoked vocalizations are time-locked to neural activity and stereotypically loud. By contrast, increasing the activity of LPOAESR1 neurons scales the amplitude of vocalizations, and delaying the recovery of the inhibition clamp prolongs USV bouts. Thus, the LPOA disinhibition motif contributes to flexible loudness and the duration and persistence of bouts, which are key aspects of effective vocal social communication.

Reproductive potential of mosquitofish is reduced by the masculinizing effect of a synthetic progesterone, gestodene: Evidence from morphology, courtship behaviour, ovary histology, sex hormones and gene expressions.

The ever-increasing use of synthetic hormones, especially progestins, for medical applications has drawn growing concerns due to their potential endocrine disrupting effects that may diminish the reproductive outputs of aquatic organisms. Using mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) as a model species, we tested whether gestodene (GES), a commonly used progestin, can alter the expressions of genes associated with sex hormone synthesis and cause ensuing changes in morphological features, courtship behaviour and oocyte development. After exposing to GES at environmentally relevant concentrations (2.96, 32.9 and 354 ng L-1) for 40 days, we found that GES, especially at 354 ng L-1, induced masculinization of female fish, indicated by the reduced body weight to length ratio and development of gonopodia (i.e. anal fins of male fish). Thus, the males showed less intimacy and mating interest towards the GES-exposed females, indicated by the reduced time spent on attending, following and mating behaviours. While oocyte development was seemingly unaffected by GES, spermatogonia were developed in the ovary. All the aforementioned masculinizing effects of GES were associated with the increased testosterone level and decreased estradiol level, driven by upregulating androgen receptor genes (Arα and Arß). Overall, our findings suggest that progestins could undermine the reproductive potential of aquatic organisms and hence their persistence in the progestin-contaminated environment.

Variables psicológicas asociadas a la inteligencia de cortejo en adultos paraguayos / Psychological variables related to mating intelligence in Paraguayan adults

Las características del cortejo humano han sido analizadas por diversas ciencias, pero con limitados estudios en Sudamérica. Este trabajo es un estudio de las asociaciones entre inteligencia de cortejo y personalidad, satisfacción vital, orientación sociosexual y estrategias de historia de vida en adultos paraguayos. Fueron seleccionados 219 adultos mediante muestreo por conveniencia. Se aplicaron los instrumentos: Mating Intelligence Scale, Test IPIP, Inventario de Orientación Sociosexual Revisado, K-SF-42, Escala SWLS y Protocolo de Conductas y Preferencias de Cortejo. Los principales resultados muestran, por un lado, asociaciones entre inteligencia de cortejo con rasgos de personalidad, orientación sociosexual, satisfacción vital y estrategias de historias de vida K. Por otro lado, se identificaron varias particularidades culturales de las conductas de cortejo. Se concluye que existen asociaciones entre inteligencia de cortejo con los constructos referidos y ciertas diferencias culturales.

Diverse sciences have analyzed aspects involved in human courtship. There are few studies in South America. The present study examines the associations between mating intelligence with personality, life satisfaction, sociosexual orientation and life history strategies in Paraguayan adults. The sample included 219 adults selected by convenience sampling. Mating Intelligence Scale, IPIP Test, Sociosexual Orientation Scale, K-SF-42, SWLS and Protocolo de Conductas y Preferencias de Cortejo were used. In the first place, the results show associations between mating intelligence with sociosexual orientation, life satisfaction, slow life history strategy and personality traits. Second, some cultural particularities of courtship behaviours were identified. In conclusion, we find associations between mating intelligence with the mentioned constructs and some cultural differences of courtship

Índices triglicéridos-glucosa como estimadores de insulinorresistencia en personas con riesgo de desarrollar diabetes tipo 2 / Triglyceride-glucose indices as estimators of insulin resistance in people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes

EL HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment-insulin-resistance) es un estimador de insulinorresistencia (IR) pero depende de la determinación de insulina. Los índices triglicéridos-glucosa (T-G)-circunferencia de la cintura (CC) (T-G-CC) o triglicéridos-glucosa-índice de masa corporal (TG- IMC) podrían ser sustitutos. Los objetivos de este trabajo consistieron en investigar en personas con riesgo de desarrollar diabetes tipo 2 (DT2): a) los índices T-G, T-G-CC y T-G-IMC como estimadores de HOMA-IR>2,1; b) determinar su poder discriminante. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en el que se estudiaron 223 individuos ≥45 años con riesgo de desarrollar diabetes tipo 2 (DT2). La relación T-G se calculó como ln [triglicéridos (mg/dL) x glucemia (mg/dL)/2]. La relación T-G-CC y T-G-IMC fue el producto de T-G por CC o IMC. Se utilizó análisis de regresión logística y se calcularon las áreas bajo las curvas ROC (receiver operating characteristic curves) (ABC) para comparar las asociaciones de T-G, T-G-CC y T-G-IMC con HOMA-IR>2,1. Mediante análisis discriminante se evaluó la clasificación de los sujetos entre HOMA-IR>2,1 y HOMA-IR≤2,1. ABC, sensibilidad, especificidad, poder predictivo positivo y negativo para T-G-CC y T-G-IMC fueron mayores que para T-G, con los siguientes valores de corte: T-G=8,75, T-G-CC=821 y T-G-IMC=255. Los odds ratios (OR) para HOMA-IR>2,1, ajustados para confusores, fueron: T-G>8,75, OR: 4,85 (IC 95% 2,73-8,62); T-G-CC>821, OR: 10,41 (IC 95% 5,55-19,53); T-GIMC> 255, OR: 10,41 (IC 95% 5,55-19,53). Con el análisis discriminante T-G>8,75 clasificó correctamente 69,2% individuos con HOMA-IR≤2,1 y 68,3% con HOMA-IR>2,1; T-G-CC y T-G-IMC clasificaron 74,4% y 78,2% respectivamente (p<0,001 en todos los casos). Se concluyó que T-GCC> 821 y T-G-IMC>255 fueron mejores estimadores de HOMA-IR>2,1 que T-G>8,75. Estas son determinaciones simples y accesibles y podrían ser útiles en la práctica clínica y en estudios epidemiológicos.

HOMA-IR ((homeostasis model assessment-insulin-resistance) is a surrogate estimator of insulin resistance (IR) but it depends on insulin determination. Triglyceride-glucose-waist circumference (T-G-WC) or triglyceride-glucose-body mass index (BMI) (T-G-BMI) could be substitutes. The objectives of this work were: to investigate in people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D): a) T-G, T-G-CC and T-G-BMI as estimators of HOMA-IR>2.1 and b) to determine their discriminating power. A prospective study was conducted studying 223 individuals ≥45 years of age at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). The T-G ratio was calculated as ln [triglycerides (mg/dL) x glycemia (mg/dL)/2]. The T-G-CC and T-G-BMI ratio was the product of T-G by CC or BMI. Logistic regression analysis was used and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) curves were calculated to compare the associations of T-G, T-G-CC and T-G-BMI with HOMA-IR>2.1. Using a discriminant analysis, the classification of the subjects between HOMA-IR>2.1 or HOMA-IR≤2.1 was evaluated. AUC, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive powers for T-G-CC and T-G-BMI were higher than for T-G, with the following cut-off values: TG=8.75, T-G-CC=821 and T-G-BMI=255. Odds ratios (OR) for HOMA-IR>2.1, adjusted for confounders, were: T-G>8.75, OR 4.85 (95% CI 2.73-8.62); T-G-CC>821, OR 10.41 (95% CI 5.55-19.53); T-G-BMI>255, OR 10.41 (95% CI 5.55-19.53). With the discriminant analysis T-G>8.75, 69.2% correctly classified with HOMA-IR≤2.1 and 68.3% with HOMA-IR>2.1; T-G-CC and T-G-BMI correctly classified 74.4% and 78.2% respectively (p <0.001 in all cases). It is concluded that T-G-CC>821 and T-G-BMI>255 were better estimators of HOMA-IR>2.1 than T-G>8.75. T-G-WC and T-G-BMI are simple and reliable determinations and could be useful in clinical practice and epidemiological studies.

O HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment-insulin-resistance) e um estimador de resistencia a insulina (RI), mas depende da determinacao da insulina. Triglicerideos-glicose (T-G), circunferencia da cintura (CC) (T-G-CC) ou triglicerideos-glicose-indice de massa corporal (T-G-IMC) poderiam ser substitutos. Os objetivos desse trabalho foram investigar em pessoas com risco de desenvolver diabetes tipo 2 (DT2): a) os indices T-G, T-G-CC e T-G-IMC como estimadores de HOMA-IR> 2,1; b) determinar seu poder discriminante. Um estudo prospectivo foi realizado em 223 pessoas ≥45 anos com risco de desenvolver diabetes tipo 2 (DT2). A razao T-G foi calculada como ln [triglicerideos (mg/dL) x glicemia (mg/dL)/2]. A razao T-G-CC e T-G-IMC foi o produto de T-G por CC ou IMC. A analise de regressao logistica foi utilizada e as areas sob as curvas ROC (receiver operating features) ABC foram calculadas para comparar as associacoes de T-G, T-G-CC e T-G-IMC com HOMA-IR>2.1. Por meio de analise discriminante, avaliou-se a classificacao dos sujeitos entre HOMA-IR>2,1 e HOMA-IR≤2,1. ABC, sensibilidade, especificidade, poder preditivo positivo e negativo para TG-CC e TG-IMC foram maiores que para TG, com os seguintes valores de corte: TG=8,75, TG-CC=821 e TG-IMC=255. Odds Ratios (OR) para HOMA-IR>2,1, ajustados para fatores de confusao, foram: TG>8,75, OR 4,85 (IC95% 2,73-8,62); T-G-CC>821, OR 10,41 (IC 95% 5,55-19,53); T-G-IMC>255, OR 10,41 (IC 95% 5,55-19,53). Com a analise discriminante T-G>8,75, 69,2% foram classificados corretamente com HOMA-IR≤2,1 e 68,3% com HOMA-IR>2,1; T-G-CC e T-G-IMC classificaram 74,4% e 78,2%, respectivamente (p<0,001 em todos os casos). Conclui-se que T-G-CC>821 e TG- IMC>255 foram melhores estimadores de HOMA-IR>2,1 que T-G>8,75. Elas sao determinacoes simples e acessiveis e poderiam ser uteis na pratica clinica e em estudos epidemiologicos.

Social Behavioral Deficits with Loss of Neurofibromin Emerge from Peripheral Chemosensory Neuron Dysfunction.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social and communicative disabilities. The cellular and circuit mechanisms by which loss of neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) results in social deficits are unknown. Here, we identify social behavioral dysregulation with Nf1 loss in Drosophila. These deficits map to primary dysfunction of a group of peripheral sensory neurons. Nf1 regulation of Ras signaling in adult ppk23+ chemosensory cells is required for normal social behaviors in flies. Loss of Nf1 attenuates ppk23+ neuronal activity in response to pheromones, and circuit-specific manipulation of Nf1 expression or neuronal activity in ppk23+ neurons rescues social deficits. This disrupted sensory processing gives rise to persistent changes in behavior beyond the social interaction, indicating a sustained effect of an acute sensory misperception. Together our data identify a specific circuit mechanism through which Nf1 regulates social behaviors and suggest social deficits in NF1 arise from propagation of sensory misinformation.

Psychometric properties of the Cyber Dating Abuse Questionnaire / Parâmetros psicométricos do Questionário de Abuso Digital no Namoro / Parámetros psicométricos del Cuestionario de Abuso Digital en Relaciones Amorosas

The present study aimed to know the validity and reliability of the Cyber Dating Abuse Questionnaire - CDAQ in the Brazilian context. For this purpose, two empirical studies were designed. Study 1 (N = 215) tested the psychometric parameters of CDAQ, using exploratory factorial analysis. Study 2 (N = 248) sought to gather additional evidences of validity and accuracy of CDAQ using confirmatory factor analysis. The results pointed to the two-factorial structure as the most relevant, with good internal consistency indexes observed. In addition, CDAQ demonstrated convergent validity through meaningful associations with face-to-face abuse in love relationships (CTS2) and overall satisfaction in relationships. Furthermore, it is concluded that CDAQ presents itself as a valid and reliable measure, useful for investigating digital abuse in love relationships in the Brazilian population. (AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a validade e fidedignidade do Questionário de Abuso Digital nos Relacionamentos Amorosos - QADRA no contexto brasileiro. Para isso, foram delineados dois estudos empíricos. O estudo 1 (N = 215) testou os parâmetros psicométricos do QADRA por meio da análise fatorial exploratória. O estudo 2 (N = 248) buscou reunir evidências adicionais de validade e precisão da EAC por meio da análise fatorial confirmatória. Os resultados apontaram para a estrutura bifatorial como a mais pertinente, sendo observados bons índices de consistência interna. Além disso, o QADRA demonstrou validade convergente por meio de associações significativas com o abuso presencial nos relacionamentos amorosos (CTS2) e a satisfação global nos relacionamentos. Ademais, conclui-se que o QADRA apresenta-se como uma medida válida e fidedigna, útil para investigação do abuso digital nos relacionamentos amorosos na população brasileira. (AU)

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer la validez y confiabilidad del Cuestionario de Abuso Digital en las Relaciones Amorosas - QADRA en el contexto brasileño. Para ello, se delinearon dos estudios empíricos. El estudio 1 (N = 215) probó los parámetros psicométricos del QADRA a través de análisis factorial exploratorio. El estudio 2 (N = 248) buscó reunir evidencias adicionales de validez y precisión de la EAC a través de análisis factorial confirmatorio. Los resultados apuntaron para una estructura bifactorial como la más pertinente, siendo observados buenos índices de consistencia interna. Además, el QADRA demostró validez convergente a través de asociaciones significativas con el abuso presencial en las relaciones amorosas (CTS2) y satisfacción global en las relaciones. Además, se concluye que el QADRA presenta una medida válida y fidedigna, útil en la investigación de abuso digital en relaciones amorosas de la población brasileña. (AU)

Patterns of perpetration and perceptions of teen dating violence / Padrões de perpetração e percepções de violência nas relações afetivo-sexuais na adolescência / Modelos de perpetración y percepciones de violencia en las relaciones afectivo-sexuales en la adolescencia

This study investigated patterns of perpetration and perceptions of teen dating violence (TDV) in a sample of 428 adolescents characterized as perpetrators (62.4% female, M=16.73 years of age, SD=1.20) from the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. There was also a comparison group of 132 non-perpetrators (51.5% female, M=16.54 years of age, SD=1.19). The research instruments were a sociodemographic questionnaire, 15 items about the perception of TDV and the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI). We found a rate of 76.43% for the perpetration of some type of TDV and the most frequent was verbal/emotional violence (91.1%). The data showed that adolescents (perpetrators and non-perpetrators) have difficulty recognizing abusive behaviors, legitimizing the use of violence in their romantic relationships. Considering dating violence is a predictor of adult marital violence, the need to raise awareness of the phenomenon and the possibility of preventing TDV is discussed in this study. (AU)

Este estudo investigou padrões de perpetração e percepções de violência nas relações afetivo-sexuais na adolescência (VRASA), em uma amostra de 428 adolescentes caracterizados como perpetradores (62,4% sexo feminino, M = 16,73 anos; DP = 1,20), da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre/RS. Foi adotado um grupo de comparação, composto por 132 adolescentes não perpetradores (51,5% sexo feminino, M = 16,54 anos; DP = 1,19). Os instrumentos utilizados foram questionário sociodemográfico, itens sobre percepção de VRASA e o Inventário de Conflitos nas Relações de Namoro na Adolescência. Foi observada uma taxa de 76,43% para perpetração de algum tipo de VRASA, sendo a mais frequente a violência verbal/emocional (91,1%). Os dados mostram que adolescentes perpetradores e não perpetradores têm dificuldade em reconhecer comportamentos abusivos, legitimando o uso da violência em suas relações amorosas. Considerando que a violência no namoro é preditora da violência conjugal adulta, discute-se a necessidade de uma maior visibilidade do fenômeno, assim como possibilidades de prevenção de VRASA. (AU)

Este estudio investigó los modelos de perpetración y percepciones de violencia en las relaciones afectivo-sexuales en la adolescencia (VRASA), en una muestra de 428 adolescentes caracterizados como perpetradores (62,4% sexo femenino, M = 16,73 años, DP = 1,20), de la región metropolitana de Porto Alegre/RS. Fue adoptado un grupo para comparación, compuesto por 132 adolescentes no perpetradores (51,5% sexo femenino, M = 16,54 años, DP = 1,19). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron cuestionario sociodemográfico, ítems sobre percepción de VRASA y el Inventario de Conflictos en las Relaciones de Enamorar en la Adolescencia). Fue observada una tasa de 76,43% para la perpetración de algún tipo de VRASA, siendo la más frecuente la violencia verbal/emocional (91,1%). Los datos muestran que adolescentes perpetradores y no perpetradores tienen dificultad en reconocer comportamientos abusivos, legitimando el uso de la violencia en sus relaciones amorosas. Considerando que la violencia en el noviazgo es predictora de la violencia conyugal adulta, se discute la necesidad de una mayor visibilidad del fenómeno así como posibilidades de prevención de VRASA. (AU)

Prevalencia del antígeno D débil y su clasificación fenotípica en donantes voluntarios de sangre / Prevalence of "weak" D antigen and its phenotypic classification in voluntary blood donours / Prevalência do antígeno D "fraco" e sua classificação fenotípica em doadores voluntários de sangue

En el campo de la medicina transfusional la correcta identificación de los fenotipos del sistema Rh y en especial del antígeno D debe ser de manera inequívoca por su relevancia clínica. El antígeno D tiene variantes denominadas D parcial, D débil y DEL, las que se producen por mutaciones de los alelos RHD/RHCE o por una supresión en la expresión fenotípica. Se trató de un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal en el que se realizó una revisión de registros primarios durante el período 2011-2014 validados de acuerdo con el protocolo de Hernández-Sampieri R. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva mediante la aplicación del software informático SPSS versión 22.0 y se estableció la relación entre variables independientes a través del análisis estadístico de Chi-cuadrado. Se determinó una prevalencia de donantes RhD negativos de 1,8 a 2,5% y RhD débil de 1,79 a 2,28%. La fenotipificación serológica permitió identificar que los tipos 2 y 5 eran los más frecuentes. También se estableció la existencia de aloinmunización por anti-D, anti-C y anti-E. Se estableció de esta manera la existencia de D débil y una importante aloinmunización en la población de donantes de sangre tipificados como D negativo y D débil, por lo que se recomienda implementar un algoritmo de identificación del antígeno D en servicios de medicina transfusional.

In the field of transfusion medicine, the correct identification of the phenotypes of the Rh system and especially of the D antigen must be unequivocal for clinical relevance. The D antigen has variants called partial D, weak D and DEL. These are produced by mutations of the RHD/RHCE alleles or a suppression in phenotypic expression. The objective of this study was to establish the frequency of weak D antigen in the population of blood donours from 17 Ecuadorian states and their phenotypic combinations. It was a descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study performed during the 2011-2014 period and validated with primary records in accordance with the Hernández-Sampieri R protocol. A descriptive statistics through the application of SPSS computer software version 22.0 was used and the relationship between independent variables through the Chi-square statistic method was established. A prevalence of RhD negative donours from 1.8 to 2.5% and weak D 1.79 to 2.28% was observed The serological phenotyping made it possible to identify that type 2 and 5 were the most frequent. The presence of alloimmunization by anti-D, anti-C and anti-E was also established. Besides, the presence of weak D types and significant alloimmunization in the donour population of blood typed as D negative and weak was established, so it is recommended to implement an algorithm for the identification of D antigen in transfusional medicine services.

No campo da medicina transfusional, a correta identificação dos fenótipos do sistema Rh e especialmente do antígeno D deve ser inequívoca devido a sua relevância clínica. O antígeno D tem variantes chamadas de D parcial, D fraca e DEL, as quais são produzidos por mutações dos alelos RHD/RHCE ou por uma supressão na expressão fenotípica. O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer a frequência do antígeno D fraco em uma população de doadores de sangue de 17 províncias equatorianas e suas combinações fenotípicas. Foi uma estudo descritivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal em que se realizou uma revisão dos registros primários validados de acordo com o Protocolo Hernández-Sampieri R durante o período 2011-2014. Utilizou-se estatísticas descritivas através da aplicação do software informático SPSS versão 22.0 e a relação entre variáveis independentes através da análise estatística de qui-quadrado. Foi determinada uma prevalência de doadores RhD negativos de 1,8 a 2,5% e RhD fraco de 1,79 a 2,28%. A genotipagem serológica permitiu identificar que os tipos 2 e 5 são os mais frequente. A existência de alo imunização por anti-D, anti-C e anti-E também foi estabelecida. A existência de D fraco e uma alo imunização significativa na população de doadores de sangue tipificados como D negativo e fraco, por isso é recomendado implementar um algoritmo de identificação do antígeno D em serviços de medicina transfusional.

Neuronal plasticity in the forebrain of the male red-sided garter snake: Effect of season, low temperature dormancy, and hormonal status on dendritic spine density.

Numerous studies have reported seasonal variations in regional morphology in the brains of seasonally breeding vertebrates. These alterations of neuronal morphology and dendritic spine density appear to be an active process within specific brain nuclei that regulate seasonal behaviors. In many cases, this neural plasticity has been found to be in response to changes in circulating sex steroid hormone levels and occur within pathways essential for the control of reproductive behaviors. Male red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) (RSGS) exhibit a dissociated reproductive pattern where mating is initiated at a time when the gonads and steroidogenesis are inactive. And, although circulating levels of sex steroid hormones are elevated at the initiation of courtship and mating, the only known cue found to initiate courtship behavior and mating, is an extended period of low temperature dormancy (LTD) followed by exposure to warm temperatures. This study was designed to examine the role of seasons, sex steroid hormones, and LTD on neuronal and dendritic spine density within the anterior hypothalamus-preoptic area (AHPOA), a region shown to be critical for the regulation of reproductive behaviors. In the male RSGS, the density of dendritic spines on neurons in the AHPOA was significantly greater in spring, actively courting animals, than summer or fall, non-courting animals. Animals maintained under conditions of LTD exhibited significantly increasing spine density as time maintained in LTD increased. Animals receiving either testosterone or estradiol had a significantly greater density of dendritic spines than control animals. This study offers evidence suggesting that the "set up" of the pathways controlling courtship behavior and mating in the male RSGS, is not due solely to an extended period of LTD, but that an extended period of LTD in conjunction with circulating sex steroid hormones are critical for the initiation of reproductive behavior.

Vida sentimental y cortejo adolescente en el ámbito de la convivencia escolar y juvenil / Adolescent Flirting and Sentimental Life in School and Juvenile Settings / Vida sentimental e namoro adolescente no âmbito da convivência escolar e juvenil

Resumen Objetivo. La investigación está haciendo evidente que los procesos psicoevolutivos de cortejo e inicio de las primeras relaciones sentimentales inciden en la vida social de los centros escolares. La convivencia escolar es un constructo complejo que exige el análisis de todos los elementos relevantes para el bienestar de los miembros de la comunidad educativa. Este trabajo presenta un estudio sobre las experiencias sentimentales durante la adolescencia y su asociación con el bienestar subjetivo, o satisfacción percibida con diversos ámbitos de la vida. Método. Se utilizó una muestra representativa conformada por 2512 participantes de entre 11 y 18 años (49.8% chicas; edad media = 14.33; DT = 1.68), escolarizados en centros públicos y privados de Andalucía, España. Resultados. Se observó que la experiencia sentimental ejercía un efecto positivo en el bienestar subjetivo de los y las participantes y que aumentaba con la edad, encontrando diferencias significativas entre los sexos. Conclusión. Estos resultados se discuten en términos de las posibles implicaciones que, para la convivencia escolar, puede tener una buena gestión psicoeducativa del proceso de cortejo, y la necesidad de incluir esta meta en el proyecto educativo de los centros escolares.

Abstract Objective. This research evaluates the manner in which psycho-evolutional processes of flirting and the initiation of the first sentimental relationships come into play in the social life in schools. Healthy school relationships are complex constructions that must be studied thoroughly for the wellbeing of the members of the educational community. This research presents a study of adolescent sentimental experiences and their relationship to subjective wellbeing, or perceived satisfaction in diverse settings of life. Method. A sample of 2512 participants between 11 and 18 years old was used (49.8% girls; median age = 14.33; TD = 1.68), students from public and private institutions in Andalucía, Spain. Results. A positive effect, brought about by sentimental experience, was observed in the subjective wellbeing of the participants; this increased with the age of the participant. There were significant differences between the sexes. Conclusion. These results are discussed in terms of the possible implications for healthy school relationships on the positive psycho-educational management of flirting, and the need to include this goal in the educational projects of educational centers.

Resumo Escopo. A pesquisa está fazendo evidente que os processos psicoevolutivos do namoro e início das primeiras relações sentimentais incidem na vida social dos centros escolares. A convivência escolar é um construto complexo que exige a análise de todos os elementos relevantes para o bem-estar dos membros da comunidade educativa. Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre as experiências sentimentais durante a adolescência e sua associação com o bem-estar subjetivo, ou satisfação percebida com diversos âmbitos da vida. Metodologia. Foi utilizada uma amostra representativa conformada por 2512 participantes de entre 11 e 18 anos de idade (49.8% mulheres, idade média=14.33; DT=1.68), escolarizados em centros públicos e privados de Andaluzia, Espanha. Resultados. Foi observado que a experiência sentimental exerceu um efeito positivo no bem-estar subjetivo dos e das participantes e que aumentava com a idade, achando diferenças significativas entre os sexos. Conclusão. Estes resultados são discutidos em termos das possíveis implicações que, para a convivência escolar, pode ter uma boa gestão psicoeducativa do processo de namoro, e a necessidade de incluir esta meta no projeto educativo dos centros escolares.

Orchiectomy in Testudo species: technical aspects and effect on courtship behaviour.

Courtship behaviour of tortoises includes biting, ramming, chasing, same-sex sexual behaviour, and it commonly is excessive in European tortoise species kept as pets. As a result, males are kept individually. To assess the effect of orchiectomy on excessive courtship behaviour in European tortoises, 50 tortoises (Testudo graeca , T hermanni and T marginata ) underwent endoscopically assisted orchiectomy from April through September 2013 to 2017. Statistical analyses were performed in relation to species, body mass, testicular size and season and owners were invited to fill out a follow-up questionnaire. Body mass of the tortoises ranged from 334 to 2645 g (mean 1056 g) and the age from 5 to estimated 60 years. Testicular length ranged from 1.4 to 7.0 cm (mean 2.7 cm) and testicular mass from 0.6 to 12.6 g (mean 3.9 g). A complete or partial reduction (allowing group-housing) of the excessive courtship behaviour was noted by 95 per cent of owners and 59 per cent of the owners reported a noticeable change of behaviour within a month of surgery. Given the seasonal variation in testicular size, the best period for castrations in male European tortoises is shortly after brumation (April, May), when testes are proportionally smaller.

Idade como fator de risco para diabetes mellitus gestacional / Age as a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective:To investigate the age cutoff point for the detection of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Method:Case-control study with 416 pregnant women served at a prenatal outpatient clinic of a maternity hospital in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. The analysisof the receiver operating characteristic curve was performed with the data to determine values with sensitivity optimization according to the specificity. Results:It is estimated that the odds ratio in a woman aged ≥25 years for developing gestational diabetes mellitus is 2.3 times higher. The age ≥22.5 years was determined as a point that maximizes the chance of developing gestational diabetes mellitus. The chance of finding this disease in a woman aged 22.5 years or older is three times greater than in younger women. Conclusion:The age cutoff point that suggests the need for greater glycemic monitoring in pregnant women was 22.5 years.

Objetivo:Investigar o ponto de corte da idade para detecção de diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG). Método:Estudo caso-controle com 416 gestantes acompanhadas no ambulatório de pré-natal de uma maternidade no Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. A análise da curva receiver operating characteristicfoi aplicada aos dados para evidenciar valores com otimização da sensibilidade em função da especificidade. Resultados:Estima-se que a razão de chance de uma mulher com idade ≥25 anos desenvolver diabetes mellitus gestacional é 2,3 vezes maior. A idade ≥22,5 anos foi identificada como ponto que maximiza a chance para a diabetes mellitus gestacional. A chance de uma mulher com idade maior ou igual a 22,5 anos apresentar esta doença é 3,0 vezes maior do que em outra mulher com idade menor. Conclusão:O ponto de corte de idade que sugere necessidade de maior monitoramento de glicemia em gestantes é de 22,5 anos.

Condición física y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en adolescentes universitarios de Venezuela / Physical condition and cardiovascular risk factors in university adolescents of Venezuela

El nivel de condición física se puede considerar como la habilidad para realizar actividad física y/o ejercicio físico y su valoración constituye una medida del estado integrado de las principales funciones orgánicas que intervienen en el movimiento corporal. Se evaluó la relación entre la condición física y la calidad de la dieta con los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en adolescentes universitarios. El estudio fue descriptivo, correlacional, de corte transversal y de campo, y se realizó en 77 estudiantes de 18,1±0,6 años y de ambos sexos. Se evaluó la condición física general (CFg), el salto longitudinal (SL), la fuerza muscular (FM), el índice general de fuerza (IGF), la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria (VO2máx), la calidad de la dieta, la actividad física, el estado nutricional, variables bioquímicas, clínicas y de estilos de vida. La CFg, el SL, la relación FM/peso, el IGF y el VO2máx, correlacionaron con los indicadores de adiposidad evaluados (p<0,05). Además, la CFg, el IGF, el SL, la relación FM/peso también correlacionaron con la calidad de la dieta (p<0,05). Esta última también correlacionó con el c-HDL (p<0,05). En conclusión, los componentes de la condición física como el SL, la relación FM/peso, el IGF y el VO2máx, así como también la CFg relacionaron con la adiposidad de los adolescentes evaluados, mientras que el SL, el IGF y el VO2máx, y la CFg también lo hicieron con la tensión arterial. Sin embargo, la correlación desapareció cuando éstas fueron ajustadas por los indicadores de adiposidad, lo que parecería indicar que dichas correlaciones estarían mediadas por la adiposidad de los sujetos estudiados en la presente investigación.

The level of physical condition can be defined as the ability to perform physical activity and/or physical exercise, and its assessment is a measure of the integrated state of the main organic functions involved in body movement. The relationship between the physical condition and the quality was evaluated. The study was descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional and field-based, and was conducted in 77 students of 18.1±0.6 years of age and both sexes. General physical condition (GFC), longitudinal jump (LJ), muscular strength (MS), general strength index (GSI), cardiorespiratory capacity (VO2max), quality of the diet, physical activity, nutritional status, biochemical, clinical and lifestyle variables were evaluated. The GFC, the LJ, the MS/weight ratio, the GSI and the VO2max correlated with the adiposity indicators evaluated (p<0.05). In addition, the GFC, the GSI, the LJ, the MS/weight ratio also correlated with the quality of the diet (p<0.05). The latter also correlated with c-HDL (p<0.05). In conclusion, physical condition components such as LJ, MS/weight, GSI and VO2max, as well as GFC were related to the adiposity of the adolescents evaluated, while LJ, GSI and VO2max, and GFC were also related to with blood pressure. However, disappeared when these correlations were adjusted by the adiposity indicators, which could indicate that they are mediated by the adiposity of the subjects studied in the present investigation.

O nível de condição física pode ser considerado como a habilidade para realizar atividade física e/ou exercício físico e sua avaliação é uma medida do estado integrado das principais funções orgânicas que intervêm no movimento corporal. Foi avaliada a relação entre a condição física e qualidade da dieta com os fatores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes universitários. O estudo foi descritivo, correlacional, de corte transversal e de campo, e foi realizado em 77 estudantes de 18,1±0,6 anos e de ambos os sexos. Condição física geral (CFG) foi avaliada, o salto longitudinal (SL), força muscular (FM), o índice geral de força (IGF), capacidade cardiorrespiratória (VO2max), qualidade da dieta, atividade física, estado nutricional, variáveis bioquímicas, clínicas e de estilos de vida. A CFG, o SL, a proporção de FM/peso, o IGF e VO2max, correlacionaram com os indicadores de adiposidade avaliados (p<0,05). Além disso, a CFG, IGF, o SL e a relação FM/peso também correlacionaram com a qualidade da dieta (p<0,05). A última também se correlacionou com c-HDL (p<0,05). Em conclusão, os componentes da condição física como o SL, a relação FM / peso, o IGF e VO2max, bem como o CFG relacionaram com a adiposidade dos adolescentes avaliados, enquanto o SL, o IGF e VO2max, e CFG também o fizeram com a pressão arterial. Entretanto, a correlação desapareceu quando essas correlações foram ajustadas pelos indicadores de adiposidade, o que poderia indicar que essas correlações estariam mediadas pela adiposidade dos sujeitos estudados nesta pesquisa.