Current status of community resources and priorities for weed genomics research.

Weeds are attractive models for basic and applied research due to their impacts on agricultural systems and capacity to swiftly adapt in response to anthropogenic selection pressures. Currently, a lack of genomic information precludes research to elucidate the genetic basis of rapid adaptation for important traits like herbicide resistance and stress tolerance and the effect of evolutionary mechanisms on wild populations. The International Weed Genomics Consortium is a collaborative group of scientists focused on developing genomic resources to impact research into sustainable, effective weed control methods and to provide insights about stress tolerance and adaptation to assist crop breeding.

In utero ultrasound diagnosis of bilateral cataract and hydrops in a mule pregnancy: Case report.

Once diagnosed pregnant with ultrasound at an early stage of gestation, mares are usually not examined before foaling. The objective of this case report was to highlight the importance of transrectal ultrasound screening examination and to report a unique case of fetal congenital cataracts associated with other feto-placental abnormalities in a mule pregnancy, its in utero ultrasound diagnosis and outcome. A 17-year-old Thoroughbred research mare carrying a mule fetus was examined by transrectal ultrasonography at 186 days of gestation for a routine pregnancy examination. Ultrasonography allowed in utero diagnosis of fetal congenital cataracts, hyperechogenic bowels, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), hydramnios and placental abnormalities. The mare was monitored bi-monthly to observe the progress of the pregnancy. At 258 days of gestation, the abnormal chorioallantois detached at the cervical star and at 272 days, fetal asystole was diagnosed. Abortion was induced and the fetus was delivered uneventfully. Post-mortem gross and histologic findings confirmed the prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis. This case highlights the diagnostic value of a complete fetal ultrasound examination to detect equine fetal abnormalities.

Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld analysis of trans-bis-{(2E)-N-phenyl-2-[(2E)-3-phenyl-2-propen-1-yl-idene]hydrazinecarbo-thio-amidato-κ2N1,S}palladium(II).

The reaction of (2E)-N-phenyl-2-[(2E)-3-phenyl-2-propen-1-yl-idene]hydra-zine-carbo-thio-amide (common name: cinnamaldehyde-4-phenyl-thio-semi-carbazone) deprotonated with NaOH in ethanol with an ethano-lic suspension of PdII chloride in a 2:1 molar ratio yielded the title compound, [Pd(C16H14N3S)2]. The anionic ligands act as metal chelators, κ2 N 1 S-donors, forming five-membered rings with a trans-configuration. The PdII ion is fourfold coordinated in a slightly distorted square-planar geometry. For each ligand, one H⋯S and one H⋯N intra-molecular inter-actions are observed, with S(5) and S(6) graph-set motifs. Concerning the H⋯S inter-actions, the coordination sphere resembles a hydrogen-bonded macrocyclic environment-type. In the crystal, the complexes are linked via pairs of H⋯S inter-actions, with graph-set motif R 2 2(8), and building a mono-periodic hydrogen-bonded ribbon along [001]. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the major contributions for the crystal cohesion are: H⋯H (45.3%), H⋯C/C⋯H (28.0%), H⋯S/S⋯H (8.0%) and H⋯N/N⋯H (7.4%).

Subjective wellbeing of preschool children.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant Imagé (AUQEI) in pre-school children and estimate the influence of demographic characteristics on their subjective wellbeing. Methods: Construct validity was estimated using confirmatory analysis and the chi-square per degrees of freedom ratio (χ2/df), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). Reliability was assessed by the ordinal alpha (α) and omega (ω) coefficients and the factorial invariance by the difference in CFI (ΔCFI). Mean scores for each AUQEI item and the general score were calculated. Results: A total of 443 Preschool children enrolled in public education institutions participated. The original 4-factor AUQEI model showed collinearity between factors and a high correlation between two items. A single factor model was tested, presenting adequate fit to the data (χ2/df = 4.47; CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.08; α = 0.98; ω = 0.93; UniCo > 0.95, EVC > 0.85, and MIREAL < 0.30) and strict model invariance (ΔCFI < 0.01). The AUQEI model proved to be valid in relation to the external variables. Most children (76.7%) had positive subjective wellbeing. Higher scores were observed for items concerning recreation, holidays, and birthdays, and lower scores for those referring to hospitalization, medication, medical consultation, and being away from the family. The relationship between the demographic characteristics of the child or his/her mother and subjective wellbeing was not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The assessment of subjective wellbeing with the single-factor AUQEI model provided valid, reliable, and invariant. Thus, being a relevant and interesting instrument to assess wellbeing in young children.

Emotional Appetite Questionnaire: psychometric properties in Brazilian adult samples before and after the COVID-19 pandemic onset.

Background: Appetite represents a desire of a person to eat specific food in order to reach satisfaction and pleasure states. This desire may be associated with the experience of negative or positive emotions (emotional appetite). Emotional appetite can influence eating behavior, and its investigation is relevant to avoid possible damage to health resulting from a disordered eating. Objectives: To adapt the Emotional Appetite Questionnaire (EMAQ) to the Portuguese language; to assess the validity and reliability of the data; and to assess emotional appetite in three samples of adults collected before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The Portuguese version of the EMAQ was presented after translation, back-translation, and content analysis. Two studies were conducted, the first before and the second after the pandemic onset. Three samples were formed (2019: Sample 1 (age = 19.7 ± 1.5 years) n = 323; 2020: Sample 2 (age = 21.3 ± 1.8 years) n = 1,011; and Sample 3 (age = 28.9 ± 3.1 years) n = 909). An exploratory strategy with parallel analysis was performed. The analyses were conducted in FACTOR and R (lavaan and semTools packages) software. After determining the best-fit model for the data, emotional appetite was examined considering decrease, non-alteration, and increase in appetite in the face of positive and negative emotions/situations. The profile of emotional appetite was determined using a circumplex model. Results: The two-factor model described by the valence of emotions/situations fitted the samples (Comparative Fit Indexminimum-maximum = 0.95-0.98; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.94-0.98; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.03-0.08; αord = 0.78-0.88). Increases in appetite were more frequent for positive emotions/situations (52.0-57.5%), and both decreases (35.4-44.5%) and increases (50.0-56.2%) in appetite were observed for negative emotions/situations. Emotions with negative valence and activation were more relevant to appetite reduction, while a significant increase in appetite was observed with anxiety (negative valence and positive activation). Conclusion: Different emotions and situations may influence appetite in people, and such an investigation may be useful in preparing eating protocols.

Early growth and body composition assessed by air displacement plethysmography in infants born with simple gastroschisis.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall malformation usually associated with impaired growth. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the growth and body composition of infants born with simple gastroschisis in a referral center. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective case series of infants with simple gastroschisis who were measured at birth, at discharge, and at 3 months. Body composition was assessed via air-displacement plethysmography at discharge and at 3 months. The results were compared with those reported for healthy infants at an equivalent gestational age. RESULTS: Simple gastroschisis infants were lighter and smaller at birth and remained similar at 3 months. All anthropometric z scores decreased from birth to discharge, followed by an increase but not a full recovery toward 3 months. Overall, gastroschisis infants had a similar FM percentage, FM% (11.1 ± 4.7), but a lower FFM, FFM (2481 ± 478 g), at discharge. FM% (18.5 ± 5.3) decreased at 3 months, and FFM remained lower (3788 ± 722 g) but improved between the two exams. Boys had significantly more FFM than girls at both evaluations. The multiple regression analysis showed that male sex, prematurity, total parenteral nutrition duration, and exclusive breast milk diets were associated with differences in body composition. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with simple gastroschisis cared for in a referral center experienced growth failure at discharge and showed a similar FM% but lower FFM than healthy infants. At 3 months, they exhibited smaller FM% and FFM, but FFM improved after the first exam, representing a better protein accretion. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognostic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Identification of putative orthologs of clinically relevant antimicrobial peptides in the equine ocular surface and amniotic membrane.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to define the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expression pattern of the equine ocular surface and amniotic membrane using a targeted qPCR approach and 3'Tag-sequencing. It will serve as a reference for future studies of ocular surface innate immunity and amniotic membrane therapies. PROCEDURES: A targeted qPCR approach was used to investigate the presence of orthologs for three of the most highly expressed beta-defensins (DEFB1, DEFB4B, and DEFB103A) of the human ocular surface and amniotic membrane in equine corneal epithelium, conjunctiva, and amniotic membrane. 3'Tag-sequencing was performed on RNA from one sample of corneal epithelium, conjunctiva, and amniotic membrane to further characterize their AMP expression. RESULTS: Equine corneal epithelium, conjunctiva, and amniotic membrane expressed DEFB1, DEFB4B, and DEFB103A. DEFB103A was expressed at the highest amounts in corneal epithelium, while DEFB4B was most highly expressed in conjunctiva and amniotic membrane. 3'Tag-sequencing from all three tissues confirmed these findings and identified expression of five additional beta-defensins, 11 alpha-defensins and two cathelicidins, with the alpha-defensins showing higher normalized read counts than the beta-defensins. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified AMP expression in the equine cornea and conjunctiva, suggesting that they play a key role in the protection of the equine eye, similar to the human ocular surface. We also determined that equine amniotic membrane expresses a substantial number of AMPs suggesting it could potentiate an antimicrobial effect as a corneal graft material. Future studies will focus on defining the antimicrobial activity of these AMPs and determining their role in microbial keratitis.

Preliminary evaluation of safety and migration of immune activated mesenchymal stromal cells administered by subconjunctival injection for equine recurrent uveitis.

Introduction: Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), an immune mediated disease characterized by repeated episodes of intra-ocular inflammation, affects 25% of horses in the USA and is the most common cause of glaucoma, cataracts, and blindness. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory properties, which are upregulated by preconditioning with toll-like receptor agonists. The objective was to evaluate safety and migration of TLR-3 agonist polyinosinic, polycytidylic acid (pIC)-activated MSCs injected subconjunctivally in healthy horses prior to clinical application in horses with ERU. We hypothesized that activated allogeneic MSCs injected subconjunctivally would not induce ocular or systemic inflammation and would remain in the conjunctiva for >14 days. Methods: Bulbar subconjunctiva of two horses was injected with 10 × 106 pIC-activated (10 µg/mL, 2 h) GFP-labeled MSCs from one donor three times at two-week intervals. Vehicle (saline) control was injected in the contralateral conjunctiva. Horses received physical and ophthalmic exams [slit lamp biomicroscopy, rebound tonometry, fundic examination, and semiquantitative preclinical ocular toxicology scoring (SPOTS)] every 1-3 days. Systemic inflammation was assessed via CBC, fibrinogen, and serum amyloid A (SAA). Horses were euthanized 14 days following final injection. Full necropsy and histopathology were performed to examine ocular tissues and 36 systemic organs for MSC presence via IVIS Spectrum. Anti-GFP immunohistochemistry was performed on ocular tissues. Results: No change in physical examinations was noted. Bloodwork revealed fibrinogen 100-300 mg/dL (ref 100-400) and SAA 0-25 µg/mL (ref 0-20). Ocular effects of the subjconjucntival injection were similar between MSC and control eyes on SPOTS grading system, with conjunctival hypermia, chemosis and ocular discharge noted bilaterally, which improved without intervention within 14 days. All other ocular parameters were unaffected throughout the study. Necropsy and histopathology revealed no evidence of systemic inflammation. Ocular histopathology was similar between MSC and control eyes. Fluorescent imaging analysis did not locate MSCs. Immunohistochemistry did not identify intact MSCs in the conjunctiva, but GFP-labeled cellular components were present in conjunctival phagocytic cells. Discussion: Allogeneic pIC-activated conjunctival MSC injections were well tolerated. GFP-labeled tracking identified MSC components phagocytosed by immune cells subconjunctivally. This preliminary safety and tracking information is critical towards advancing immune conditioned cellular therapies to clinical trials in horses.

COVID-19 pandemic: Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Brazilian psychologists.

Introduction: Symptoms related to mental health disorders became the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, and psychologists had to adapt to the demands, while they themselves were exposed to the pandemic and its stressors. Objectives: To identify demographic and professional characteristics of Brazilian psychologists in different phases of pandemic and their reported care practices, concerns, and symptoms. Methods: This was an observational study conducted online in four independent phases with no pairing among the samples (May/June 2020, n = 263; November/December 2020, n = 131; May/June 2021, n = 378; November/December 2021, n = 222). Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used. The validity and reliability of the data obtained with the DASS-21 were attested to by confirmatory factor analysis. Basic lexographic and similarity analysis were conducted to obtain textual information. Prevalence of variables was estimated and compared between phases using the z-test (α = 5%). Similarity analysis was performed to identify the psychologists' concerns. Results: Most of participants were women and were self-employed or employed. There was rapid adjustment to remote work and more than 70% reported changes in their mental health since the onset of pandemic. One in four participants had a previous mental health disorder, and there was a high prevalence of symptoms such as anxiety, fear, and angst. The prevalence of professionals who reported not caring about their own mental health was significant. In 2020, one cluster (health) of concern was identified, while in 2021 there were three clusters (health, family, and COVID-19). The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was high and did not change during the pandemic. Conclusions: Psychologists adapted to the demands of the population in the face of the pandemic. However, there was a high prevalence of mental health symptoms and a disregard for self-care among these professionals.

Ocular morphologic traits in the American Cocker Spaniel may confer primary angle closure glaucoma susceptibility.

Acute primary angle closure glaucoma is a potentially blinding ophthalmic emergency requiring prompt treatment to lower the elevated intraocular pressure in humans and dogs. The PACG in most of canine breeds is epidemiologically similar to humans with older and female patients overrepresented with the condition. The American Cocker Spaniel (ACS) is among the most common breeds observed with PACG development in dogs. This study initially sought to identify genetic risk factors to explain the high prevalence of PACG in ACSs by using a case-control breed-matched genome-wide association study. However, the GWAS failed to identify candidate loci associated with PACG in this breed. This study then assessed intrinsic ocular morphologic traits that may relate to PACG susceptibility in this breed. Normal ACSs without glaucoma have a crowded anterior ocular segment and narrow iridocorneal angle and ciliary cleft, which is consistent with anatomical risk factors identified in humans. The ACSs showed unique features consisting of posterior bowing of iris and longer iridolenticular contact, which mirrors reverse pupillary block and pigment dispersion syndrome in humans. The ACS could hold potential to serve as an animal model of naturally occurring PACG in humans.

Coping Strategies and Their Relationship With Subjective Distress due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the strategies used by Brazilian adults for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and to verify the effect of these strategies on subjective distress. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study with online data collection in May/June 2020, November/December 2020, and May/June 2021. The BriefCOPE Inventory and the Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) were used. The prevalence of strategies used at different time points was estimated with a 95% confidence interval and compared with a z-test. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed and the odds ratio (OR, 95%CI) was calculated to verify the probability of subjective distress according to the coping strategy used. RESULTS: Younger individuals had a lower prevalence of adaptive strategies, which increased significantly with age. Participants with higher income levels had a higher prevalence of adaptive strategies, as did those who were never diagnosed with a mental health disorder. The prevalence of using only maladaptive strategies ranged from 6.1% to 5.4% (p > 0.05). The use of problem-centered strategies (Active Coping and Planning), venting of emotions, and substance use increased with time, while acceptance and behavioral disengagement decreased. In general, the population used problem-centered strategies, but the high prevalence of problem avoidance was striking. Positive reinterpretation and acceptance were protective factors for subjective distress, whereas maladaptive strategies increased the chance of distress. The presence of a negative valence component (problem- or emotion-centered) increased the chance of subjective distress, whereas strategies based on Problem Solving acted as a protective factor. CONCLUSION: Coping strategies were significantly associated to subjective distress and have changed since the beginning of the pandemic. Strategies focused on emotion regulation may be relevant to minimize distress.

Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Health Professionals in the COVID-19 Context.

To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in health professionals in the COVID-19 pandemic context. METHOD: Cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic (snow-ball) sampling method. The assessment was performed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the prevalence of symptoms severity was calculated by point and 95% confidence interval. The analysis of the psychometric properties of DASS-21 was performed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the following goodness of fit indices: χ2/df (chi-square ratio by degrees of freedom), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), comparative fit index (CFI) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) with a 90% confidence interval. RESULTS: The study participants were 529 health professionals (82.4% women and 66.7% nursing professionals). CFA of the DASS-21 structural model presented adequate fit for the sample (χ2/df = 3.530; CFI = 0.979; TLI = 0.976; RMSEA = 0.069). Regarding prevalence, moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were found in 48.6%, 55.0% and 47.9% of the participants, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of DASS-21 confirmed the validity and reliability of the data. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in the participants indicated a high risk of mental illness in health professionals in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anatomy of the nasolacrimal duct in Persian cats determined by computed tomographic dacryocystography.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to describe the anatomical characteristics of the nasolacrimal duct of Persian cats as observed by computed tomographic dacryocystography. ANIMAL STUDIED: Ten cats weighing 3-6 kg (three live cats and seven cadaveric specimens). PROCEDURES: The animals were submitted to bilateral computed tomographic dacryocystography, totaling 20 nasolacrimal ducts. Dorsal, sagittal, and transverse planes were studied. Two additional skulls were also dissected following latex injection into the nasolacrimal duct. The length and width of the nasolacrimal duct and lacrimal canaliculi, and the distance between the nasolacrimal duct and the root of the upper canine tooth at the point of closest proximity were measured. RESULTS: The nasolacrimal duct followed a convoluted course, particularly in the middle and rostral portions. Duct stenosis (width reduction equal to or >75%) and dilations (width increase equal to or >50%) were also detected, particularly in the rostral portion. Nasolacrimal duct length and width ranged from 1.3 to 1.5 cm and 1.5 to 2.3 mm, respectively. Mean lacrimal canaliculus length and width corresponded to 3.1 mm and 0.4 mm, respectively. Mean distance from the nasolacrimal duct to the canine tooth was 2.4 mm. The root of this tooth interfered with the course of the nasolacrimal duct. CONCLUSION: This study provided anatomical information for clinical assessment of the nasolacrimal drainage system in Persian cats.

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Individuals With and Without Mental Health Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To identify people with history of mental health disorders before the COVID-19 pandemic in the Brazilian population and estimate the prevalence of mood swings and the subjective distress of the pandemic among individuals with or without mental health disorders. METHODS: Through an online survey, participants were asked about presence or absence of mental health disorders. In addition, they answered the Brunel Mood Scale and the Impact of Event Scale. The mean percentile of mood swing indicators and psychological impact scores were estimated, and data were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: 13,248 people participated (70.5% women, mean age 35.4 years, 31.2% with history of mental health disorder). Women and younger people were more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorder. All participants had significant changes in mood due to the pandemic. Anger, depressed mood, mental confusion, and fatigue were higher among individuals with bipolar disorder or with combined disorders. Individuals with mental health disorders had a greater subjective distress, especially the group with bipolar disorder (OR = 4.89 [3.64-6.56]) and combined disorders (OR = 6.89 [5.21-9.10]). CONCLUSION: Individuals previously diagnosed with mental health disorders at some point in life are more vulnerable to psychological impact from the pandemic.

Cold Regulation of Genes Encoding Ion Transport Systems in the Oligotrophic Bacterium Caulobacter crescentus.

In this study, we characterize the response of the free-living oligotrophic alphaproteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus to low temperatures by global transcriptomic analysis. Our results showed that 656 genes were upregulated and 619 were downregulated at least 2-fold after a temperature downshift. The identified differentially expressed genes (DEG) belong to several functional categories, notably inorganic ion transport and metabolism, and a subset of these genes had their expression confirmed by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Several genes belonging to the ferric uptake regulator (Fur) regulon were downregulated, indicating that iron homeostasis is relevant for adaptation to cold. Several upregulated genes encode proteins that interact with nucleic acids, particularly RNA: cspA, cspB, and the DEAD box RNA helicases rhlE, dbpA, and rhlB. Moreover, 31 small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), including the cell cycle-regulated noncoding RNA (ncRNA) CcnA, were upregulated, indicating that posttranscriptional regulation is important for the cold stress response. Interestingly, several genes related to transport were upregulated under cold stress, including three AcrB-like cation/multidrug efflux pumps, the nitrate/nitrite transport system, and the potassium transport genes kdpFABC. Further characterization showed that kdpA is upregulated in a potassium-limited medium and at a low temperature in a SigT-independent way. kdpA mRNA is less stable in rho and rhlE mutant strains, but while the expression is positively regulated by RhlE, it is negatively regulated by Rho. A kdpA-deleted strain was generated, and its viability in response to osmotic, acidic, or cold stresses was determined. The implications of such variation in the gene expression for cold adaptation are discussed. IMPORTANCE Low-temperature stress is an important factor for nucleic acid stability and must be circumvented in order to maintain the basic cell processes, such as transcription and translation. The oligotrophic lifestyle presents further challenges to ensure the proper nutrient uptake and osmotic balance in an environment of slow nutrient flow. Here, we show that in Caulobacter crescentus, the expression of the genes involved in cation transport and homeostasis is altered in response to cold, which could lead to a decrease in iron uptake and an increase in nitrogen and high-affinity potassium transport by the Kdp system. This previously uncharacterized regulation of the Kdp transporter has revealed a new mechanism for adaptation to low temperatures that may be relevant for oligotrophic bacteria.

Determining the efficacy of the bovine amniotic membrane homogenate during the healing process in rabbits' ex vivo corneas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of bovine amniotic membrane homogenate (BAMH) on wounded ex vivo rabbit corneas. PROCEDURE: Eighteen corneas obtained from normal rabbit eyes were wounded equally using a 6 mm trephine and cultured into an air-liquid interface model. Corneas were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (n = 6, control group), 0.2% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA; n = 6), or BAMH (n = 6). All treatments were applied topically 6 times/day. Each cornea was macrophotographed daily with and without fluorescein stain to assess epithelialization and haziness. After 7 days, corneal transparency was evaluated, and the tissues prepared for histologic analysis of viability, and total and epithelial thickness. RESULTS: The mean epithelialization time was 6.2 ± 0.82 days for the control group, 6.2 ± 0.75 days for the EDTA-treated group, and 5.1 ± 0.40 days for the BAMH-treated group, demonstrating a significant difference between the BAMH and the other groups. The corneas that received EDTA had better transparency compared with the other groups. Histologically, all corneas had adequate morphology and architecture after healing. Analysis of corneal and epithelial thickness revealed no significant difference among groups. CONCLUSION: Bovine amniotic membrane homogenate is an effective and promising treatment for stromal and epithelial ulcers.

Body appearance (dis)satisfaction scale applied to brazilian university students / Escala de (in)satisfação com a aparência corporal aplicada a universitários brasileiros

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the psychometric properties of the Body Area Scale (BAS) applied to a sample of Brazilian university students to support the validity and reliability of the obtained data. METHODS: We performed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the Comparative Fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). We calculated the average variance extracted (AVE), composite reliability (CR), and ordinal alpha coefficient (α). All estimates were calculated separately for women and men. A thousand students participated (women = 64.0%, mean [M] age = 20.92, standard deviation [SD] = 2.40 years; body mass index (BMI) M = 23.24, SD = 3.97 kg/m2 ). RESULTS: Considering the CFA results, the original unifactorial model (24 items) did not fit data for women and men. Instead, the two-factorial model with 19 items had adequate fit for male and female samples (CFI = 0.922-0.958; TLI = 0.912-0.952; RMSEA = 0.090-0.096), as well as good convergent validity (AVE = 0.536-0.668) and reliability (CR = 0.920-0.952; α = 0.916-0.948). Once BAS was proposed to evaluate satisfaction/dissatisfaction with one's own body, and considering the reformulation of the factorial model, we proposed a new name for the instrument: Body Appearance (Dis)Satisfaction Scale (BAS-R). CONCLUSION: Professionals can now include the BAS-R in future protocols to evaluate satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the body in Brazilian students.

OBJETIVO: Estimar as propriedades psicométricas de uma escala desenvolvida para avaliar a satisfação/ insatisfação com o corpo quando aplicada em uma amostra de estudantes universitários brasileiros. MÉTODOS: A validade de construto da escala foi estimada a partir de análise fatorial confirmatória. Os índices Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) e Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) foram utilizados. A variância extraída média (VEM), a confiabilidade composta (CC) e o coeficiente alfa ordinal também foram calculados. Todas as estimativas foram calculadas para as amostras feminina e masculina. Participaram 1.000 estudantes (mulheres = 64,0%). A média de idade para a amostra total foi de 20,92 [desvio-padrão (DP) = 2,40] anos e o índice de massa corporal (IMC) médio foi de 23,24 (DP = 3,97) kg/m². RESULTADOS: A estrutura unifatorial original da escala composta por 24 itens não apresentou ajustamento adequado. Após modificações, o modelo bifatorial composto por 19 itens apresentou ajustamento adequado às amostras masculina e feminina (CFI = 0,922-0,958; TLI = 0,912-0,952; RMSEA = 0,090-0,096), bem como adequada validade convergente (VEM = 0,536-0,668) e confiabilidade (CC = 0,920-0,952; α = 0,916-0,948). Com a reestruturação do modelo fatorial, a denominação "Escala de (In)satisfação com a Aparência Corporal" foi apresentada e a sigla BAS-R foi adotada. CONCLUSÃO: A partir desses indicadores, pesquisadores e clínicos poderão utilizar essa escala para levantar informações sobre a satisfação/insatisfação com o corpo em universitários.

Determining MMP-2 and MMP-9 reductive activities of bovine and equine amniotic membranes homogenates using fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and -9 are present in corneal ulcers, and an imbalance between MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) leads to further corneal degradation. Amniotic membrane homogenate (AMH) has proteolytic properties beneficial for corneal healing, but it is unknown whether AMH possesses TIMPs or effectively inhibits MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. OBJECTIVE: To determine if bovine and equine AMH reduce in vitro MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities associated with the presence of TIMPs. PROCEDURES: Undiluted and diluted twofold series (0-fold to 16-fold dilutions) of equine amniotic membrane homogenates (EAMH, n = 8) and bovine amniotic membrane homogenates (BAMH, n = 8) were subjected to fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and the fluorescence emitted was recorded over time. Average fluorescence was calculated versus recombinant concentration. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for TIMPs 1-4 were applied to quantify TIMPs in the samples. RESULTS: AMH from both species were able to inhibit MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in vitro, and the inhibition efficacy decreased gradually with dilution. BAMH was significantly more effective than EAMH at inhibiting MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitro. TIMPs -2 and -3 were present in EAMH and BAMH. TIMP-1 was detected only in BAMH, and TIMP-4 was not detected in any samples. CONCLUSION: Both EAMH and BAMH directly inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitro without dilution, and BAMH showed better inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 before and after dilution compared to EAMH.