Genetic Perspectives on Feed Event, Meal and Feed Efficiency Traits in Bos taurus indicus Beef Cattle.

Electronic feeders record feeding behaviour as feed events by tracking the animal's in-out visits to the feeder. Another way to measure feeding behaviour is based on meals. However, the two approaches provide different outcomes. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters (heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations) for feed event and meal traits, and their genetic and phenotypic correlations with feed efficiency traits in Nellore cattle. The present study analysed six feed event traits (DMIFE: dry matter intake per feed event, FED: feed event duration, TBFE: time between feed events, FTd: feeding time per day, FEd: feed events per day, and FR: feeding rate), six meal traits (DMIME: DMI per meal, MED: meal duration, TBME: time between meals, MC: meal criterion, MTd: meal time per day, and MEd: meals per day), and three feed efficiency traits (ADG: average daily gain, DMI, and RFI: residual feed intake). The traits were measured in feed efficiency tests of Nellore cattle (age = 280 ± 41 days and body weight = 258 ± 47 kg at enrolment). The MC was calculated for each animal and ranged from 1.70 to 64.0 min, i.e., any pair of feed events separated by less than the MC value was considered part of the same meal. The heritabilities and correlations were estimated by fitting univariate and bivariate animal models, respectively, using single-step genomic BLUP. The highest heritabilities for feed event traits were 0.35 ± 0.06 (FED), 0.39 ± 0.06 (FTd), and 0.50 ± 0.05 (FTd), and for meal traits were 0.31 ± 0.06 (MED) and 0.45 ± 0.06 (MTd). The genetic correlation between feed event traits and meal traits were weak. FR, FED, and FTd had moderate genetic correlations with RFI (-0.56 ± 0.11, 0.44 ± 0.11, 0.60 ± 0.08, respectively). These results indicate that more efficient animals spent less time at the feeder per feed event and per day, and eat faster compared to less efficient animals. In conclusion, feed event and meal traits must be treated as distinct groups of traits since the genetic and phenotypic correlations were, in general, weak to moderate. Among feed event versus meal traits, feed event traits are more favourable to explain the genetic relationships of feeding behaviour with feed efficiency-related traits.

Assessing the potential of native copepods in Guatemala for Aedes vector control.

BACKGROUND: In this study we examine the feeding efficiency of copepods locally found in Guatemala on first instar Aedes aegypti larvae. Copepods are a potential tool for Aedes vector control that has shown promising results in the laboratory and in community-based field trials. METHODS: Four different copepod species from different habitat types were included in the laboratory assays of this study. RESULTS: All four tested copepod species decreased the number of the first instar Aedes larvae that were inserted into the glass vessels compared with controls. However, average predation rates between the tested species were highly different, with Thermocyclops crassus and Mesocyclops longisetus achieving the highest, with 31.0% (standard deviation [SD] 18.9) and 28. 9% (SD 11.2), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The copepod species with identified high predation rates are potential candidates for planned and other future field trials for community-based Aedes vector control with copepods in the region.

Impaired head circumference growth and behavioural problems in childhood: Longitudinal findings from the MINA-Brazil birth cohort.

BACKGROUND: Previous evidence on the relation between early head circumference (HC) growth and behavioural outcomes in preschoolers has been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate whether HC growth from birth to 5 years of age was related to internalising or externalising behavioural problems at 5 years of age in a sex-specific manner. METHODS: Among 303 girls and 318 boys from the MINA-Brazil birth cohort, we examined the associations between changes in HC from birth to 5 years of age and internalising and externalising behaviour problem scores at 5 years according to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for parents. HC values were transformed into sex- and age-specific z-scores (HCZ) using World Health Organisation standards, and the differences between values at 5 years of age and birth were classified into quintiles. We estimated adjusted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals in behavioural problem scores between HCZ change quintiles using multivariable linear regression by sex. To examine nonlinear associations, we included cubic spline terms. RESULTS: Head circumference growth from birth to 5 years of age was inversely and nonlinearly associated with internalising problems in girls. Compared with girls at the lowest quintile of HC growth, those above had an adjusted 1.27 (95% confidence interval 0.28, 2.27) points lower mean internalising problems score. This association was mostly driven by HC growth during the first 2 years. We found no association between HC growth and externalising behaviour in either sex. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired HC growth was related to higher mean internalising problem scores at 5 years of age in girls but not in boys. HC growth was not associated with externalising problems.

Attitudes towards Sexual Behaviour: an Ex ploratory Analysis of a Comprehensive Model.

Introduction: A theoretical model of self-oriented cognitive schemata of sexual behaviour (SO-CSSB) was proposed after a previous disambiguation review on the definition and research of sexual attitudes. A quantitative exploration of the proposal may add real-world information regarding the internal structure and the adequacy of the defined factors. Consequently, the present study aims to 1) develop a questionnaire based on the theoretical review and 2) explore the structure of the SO-CSSB model. Method: Following the SO-CSSB principles, a questionnaire was developed and evaluated. An observational cross-sectional online survey was conducted. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a reliability analysis were performed. Results: A study sample, comprised of 188 subjects, was analysed (Age 18-56; M = 25.27; SD = 6.6; 62 male, 33.2%). The EFA yielded 16 factors with eigenvalues above 1, accounting for 67.21% of the variance (KMO = .672, Barlett's = 3958.7, sig.<.01; item communalities between .44 and .80). Items under .49 were cut off, which included values from .49 to .86. There was no correlation between components over .20, in a range from -.19 to .20. Reliability indexes varied from .46 to .86. Conclusion: A final model of 16 components following the SO-CSSB principles was presented. The analysis revealed certain modifications to the theoretical proposal, and the objective of adding a quantitative frame to empirically specify its factors was achieved. This outcome constitutes a step forward to developing a comprehensive model on sexual beliefs.

Introducción: Se propuso un modelo teórico de Esquemas Cognitivos Auto- orientados sobre Conducta Sexual (ECA-CS) tras una revisión previa de desam- biguación sobre la literatura actual de las actitudes sexuales. Una exploración cuantitativa de la propuesta puede añadir información real sobre la estructura interna y la adecuación de los factores definidos. En consecuencia, el presente estudio pretendió 1) desarrollar un cuestionario basado en la revisión teórica y 2) explorar la estructura del modelo ECA-CS. Método: Se elaboró y evaluó un cuestionario siguiendo los principios teóricos del ECA-CS. Se realizó una encuesta observacional transversal en línea. Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y un análisis de fiabilidad. Resultados: Se analizó una muestra de 188 sujetos (Edad 18-56; M = 25.27; SD = 6.6) (62 varones, 33.2%). El AFE arrojó 16 factores con valores propios superiores a 1, que explicaban el 67.21% de la varianza (KMO = .672, Bar- lett's=3958.7, sig.<.01) (comunalidades de los ítems entre .44 y .80). Se estableció un punto de corte por debajo de .49, incluyendo valores entre .49 y .86. No hubo correlación entre componentes por encima de .20, en un rango de -.19 a .20. Los índices de fiabilidad variaron de .46 a .86. Conclusiones: Se presentó un modelo final de 16 componentes que sigue los principios del ECA-CS. El análisis reveló ciertas modificaciones a la propuesta teórica, y se logró el objetivo de agregar un marco cuantitativo para especificar empíricamente sus factores. Este resultado consti tuye un paso adelante en el desarrollo de un modelo integral sobre creencias sexuales.

Neonatal undernutrition induced by litter size expansion alters testicular parameters in adult Wistar rats.

Several models of maternal undernutrition reveal impairment of testicular development and compromise spermatogenesis in male offspring. The expansion of the litter size model, valuable for studying the impact of undernutrition on early development, has not yet been used to evaluate the consequences of early undernutrition in the adult male reproductive system. For this purpose, pups were raised in either normal litter (ten pups/dam) or large litter (LL; sixteen pups/dam). On postnatal day 90, sexual behaviour was evaluated or blood, adipose and reproductive tissues were collected for biochemical, histological and morphological analysis. Adult LL animals were lighter and thinner than controls. They showed increased food intake, but decrease of retroperitoneal white adipose tissue weight, glycaemia after oral glucose overload and plasma concentration of cholesterol. Reproductive organ weights were not altered by undernutrition, but histopathological analysis revealed an increased number of abnormal seminiferous tubules and number of immature spermatids in the tubular lumen of LL animals. These animals also showed reduction in total spermatic reserve and daily sperm production in the testes. Undernutrition decreased the number of Sertoli cells, and testosterone production was increased in the LL group. Mitochondrial activity of spermatozoa remained unchanged between experimental groups, suggesting no significant impact on the energy-related processes associated with sperm function. All animals from both experimental groups were considered sexually competent, with no significant difference in the parameters of sexual behaviour. We conclude that neonatal undernutrition induces histological and physiological testicular changes, without altering sperm quality and sexual behaviour of animals.

A Role-Needs Framework: Rethinking Support for Informal Caregivers for Alzheimer's Across the Global South and Global North.

OBJECTIVE: Caregivers play an essential role in supporting people with Alzheimer's disease globally. User-informed research is vital to developing trans-cultural guidelines for dementia support organisations. While coping strategies of caregivers are well researched, the 'coping-effectiveness' framework falls short of representing all caregiver needs. Our aim was to develop a robust and inclusive, globally applicable framework of caregiver-informed support needs. METHODS: In partnership with Alzheimer's Disease International and Roche, we conducted qualitative online semi-structured interviews with 34 family caregivers from the Global North (UK, US) and Global South (Brazil, South Africa) in the COVID-19 context. Participant-generated photographs helped encourage discussions of hidden contextual issues. Iterative inductive narrative analysis of interviews and photographs was carried out with input from global and national charity and industry sectors. RESULTS: We identified a framework of four cross-cultural caring approaches with implications for support: (1) Empathising, using emotion-focused strategies to develop strong expertise and coping skills, with time specific information, psychosocial and peer support needs. (2) Organising, using problem-focused strategies, with strong narratives of expertise and advocacy which benefited from early structured information and professional confirmation. (3) Non-identifying caregiving, where daily aspects of caring occurred without specialist knowledge and expertise, and caregivers sought assistance in managing disease-related support. (4) Reluctance, where struggling with unwanted caring responsibilities meant caregivers looked to professionals to carry out daily care. CONCLUSION: Our findings move beyond the 'coping-effectiveness' framework of support to suggest a novel 'role-needs' framework. Our approach supports inclusive ways of tailoring support to fit individual caregiver circumstances globally.

Effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay with Moringa hay (Moringa oleifera L.) on the nutrient metabolism, metabolic profile, and water balance of sheep.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay (TH) with Moringa hay (MH) on the intake, apparent digestibility, ingestive behaviour, rumen parameters, serum attributes, nitrogen balance, water balance, and urinary attributes of sheep. Thus, 5 rams, ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês, that were 12 ± 4 months of age with an initial body weight of 32.8 ± 2.6 kg were distributed in metabolic cages in a Latin square design. The experiment lasted 85 days and was divided into five 17-day periods. The animals received rations with increasing replacement (0, 100, 200, 300, or 400 g/kg of dry matter in the total diet) of TH for MH. The forage: concentrate ratio of the diets was 40:60. Replacing TH with MH reduced (P < 0.05) the intake of organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre (NDFap), and total digestible nutrients by sheep. The apparent digestibility of NDFap and the feeding and rumination efficiencies of NDFap were reduced (P < 0.05) when MH replaced TH in the animals' diet. This replacement did not influence (P > 0.05) serum urea, total protein, creatinine, or aspartate aminotransferase in sheep. Replacing TH with MH decreased water intake and excretion (P < 0.05). In addition, nitrogen excretion via urine, urinary creatinine, and nitrogen absorption decreased (P < 0.05) when TH was replaced with MH. However, there was an increase in the sheep's nitrogen retention and urine pH. We recommend replacing 30% TH with MH in the diet of lambs because it does not compromise nutrient metabolism.

Individual, household and institutional level predictors of waste sorting: Evidence for Ecuador.

The rapid increase in waste generation in developing countries presents significant challenges, necessitating effective waste management strategies. This study examines the influence of individual, household and institutional factors on waste sorting behaviours in Ecuador, employing an ordered logistic regression model. Data were sourced from the 2019 National Multipurpose Household Survey (NMHS) and the Census of Economic Environmental Information in Decentralised Autonomous Governments (CEEIGAD). The NMHS uses a two-stage probabilistic sampling methodology, with census sectors as the primary sampling units and households as the secondary units. After excluding outliers and selecting individuals aged 15-65 years, the final sample consisted of 8601 households, including 26,175 individuals. The findings reveal that personal attributes such as gender, ethnicity, age, marital status and environmental concern significantly influence waste sorting behaviours. Household characteristics, including urban or rural location, are also critical. Institutional factors, such as municipal regulations, waste collection fees and waste separation at source, play essential roles in promoting waste separation. The study highlights the necessity for targeted governmental policies. Recommendations include improving environmental education, increasing sorting infrastructure in urban areas and ensuring waste collection systems maintain the separation of waste streams.

Workers' healthy eating practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and their relationship with physical activity and quality of life.

The lifestyle of the population has undergone significant changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have influenced alterations in dietary habits and overall well-being among workers. This study aimed to evaluate healthy eating practices and their relationship with the workers' quality of life and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional investigation involving workers in the city of Curitiba, southern Brazil. The study was conducted through the application of an online questionnaire. The data were evaluated using non-parametric tests and fitting a logistic regression model. A total of 123 workers participated in the study, most of them male (53.2%), aged between 31 and 40 years (42.2%), with a predominance of workers with postgraduate degrees (62.6%, n = 77), and the majority of workers (68.2%, n = 84) were performing their professional activities remotely for at least one day during the week, and 73.2% (n = 90). It was observed that 52.8% had excellent healthy eating practices, and the older their age and the greater the practice of physical activity (time and frequency), the better the workers' healthy eating practices. When assessing quality of life, the lowest average score for healthy eating practices was in the domain of social relationships. A direct relationship of older age, social relationships, and the practice of physical activity with the best individuals' healthy eating practices was detected. Considering that remote work continues to be adopted post-pandemic, evaluating the dietary practices, physical activity, and quality of life of workers is necessary to understand this new labour phenomenon.

Factors influencing consumer intention to sort household waste: A Brazilian perspective.

Effectively sorting and recycling waste has consequently emerged as a key strategy for environmental preservation and the creation of sustainable communities. The current study aimed to examine the factors influencing consumers' intentions to sort household waste, utilizing the theory of planned behaviour. Collecting 300 responses from Brazilian consumers through structured questionnaires, the study employed a partial least square structural equation modelling approach to assess the proposed hypotheses. The findings emphasized the significant impact of the perceived cost and benefit factor, alongside the influence of information on proper waste disposal (perceived effectiveness), as communicated by entities managing selective waste collection. These findings emphasize the key role of effective communication from waste management agency regarding the outcomes of domestic waste separation efforts for recycling, as well as the perceived benefits and costs by consumers. Such communication is essential for fostering and maintaining consumer engagement in recycling initiatives.

Do forage production and ingestive behavior of locally adapted sheep differ from an irrigated silvopastoral system to an irrigated monoculture in the semi-arid region?

This study aimed to evaluate forage production and ingestive behavior of Morada Nova sheep in an intensive system with capim-tamani grass in both monoculture and silvopastoral irrigated systems in the Semi-arid region. Eighteen adult sheep, approximately 3 years old, with an average body weight of 26.8 ± 4.3 kg, were allocated to treatments with capim-tamani grass cultivated in monoculture and in silvopastoral systems with Caatinga trees. The experiment followed a completely randomized complete block design with two plots and three replications. Forage production, consumption, and behavioral activities were the assessed variables. The animals remained in the pasture daily between 6 am and 6 pm. No effects of the monoculture and silvopastoral systems were observed on the structural and productive characteristics of the capim-tamani grass pasture. There were also no observed effects on body condition score, consumption, and disappearance rate of dry matter (DM) and other nutrients in both systems. However, there was an interaction between the time animals spent under shade in monoculture and silvopastoral systems. In general, the animals spent more time under shade where there were trees, except during the period between 2 pm and 4 pm, when the times were similar. On average, the animals spent approximately 15.6% (equivalent to 1.87 h) of their total time in the artificial shade available in the monoculture system, whereas in the silvopastoral system, they remained under natural shade for approximately 40% (five and a half hours) of their time spent in the pasture during the day. The grazing frequency in both systems was approximately 70% (8.4 h) in relation to the total time spent in the pasture. The capim-tamani grass pasture managed intensively with sheep in the silvopastoral system showed similar forage production and consumption compared to the monoculture system. There was a positive influence of trees on the duration of solar radiation exposure to the animals throughout the day. The results support the need to provide shade for sheep, as well as to promote these sustainable systems in semi-arid regions.

Awareness as a catalyst for sustainable behaviors: A theoretical exploration of planned behavior and value-belief-norms in the circular economy.

This study explores the interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing sustainable behaviours within the Circular Economy (CE) through the lenses of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory. This objective was achieved by conducting a large scale survey in Brazil and using Composite-Based Structural Equation Modeling (cSEM) technique in conjunction with R software to analyze data and assess our research hypotheses. Our findings underscore the paramount importance of intrinsic factors-such as personal values, beliefs, and positive evaluations of sustainability outcomes-over external pressures like environmental laws and organizational policies in fostering sustainable actions. While increased awareness of the CE significantly enhances attitudes towards and the likelihood of engaging in sustainable behaviours, the study reveals that external pressures and perceived barriers, such as time, cost, and skill limitations, do not significantly deter those with a high level of awareness and positive sustainability evaluation from acting sustainably. Academically, the study enriches environmental psychology by extending TPB and VBN theories, advocating for a refinement of TPB to better account for contexts where personal values are stronger drivers than external pressures or immediate practical constraints.

A task-dependent analysis of closed vs. open and fine vs. gross motor skills in handedness.

The traditional classifications of motor skills nature (open vs closed; fine vs gross) have not been considered in handedness investigations. Instead, previous research focused on comparing complex vs less complex motor behaviour, leaving a gap in the literature. We compared manual preference between different motor skill characteristics, namely: fine and closed (FC), gross and closed (GC) and gross and open (GO) tasks. The hand preference was assessed with the Global Lateral Preference Inventory in four hundred and forty participants (244 women) aged from 18 to 59 years old. By assessing the degree and direction of handedness in different motor skills, our results showed a stronger lateralization pattern for FC motor skills as compared to GC and GO, with GO also being less lateralized than GC. Our results expand those of previous investigations that used the motor skill complexity definitions by showing how handedness can also be modulated by the interaction between classic motor skills classifications. Future research should consider fine vs. gross and open vs. closed classifications when selecting tasks for analysis of asymmetries of preference.

The Rpfor gene modulates the locomotory activity and host-seeking behaviour of Rhodnius prolixus.

The molecular bases of animal behaviour are intricate due to the pleiotropic nature of behaviour-modulating genes, which are often expressed across multiple tissues. The foraging gene (for) encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), pivotal in regulating downstream target proteins through phosphorylation. In insects, for has been implicated in various behavioural contexts and physiological processes regarding searching for food. Rhodnius prolixus, a hematophagous bug that transmits Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, exhibits specific activity patterns associated with its hematophagous behaviour. Our previous work demonstrated a correlation between locomotor activity profiles and the expression of Rpfor, suggesting its involvement in modulating triatomine locomotion. In this study, we investigated the impact of Rpfor knockdown on locomotory activity, host-seeking behaviour, feeding performance and lipid metabolism in R. prolixus nymphs. Using RNA interference, we achieved a significant reduction of Rpfor expression in both the brain and fat body of R. prolixus nymphs. Knocked-down nymphs exhibited diminished non-oriented locomotory activity compared with controls, without altering the characteristic bimodal pattern of activity. Additionally, they displayed an increased tendency to approach a host, suggesting a role for Rpfor in modulating host-seeking behaviour. Feeding performance and lipid metabolism remained unaffected by Rpfor knockdown. Our findings underscore the multifaceted role of Rpfor in modulating locomotor activity and host-seeking behaviour in R. prolixus nymphs, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying their hematophagous behaviour and potential implications for disease transmission. Further research is necessary to elucidate the intricate interplay between Rpfor expression, behaviour and physiological processes in triatomine bugs.

As bases moleculares do comportamento animal são complexas devido à natureza pleiotrópica dos genes envolvidos na sua modulação, normalmente expressos em múltiplos tecidos. O gene foraging (for) codifica para uma proteína quinase dependente de cGMP, fundamental para a regulação de proteínas alvo via fosforilação. Em insetos, o gene for tem sido associado a vários contextos comportamentais e processos fisiológicos relacionados com forrageamento. Rhodnius prolixus, um inseto hematófago que transmite Trypanosoma cruzi, o agente causativo da doença de Chagas, exibe padrões de atividade específicos associados com o seu comportamento hematófago. Em um estudo anterior, demonstramos uma correlação entre os perfis de atividade locomotora e a expressão de Rpfor, sugerindo o seu envolvimento na modulação da locomoção de triatomíneos. No presente estudo, investigamos o impacto do silenciamento de Rpfor na atividade locomotora, no comportamento de busca por hospedeiro, na performance alimentar, e no metabolismo de lipídeos em ninfas de R. prolixus. Através da técnica de RNA de interferência, obtivemos uma redução significativa da expressão do gene Rpfor no cérebro e no corpo gorduroso de R. prolixus. Insetos silenciados exibiram uma redução da atividade locomotora não orientada em comparação com controles, sem alterações no padrão bimodal da atividade. Adicionalmente, os insetos apresentaram um aumento no comportamento de busca por hospedeiro, sugerindo um papel para o Rpfor na sua modulação. A performance alimentar e o metabolismo de lipídeos não foram alterados pelo silenciamento do gene. Nossas descobertas ressaltam o papel multifuncional do gene Rpfor na modulação da atividade locomotora e no comportamento de busca por hospedeiro em R. prolixus, ampliando o conhecimento sobre os mecanismos moleculares relacionados ao seu comportamento hematófago e potenciais implicações para a transmissão de doenças. Estudos adicionais são necessários para elucidar a intrincada interação entre expressão, comportamento e processos fisiológicos de Rpfor em insetos triatomíneos.

Places for reasoning.

In this article, we explore behaviour settings that enable reasoning and the diversity of constraints that not only limit but also make these behaviour settings possible. We focus specifically on reasoning and surveying how behaviour settings allow for the generation of norms of action that are nevertheless differentiated by geographies and sociocultural systems. These geographies and sociocultural systems involve diverse trajectories for reasoning even within similar behaviour settings. We will touch on places for reasoning like Twitter, social movements, traditional knowledge and laboratories set up for experimentation on our reasoning abilities. We will show how these places and the behaviour settings that emerge in them can be studied in terms of the complexity of the interactions between their participants and in terms of enabling constraints. This article is part of the theme issue 'People, places, things, and communities: expanding behaviour settings theory in the twenty-first century'.

Enactive behaviour settings: situating agency, normativity and transformation.

Behaviour settings are sociocultural places defined by three main ecological aspects: the affordances of material structures, typical patterns of skilful action and socially situated norms. These aspects explain the observed regularities of human behaviour associated with the material characteristics of places. However, the focus of ecological theories on how individual agents attune their actions to the pre-established order of behaviour settings neglects the agents' active role in sustaining or motivating transformations in this order. We therefore propose an alternative enactive approach to behaviour settings that accounts for the role of agents as active supporters and transformers of behaviour settings. Based on the enactive concepts of agency, normativity and dialectics, we argue that agents, as participants of behaviour settings, simultaneously respond to multiple normative dimensions (e.g. biological, sensorimotor and interactive). To sustain the order of behaviour settings, agents sometimes need to inhibit other normative responses of their bodies, which sometimes is detrimental to one or many aspects of their lives. Nonetheless, agents can collectively trigger the transformation of behaviour settings. This transformation can occur dialectically as tensions between two or more norms to which human bodies respond are resolved, even if new tensions arise and the process of changing behaviour setting continues. This article is part of the theme issue 'People, places, things and communities: expanding behaviour settings theory in the twenty-first century'.

The level of dental fear and anxiety is higher in children with both severe Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation and active dental caries lesions compared to children without these conditions.

PURPOSE: To assess levels of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in children with and without Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) and dental caries lesions. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, 159 children between 8 and 12 years of age were included. For the evaluation of DFA, children responded to the validated version of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale. MIH was assessed using the MIH Index. To evaluate the activity of dental caries lesions and dental caries experience, the Nyvad criterion and the dmft/DMFT index were used, respectively. Dental hypersensitivity was evaluated using air stimulation and a Visual Analogue Scale. The association between MIH and dental caries with DFA was assessed using the generalised linear model with Poisson family, identity link function and robust variance estimation. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: The mean DFA score was 28.3 (SD = 13.4) with scores ranging from 15 to 64. Amongst children presenting both MIH and dental caries, the perception of DFA was notably higher compared to those with either MIH or dental caries alone. The activity of caries lesion in patients with MIH also influenced DFA levels (diff: 18.6; 95% CI: 12.0-25.2; p < 0.001). Dental caries experience in the primary dentition also demonstrated statistical significance concerning DFA (95% CI: 0.8-13.3; p value = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Children with MIH exhibit higher levels of DFA than children without MIH. The experience of dental caries and the activity of caries lesions significantly influence the perception of DFA in children with MIH.

Chronic sleep restriction during juvenility alters hedonic and anxiety-like behaviours in a sex-dependent fashion in adolescent Wistar rats.

Chronic reduction of sleep time in children and adolescents has been related to increased incidence of anxiety and depression. In rats, protocols of protracted sleep deprivation or chronic sleep restriction (CSR) are considered a stressor. In previous studies we showed that post-weaning CSR in male rats induces anxiety-like behaviour and changes in neurotransmission in emotion-related brain areas. In the present study we examined whether the effects of this adversity are sex-dependent. Twenty-two litters, containing four males and four females were distributed into control (CTL) and CSR groups. CSR began on postnatal day (PND) 21 and lasted for 21 days; each day the animals were placed onto small platforms immersed in water for 18 h and were allowed to sleep freely in their home-cages for the remaining 6 h. Throughout the CSR, all animals underwent the sucrose splash test once/week to assess their self-care and hedonic behaviours. Body weight was measured on PNDs 21 and 42. At the end of CSR period, the adolescents were allowed to sleep freely for 2 days, after which, behavioural tests began. Within each litter, one male and one female (pair) were not tested and provided blood and brain for determination of basal corticosterone (CORT) levels and hippocampal BDNF. One pair was tested in the sucrose preference test (SPT), one pair on the elevated plus maze (EPM) and one pair in the forced swim test (FST). CORT was measured after all conditions. CSR impaired self-care behaviour and body weight gain in males and females and increased relative adrenal weight only in males. There were no changes in sucrose intake in the SPT; CSR females displayed less immobility in the FST and CSR males displayed more anxiety-like behaviour in the EPM. CORT levels were similar between CTL and CSR males, whilst lower in CSR females than CTL ones in all experimental conditions. No changes in BDNF levels were detected in the dorsal hippocampus of CSR rats. The results indicate that CSR impaired self-care behaviour in both sexes, but only males displayed anxiety-like behaviour, whilst sleep recovery in females appeared to normalise their behaviour.

LEAP2 is associated with impulsivity and reward sensitivity depending on the nutritional status and decreases with protein intake in humans.

AIM: Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) dynamics in human plasma and its association with feeding behaviour remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims: (a) to investigate fasting LEAP2 in participants with normal weight or with overweight or mild obesity (OW/OB); (b) to study the association between fasting LEAP2 and anthropometric and metabolic traits, feeding behaviour, LEAP2 genetic variants and blood cell DNA methylation status; and (c) to ascertain postprandial changes in LEAP2 after high protein intake and the association with feeding behaviour and food intake. METHODS: Anthropometric and behavioural measures, genotyping, methylation profiling, plasma glucose and LEAP2 concentrations were assessed in 327 females and males. A subgroup of 123 participants received an ad libitum high-protein meal, and postprandial LEAP2 concentration and behavioural measures were assessed. RESULTS: LEAP2 concentration was higher in participants with OW/OB (p < 0.001) and in females (p < 0.001), and was associated with LEAP2 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs765760 (p = 0.012) and rs803223 (p = 0.019), but not with LEAP2 methylation status. LEAP2 concentration was directly related to glycaemia (p = 0.001) and fullness (p = 0.003) in participants with normal weight, whereas it was associated with body mass index (p = 0.018), waist circumference (p = 0.014) and motor impulsivity in participants with OW/OB (p = 0.005). A negative association with reward responsiveness was observed in participants with OW/OB (p = 0.023). LEAP2 concentration was inversely associated with food intake (p = 0.034) and decreased after a high-protein meal (p < 0.001), particularly in women (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Increased LEAP2 in participants with OW/OB is associated with behavioural characteristics of obesity. Our results show sexual dimorphism in LEAP2 concentration before and after food intake and highlight the role of LEAP2 in feeding regulation.

Condom Failure Among HIV-Negative Men in Serodiscordant Relationships in Australia, Brazil, and Thailand.

Condoms continue to be used by many gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. However this is impacted by condom failure events, defined here as condom breakage and slippage. In a prospective, observational cohort study of 343 HIV serodiscordant male couples recruited through high HIV caseload clinics and hospitals between 2012 and 2016 in Australia, Brazil, and Thailand, condom failure rates and associated factors were analysed, including with the study partner versus other sexual partners. There were 717 reported instances of condom failure from an estimated total of 25,831 sex acts with condoms, from over 588.4 participant years of follow up. Of the HIV-negative partners (n = 343) in the study, more than a third (n = 117, 36.7%) reported at least one instance of condom failure with any partner type during study follow-up. Condom failure with their study partner was reported by 91/343 (26.5%) HIV-negative partners, compared with 43/343 (12.5%) who reported condom failure with other partners. In total, there were 86 events where the HIV-negative partner experienced ano-receptive condom failure with ejaculation, representing 12.0% of all failure events. In multivariable analysis, compared to Australia, HIV-negative men in Brazil reported a higher incidence risk rate of condom failure (IRR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.01-2.68, p = 0.046) and HIV-negative men who reported anal sex with other partners reported an increased risk of condom failure compared with men who only had sex with their study partner (IRR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.08-3.33, p = 0.025). Although at least one event of condom failure was reported by a significant proportion of participants, overall condom failure events represented a small proportion of the total condom protected sex acts.