Interpersonal and Community-Level Influences Across the PrEP Cascade Among Young Adult Latinx Men who Have Sex with Men Living in a US-Mexico Border Region: A Qualitative Study.

Latinx men who have sex with men (MSM) are an at-risk population for new HIV diagnoses. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a suite of biomedical approaches to prevent HIV infection. Latinx MSM are less likely to take PrEP compared to non-Latinx White MSM. This qualitative study identified interpersonal- and community-level barriers and facilitators of PrEP among young adult Latinx MSM. Using stratified purposeful sampling, 27 Latinx men, ages 19-29 years and living in a US-Mexico border region, completed self-report demographic surveys and participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews assessing barriers and facilitators to PrEP. Directed content analysis was used to identify both a priori and emerging themes. Most participants reported that other people, including peers, friends, partners, and health care providers were both supportive and discouraging of PrEP use. Participants' intersectional identities as members of both Latinx and LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) communities both hindered and facilitated PrEP use.

Macrobenthic community responses to multiple environmental stressors in a subtropical estuary.

We assessed how multi- and univariate models reflect marine environmental health based on macrobenthic community responses to three environmental stressor categories: hydrodynamics, organic enrichment and metal contamination. We then compared the models with the benthic index AMBI (AZTI Marine Biotic Index). Macrobenthic community and physicochemical variables were sampled at 35 sites along Babitonga Bay, a subtropical estuary in Southern Brazil. Distance-based linear modelling identified depth, grain size and organic matter as well as Cu and Zn as key stressors affecting the macrobenthos. Using canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP), we developed three multivariate models based on the variability in community composition, creating stress gradients. The metal gradient showed better correlation with the benthic community. Sediment quality indices (Geoaccumulation Index and Contamination Factor) showed a low to moderate contamination status, with higher concentrations for Cr, Ni and Zn at the inner areas of the bay. According to AMBI, Babitonga Bay has a "good" environmental health status, and the AMBI values show stronger correlations with the hydrodynamic and organic enrichment gradients (r = 0.50 and r = 0.47) rather than the metal gradient (r = 0.29). Lumbrineridae polychaetes (not included in the AMBI list) and Scoloplos sp. were negatively related to the metal contamination gradient and were considered sensitive, while Sigambra sp., Magelona papillicornis, the gastropod Heleobia australis and species of the crustacean order Mysida were positively related to the gradient and considered tolerant to higher concentrations of metals in the sediment. Despite the inconsistency in the ecological classification provided by AMBI and its relationship with the metal gradient, our results suggest that the environmental quality was satisfactory for the studied gradients. The metal gradient showed the weakest correlation to AMBI. In such cases, the ecological classification of taxa by the index should be evaluated under the perspective of the action of inorganic genotoxic contaminants represented by metals.

Serum proteinogram and biochemistry of Holstein cows in the peripartum period / Proteinograma e bioquímica séricas de vacas da raça Holandesa no período periparto

In face of the few reports found in national literature analyzing the potential influence of parturition number in serum proteinogram and biochemical profile in the peripartum period of high yielding dairy cows, the aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the dynamics of these serum constituents' concentrations in blood samples obtained from primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows, 60 and 30 days prepartum and in the day of parturition. Data were analyzed by repeated measures variance analysis (ANOVA) and differences between groups and moments were analyzed by Tukey's test. Results were considered significant when P<0.05. Parity influenced levels of total protein, albumin, globulins, magnesium, cholesterol, which were higher in multiparous cows, as well as concentrations of ceruloplasmin, total calcium, chloride and alkaline phosphatase activity, which were higher in primiparous cows. Parturition influenced serum concentrations of ceruloplasmin (+58%), transferrin (-25%), haptoglobin (+33%), total protein (-17%), globulins (-25%), immunoglobulin A (-43%), immunoglobulin G (-24%), total calcium (-12%), inorganic phosphorus (-10%), chloride (+5%), sodium (+4%), cholesterol (-23%), triglycerides (-38.6%), as well as activities of aspartate aminotransferase (+14%) and alkaline phosphatase (+28%). A decrease in serum levels of total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, cholesterol and triglycerides was more pronounced in multiparous than in primiparous cows. These results demonstrate that the interpretation of proteinogram and serum constituents should take into consideration lactation number and the moment of parturition as relevant factors in high yielding dairy cows in the transition period.(AU)

Diante da escassez de relatos encontrados na literatura nacional quanto à potencial influência do número de parições sobre o proteinograma sérico e perfil bioquímico no período periparto de vacas leiteiras de alta produção, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar comparativamente a dinâmica de constituintes séricos em amostras de sangue obtidas de vacas da raça Holandesa primíparas e pluríparas, 60 e 30 dias pré-parto e no dia do parto. Os resultados foram avaliados por análise de variância (ANOVA) com medidas repetidas no tempo e as diferenças entre grupos e entre momentos foram analisadas pelo teste de Tukey, sendo os resultados considerados significativos quando P<0,05. O número de parições influenciou os teores de proteína total, albumina, globulinas, magnésio e colesterol, que foram maiores em vacas pluríparas, bem como as concentrações de ceruloplasmina, cálcio total, cloreto e atividade de fosfatase alcalina, que foram maiores em vacas primíparas. O número de parições influenciou as concentrações séricas de ceruloplasmina (+58%), transferrina (-25%), haptoglobina (+33%), proteína total (-17%), globulinas (-25%), imunoglobulina A (-43%), imunoglobulina G (-24%), cálcio total (-12%), fósforo (-10%), cloretos (+5%), sódio (+4%), colesterol (-23%), triglicérides (-38.6%), bem como as atividades de aspartato aminotransferase (+14%) e fosfatase alcalina (+28%). A diminuição do teor sérico de cálcio total, fósforo, colesterol e triglicérides foi mais acentuada em vacas pluríparas do que em vacas primíparas. Esses resultados mostram que a interpretação do proteinograma e dos constituintes séricos deve levar em consideração o número de lactações e a ocorrência do parto como fatores relevantes em vacas leiteiras de alta produção no período de transição.(AU)

Serum proteinogram and biochemistry of Holstein cows in the peripartum period / Proteinograma e bioquímica séricas de vacas da raça Holandesa no período periparto

In face of the few reports found in national literature analyzing the potential influence of parturition number in serum proteinogram and biochemical profile in the peripartum period of high yielding dairy cows, the aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the dynamics of these serum constituents' concentrations in blood samples obtained from primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows, 60 and 30 days prepartum and in the day of parturition. Data were analyzed by repeated measures variance analysis (ANOVA) and differences between groups and moments were analyzed by Tukey's test. Results were considered significant when P<0.05. Parity influenced levels of total protein, albumin, globulins, magnesium, cholesterol, which were higher in multiparous cows, as well as concentrations of ceruloplasmin, total calcium, chloride and alkaline phosphatase activity, which were higher in primiparous cows. Parturition influenced serum concentrations of ceruloplasmin (+58%), transferrin (-25%), haptoglobin (+33%), total protein (-17%), globulins (-25%), immunoglobulin A (-43%), immunoglobulin G (-24%), total calcium (-12%), inorganic phosphorus (-10%), chloride (+5%), sodium (+4%), cholesterol (-23%), triglycerides (-38.6%), as well as activities of aspartate aminotransferase (+14%) and alkaline phosphatase (+28%). A decrease in serum levels of total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, cholesterol and triglycerides was more pronounced in multiparous than in primiparous cows. These results demonstrate that the interpretation of proteinogram and serum constituents should take into consideration lactation number and the moment of parturition as relevant factors in high yielding dairy cows in the transition period.(AU)

Diante da escassez de relatos encontrados na literatura nacional quanto à potencial influência do número de parições sobre o proteinograma sérico e perfil bioquímico no período periparto de vacas leiteiras de alta produção, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar comparativamente a dinâmica de constituintes séricos em amostras de sangue obtidas de vacas da raça Holandesa primíparas e pluríparas, 60 e 30 dias pré-parto e no dia do parto. Os resultados foram avaliados por análise de variância (ANOVA) com medidas repetidas no tempo e as diferenças entre grupos e entre momentos foram analisadas pelo teste de Tukey, sendo os resultados considerados significativos quando P<0,05. O número de parições influenciou os teores de proteína total, albumina, globulinas, magnésio e colesterol, que foram maiores em vacas pluríparas, bem como as concentrações de ceruloplasmina, cálcio total, cloreto e atividade de fosfatase alcalina, que foram maiores em vacas primíparas. O número de parições influenciou as concentrações séricas de ceruloplasmina (+58%), transferrina (-25%), haptoglobina (+33%), proteína total (-17%), globulinas (-25%), imunoglobulina A (-43%), imunoglobulina G (-24%), cálcio total (-12%), fósforo (-10%), cloretos (+5%), sódio (+4%), colesterol (-23%), triglicérides (-38.6%), bem como as atividades de aspartato aminotransferase (+14%) e fosfatase alcalina (+28%). A diminuição do teor sérico de cálcio total, fósforo, colesterol e triglicérides foi mais acentuada em vacas pluríparas do que em vacas primíparas. Esses resultados mostram que a interpretação do proteinograma e dos constituintes séricos deve levar em consideração o número de lactações e a ocorrência do parto como fatores relevantes em vacas leiteiras de alta produção no período de transição.(AU)

Unraveling the performance of the benthic index AMBI in a subtropical bay: The effects of data transformations and exclusion of low-reliability sites.

We investigated the relationship between the AMBI index and different contamination proxies in an urbanized bay in South America (SE Brazil), and the effect of (a) abundance data transformation and (b) exclusion of low-reliability sites (high SD; low N) on the index' performance. Poor ecological quality and opportunistic species were related to an increase in contaminants concentrations and mud content. Good ecological status and sensitive species (EG I) were mainly related to increased hydrodynamics. Data transformation caused minimal changes to the overall relationships, but exclusion of low-reliability sites improved the relationship between ecological groups and contamination proxies. Our results show that AMBI is robust in detecting effects of different contaminants in the area and reinforce the importance of the index as a tool for coastal management, but local joint efforts are needed to improve and adjust local species classification in ecological groups to improve the index' performance.

Effect of sex and seasons of the year on hematologic and serum biochemical variables of captive brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) / Efeito do sexo e estações do ano sobre as variáveis hematológicas e bioquímico-séricas de veados-catingueiro (Mazama gouazoubira) criados em cativeiro

The Brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) is the most common free-living and captive deer in South America, especially in Brazil, and has great ecological and scientific significance. However, data on hematological and biochemical parameters in brown brocket deer are scarce. The goal of this study was to establish reference ranges for hematological and biochemical parameters of Mazama gouazoubira, comparing differences during the seasons of the year and between sex. Blood samples from ten adult healthy brown brocket deer (6 female and 4 male) were collected during daytime, monthly, during 12 months. The animals were maintained in individual stable, protected from noise and fed ad libitum with commercial ration and green fodder. For blood collection, animals were submitted to physical restrain for no longer than 2 minutes. The following parameters were determined: red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, enzyme activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), total protein (TP), albumin, cholesterol, total calcium, ionic calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, triglycerides, creatinine and urea. Values were compared according to season and sex. RBC count, WBC count and MCV suggested seasonal influence. Haemoglobin concentration, PCV and MCV were influenced by sex. Serum concentration of total calcium, ionic calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium were influenced by season. Serum magnesium was also influenced by sex. The blood parameters herein reported may be useful as reference values for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in captive brown-brocket deer.

O veado-catingueiro (Mazama gouazoubira) é o cervídeo de vida livre mais comum na América do Sul, especialmente no Brasil, e tem grande importância ecológica e científica. No entanto, dados sobre parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos nesta espécie animal são escassos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer valores de referência hematológica e bioquímica do Mazama gouazoubira, comparando diferenças entre as estações do ano e entre sexo. Amostras sanguíneas de dez veados-catingueiros (6 fêmeas e 4 machos), todos adultos hígidos, foram mensalmente colhidas pela manhã, durante 12 meses, e prontamente analisadas. Os animais foram mantidos em baias individual, protegidos de barulho e alimentados ad libitum com ração comercial e forragem verde. Para obtenção das amostras, os animais foram submetidos à contenção física por, no máximo, 2 minutos. Os seguintes parâmetros foram determinados: Contagem total de hemáceas, concentração de hemoglobina, volume globular (VG), volume corpuscular médio (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscular média (HCM), concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM), contagem total de leucócitos, contagem de plaquetas, atividade das enzimas alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gama glutamiltransferase (GGT) e concentrações séricas de fosfatase alcalina (FA), creatino quinase (CK), proteína total (PT), albumina, colesterol, cálcio total, cálcio iônico, sódio, potássio, magnésio, triglicérides, creatinina e uréia. Os valores foram comparados de acordo com o sexo e sazonalidade. A contagem total de hemáceas, de leucócitos e VCM sugeriu influência das estações do ano sobre estes parâmetros. A concentração de hemoglobina, VG e VCM foram influenciados pelo sexo. Concentrações séricas de cálcio total, cálcio iônico, sódio, potássio e magnésio também foram influenciados pelas estações do ano. O teor sérico de magnésio sofreu influência, ainda, do sexo. Os parâmetros sanguíneos obtidos e aqui reportados podem ser úteis como valores de referência nesta espécie para fins diagnóstico e prognóstico.

Effect of sex and seasons of the year on hematologic and serum biochemical variables of captive brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) / Efeito do sexo e estações do ano sobre as variáveis hematológicas e bioquímico-séricas de veados-catingueiro (Mazama gouazoubira) criados em cativeiro

The Brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) is the most common free-living and captive deer in South America, especially in Brazil, and has great ecological and scientific significance. However, data on hematological and biochemical parameters in brown brocket deer are scarce. The goal of this study was to establish reference ranges for hematological and biochemical parameters of Mazama gouazoubira, comparing differences during the seasons of the year and between sex. Blood samples from ten adult healthy brown brocket deer (6 female and 4 male) were collected during daytime, monthly, during 12 months. The animals were maintained in individual stable, protected from noise and fed ad libitum with commercial ration and green fodder. For blood collection, animals were submitted to physical restrain for no longer than 2 minutes. The following parameters were determined: red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, enzyme activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), total protein (TP), albumin, cholesterol, total calcium, ionic calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, triglycerides, creatinine and urea. Values were compared according to season and sex. RBC count, WBC count and MCV suggested seasonal influence. Haemoglobin concentration, PCV and MCV were influenced by sex. Serum concentration of total calcium, ionic calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium were influenced by season. Serum magnesium was also influenced by sex. The blood parameters herein reported may be useful as reference values for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in captive brown-brocket deer. (AU)

O veado-catingueiro (Mazama gouazoubira) é o cervídeo de vida livre mais comum na América do Sul, especialmente no Brasil, e tem grande importância ecológica e científica. No entanto, dados sobre parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos nesta espécie animal são escassos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer valores de referência hematológica e bioquímica do Mazama gouazoubira, comparando diferenças entre as estações do ano e entre sexo. Amostras sanguíneas de dez veados-catingueiros (6 fêmeas e 4 machos), todos adultos hígidos, foram mensalmente colhidas pela manhã, durante 12 meses, e prontamente analisadas. Os animais foram mantidos em baias individual, protegidos de barulho e alimentados ad libitum com ração comercial e forragem verde. Para obtenção das amostras, os animais foram submetidos à contenção física por, no máximo, 2 minutos. Os seguintes parâmetros foram determinados: Contagem total de hemáceas, concentração de hemoglobina, volume globular (VG), volume corpuscular médio (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscular média (HCM), concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM), contagem total de leucócitos, contagem de plaquetas, atividade das enzimas alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gama glutamiltransferase (GGT) e concentrações séricas de fosfatase alcalina (FA), creatino quinase (CK), proteína total (PT), albumina, colesterol, cálcio total, cálcio iônico, sódio, potássio, magnésio, triglicérides, creatinina e uréia. Os valores foram comparados de acordo com o sexo e sazonalidade. A contagem total de hemáceas, de leucócitos e VCM sugeriu influência das estações do ano sobre estes parâmetros. A concentração de hemoglobina, VG e VCM foram influenciados pelo sexo. Concentrações séricas de cálcio total, cálcio iônico, sódio, potássio e magnésio também foram influenciados pelas estações do ano. O teor sérico de magnésio sofreu influência, ainda, do sexo. Os parâmetros sanguíneos obtidos e aqui reportados podem ser úteis como valores de referência nesta espécie para fins diagnóstico e prognóstico. (AU)

Experimental infection of commercial layers using a Salmonella enterica sorovar Gallinarum strain: blood serum components and histopathological changes

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the blood serum components and histopathological findings of commercial layers experimentally infected with Salmonella Gallinarum (SG), the microorganism responsible for the fowl typhoid. 180 commercial layers were distributed into three groups (G): G1 and G2 received 0.2mL of inoculum containing 3.3x108 and 3.3x105 CFU of resistant SG to the nalidix acid (Nalr)/mL, respectively, directly into their crops; G3 did not receive the inoculum (control group). The birds were inoculated when they were 5 days old and the euthanasia was performed 24 hours before and after infection and 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after the administration of the inoculum. In each day of collection, blood samples were obtained for biochemical tests of the blood serum besides macroscopic and histopathological examination of the birds. Data were submitted to analysis of variance by the SAS statistical program and the means were compared by Tukey´s test (P<0,05). In the serum biochemical profile it was observed that the infection interfered in the values of total protein, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, triglycerides, GGT and ALT in the infected groups. The macroscopic examination showed hepatomegaly, alteration of the hepatic color and hemorrhagic spots in the kidneys of animals from G1. The histopathology showed degeneration of hepatocytes in G1 and G2 although other lesions like multifocal hepatic necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate on the liver and kidneys were restricted to G1. The alterations were more evident on G1 which received a higher concentration of bacteria/mL when compared to G2. The results showed that the correlation between biochemical alterations and macroscopic and histopathological lesions can assist the comprehension of the pathophysiology of fowl typhoid, supplying important information for the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease.(AU)

Experimental infection of commercial layers using a Salmonella enterica sorovar Gallinarum strain: blood serum components and histopathological changes

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the blood serum components and histopathological findings of commercial layers experimentally infected with Salmonella Gallinarum (SG), the microorganism responsible for the fowl typhoid. 180 commercial layers were distributed into three groups (G): G1 and G2 received 0.2mL of inoculum containing 3.3x108 and 3.3x105 CFU of resistant SG to the nalidix acid (Nalr)/mL, respectively, directly into their crops; G3 did not receive the inoculum (control group). The birds were inoculated when they were 5 days old and the euthanasia was performed 24 hours before and after infection and 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after the administration of the inoculum. In each day of collection, blood samples were obtained for biochemical tests of the blood serum besides macroscopic and histopathological examination of the birds. Data were submitted to analysis of variance by the SAS statistical program and the means were compared by Tukey´s test (P<0,05). In the serum biochemical profile it was observed that the infection interfered in the values of total protein, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, triglycerides, GGT and ALT in the infected groups. The macroscopic examination showed hepatomegaly, alteration of the hepatic color and hemorrhagic spots in the kidneys of animals from G1. The histopathology showed degeneration of hepatocytes in G1 and G2 although other lesions like multifocal hepatic necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate on the liver and kidneys were restricted to G1. The alterations were more evident on G1 which received a higher concentration of bacteria/mL when compared to G2. The results showed that the correlation between biochemical alterations and macroscopic and histopathological lesions can assist the comprehension of the pathophysiology of fowl typhoid, supplying important information for the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease.

Exploring Mexican-origin intimate partner abuse survivors' help-seeking within their sociocultural contexts.

Women's responses to partner abuse are shaped by their particular sociocultural contexts. In this study, quantitative data were collected from 75 Mexican-origin women who survived intimate partner abuse, to identify variables associated with help-seeking to survive relationship abuse. Help-seeking was defined as use of formal (e.g., shelter) and informal (e.g., family) sources. Variables included two cultural variables: machismo (i.e., adherence to traditional gender roles) and familismo (i.e., valuing family cohesion and reciprocity), and four sociostructural variables: income, education, English proficiency, and immigrant status. Results indicated participants with higher levels of familismo sought informal help more frequently than those with lower levels. Women with grade school education, no English proficiency, and undocumented status sought formal help less frequently than those not constrained by these barriers.

Frequency and perceived effectiveness of strategies to survive abuse employed by battered Mexican-origin women.

This study documented the frequency and perceived effectiveness of battered Mexican-origin women's usage of formal and informal help and personal strategies to survive abuse. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 75 battered Mexican-origin women. Consistent with survivor theory, results indicated that participants sought help multiple times from several formal and informal help sources; some (i.e., shelter, family) were perceived more effective than others (i.e., lawyer, in-laws). Participants engaged in various personal strategies to survive abuse; some (i.e., using faith/religion) were rated more effective than others (i.e., placating the batterer). Responses to open-ended questions suggest why specific help sources and strategies were/were not effective and provide socioculturally specific suggestions for improving services. This study illuminates battered Mexican-origin women's strengths and barriers that impede their survival efforts. Contributions include focusing on a subset of battered Latinas and documenting the frequency and perceived effectiveness of a wide array of help sources and strategies.

Relationship styles of self-focused autonomy, other-focused connection, and mutuality among Mexican American and European American college students.

The author examined relationship styles of self-focused autonomy (SFA), other-focused connection (OFC), and mutuality among 415 European and Mexican American young adults in 2 U.S. colleges. Mutuality was the most commonly reported style for both ethnic groups, although Mexican American men were more likely than the others to indicate that they had the SFA style. Mexican American participants perceived their fathers' styles as SFA more often than did the others regarding either of their parents' styles. Mutuality was associated with the best mental-health outcomes regardless of gender or ethnicity. The present results indicate that the cultural influences on autonomy and connection are complex and that collectivistic cultural contexts may sometimes promote autonomy concerns in men.