A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies to identify candidate genes associated with feed efficiency traits in pigs.

Pig production is an agricultural sector of great economic and social relevance to Brazil and global markets. Feed efficiency traits directly influence the sustainability of pig production due to the economic impact of feed costs on the production system and the environmental footprint of the industry. Therefore, breeding for improved feed efficiency has been a target of worldwide pig breeding programs.

The Challenge of Living in a Body One Doesn't Identify With: Accounts From Transgender Individuals.

Introduction: Transgender individuals may face familial and social hostility, leading to distress that significantly affects their well-being. This study aims to understand life course challenges experienced by transgender people since childhood.

Method: Cross-sectional study, including 20 transgender people.

Genetic parameters and genome-wide association studies including the X chromosome for various reproduction and semen quality traits in Nellore cattle.

Background: The profitability of the beef industry is directly influenced by the fertility rate and reproductive performance of both males and females, which can be improved through selective breeding. When performing genomic analyses, genetic markers located on the X chromosome have been commonly ignored despite the X chromosome being one of the largest chromosomes in the cattle genome. Therefore, the primary objectives of this study were to: (1) estimate variance components and genetic parameters for eighteen male and five female fertility and reproductive traits in Nellore cattle including X chromosome markers in the analyses; and (2) perform genome-wide association studies and functional genomic analyses to better understand the genetic background of male and female fertility and reproductive performance traits in Nellore cattle.

2D Facial Analysis Performed by a Human Operator Versus an Artificial Intelligence Software.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a contribution in recent years to the development of new tools for dental, surgical, and esthetic treatment. In the case of image diagnosis, AI allows automated analysis of some facial parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision and reproducibility of these IA analyses compared with a human operator.

Adrenal Venous Sampling Using Metanephrine in Primary Aldosteronism With or Without Cortisol Co-Secretion.

Context: The role of plasma metanephrine in adrenal venous sampling (AVS) for assessing lateralization in primary aldosteronism (PA) requires further clarification.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of plasma metanephrine in AVS for determining aldosterone lateralization in PA, with or without mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS).

Methods: Sequential AVS under cosyntropin stimulation was conducted in 58 consecutive patients with PA and indication for AVS.

Heat Tolerance-Associated circRNA3685 Regulates Apoptosis and Autophagy in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells via Sponging bta-miR-138.

Heat stress negatively affects dairy cow production, and health, leading to significant losses. Identifying mechanisms associated with heat tolerance is crucial for developing breeding strategies. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a type of noncoding RNA, regulate cell functions like autophagy, apoptosis and proliferation.

Celebrating a milestone and looking at the future of Theriogenology.

In 2024, Theriogenology turned 50! The purpose of this special issue is to emphasize the pivotal role of reproduction and fertility in improving the efficacy and sustainability of animal production in a range of environments (different production systems, different climates, or different consumer-related expectations). A first series of articles summarizes the possibilities and constraints linked to embryo production (in vivo and in vitro) as well as the potential of novel embryo technologies. A second series provides an overview of the future of production and reproduction for the next 20 years in different species and geographical areas.

Genome-wide association studies and functional annotation of pre-weaning calf mortality and reproductive traits in Nellore cattle from experimental selection lines.

Background: Reproductive efficiency is crucial for the long-term economic sustainability of beef cattle production. Pregnancy loss and stillbirth are complex reproductive traits that do not yet have their genomic background fully understood, especially in zebu breeds (Bos taurus indicus). Hence, this study aimed to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and functional annotation for conception success (CS), pregnancy loss (PL), stillbirth (SB), and pre-weaning calf mortality (PWM) in Nellore cattle.

Effect of the consumption of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale l.) flour-based biscuits in overweight children: a pilot randomized clinical trial.

Background: cashew nut is an almond known for its cardiovascular benefits in adults and weight gain effects in malnourished children, as supported by research. However, its impact on overweight children remains unexplored.

Objective: to analyze the effect of consuming biscuits made with cashew nut flour on the blood glucose and serum triglyceride levels of children with overweight/obesity over four weeks.

Factors affecting the length of productive life in U.S. Katahdin ewes.

The length of ewe productive life (LPL), defined as the number of days between the first and last lambing, is a key indicator of ewe longevity and is directly related to the sustainability of the sheep industry. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate systematic effects influencing LPL in Katahdin sheep. The LPL of 10,474 Katahdin ewes (69.

AI tool for predicting MGMT methylation in glioblastoma for clinical decision support in resource limited settings.

Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain cancer with a poor prognosis. The O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene methylation status is crucial for treatment stratification, yet economic constraints often limit access. This study aims to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) framework for predicting MGMT methylation.

Embryo Transfer Surgery via Laparotomy in Gilts.

This protocol aims to demonstrate the surgical technique for transferring cloned pig embryos to the oviduct, a method widely used in the production of genetically modified pigs for biomedical research. Nine gilts underwent hormonal synchronization and laparotomy for the transfer of cloned embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) at stages of up to 4 cells on day 2 to the oviduct. Gestational diagnosis was conducted via ultrasound examination 30 days post-transfer surgery.

Optimization, structural characterization, and biological applications of exopolysaccharide produced by Enterococcus faecium KT990028.

The aim of this study was to select the best exopolysaccharide (EPS) producer among the Enterococcus strains to optimize, characterize, and evaluate its biological properties. Among the eleven strains, Enterococcus faecium KT990028 was selected, and the production conditions were optimized: 16.3 % (w/v) sucrose, 0.

GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions in penile cancer are associated with TNM stage but not with HPV DNA status.

Deletions of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 are associated with chemical carcinogenesis and genitourinary malignancies like bladder cancer, where they correlate with increased tumor aggressiveness. In uterine cervical lesions, GSTT1 and GSTM1 deletions have also been suggested to facilitate the persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-induced carcinogenesis. This work addresses the hypothesis that GSTT1/GSTM1 deletions are associated with presence of HPV DNA and aggressiveness in penile cancer, a rare malignancy with HPV+ and HPV- subtypes.

Unilateral and Bilateral Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Women With Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study (UBTTNS-OAB Study).

Introduction: The efficacy of unilateral versus bilateral Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) for women with Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB) remains uncertain.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of unilateral and bilateral TTNS in the tibial region in women with OAB.

Methods: This randomized, controlled, triple-blind clinical trial included women with OAB or urgency-predominant urinary incontinence (UUI).