ABSTRACT: The present study evaluated the cryoprotectant efficacy of dimethylacetamide (DMA) and ethylene glycol in a one-step protocol to freeze boar sperm. The sperm-rich portion of the ejaculates from two boars were collected once a week, for 10 weeks. After collection, the ejaculates were diluted (1:1; v/v) in the cooling extender. After determining their spermatozoa concentration, the ejaculates were pooled with the same number of spermatozoa from each boar and stabilized at 20°C for 120 min. Distinct cryoprotectants were added to the cooling extender at 20 °C, at different concentrations, composing six treatments: 1.25% and 2.5% glycerol (control); 1.25% and 2.5% ethylene glycol; 2.5% and 5.0% DMA. The samples were stored in 0.25 mL straws, containing 35 × 106 spermatozoa. After 90 min at 20 °C, the straws were submitted to a cooling curve until 5 °C (0.3 to 0.5 °C/min) and kept at 5°C for 60 min. Freezing was conducted by placing the straws horizontally 5 cm above the liquid nitrogen for 10 min, followed by immersion on liquid nitrogen. After thawing at 37 °C for 30 seconds, sperm quality was evaluated through a computer-assisted semen analysis system and flow cytometry. Sperm motility was greater (P< 0.05) in treatments with 5.0% and 2.5% DMA (22.2 ± 2.6% and 20.0 ± 2.8%, respectively) than in treatment with 2.5% ethylene glycol (8.2 ± 1.0%). The integrity of the plasma membrane (P = 0.08) and mitochondrial membrane potential (P = 0.27) was similar among the treatments. The treatment with 2.5% ethylene glycol was the least efficient to maintain intact acrosome membrane (P< 0.01). Some kinetics parameters (DAP, DCL, DSL, VAP, VCL, VSL e ALH) were positively affected by 5.0% DMA. The one-step freezing protocol resulted in unsatisfactory boar sperm motility after thawing, regardless of the cryoprotectant.

RESUMO: O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a eficácia de um protocolo one-step de congelamento do sêmen suíno utilizando dimetilacetamida (DMA) e etilenoglicol como crioprotetores. Durante 10 semanas, a fração rica dos ejaculados de dois machos suínos foram coletados, uma vez por semana. Após a coleta, os ejaculados foram diluídos (1:1; v/v) no diluidor de resfriamento. Após a avaliação da concentração espermática, os ejaculados foram agrupados em um pool com o mesmo número de espermatozoides de cada macho e estabilizados a 20 °C por 120 min. Os criopropetores foram adicionados ao diluidor de congelamento a 20 °C, em diferentes concentrações, compondo seis tratamentos: glicerol (controle), 1,25% e 2,5%; etilenoglicol, 1,5% e 2,5%; e DMA, 2,5% e 5,0%. As amostras foram armazendadas em palhetas de 0,25 mL contendo 35 x 106 espermatozoides. Após 90 min a 20 °C as palhetas foram submetidas a uma curva de resfriamento até 5 °C (0,3 a 0,5 °C/mim) e mantidas a 5 °C por 60 min. O congelamento foi realizado a partir da colocação das palhetas horizontalmente a 5 cm acima do nitrogênio líquido por 10 min, com sua posterior imersão no nitrogênio líquido. Após o descongelamento a 37 °C por 30 segundos a qualidade espermática foi avaliada através de um sistema computadorizado e por citometria de fluxo. A motilidade espermática foi maior (P < 0,05) nos tratamentos com 5,0% e 2,5% DMA (22,2 ± 2,6% e 20,0 ± 2,8%, respectivamente) do que no tratamento com 2,5% etilenoglicol (8,2 ± 1,0%). A integridade da membrana plasmática (P = 0,08) e potencial de membrana mitocondrial (P = 0,27) foi similar entre os tratamentos. O tratamento com 2,5% de etilenoglicol foi menos eficiente em manter membrana acrossomal intacta (P< 0,01). Alguns parâmetros de cinética espermática (DAP, DCL, DSL, VAP, VCL, VSL e ALH) foram afetados positivamente pelo uso de DMA a 5.0%. O protocolo simplificado para congelamento de sêmen suíno resultou em motilidade espermática insatifatória após o descongelamento, independente do crioprotetor utilizado.

The aim of this study was to preliminary evaluate the lipid profile alterations on Pitcairnia flammea leaves based on variations in solvent proportion and ultrasonic ice bath extraction time, followed by a lipid class-enriched analysis employing chemometric techniques. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS) was used to acquire raw data and MS-DIAL and MetaboAnalyst platforms were used to perform data preprocessing and statistical analysis. The statistical analysis of UHPLC-ESI-MS data in both ionization modes enabled the visualization of a trend distribution based on extraction time. Furthermore, we were able to establish that the solvent proportion had a greater impact on group separation in data samples extracted for 30 min versus 10 and 20 min. Moreover, diacylglycerol or/and lysophosphatidylcholine are lipid subclasses that can be favored depending on the extraction time in the mass spectrometry analyses using positive electrospray ionization mode.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether Tranexamic Acid (TXA) can significantly reduce perioperative blood loss in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) performed under regional anesthesia. Methods We performed a randomized, single blinded, controlled study. Forty-five patients were submitted to TSA under regional anesthesia to treat cuff tear arthropathy, proximal humeral fractures, chronic instability, primary osteoarthrosis, and failures of previous prosthesis. Patients were randomized to either group TXA therapy (TXA), with 1 g intravenous (IV), or no Intervention (NTXA). Postoperative total drain output, hemoglobin variation, total blood loss, hemoglobin loss, and need for transfusion were measured. Pain-related variables were also assessed: postoperative pain assessment by visual analog scale, inpatient pain breakthrough, quality of recovery, length of stay, and coagulation function testing. Results Participants presented a mean age of 76 years, 15.6% were male, 82.2% were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II. There were no differences between groups concerning transfusions, operative time, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) length of stay and in-hospital stay, and QoR-15 or postoperative pain. Bleeding measured by drain output at 2, 24 and 48 hours was significantly less in the TXA group at each timepoint. There was a difference in Hb variation - TXA: median (IQR) -1.4 (1.3) g.dL-1 vs. NTXA: -2.2 (1.3) g.dL-1; median difference: 0.80 (0.00-1.20); p = 0.047. aPTT was lower in TXA administered patients - TXA: median (IQR) 29.6 (14.0)s vs. NTXA: 33 (5.8)s; difference in medians: -4.00 (-6.50--1.00); p = 0.012. Conclusion TXA use significantly decreased blood loss measured by drain output and Hb drop in TSA under regional anesthesia.

Abstract Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors in reproductive age women. The incidence is higher in African descent women. Development and growth of fibroids is estrogen and progesterone dependent. Besides excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain is also a common symptom. Doppler ultrasound (dUS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful for preoperative differentiation between benign and the more uncommon malignant forms. Treatment of leiomyomas depends on size, location, severity of symptoms and patient desire to preserve fertility. The authors present a case of a 16 cm subserous cervical myoma that occupied the pelvic cavity. Laparotomy was performed for tumor excision.

RESUMO As instituições financeiras brasileiras que possuem um Comitê de Auditoria e / ou estão listadas em Bolsa de Valores são obrigadas a divulgar as demonstrações financeiras em Bacen GAAP e IFRS. Esta pesquisa compara a relevância deles utilizando o Modelo de Ohlson (1995), adicionando variáveis de controle para os anos de 2010 a 2018. Foram estimados dois modelos, um para cada conjunto de padrões, e a análise de relevância foi baseada nos valores de R2. Os resultados foram consistentes com as expectativas e sugerem que as informações em IFRS (EPS e BVPS) são mais relevantes para o investidor na tomada de decisões de investimento, sugerindo um efeito positivo na adoção do IFRS para o Brasil. Por outro lado, o patrimônio líquido tem maior poder explicativo do que o lucro. Assim, como a divulgação de informações não é necessariamente simultânea no Bacen e IFRS, embora haja influência das informações anteriores do Bacen no preço IFRS, os resultados mostram uma informação incremental contida nas informações IFRS. Todos os resultados mostram o efeito positivo da adoção das normas internacionais de contabilidade, que é uma informação voltada para o investidor. Parece que o Banco Central já reconheceu o efeito positivo, afinal, a partir da Resolução CMN nº 4.818 foi instituído o modelo IFRS como único padrão contábil para as demonstrações consolidadas a partir de 2021, enquanto a norma do Bacen ficará restrita às demonstrações individuais .

ABSTRACT Brazilian financial institutions that have an Audit Committee and/or are listed on the Stock Exchange are obliged to disclose their financial statements in Bacen GAAP and IFRS. This study compares their relevanceusing the Ohlson Model (1995) adding control variables for the years 2010 to 2018. Two models were estimated, one for each set of standards, and the analysis of relevance was based on the R2 values. The results were consistent with the expectations and they suggest that IFRS information (EPS and BVPS) is more value relevant to the investor when making investment decisions, suggesting a positive effect in the adoption of IFRS for Brazil. On the other hand, equity has a higher explanatory power than profit. Thus, as the disclosure of information is not necessarily simultaneous in Bacen and IFRS, although there is an influence of Bacen’s previous information in IFRS price, the results show an incremental information contained in IFRS information. All results show the positive effect of adopting international accounting standards, which is an information aimed at the investor. It seems that the central bank has already has already recognized the positive effect. After all, from in was the CMN Resolution No. 4818 which instituted the IFRS model as the only accounting standard for consolidated statements from 2021 onwards, while Bacen standard will be restricted to individual statements.

RESUMO A conservação da Amazônia é uma preocupação global, apoiada pela ratificação do Bonn Challenge e do Acordo de Paris pelo governo brasileiro e pelas regulamentações nacionais de proteção e restauração da vegetação. O Amazonas é o maior e menos desmatado estado da Amazônia brasileira (<3%). Realizamos um levantamento do estado atual e potencial da produção de sementes e mudas no Amazonas, indicando os principais obstáculos e gargalos onde investimentos futuros podem ajudar a alcançar o compromisso da restauração ecológica em larga escala. Visitamos os 35 produtores de sementes ou mudas de espécies nativas oficialmente registrados, e entrevistamos seus proprietários ou responsáveis técnicos, utilizando um questionário com perguntas abertas e fechadas. Os empreendimentos eram predominantemente privados, familiares, com pequena produção (10.001 - 100.000 mudas por ano) e concentrados na região metropolitana de Manaus. Detectamos outros 54 viveiros não oficialmente registrados. A produção anual (2018) foi de quase quatro toneladas de sementes e quase dez milhões de mudas. Segundo os proprietários, esta produção poderia aumentar de cinco a sete vezes com a infraestrutura existente. A produção foi focada principalmente em espécies para produção alimentar (48% sementes, 74% mudas), enquanto apenas 35% de sementes e 8% de mudas foram destinadas para restauração ecológica. Os principais gargalos citados pelos produtores foram baixa demanda por espécies nativas, alto custo de transporte e excessiva burocracia. Para alcançar restauração em larga escala, recomendamos o cumprimento de políticas de proteção e restauração da vegetação e uma reestruturação do setor de sementes e mudas em uma abordagem ascendente (bottom-up).

ABSTRACT Conservation of the Amazon rainforest is a global concern and is supported by the Brazilian government’s ratification of the Bonn Challenge and Paris Agreement and the introduction of national regulations on vegetation protection and restoration. Amazonas is the largest and least deforested of the states occupied by the Brazilian Amazon (< 3%). We carried out a survey on the current state and growth potential of seed and seedling production in Amazonas state, pointing out constraints where future investment can promote the achievement of large-scale restoration commitments. We visited the 35 officially registered seed producers or nurseries working with native seeds and interviewed their owners or managers using open and closed questions. Enterprises were mainly privately-owned family businesses with small production (10,001 - 100,000 seedlings per year) and concentrated in the metropolitan area of the state capital Manaus. We uncovered a further 54 non-officially registered nurseries. Annual production (2018) was almost four tons of seeds and nearly ten million seedlings. According to the owners, production could be increased five to seven times with existing infrastructure. Production is focused foremost on species for food production (48% seeds, 74% seedlings), while ecological restoration only makes up 35% of seed and 8% of seedling use. Major bottlenecks cited by the producers were low demand for native tree species, high transportation costs and excessive bureaucracy. To achieve large-scale restoration, we recommend enforcement of national policies for vegetation protection and restoration, and a restructuring of the seed and seedling sector with a bottom-up approach.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever o desenvolvimento e modelagem de uma linha de cuidado para a prevenção e atenção à morbimortalidade por causas externas em adolescentes e jovens, no âmbito da gestão municipal do Sistema Único de Saúde. Métodos: estudo metodológico operacionalizado em três etapas: análise situacional; revisão de literatura; desenvolvimento e modelagem. Análise estatística descritiva e de conteúdo do tipo temática foram utilizadas para produzir evidências e embasar a elaboração da linha de cuidado. Resultados: apoiando-se nas evidências do estudo, elaborou-se uma linha de cuidado, cuja proposta teórico-metodológica contemplou: 1) matriz conceitual, 2) matriz educativa, 3) matriz assistencial e 4) matriz operativa. Considerações Finais: as linhas de cuidado são instrumentos potentes para a articulação dos níveis de atenção à saúde, sendo uma proposta resolutiva e exequível haja vista seu custo-efetividade para demandas complexas em saúde como a morbimortalidade de adolescentes e jovens por causas externas.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the development and modeling of a line of care for the prevention and attention of morbimortality from external causes in adolescents and young people within the scope of the municipal management of the Unified Health System. Methods: methodological study operationalized in three stages: situational analysis; literature review; development, and modeling. Descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis of the thematic type were used to produce evidence and support the development of the line of care. Results: by upholding the evidence of the study, it was elaborated a line of care, whose theoretical and methodological proposal included: 1) conceptual matrix, 2) educative matrix, 3) assistance matrix, and 4) operative matrix. Final Considerations: the lines of care are strong tools for articulating the levels of health care, being a resolute and feasible proposal given its cost-effectiveness for complex health demands such as the morbimortality of adolescents and young people from external causes.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir el desarrollo y modelado de una línea de cuidado para la prevención y atención a la morbimortalidad por causas externas en adolescentes y jóvenes, en el ámbito de la gestión municipal del Sistema Único de Salud. Métodos: estudio metodológico realizado en tres etapas: análisis situacional; revisión de literatura; desarrollo y modelado. Análisis estadístico descriptivo y de contenido del tipo temático han sido utilizados para producir evidencias y basar la elaboración de la línea de cuidado. Resultados: apoyándose en las evidencias del estudio, elaborado una línea de cuidado, cuya propuesta teórico-metodológica incluyó: 1) matriz conceptual, 2) matriz educativa, 3) matriz asistencial y 4) matriz operativa. Consideraciones Finales: las líneas de cuidado son instrumentos potentes para la articulación de los niveles de atención de salud, siendo una propuesta resolutiva y ejecutable haya vista su costo-efectividad para demandas complejas en salud como la morbimortalidad de adolescentes y jóvenes por causas externas.

Resumo A pandemia COVID-19 impôs aos profissionais de saúde (PS) uma sobrecarga inédita, mas existe pouca evidência sobre o seu impacto no contexto profissional do cuidar e nas suas vidas. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever as vivências dos PS infetados com COVID-19 ou que tiveram contactos de alto risco durante a atividade profissional. Realizou-se um estudo qualitativo fenomenológico, com entrevistas semiestruturadas, individualizadas, a enfermeiros, médicos e assistentes operacionais, de um hospital universitário da região centro de Portugal. Participaram 23 PS (15 enfermeiros; 10 COVID+). Emergiram três temas centrais - Pessoa, Hospital, Sociedade - e cinco subtemas - “Eu” (pessoa/profissional), “Eu e os Outros” (doentes/familiares), “Eu e os Outros como Eu” (equipa), “Eu e os Meus” (família), e “Liderança/Gestão”. Descrevem-se alterações emocionais, adaptações no cuidar e na comunicação, o impacto do isolamento/separação e dos mass media. Pesaram particularmente as dificuldades em ser “testado” e saber os resultados, o sentimento de apoio ou de desamparo institucional e de estigma na comunidade. Conclui-se que o conhecimento das alterações emocionais, físicas, socio-relacionais e do cuidar, descritas por estes PS, pode facilitar o processo adaptativo do sistema, garantindo um apoio mais efetivo aos PS e, consequentemente, assegurando melhores cuidados de saúde, doravante.

Abstract The pandemic COVID-19 imposed an unprecedented burden on health professionals (HP), but there is little evidence about its impact on the professional context of care and on their lives. This study aimed to describe the HP’s experiences infected with COVID-19 or who had high-risk contacts during their professional activity. We performed a qualitative phenomenological study. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with nurses, doctors, and operational assistants, from a university hospital at the central region in Portugal. A total of 23 PS participated (15 nurses; 10 COVID+). Three central themes emerged - Person, Hospital, Society - and five sub-themes: “Me” (person/professional), “Me and the Others” (patients/families), “Me and Others like Me” (team), “Me and Mine” (family), and “Leadership/Management”. Emotional changes, adaptations to care and communication, the impact of isolation/separation and mass media are described. The difficulties in being “tested” and knowing the results, the feeling of institutional helplessness and stigma in the community were also a burden. We concluded that the knowledge of emotional, physical, socio-relational and care changes, described by these HP, can facilitate the adaptive process of the system and health care, ensuring effective support for PS and, consequently, ensuring the best health care, from now on.

Resumo Desconhece-se o impacto da pandemia COVID-19 na saúde mental, perceção de stress e qualidade de vida/QV do/a(s) profissionais de saúde (PS). Pretende-se avaliar as variáveis referidas, na primeira vaga da pandemia. 680 PS [mulheres, 78.5%; enfermeiro/a(s), 46,3%; trabalharam em serviços COVID, 48,2%] responderam à BSI-18, PSS e EUROHIS-QOL-8. As mulheres apresentaram maior stress, ansiedade e somatização; o/a(s) assistentes técnico/a(s) e operacionais, médico/a(s) e enfermeiro/a(s) maior somatização [do que técnico/a(s) superiores, técnico/a(s) superiores de saúde e farmacêutico/a(s)]; o/a(s) enfermeiro/a(s) e assistentes operacionais maior somatização do que o/a(s) médico/a(s); quem trabalhou em serviços COVID e ficou em quarentena/isolamento maior ansiedade e somatização; quem não ficou em quarentena menor depressão; quem ficou infetado menor QV, maior ansiedade, depressão e somatização. Demonstrou-se o impacto da pandemia nas variáveis centrais nestes PS. Futuramente, em circunstâncias igualmente aversivas, importa monitorizar a saúde mental do/a(s) PS e oferecer planos específicos de apoio psicológico.

Abstract It is still unknown the impact of the COVID pandemic in the mental health, stress perception and quality of life, of health professionals. We wish to assess the variables mentioned above, in the first wave of the pandemic. 680 health professionals (women, 78,5%; nurses, 46,3%; worked in COVID-19 services, 48,2%) answered the BSI-18, the PSS and the EUROHIS-QOL-8. Women presented higher levels of stress, anxiety and somatization; technical assistants, operational assistants, doctors and nurses referred higher somatization (than senior technicians, health senior technicians and pharmacists); nurses and operational assistants had higher levels of somatization than doctors; health professionals that worked at COVID services and were on quarantine/isolation presented higher anxiety and somatization; professionals that were on quarantine referred lower levels of depression; those that were infected presented less quality of life, higher anxiety, depression and somatization. The impact of the pandemic in the central variables was demonstrated, in these health professionals. In the future, considering equally aversive circunstances, it might be important to monitor the mental health of the health professionas and to offer specific plans of psychological support.

Abstract Overview and Aims: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on maternal/fetal wellbeing remains unknown. Currently, epidemiological data regarding pregnant women infected in Portugal are scarse. Our aim was to describe the clinical characteristics and maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 in a Portuguese hospital. Study design: Single-center, retrospective, cohort-study. Population: Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection between March-30 and July-31, 2020, in a tertiary referral center for obstetrical care. Methods: Pregnant and immediately postpartum women with positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 were included. We reviewed mother and neonate medical records for demographics, medical history, disease severity and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes including newborn infection. Results: 75 women were included, the majority infected in the 3rd-trimester (66.7%). Most were asymptomatic or had mild disease, with fever, cough and headache being commonly found. Only 2 cases presented with severe disease. SARS-CoV-2 prevalence rate at delivery was 6.2% and most patients had a cesarean delivery (64%). Lymphopenia was associated with symptomatic disease (p<0.001) and preterm delivery (p=0.025). Preterm birth was also more frequent in symptomatic women (p=0.048). There were 2 confirmed cases of vertical transmission (4%), one of which died. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy was associated with higher caesarian rates and prematurity. Lymphopenia may be an important marker for fetal distress and consequent iatrogenic preterm delivery. Vertical transmission occurred in 4% and may lead to fetal death.

Abstract Overview and Aims: In vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) show discouraging results in poor ovarian responders. We aim to characterize low prognosis women, stratifying them according to POSEIDON criteria -based on ovarian reserve markers and response in previous cycles. Study Design: data base retrospective study Population: women undertaking an IVF/ICSI cycle between May/2012 and December/2017 in our public centre. Methods: all women undertaking IVF/ICSI cycles with registered antimullerian hormone levels and antral follicule count (the ovarian reserve markers considered in POSEIDON criteria) were divided in 4 groups -women with normal ovarian reserve markers but low response in previous cycle (<35 years-G1; ≥35 years-G2) and women with at least one low ovarian reserve marker (<35 years-G3; ≥35years-G4). Ovarian reserve markers, previous ovarian response, socio-demographic features, type/etiology of infertility, number of oocytes collected, clinical pregnancy and delivery rates per cycle/ovarian puncture(OP)/transfer were determined. Ovarian response (categorized into optimal/non-optimal based on the number of oocytes collected), clinical pregnancy and delivery rates of the 4 groups were compared to population non-POSEIDON(PNP). X 2 test was used. Significance was set at p-value<0.05. Results: 1789 cycles were analysed; 49.6%(887/1789) of them met POSEIDON criteria - n=86(G1), n=129(G2); n=180(G3); n=492(G4). 85.7% of those reaching OP had a non-optimal response. G4 showed the worse pregnancy and delivery rates, significantly lower than PNP. The highest rates of pregnancy and delivery were verified in a subgroup of G2, except for delivery/cycle; no difference was observed between G1/G2 and PNP. Most women were Portuguese, Caucasian, normal weighted, non-smokers and presented primary infertility. Male factor was the most frequently identified cause. Conclusion: POSEIDON criteria showed high positive predictive value of having a non-optimal response. Results may help managing expectations of women undergoing IVF/ICSI with similar characteristics. Exclusion from POSEIDON group should not be considered reassuring due to low negative predictive value.

Abstract Among the different methods used for semen collection from domestic cats, the pharmacological collection by urethral catheterization becomes disruptive. Medetomidine is the elected α2-adrenoceptor agonist for that, but in several countries, it is not commercially available. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of detomidine compared to medetomidine in collecting semen by urethral catheterization in domestic cats. Urethral catheterization was performed on 13 mongrel cats using a disposable semi-rigid tomcat urinary catheter. Of the 19 semen collections performed with medetomidine induction, 94.7% were successful, while with detomidine induction, only 56.3% of 16 were successful. The values semen samples variables were as follows for volume - 10.56 ± 0.4 vs 8.88 ± 0.5 mL, motility - 171.67 ± 0.79 vs 49.77 ± 3.45%, vigor – 4.1 ± 0.03 vs 3.10 ± 0.1 and concentration - 3.24 ± 0.19 vs 2.15 ± 0.13 ×109 sperm/mL respectively for medetomidine and detomidine group. The failure in semen collections with detomidine was mainly due to azoospermic samples, poor urethral relaxation, insufficient volume, or contamination of urine. The sperm concentration was also lower in the detomidine group (P <0.05) when compared to medetomidine. However, when the volume of semen collected was compared, we found no statistical differences. Despite its low performance in collecting semen from cats, detomidine may be an alternative when medetomidine is not accessible.

Introdução: A doença carotídea afeta 3-4% da população geral. A associação entre inflamação sistémica de baixo grau e aterosclerose estimulou o estudo de biomarcadores sanguíneos, nomeadamente o índice de anisocitose (RDW-CV), e a sua importância na fisiopatologia e prognóstico da doença carotídea. O objetivo deste estudo foi elaborar uma revisão da literatura no que diz respeito à relevância do RDW-CV na doença carotídea. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa na base Medline de forma a identificar publicações focadas na fisiopatologia do RDW-CV e o seu impacto na doença carotídea. Resultados: Um aumento de RDW-CV associou-se a um espessamento íntima-média carotídea (CIMT) em vários estudos. Associou-se à presença de placas de aterosclerose e sua progressão. Um estudo demonstrou uma associação independente entre mortalidade por todas as causas e mortalidade cardiovascular com o aumento do RDW-CV em doentes com estenose carotídea assintomática. Conclusão: O RDW-CV é um marcador de baixo custo, prontamente disponível e fácil de se obter que parece estar associado a aterosclerose carotídea subclínica. Contudo são necessários mais estudos para se determinar a sua importância clínica neste contexto.

Introduction: Carotid disease affects 3-4% of the general population. The association between systemic low-grade inflammation and atherosclerosis has led to the study of blood biomarkers, such as red blood cell distribution width - coefficient of variation (RDW-CV), and their role in the pathophysiology and prognosis of carotid artery disease. The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding the relevance of RDW-CV in carotid artery disease. Methods: A Medline search was performed in order to identify publications focused on the physiopathology of RDW-CV and its impact in patients with carotid artery disease Results: Increased RDW-CV was associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in several studies. It was associated with plaque presence and progression. One study demonstrated an independent association between all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and increased RDW-CV. Conclusion: RDW-CV is a widely available, easy to measure, and low-cost marker that seems to be associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. However, further studies are needed in order to determine its clinical relevance in this setting.

RESUMO O presente estudo visou comparar jovens por sexo, nível de actividade física e fase da adolescência em função dos níveis de perfeccionismo. A amostra foi constituída por 184 indivíduos (96 do sexo feminino) com idades entre os 11 e os 17 anos residentes na região do interior norte Portugal. Foi utilizada a forma Júnior da Escala de Auto-apresentação de Perfeccionismo (PSPS-Jr.). O estudo evidenciou diferenças por níveis de actividade física, grupo etário e sexo. Face aos resultados poderemos concluir que os muito activos pontuam mais alto nas três subescalas do perfeccionismo, que os adolescentes mais jovens se diferenciam na subescala autopromoção e na não-verbalização. As comparações por sexo evidenciam que os indivíduos do sexo masculino apresentam valores mais altos todos os parâmetros avaliados.

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to compare young people by sex, level of physical activity and stage of adolescence according to levels of perfectionism. The sample consisted of 184 individuals (96 female) aged between 11 and 17 years old living in the interior of northern Portugal. The junior form of the Perfectionism Self-Presentation Scale (PSPS-Jr.) was used. The study showed differences by levels of physical activity, age group and sex. In view of the results, we can conclude that the very active score higher in the three subscales of perfectionism that younger adolescents differ in the self-promotion and non-verbalization subscales. Comparisons by sex show that male individuals have higher values for all evaluated parameters.

Abstract Twin birth is a complex condition observed in most livestock animals, when the female gives birth to two or more offspring, generally out of the same mating. In cattle, it is a rare condition (3 to 5%) and depends on the genetic background and environmental factors. Twin birth is a result of multiple ovulations, being more common in dairy rather than in beef cattle. Calves could be monozygous or dizygous, with the same or of different sexes. When twins are born with different sexes, a sexual condition called Freemartinism occurs in between 90 to 97% of pregnancies, causing infertility in the female calf. Knowing that the twin rate is rare in commercial beef cattle, here we present an even rarer case of twin birth from two different sires after natural mating, also called heteropaternal superfecundation.