ABSTRACT We aimed to estimate genetic parameters for growth, reproductive, and carcass traits in Tabapuã cattle. Phenotypic data were collected between 1990 and 2019 in 1,218 farms, and the pedigree file had 340,868 animals. The traits evaluated were body weight at 120 (W120), 210 (W210), 365 (W365), and 550 (W550) days of age; age at first calving (AFC), scrotal circumference at 365 days of age (SC365), ribeye area (REA), backfat thickness (BF), and rump fat thickness (RF). The (co)variance components were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood method, considering single and two-traits animal models. For all traits, the models considered fixed, direct additive genetic, and residual random effects. In addition, for W120 and W210, the maternal additive genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects were also included. Heritabilities for W120, W210, W365, W550, SC365, REA, BF, and RF were of moderate magnitude (0.15, 0.16, 0.23, 0.19, 0.22, 0.36, 0.31, and 0.27, respectively). Low heritability was observed for AFC (0.07). The genetic correlations between growth traits were higher than 0.90, while AFC and SC365 presented negative moderate correlation (−0.66). The REA showed low genetic correlations with BF (0.07) and RF (0.07), whereas BF and RF were highly correlated (0.77). Considering the heritability estimates, selection for AFC would result in limited genetic gain, while for the other traits, it would be satisfactory. Based on the high genetic correlations between growth traits, selection of Tabapuã animals can be performed at younger ages. Additionally, animals can be indirectly selected for AFC through SC365, and only one fat thickness trait may be used in the selection process considering the high genetic correlation and similar heritability values for BF and RF.

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la robustez de varios índices de ajuste del Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (SRMR, RMSEA, TLI, CFI y GFI) a la presencia de valores extremos. Para el alcance del objetivo se planteó un estudio de simulaciones con 3× 4 × 2 condiciones: tamaño de muestra (100, 200 y 500), porcentaje de valores extremos (0%, 1%, 5% y 10%) y número de variables con valores extremos (1 y 2). Los conjuntos de datos base (0% de valores extremos) por tamaño de muestra, fueron simulados a partir de una distribución que se ajustaba a un AFC con tres factores correlacionados. Los conjuntos de datos con valores extremos se crearon a partir de la sustitución de observaciones en los conjuntos de datos base. Luego, en cada conjunto de datos se estimó un AFC con tres factores correlacionados. Se obtuvo que con los puntos de corte clásicos de los índices de ajuste, todos estos fueron robustos a la presencia de datos extremos en conjuntos de datos de 200 y 500 observaciones. Con 100 observaciones se obtienen índices robustos pero considerando puntos de corte ajustados a la estructura factorial y el tamaño muestral trabajado.

Abstract The goal of this work is to evaluate the robustness of several Confirmatory Factor Analysis fit indices (SRMR, RMSEA, TLI, CFI and GFI) to the precense of outliers. For this purpose, it was planed a simulation study with 3 × 4 × 2 conditions: sample size (100, 200 and 500), outliers percentage (0%, 1%, 5% and 10%) and number of variables with outliers (1 and 2). The baseline data sets (0% of outliers) by sample size were simulated from a distribution which fit to a CFA with three factors correlated. Data bases with outliers were created from substitution of observations in baseline data sets. Later, in every data base was estimated a CFA with three factors correlated. It was obtained that all indices with classical cutoffs were robust to outliers with sample sizes of 200 and 500. With 100 observations, it was obtained that fit indexes were robust to outliers, but considering cutoffs adjusted by the factorial structure and the sample size.

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was: a) to validate the questionnaire that measures physical activity by means of confirmatory analysis; b) to analyze reliability by means of stability measures; and c) develop percentiles by age and sex range. Material and Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in 1,937 in university students (1,064 men and 873 women) from the city of Puno, Peru. The weight and height were measured and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated by sex. An 11-question questionnaire was used that measures physical activity. It was validated by Factorial Confirmatory Analysis (FCA) and reliability was verified by test re-test. Percentiles were generated by age and sex range for AF patterns by the LMS method. Results For the FCA, saturations were observed between 0.41 and 0.96, Eigen values greater than 1.0, and the variance explanation was 63.9% (Varimax and Kaiser-Meier-Olkin, KMO=0.872. Sphericity of χ2=4,999.5, p <0.0000). Reliability by re-test showed a Technical Measurement Error (TME) of 2.48 to 3.68% and an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between 0.65 for men and 0.654 for women and for both sexes CCI=0.92. Conclusions The questionnaire of 11 questions that measures physical activity is valid and reliable for university students in a high altitude region of Peru. In addition, the proposed percentiles serve to identify and classify physical activity levels according to age and sex range.

Resumen Introducción El objetivo del presente trabajo fue: a) validar el cuestionario que mide actividad física mediante análisis confirmatorio; b) analizar la fiabilidad por medio de medidas de estabilidad; y c) desarrollar percentiles por rango de edad y sexo. Material y Métodos Se efectuó un estudio de tipo descriptivo de corte transversal en 1.937 jóvenes universitarios (1.064 hombres y 873 mujeres) de la ciudad de Puno, Perú. Se midió el peso y estatura y se calculó el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) por sexo. Se aplicó un cuestionario de 11 preguntas que mide actividad física. Se validó por Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC) y se verificó la confiabilidad por test re-test. Se generó percentiles por rango de edad y sexo para los patrones de actividad física por el método LMS. Resultados Para el AFC se observó saturaciones entre 0,41 a 0,96, valores propios superiores a 1,0, el % de explicación de la varianza fue de 63,9% (Varimax y Kaiser-Meier-Olkin, KMO=0,872. Esfericidad de χ2=4.999,5, p<0,0000). La fiabilidad por test re-test mostró un Error Técnico de Medida (ETM) de 2,48 a 3,68% y un coeficiente de correlación intra-clase (CCI) entre 0,65 para hombres y 0,654 para mujeres y para ambos sexos CCI=0,92. Conclusiones El cuestionario de 11 preguntas que mide actividad física es válido y confiable para jóvenes universitarios de una región de elevada altitud del Perú. Además, los percentiles propuestos sirven para identificar y clasificar los niveles de actividad física según rango de edad y sexo.

Abstract Introduction Although there are instruments in Spanish to evaluate teacher performance during the initial basic science training years or during medical specialization; there are few instruments for the clinical training years, in which the main role of the teacher is to facilitate experiential learning. The MEDUC30 questionnaire is a Spanish instrument developed by the Pontificia Universidad Católica School of Medicine. It was built using the Stanford Faculty Development Program (SFDP) educational framework for evaluation of clinical teachers' effectiveness by students. MEDUC30 has been used since 2004 at Pontificia Uni versidad Católica de Chile and was previously studied with exploratory methods. Objective To provide satisfying evidence of validity and reliability to support MEDUC30's usefulness in Spanish-speaking contexts, using confirmatory analytical methods. Method This is an analytical, longitudinal and retrospective study, in which 24,681 MEDUC30 questionnaires evaluating 579 clinical teachers were analysed. They were completed by medical students from 3rd to 7th year of study, from 2004 throughout 2015. The questionnaire's structure was studied by exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Measurement invariance was evaluated with multi-group CFA. Results Four different models were compared; a bi-factor model was the best alternative to explain the data's structure. It was composed of one general and six domain-specific factors: [i] Patient-Based Teaching, [ii] Communication of Goals, [iii] Evaluation and Feedback, [iv] Promotion of Understanding, Retention, and Self-directed Learning, [v] Control of the Session, and [vi] Learning Climate. The overall reliability of MEDUC30 scores was excellent (Cronbach's α = .98, McDonald's ω = .98) and that of the six specific factors was very good (Cronbach's α =.88-.95, McDonald's ω = .78-.94). Measurement invariance extended over teacher gender, date, semester, year of study, clinical teaching setting, and length of clinical rotation; all of these variables were sources of population heterogeneity. Conclusions MEDUC30 is a valid and reliable Spanish instrument to evaluate clinical teachers. It can be used to provide formative feedback to clinical teachers and to provide accurate information to department heads and program directors for resource allocation and promotion purposes.

Resumen Introducción Aunque existen instrumentos en español para evaluar el desempeño docente durante el ciclo básico o la especialización médica, faltan instrumentos para evaluar la docencia en los años iniciales del entrenamiento clínico, en que el profesor cumple un rol fundamental facilitando el aprendizaje experiencial. MEDUC30 es un cuestionario en español desarrollado por la Escuela de Medicina de la Pontificia Universidad Católica para este efecto. Se construyó con base en el modelo educacional del Programa de Desarrollo Docente de la Universidad de Stanford (SFDP) y ha sido usado desde 2004 en la Pontificia Universidad Católica y validado previamente con métodos exploratorios. Objetivo Proveer evidencia de validez y confiabilidad de MEDUC30 que avale su utilidad en contextos hispanohablantes, usando métodos analíticos confirmatorios. Método Este es un estudio de carácter analítico, longitudinal y retrospectivo. Se analizaron 24,681 cuestionarios que evaluaban 579 docentes clínicos. Éstos fueron completados por estudiantes de medicina entre tercer y séptimo año, entre 2004 y 2015. Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y confirmatorio (AFC), y se evaluó la invariancia de medición con AFC multi-grupo. Resultados Se compararon cuatro modelos, de los cuales un modelo bi-factor fue el que mejor dio cuenta de los datos. Este modelo está compuesto de un factor general y seis específicos: [i] Enseñanza centrada en el paciente, [ii] Comunicación de objetivos, [iii] Evaluación y retroalimentación, [iv] Promoción de la comprensión, la retención y el aprendizaje auto-dirigido, [v] Control de la sesión, y [vi] Clima de aprendizaje. La confiabilidad general fue excelente (α Cronbach= .98, ω McDonald = .98) y la de los seis factores, muy buena (α Cronbach =.88-.95, ω McDonald = .78-.94). La invarianza de medición se sostuvo para sexo del docente, fecha, semestre, curso, campo clínico, y duración de la rotación. Todas estas variables mostraron ser fuentes de heterogeneidad poblacional. Conclusiones MEDUC30 es un instrumento en español válido y confiable para proveer retroalimentación a los docentes clínicos tanto de su efectividad docente general como de seis dominios educacionales específicos. Además, puede proporcionar información útil para jefes de programas y autoridades para mejorar la calidad de la docencia clínica.

Abstract: Sexual transmission infections are public health problems, the absence of instruments to measure condom use’s skills is an urgent need as a preventive measurement. The aim of this work is to translate, adapt, and test validity and reliability of self-efficacy scale of condom use (EAEPUC, for its acronym in spanish) (Dilorio, Maibach, O’Leary, Sanderson & Celentano, 1997). Scale validation process consisted of: translation, back translation, expert analysis, pilot application and at the end an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed (AFC and AFC). To reinforce results a comparative design test / re-test was where self-efficacy (AE) was measured by sex for condom use in 217 college students of both sexes (60.8% women, age 21 ± 1.20 years). Expert analysis showed a Content Validity Index of 8.42. In AFE, six factors explained 58.6% of variance, a Chi2 = 679.035 resulted in AFC, p < 0.05, CFI = 0.836, SRMR = 0.073. When making comparisons by gender, no statistically significant differences in test were observed (M = 79.8 ± 12.9 vs. 76.3 ± 13.1 p = 0.058), and re-test neither (M = 81.05 ± 14.7 vs. 80.1 ± 13.06, p = 0.652). Overall Cronbach Alpha coefficients test and re-test were very similar (0.868 and 0.849 respectively), thus results give scale a stable and acceptable internal consistency. EAEPUC was translated and adapted to Spanish, it is preliminarily valid and reliable in college students, however it requires study replicas to promote their external validation.

Resumen: Las infecciones de transmisión sexual son un problema de salud pública. Contar con instrumentos para medir habilidades en el uso del condón es una necesidad urgente como medida preventiva. Por ello, el propósito del presente trabajo es traducir, adaptar y probar la validez y confiabilidad de la Escala de Autoeficacia para el Uso del Condón (EAEPUC) (Dilorio, Maibach, O’Leary, Sanderson & Celentano, 1997). El proceso de validación de la escala consistió en traducción, retrotraducción, análisis de expertos, aplicación de prueba piloto y final con un análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio (AFE y AFC). Para reforzar los resultados, se realizó un diseño comparativo test/re-test donde se midió la autoeficacia (AE) por sexo para el uso del condón en 217 estudiantes universitarios de ambos sexos (60.8% mujeres, edad 21 ± 1.20 años). El análisis de expertos arrojó un índice de validez de contenido de 8.42. En el AFE, seis factores explicaron 58.6% de la varianza, en el AFC resultó una Chi2 = 679.035, p < 0.05, CFI = 0.836, SRMR = 0.073. Al realizar las comparaciones por sexo no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en test (M = 79.8 ± 12.9 vs. 76.3 ± 13.1 p = 0.058) y re-test (M = 81.05 ± 14.7 vs. 80.1 ± 13.06, p = 0.652). Los coeficientes Alfa de Cronbach general del test y re-test fueron muy similares (0.868 y 0.849, respectivamente), con ello los resultados confieren a la escala una consistencia interna estable y aceptable. La EAEPUC traducida y adaptada al español preliminarmente es válida y confiable en estudiantes universitarios, sin embargo, se requieren réplicas del estudio para favorecer su validación externa.

O objetivo do estudo foi reavaliar a estrutura dimensional da versão brasileira da Escala de Satisfação com o Processo Interpessoal de Cuidados Médicos Gerais, originalmente proposta como unidimensional. A análise de fatores confirmatória (AFC) e análise de fatores exploratória (AFC/E) modelada segundo os princípios da AFC foram usadas para identificar o modelo mais parcimonioso e melhor ajustado. A AFC não corroborou a estrutura unidimensional original. Na sequência, a AFC/E ajustou adequadamente uma estrutura bi-dimensional que foi reavaliada pela AFC, evidenciando um modelo sem carga cruzada como mais parcimonioso e com adequados índices de ajuste (CFI = 0,982 e TLI = 0,988), exceto o RMSEA (0,062). Embora, o modelo tenha alcançado a validade convergente, a validade discriminante foi questionável, com a raiz quadrada da variância média extraída do fator 1 abaixo da respectiva correlação de fatores. O estudo sugere que ainda não há evidências suficientes para recomendar o uso imediato do instrumento e que são necessários outros estudos para aprofundar as estruturas postuladas.

The objective of this study was to reassess the dimensional structure of a Brazilian version of the Scale of Satisfaction with Interpersonal Processes of General Medical Care, proposed originally as a one-dimensional instrument. Strict confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis modeled within a CFA framework (E/CFA) were used to identify the best model. An initial CFA rejected the one-dimensional structure, while an E/CFA suggested a two-dimensional structure. The latter structure was followed by a new CFA, which showed that the model without cross-loading was the most parsimonious, with adequate fit indices (CFI = 0.982 and TLI = 0.988), except for RMSEA (0.062). Although the model achieved convergent validity, discriminant validity was questionable, with the square-root of the mean variance extracted from dimension 1 estimates falling below the respective factor correlation. According to these results, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend the immediate use of the instrument, and further studies are needed for a more in-depth analysis of the postulated structures.

O objetivo do estudo foi reavaliar a estrutura dimensional da versão brasileira da Escala de Satisfação com o Processo Interpessoal de Cuidados Médicos Gerais, originalmente proposta como unidimensional. A análise de fatores confirmatória (AFC) e análise de fatores exploratória (AFC/E) modelada segundo os princípios da AFC foram usadas para identificar o modelo mais parcimonioso e melhor ajustado. A AFC não corroborou a estrutura unidimensional original. Na sequência, a AFC/E ajustou adequadamente uma estrutura bi-dimensional que foi reavaliada pela AFC, evidenciando um modelo sem carga cruzada como mais parcimonioso e com adequados índices de ajuste (CFI = 0,982 e TLI = 0,988), exceto o RMSEA (0,062). Embora, o modelo tenha alcançado a validade convergente, a validade discriminante foi questionável, com a raiz quadrada da variância média extraída do fator 1 abaixo da respectiva correlação de fatores. O estudo sugere que ainda não há evidências suficientes para recomendar o uso imediato do instrumento e que são necessários outros estudos para aprofundar as estruturas postuladas.

The objective of this study was to reassess the dimensional structure of a Brazilian version of the Scale of Satisfaction with Interpersonal Processes of General Medical Care, proposed originally as a one-dimensional instrument. Strict confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis modeled within a CFA framework (E/CFA) were used to identify the best model. An initial CFA rejected the one-dimensional structure, while an E/CFA suggested a two-dimensional structure. The latter structure was followed by a new CFA, which showed that the model without cross-loading was the most parsimonious, with adequate fit indices (CFI = 0.982 and TLI = 0.988), except for RMSEA (0.062). Although the model achieved convergent validity, discriminant validity was questionable, with the square-root of the mean variance extracted from dimension 1 estimates falling below the respective factor correlation. According to these results, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend the immediate use of the instrument, and further studies are needed for a more in-depth analysis of the postulated structures.

In this study, we evaluated the actions of Crotalus durissus cumanensis venom (CDCmV), and its crotoxin (Crtx) fraction, on renal and vascular functions in Wistar rats. In isolated perfused kidneys, CDCmV (10 µg/mL) significantly increased the perfusion pressure (PP) from 110.7 ± 2.4 to 125.3 ± 2.8 mmHg after 30 minutes. This effect was accompanied by an increased renal vascular resistance (RVR) from 5.4 ± 0.1 to 6.2 ± 0.2 mmHg/mL.g-1.min-1. We observed decreases in urinary flow (UF) from 0.13 ± 0.01 to 0.05 ± 001 mL.g-1.min-1 and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from 0.66 ± 0.06 to 0.18 ± 0.02 mL.g-1.min-1. Crtx did not change PP or RVR, but diminished GFR (from 0.65 ± 0.05 to 0.26 ± 003 mL.g-1.min-1) and UF (from 0.11 ± 0.008 to 0.09 ± 0.008 mL.g-1.min-1). Both CDCmV and Crtx reduced the percentage of tubular transport of sodium, chloride and potassium. The cytotoxicity of these substances against MDCK cells was tested by the MTT method: only CDCmV caused a decrease in the cell viability with an IC50 of 5.4 µg/mL. In endothelium-intact isolated aortic rings, CDCmV (0.1 to 30 µg/mL) increased the sustained phenylephrine-induced contraction to a value of 130.0 ± 6.6% of its corresponding control, but showed a relaxant effect in endothelium-denuded preparations. Similar results were observed in aortic rings contracted with potassium (40 mM). Crtx was ineffective in aortic ring assays. Thus, it is reasonable to suggest that the renal effects induced by the CDCmV may be due to its influence on the endothelium's ability to release factors that can alter the contractile behavior of vascular smooth muscle. In conclusion, CDCmV is toxic to kidney cells. It changes parameters of the renal function including the glomerular filtration rate, renal vascular resistance and tubular transport. The actions induced by CDCmV also involve endothelium-dependent vasoactive properties. Their effects may be only partially attributed to Crtx.

In the present study, the effects of Polybia paulista venom (PPV) on renal and vascular tissues were investigated. Isolated kidneys perfused with PPV (1 and 3 μg/mL) had increased perfusion pressure, renal vascular resistance, urinary flow, and glomerular filtration rate; and reduced sodium tubular transport. Histological evaluation demonstrated deposits of proteins in Bowman's space and tubular lumen, and focal areas of necrosis. The venom promoted a cytotoxic effect on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. A significant increase in lactic dehydrogenase levels was observed in response to venom exposure. In isolated mesenteric vascular beds, pressure and vascular resistance augmented in a dose-dependent manner. PPV increased the contractility of aortic rings maintained under basal tension. This contractile response was inhibited when preparations were maintained in Ca2+-free medium. Likewise, verapamil, a voltage-gated calcium channel blocker, also inhibited the contractile response. In this study, phentolamine, a blocker of α-adrenergic receptor blocker, significantly reduced the contractile effect of PPV in the aortic ring. In conclusion, PPV produced nephrotoxicity, which suggests a direct effect on necrotic cellular death in renal tubule cells. The vascular contractile effect of PPV appears to involve calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels via adrenergic regulation.

Some snake venom proteins present enzymatic activities, such as L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO). The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of Bothrops leucurus total venom (BleuTV) and its fraction LAAO (BleuLAAO) on bacteria, yeast, and promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania chagasi, and epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. BleuTV was isolated with a Protein Pack 5PW® (Waters Corporation, USA), and several fractions were obtained. BleuLAAO was purified to high molecular homogeneity, and its N-terminal amino acid sequence shared a high degree of amino acid conservation with other LAAOs. BleuTV inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth in a dose-dependent manner, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25 μg/mL, which corresponded to its minimum lethal concentration (MLC). BleuTV also inhibited the growth of promastigote forms of L. chagasi and L. amazonensis, with respective IC50 values of 1.94 μg/mL and 5.49 μg/mL. Furthermore, it repressed T. cruzi growth with an IC50 of 1.14 μg/mL. However, BleuLAAO did not inhibit the growth of the microorganisms studied and was not toxic to macrophages. BleuTV had low toxicity against macrophages at the concentrations studied. In conclusion, whole venom from Bothrops leucurus inhibited the growth of some microorganisms, including S. aureus, Leishmania sp., and T. cruzi.