Exploring the role of the WNT5A rs566926 polymorphism and its interactions in non-syndromic orofacial cleft: a multicenter study in Brazil

Abstract Associations between the WNT5A rs566926 variant and non-syndromic orofacial cleft (NSOC) have been reported in different populations. Objective This study aimed to investigate the role of the rs566926 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in WNT5A and its interactions with SNPs in BMP4, FGFR1, GREM1, MMP2, and WNT3 in the occurrence of NSOC in a Brazilian population. Methodology A case-control genetic association study was carried out involving participants from four regions of Brazil, totaling 801 patients with non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL±P), 273 patients with cleft palate only (NSCPO), and 881 health volunteers without any congenital condition (control). Applying TaqMan allelic discrimination assays, we evaluated WNT5A rs566926 in an ancestry-structured multiple logistic regression analysis, considering sex and genomic ancestry as covariates. Interactions between rs566926 and variants in genes involved in the WNT5A signaling pathway (BMP4, FGFR1, GREM1, MMP2, and WNT3) were also explored. Results WNT5A rs566926 was significantly associated with an increased risk of NSCL±P, particularly due to a strong association with non-syndromic cleft lip only (NSCLO), in which the C allele increased the risk by 32% (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.04-1.67, p=0.01). According to the proportions of European and African genomic ancestry, the association of rs566926 reached significant levels only in patients with European ancestry. Multiple interactions were detected between WNT5A rs566926 and BMP4 rs2071047, GREM1 rs16969681 and rs16969862, and FGFR1 rs7829058. Conclusion The WNT5A rs566926 polymorphism was associated with NSCL±P, particularly in individuals with NSCLO and high European ancestry. Epistatic interactions involving WNT5A rs566926 and variants in BMP4, GREM1, and FGFR1 may contribute to the risk of NSCL±P in the Brazilian population.

Associated oral manifestations with HIV southeastern Brazilian patients on antiretroviral therapy

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to assess the prevalence of oral lesions in patients living with HIV infection and their association with CD4 count, viral load, and antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 161 patients attending the… All the patients were examined for their oral lesions, current CD4 counts, type, and duration of the therapy. Data analyses were carried out using Chi-Square, Student T/Mann-Whitney, and logistic regression tests. Results Oral lesions were observed in 58.39% of patients with HIV. Periodontal disease with 78 (48.45%) or without mobility 79 (49.07%) was observed more frequently, followed by hyperpigmentation of oral mucosa 23 (14.29%), Linear Gingival Erythema (LGE) 15 (9.32%), candidiasis pseudomembranous 14 (8.70%). Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL) was observed only in 3 (1.86%). A relationship between periodontal disease with dental mobility and smoking was found (p = 0.04), as well duration of treatment (p = 1.53e-3) and age (p = 0.02). Hyperpigmentation was related to race (p = 0.01) and smoking (p = 1.30e-6). CD4 count, CD4:CD8 ratio, viral load, or type of treatment were not associated with oral lesions. Logistic regression showed that the duration of treatment has a protective effect on the periodontal disease with dental mobility (OR = 0.28 [−2.27 to −0.25]; p-value = 0.03), independent of age or smoking. To hyperpigmentation, the best model included smoking (OR = 8.47 [1.18-3.10], p = 1.31e-5), without race or type and duration of treatment. Conclusion Among HIV patients undergoing antiretroviral treatment, oral lesions can be observed, predominantly periodontal disease. Pseudomembranous candidiasis and oral hairy leukoplakia were also observed. No relationship was found between associated oral manifestations in HIV patients and the start of the treatment, TCD4+ and TCD8+ cell count, TCD4:TCD8 ratio, or viral load. The data indicate that there is a protective effect of duration of treatment with relation to periodontal disease with mobility and that hyperpigmentation seems to be more related to smoking than type and duration of treatment. Level of evidence Level 3 (OCEBM Levels of Evidence Working Group*. "The Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence").

Dental anomalies in syndromes displaying hypertrichosis in the clinical spectrum

Abstract Hypertrichosis and dental anomalies may occur alone or in combination in the spectrum of many syndromes. To identify genetic entities characterized by hypertrichosis and dental anomalies, a search was performed in the Mendelian Inheritance in Man database with the terms "hypertrichosis" or "hirsutism" and "tooth" or "dental abnormalities." Nondependent androgen metabolism disturbances were classified as hypertrichosis. Genetic entities with hypertrichosis and dental anomalies were included in the study. Additional searches were performed in the PubMed and Orphanet databases, when necessary, in order to include data from scientific articles. An integrative analysis of the genes associated with the identified syndromes was conducted using STRING to characterize biological processes, pathways, and interactive networks. The p-values were subjected to the false discovery rate for the correction of multiple tests. Thirty-nine syndromes were identified, and dental agenesis was the most frequent dental anomaly present in 41.02% (n = 16) of the syndromes. Causative genes were identified in 33 out of 39 genetic syndromes. Among them, 39 genes were identified, and 38 were analyzed by STRING, which showed 148 biological processes and three pathways that were statistically significant. The most significant biological processes were the disassembly of the nucleosome (GO:0006337, p = 1.09e-06), chromosomal organization (GO:0051276, p = 1.09e-06) and remodeling of the chromatin (GO: 0006338, p = 7.86e-06), and the pathways were hepatocellular carcinoma (hsa05225, p = 5.77e-05), thermogenesis (hsa04714, p = 0.00019), and cell cycle (hsa04110, p = 0.0433). Our results showed that the identification of hypertrichosis and dental anomalies may raise the suspicion of one of the thirty-nine syndromes with both phenotypes.

Antlions of formerly recognized tribe Gnopholeontini (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Brachynemurini) from Peninsula of Baja California, with a new species of Tyttholeon Adams

ABSTRACT A new antlion species, Tyttholeon froehlichi Tavares, Marquez and Contreras sp. n., is described from the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, an area biogeographically significant for its high number of endemic species. Previously monotypic, Tyttholeon Adams now comprises two Nearctic species. Three of the four genera within the formerly recognized tribe Gnopholeontini and their respective species, all present in the Peninsula of Baja California (Gnopholeon barberi Currie, G. delicatulus Currie, G. zapotecus Stange, Menkeleon bellulus Banks, and Tyttholeon puerilis Adams), are herein diagnosed, illustrated, and have their distribution updated and analyzed. A taxonomic key is provided for Tyttholeon.

PREFACE: Proceedings of the XIV International Symposium of Neuropterology

ABSTRACT The XIV International Symposium of Neuropterology (ISN) was held online, between May 23rd and 27th of 2022, with the Universidade Federal de Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil as responsible for the event. This event was carried out for and by researchers with interest in any aspects of biology, systematics, taxonomy, natural history, evolution, and applied studies on the insects of the superorder Neuropterida (Neuroptera, Megaloptera and Raphidioptera). This was the first meeting organized by a South American country, and the first one held online. A total of 141 participants from 24 countries attended the meeting, which was considered the largest number of registered participants among all the versions of the ISN and resulted in 10 keynote lectures (including the Opening Lecture), 21 oral presentations, and 17 poster presentations. The papers in this volume are representative of the lectures, oral presentations, and posters presented at the meeting. We dedicate these proceedings to the memory of the Professor and entomologist Dr. César Carvalho, who was directly responsible for bringing this meeting to Brazil, but unfortunately passed away in September 2018.

Insights on the evolution of Ululodini (Insecta: Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Ascalaphinae), focusing on the systematics of the genus Ascalorphne Banks, 1915

ABSTRACT The tribe Ululodini is one of the most remarkable taxa of Neotropical Neuroptera, mainly due to its great flight ability, eyes divided into two lobes, and production of abortive eggs that act as a chemical barrier against predators. Nonetheless, Ululodini remains little studied. One genus of this tribe, Ascalorphne Banks 1915, currently comprises four valid species: A. macrocerca (Burmeister, 1839), A. impavida (Walker, 1853), A. umbrina (Gerstaecker, 1884), and A. leisewitzi (Navás, 1911). This study reviews the taxonomy of Ascalorphne, redescribing the external morphology and, for the first time, the male and female genitalia. Furthermore, A. leisewitzi is proposed as a new synonym of A. umbrina, an identification key is presented, and the geographic distribution of the genus is updated based on collected specimens and data available in the citizen science project iNaturalist. Also, the body and genital morphology of Ululodini were comparatively studied and analyzed in a phylogenetic context with all other Ascalaphinae tribes that occur in the Neotropics, allowing a better understanding of the evolution and biology of these insects. As a result, new synapomorphies for Ululodini are presented, Albardia furcata Oswald, 1903 is recovered as the sister taxon to the rest of the tribe, Ameropterus Esben-Petersen, 1922 was recovered as paraphyletic, and Ascalorphne was recovered as monophyletic in all analyses.

Extinct Neuropterida of Brazil (Insecta: Neuroptera, Megaloptera, Raphidioptera)

ABSTRACT The currently-known extinct Neuropterida fauna of Brazil comprises 18 families, 55 genera and 99 species (Neuroptera: 15 families, 49 genera, 89 species; Raphidioptera: 1 family, 2 genera, 5 species, + 1 genus incertae sedis with 2 species; Megaloptera: 1 family, 2 genera, 2 species; Order incertae sedis: 1 family, 1 genus, 1 species). All of these species have been described since 1980 and they collectively constitute the overwhelming majority of extinct Neuropterida presently known from South America. Other than one species of Permithonidae (Neuropterida incertae sedis) described from the Late Permian Irati Formation (Paraná Basin) of Rio Grande do Sul state, all extinct Brazilian Neuropterida taxa are known only from the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation (Araripe Basin) in Ceará and Pernambuco states. Of the 35 authors who have contributed to the descriptive literature of this fauna over the past 42 years, the work of Brazilian paleontologists Rafael Gioia Martins-Neto [1954-2010] and Maria Aparecida Vulcano-d'Andretta [1921-2018] - who together contributed to the description of 67 species - is especially notable. However, since their deaths, extinct Neuropterida have received little attention from Brazilian scientists and most later work on this fauna has been undertaken by workers outside Brazil. We provide this updated synthesis of the extinct Neuropterida of Brazil in order to centralize baseline knowledge for this fauna, to support efforts to document and conserve Brazilian fossil sites, and to encourage future work on the fauna, particularly by the next generation of Brazilian paleoentomologists.

New records, extended and updated geographic distribution of the South American native antlion Dimares elegans (Perty, 1833) (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae)

ABSTRACT An extensive review of primary and secondary occurrence data, including several new records, of the South American native antlion Dimares elegans (Perty) revealed that this species is endemic to regions of stressful water regime (Caatinga, Cerrado, Chaco and temperate fields) and adjacent areas in Amazon rainforest, Atlantic forest and Pampas. Its known distribution is from Santarém, Pará state, northern Brazil to Río Negro, Chimpay, northwestern Argentina. The known distribution of the species in Brazil has been extended, registering several areas above the São Francisco River (former possible northeastern limit). New limits further east were established from new primary records. For the first time the species is registered from the Brazillian states of Maranhão, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Bahia, Goiáis, Tocantins, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo and Paraná, Brazil. Historical data of occurrence in Goiás (Cerrado) have been geopolitically rectified (Tocantins) and, present occurrence in Goiás is reported by primary data in two new localities. Antlions are mostly xerofilous species, however with recent data this species might present much wider distribution than restricted to seasonally dry forests.

The extant fauna of Neuroptera (Insecta) from Brazil: diversity, distribution and history

ABSTRACT This survey presents an overall view of the order Neuroptera from Brazil. A total of 432 valid extant species of Neuroptera divided into ten families, are recorded from the country. Among the Brazilian fauna, 211 species are endemic (48.8%), with the majority belonging to two families: Chrysopidae with 182 species in 19 genera, and Myrmeleontidae with 88 species in 25 genera. The first species discovered from Brazil was Climaciella semihyalina (Le Peletier & Audinet-Serville), in 1825, by European authors. In fact, European authors entirely dominated the description of Brazilian Neuroptera during the 19th century. Father Longinos Navás from Spain authored the highest number of species described from Brazil, 98, followed by US-American Norman Penny, with 83 species. Sérgio de Freitas, a Brazilian researcher, ranks third, with a total of 50 species described. It was not until the 21st century that the study of neuropterans from Brazil was primarily led by Brazilian-born authors. Primary type specimens of species described from Brazil are predominantly deposited in non-Brazilian institutions (65.7%). The order Neuroptera is distributed across all Brazilian states, except for Alagoas. The two states with the highest neuropteran biodiversity are Amazonas and São Paulo, with 132 and 124 species, respectively. Among the Brazilian biomes, the Mata Atlântica is the most diverse region with 227 known species, followed by the Amazônia with 192 species. Data on immature stages of Neuroptera are scarce and known for only 47 species recorded from Brazil (10.9%).

Description of the larva and updated distribution of Albardia furcata van der Weele (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)

ABSTRACT The complex taxonomy of Albardia furcata van der Weele is totally related to the unique characters of the adults, which hinder a morphological comparison with other owlfly genera. The behavior and life history of the immature stages of A. furcata are known, but the larval morphology remains undescribed. Herein, we present a morphological description of the A. furcata larva, the most iconic Neotropical owlfly (Myrmeleontidae: Ascalaphinae), a Brazilian species endemic to Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest biomes. The morphological description of the larva was based on three third instar larvae collected in areas of Cerrado and reared at laboratory conditions. We provide high-resolution images from the life cycle, including immature and adults, as well as an updated distributional map. Comments are done on the similarities and differences of the larva regarding other owlflies species and also on biogeography in Neotropical region.

Clinical and Research Activities of the Brazilian Productivity Fellows in Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology during the COVID-19 Era

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 impacts on the activities of researchers in the field of Oral Medicine (OM) and Oral Pathology (OP). To assess the research activities and training of human resources by Brazilian productivity fellows in research (BPFR) in OM and OP in the COVID-19 Era. Material and Methods Thirty-six BPFR in OM and OP areas, funded by National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), received a virtual structured questionnaire by e-mail, on the Google Forms (Google®) platform, with questions regarding research activities and training of human resources (supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students), during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the thirty-six BPFR in OM and OP, twenty-seven (75.0%) answered the questionnaire. Results Most of them were males (n=20; 74.1%) and were distributed in four Brazilian regions and ten states of the federation, including the Federal District. Twenty-four (88.9%) BPFR reported having suspended clinical activities, while sixteen (59.3%) answered that histopathology practices are suspended. Twenty-five (92.6%) BPFR mentioned difficulties in conducting research projects and 55.5% stated having no difficulties in the supervision of undergraduates, master's and PhD students. Conclusion The current scenario may significantly impact the diagnosis of oral diseases in Brazil. Moreover, a decrease in the scientific production of BPFR in OM and OP in the coming years is also considered.

The 100 most-cited papers in oral medicine and pathology

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the 100 most-cited papers in the field of oral medicine and pathology over time, identifying the areas of more intense research. Papers in journals of oral medicine and pathology were identified using the Web of Science database. The specified research period was between 1900 and 2019. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships among Web of Science citations, Dimensions citations, and Altmetric Attention Score. The number of citations of an article in the top 100 most-cited papers published in 1953 or later ranged from 541 to 3623. The papers were published in 47 different journals. The New England Journal of Medicine, American Cancer Society, and Nature Genetics published the most papers. Authors from 18 different countries published papers on head and neck cancer, craniofacial congenital anomalies, and osteonecrosis. Most of the papers were laboratory and descriptive studies. A correlation analysis showed a strong correlation only between Web of Science and Dimensions citations. In sum, although non-specific journals for pathology and oral medicine published the majority of the 100 most-cited papers, this biometric citation study show that head and neck cancer was the issue with the most citations. Together, these results make an important scientific contribution by providing a historical perspective on the research carried out.

Dental anomalies in the deciduous dentition of non-syndromic oral clefts patients / Anomalias dentárias na dentição decídua de pacientes com fissuras orais não sindrômicas

Abstract Objectives: to investigate the prevalence of dental anomalies in complete deciduous dentition of children with NSCL/P. Methods: this study included 75 children with NSCL/P and 286 healthy control. In both groups the children had deciduous dentition with ages varying from 4 to 6 years. Clinical examination, panoramic and periapical radiographies were performed and dental anomalies of number and shape were considered. Results: there was a higher prevalence of dental anomalies in the case group, compared to the control group. In all, 42 dental anomalies were identified, 25.33% in the case group and 8.04% in control group (p<0.001). Therewas a higher frequency of dental anomalies in NSCL/P (47.36%), followed by non-syndromic cleft lip (31.57%) and non-syndromic cleft palate (21.05%). The occurrence of agenesis (p= 0.005) and twinning (p = 0.029) were higher in the case group. Conclusions: the occurrence of agenesis and dental twinning was more frequent in the case group and may contribute to the definition of oral cleft subphenotype.

Resumo Objetivos: investigar a prevalência de anomalias dentárias na dentição decídua completa de crianças com FL/PNS. Métodos: este estudo incluiu 75 crianças com FL/PNS e 286 controles saudáveis. Em ambos os grupos as crianças tinham dentição decídua com idade variando de 4 a 6 anos. Exame clínico, radiografias panorâmicas e periapicais foram realizadas e anomalias dentárias de número e forma foram consideradas. Resultados: houve maior prevalência de anomalias dentárias no grupo caso, comparado ao grupo controle. Ao todo 42 anomalias dentárias foram identificadas, 25,33% no grupo caso e 8,04% no grupo controle (p<0,001). Houve maior frequência de anomalias dentárias na FL/PNS (47,36%), seguida da fissura labial não sindrômica (31,57%) e da fissura palatina não sindrômica (21,05%). A ocorrência de agenesia (p= 0,005) e geminação (p=0,029) foram maiores no grupo caso. Conclusão: a ocorrência de agenesia e geminação dentária foram mais frequentes no grupo caso e pode contribuir para a definição de subfenótipos de fissuras orais.

COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on dental education: discussing current and future perspectives

Abstract Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, many dental schools and instructors are rethinking the way they teach and interact with students. New perspectives regarding a change in face-to-face activities, social isolation and the reformulation of clinical activities result in a transition toward e-learning and e-teaching processes. In this review, we discuss some favorable aspects and difficulties associated with virtual teaching and learning, searching for available tools and techniques as well as new perspectives.