Therapeutic Activity of a Topical Formulation Containing 8-Hydroxyquinoline for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis exhibits a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations; however, only a limited number of drugs are available and include Glucantime® and amphotericin B, which induce unacceptable side effects in patients, limiting their use. Thus, there is an urgent demand to develop a treatment for leishmaniasis. Recently, it was demonstrated that 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) showed significant leishmanicidal effects in vitro and in vivo. Based on that, this work aimed to develop a topical formulation containing 8-HQ and assess its activity in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. 8-HQ was formulated using a Beeler base at 1 and 2% and showed an emulsion size with a D50 of 25 and 51.3 µm, respectively, with a shear-thinning rheological behaviour. The creams were able to permeate artificial Strat-M membranes and excised porcine skin without causing any morphological changes in the porcine skin or murine skin tested. In BALB/c mice infected with L. (L.) amazonensis, topical treatment with creams containing 1 or 2% of 8-HQ was found to reduce the parasite burden and lesion size compared to infected controls with comparable efficacy to Glucantime® (50 mg/kg) administered at the site of the cutaneous lesion. In the histological section of the skin from infected controls, a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate with many heavily infected macrophages that were associated with areas of necrosis was observed. On the other hand, animals treated with both creams showed only moderate inflammatory infiltrate, characterised by few infected macrophages, while tissue necrosis was not observed. These histological characteristics in topically treated animals were associated with an increase in the amount of IFN-γ and a reduction in IL-4 levels. The topical use of 8-HQ was active in decreasing tissue parasitism and should therefore be considered an interesting alternative directed to the treatment of leishmaniasis, considering that this type of treatment is non-invasive, painless, and, importantly, does not require hospitalisation, improving patient compliance by allowing the treatment to be conducted.

Combined Effect of Plasma-Activated Water and Topotecan in Glioblastoma Cells.

The increase in cancer diagnoses and cancer deaths, severe side effects of existing treatments and resistance to traditional treatments have generated a need for new anticancer treatments. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common, malignant and aggressive brain cancer. Despite many innovations regarding GBM treatment, the final outcome is still very poor, making it necessary to develop new therapeutic approaches. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as well as plasma-activated liquids (PAL) are being studied as new possible approaches against cancer. The anticancer activity of PAL such as "plasma-activated water" (PAW) is dependent on the reactive chemical compounds present in the solution. Possible combinatory effects with conventional therapies, such as chemotherapeutics, may expand the potential of PAL for cancer treatment. We aim to explore the therapeutic properties of a combination of PAW and topotecan (TPT), an antineoplastic agent with major cytotoxic effects during the S phase of the cell cycle, on a GBM cancer cell line (U-251mg). Combined treatments with PAW and TPT showed a reduction in the metabolic activity and cell mass, an increase in apoptotic cell death and a reduction in the long-term survival. Single applications of PAW+TPT treatments showed a cytotoxic effect in the short term and an antiproliferative effect in the long term, warranting future exploration of combining PAW with chemotherapeutic agents as new therapeutic approaches.

Violacein improves vemurafenib response in melanoma spheroids.

Chemotherapy resistance is one of the main challenges in melanoma treatment. Violacein, a natural pigment produced by Chromobacterium violaceum, induces apoptosis in a variety of tumours, including melanoma. Here, we used BRAF-mutated melanoma spheroids to test the potential of violacein as a sensitizer of cellular viability and levels of the proteins p62 and fatty acid synthase (FASN). Importantly, violacein in combination with vemurafenib (ViVe) was able to interfere with spheroid survival at subtoxic concentrations. The results demonstrated that the ViVe protocol triggered cell death assessed by calcein and ethidium homodimer dyes. Accordingly, melanoma cells in 2D systems also showed a higher apoptosis rate when treated with ViVe. In the current study, we show evidence that ViVe downregulates crucial mediators like FASN, which partially explains how it acts as a sensitizer and ultimately improves the effectiveness of vemurafenib against melanoma cells.

Tarballs on the Brazilian coast in late 2022 sustain Lepas anatifera Linnaeus, 1758 (Crustacea: Cirripedia): Occurrence and risk of petroleum hydrocarbon ingestion.

Since the 2019 oil spill on the northeastern coast of Brazil, oil materials have washed up on the beaches. A characteristic of the recent oil spill that began in late August was that some of the oiled material, such as tarballs, contained the goose barnacle species Lepas anatifera (Cirripedia, Lepadomorpha), which is well-known for its cosmopolitan distribution and wide occurrence in the oceans. The findings of this study provide information on the occurrence and contamination of petroleum hydrocarbons in animals adhered to the surfaces of tarballs sampled from beaches in the Brazilian states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, between September and November 2022. The size of the barnacles varied from 0.122 to 2.20 cm, suggesting that the tarballs had been floating in the ocean for at least a month. All groups of L. anatifera collected from the tarballs had polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present (∑21PAHs from 476.33 to 3816.53 ng g-1). In comparison to high-molecular-weight PAHs, which are primarily from pyrolytic sources, low-molecular-weight PAHs, such as naphthalene and phenanthrene, which are mostly related to petrogenic sources, were shown to be more abundant. In addition, dibenzothiophene, which is exclusive of petrogenic origin, was found in all samples (30.74-537.76 ng g-1). The aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs): n-alkanes, pristane, and phytane were also found and displayed petroleum characteristics. These results highlight the danger of increasing the absorption of petrogenic PAHs and AHs by organisms that use tarballs as substrates. L. anatifera is a crucial component of the food chain because many animals such as crabs, starfish, and gastropods consume it.

Characterization of Oral Candida spp. Biofilms in Children and Adults Carriers from Eastern Europe and South America.

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans and non-Candida albicans Candida species (NCACs) are known to colonize and invade various tissues, including the oral mucosa. In this work, we aimed to characterize mature biofilms of several Candida spp. clinical isolates (n = 33) obtained from the oral mucosa of children, adults, and elders of Eastern Europe and South America. METHODS: Each strain was evaluated for its capacity to form biofilms in terms of total biomass using the crystal violet assay and for matrix components production (proteins and carbohydrates) using the BCA and phenol-sulfuric tests, respectively. The effect of different antifungals on biofilm formation was studied. RESULTS: in the children's group, a predominance of C. krusei (81%) was observed, while, among adults, the main species was C. albicans (59%). Most strains showed a reduced response to antimicrobial drugs when in biofilm form (p < 0.01). Moreover, it was observed that strains isolated from children produced more matrix, with higher levels of protein and polysaccharides. CONCLUSIONS: children were more likely to be infected by NCACs than adults. More importantly, these NCACs were able to form biofilms richer in matrix components. This finding is of clinical importance, particularly in pediatric care, since stronger biofilms are highly associated with antimicrobial resistance, recurrent infections, and higher therapeutic failure.

Avaliação do crescimento e desenvolvimento infantil e fatores de risco de um município que integra uma universidade brasileira de cunho internacional / Evaluation of childhood growth and development and risk factors of a municipality that is part of an international brazilian university / Evaluación de los factores de crecimiento y desarrollo infantil y de riesgo de un municipio que forma parte de una universidad brasileña internacional

Fatores de risco, incluindo os de cunho materno, interferem no crescimento e desenvolvimento infantil. Nesse sentido, o conhecimento desses fatores e avaliação ade- quada desses processos são necessários para articulação de estratégias preventivas de transtornos futuros. Assim, o estudo visou investigar o crescimento e desenvolvimento de crianças atendidas em consulta de puericultura em unidades básicas de saúde de um mu- nicípio cearense, que integra uma universidade brasileira de cunho internacional, e seus fatores de risco. Trata-se de estudo observacional, analítico, transversal e de abordagem quantitativa, conduzido com crianças e suas mães no Centro de Saúde de Acarape e Posto de Saúde São Benedito (Acarape ­ CE), no período de fevereiro a julho de 2021. Após consentimento, as mães preencheram um questionário, seguido de avaliação do cresci- mento e desenvolvimento das crianças. Os dados obtidos foram analisados. Das 70 crian- ças, 50,00% (n = 17) e 51,43% (n = 18) dos meninos e meninas tinham baixa estatura para idade, respectivamente. Para o desenvolvimento psicossocial, dos 284 testes condu- zidos, 86,27% (n = 245) foram realizados em plenitude pelas crianças. Observou-se as- sociação significativa entre a gestante ter concebido o filho com, no mínimo, 9 meses de período gestacional e esse apresentar relação Peso/Idade adequada e Estatura/Idade ina- dequada. Houve associação significativa entre a criança não ingerir refresco em pó e apre- sentar relação Peso/Idade adequada. Conclui-se que as crianças tinham idade gestacional adequada e apresentavam estado nutricional apropriado, apesar da baixa estatura para idade. Manifestavam desenvolvimento psicossocial, de linguagem e físico normais. Sobre os fatores de risco, esses envolveram os de cunho materno e o consumo de alimentos cariogênicos.

Risk factors, including maternal ones, interfere with child growth and de- velopment. In this sense, knowledge of these factors and adequate evaluation of these processes are necessary to articulate preventive strategies for future disorders. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the growth and development of children seen in childcare con- sultations in primary health units in Ceará, part of a Brazilian university of international character, and their risk factors. This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted with children and their mothers at the Acarape Health Center and São Benedito Health Center (Acarape ­ CE), from February to July 2021. After consent, the mothers completed a questionnaire, followed by an assessment of the children's growth and development. The data obtained were analyzed. Of the 70 children, 50.00% (n = 17) and 51.43% (n = 18) of the boys and girls were short for their age, respectively. Of the 284 tests conducted for psychosocial development, 86.27% (n = 245) were entirely performed by the children. A significant association was observed between the pregnant woman having conceived her child at least nine months of gestation and having an adequate Weight/Age and Height/Age ratio. There was a significant asso- ciation between the child not ingesting powdered soft drinks and having an appropriate Weight/Age ratio. It was concluded that the children had an adequate gestational age and had an appropriate nutritional status, despite their low height for their age. They showed normal psychosocial, language, and physical development. The risk factors involved those of mother nature and the consumption of cariogenic foods.

Los factores de riesgo, incluidos los maternos, interfieren en el crecimiento y desarrollo infantil. En este sentido, el conocimiento de estos factores y la evaluación adecuada de estos procesos son necesarios para articular estrategias preventivas de futu- ros trastornos. Así, el estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el crecimiento y desarrollo de niños atendidos en consultas de puericultura en unidades básicas de salud de un muni- cipio de Ceará, que forma parte de una universidad brasileña de carácter internacional, y sus factores de riesgo. Se trata de un estudio observacional, analítico, transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo, realizado con niños y sus madres en el Centro de Salud de Acarape y el Centro de Salud São Benedito (Acarape ­ CE), de febrero a julio de 2021. Después del consentimiento, las madres completaron un cuestionario, seguido de una evaluación del crecimiento y desarrollo de los niños. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados. De los 70 niños, el 50,00% (n = 17) y el 51,43% (n = 18) de los niños y niñas eran bajos para su edad, respectivamente. Para el desarrollo psicosocial, de las 284 pruebas realizadas, el 86,27% (n = 245) fueron realizadas íntegramente por los niños. Se observó una asociación significativa entre la gestante haber concebido a su hijo con al menos 9 meses de gesta- ción y tener una adecuada relación Peso/Edad y Talla/Edad. Hubo asociación significativa entre el niño que no ingiere gaseosas en polvo y presentar una adecuada relación Peso/Edad. Se concluyó que los niños tenían una edad gestacional adecuada y un estado nutricional adecuado, a pesar de su baja talla para su edad. Presentaron un desarrollo psi- cosocial, lingüístico y físico normal. En cuanto a los factores de riesgo, estos involucraron los de naturaleza materna y el consumo de alimentos cariogénicos.

Pediatric-type diffuse low-grade glioma with MYB/MYBL1 alteration: report of 2 cases.

2016 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS) has shown how molecular features can impact the classification of brain tumors. The continued combination of molecular features with histopathology has led to distinguish tumors with similar histopathologic features but distinct clinical prognosis. The 2021 revised 5. edition of the WHO classification further includes molecular features for CNS tumor categorization including MYB/MYBL1 altered diffuse astrocytoma which is a newly recognized type of low-grade pediatric-type brain tumor. We discuss imaging features of two pediatric-type low-grade gliomas with MYB/MYBL1-mutation that encountered at our institution.

Assessment of influence of LED curing units used on microhardness of resin-modified glass ionomer sealants

Aim: Resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) is class of material that can be used as sealant for preventing and arresting the progression of caries in pits and fissures. As these are hybrid materials, their properties can be affected by factors related to the polymerization process. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of different generations of LED curing units (Elipar DeepCure-L and VALO Grand) on Knoop microhardness values (KHN) of RMGI sealants (Clinpro XT and Vitremer). Methods: Forty cylindrical specimens (6mm ø x 1 mm high) were prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions and divided into four groups (n=10) according to the type of RMGI and LED used. The KHN of the top surface of each sample was calculated 7 days after light-curing. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results: Vitremer had higher KHN values than Clinpro XT after using both LEDs (p<0.0001), but especially when light-cured with the use of VALO Grand (p<0.0001). Whereas the KHN value of Clinpro was not influenced by the LED device (p>0.05). Conclusions: Top surface microhardness values of RGMI sealants were affected by both material composition and generations of LED curing units used. Third generation LED curing units seemed to be more efficient for the polymerization of RMGI-based sealants

Cell death induced in glioblastoma cells by Plasma-Activated-Liquids (PAL) is primarily mediated by membrane lipid peroxidation and not ROS influx.

Since first identified in 1879, plasma, the fourth state of matter, has been developed and utilised in many fields. Nonthermal atmospheric plasma, also known as cold plasma, can be applied to liquids, where plasma reactive species such as reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen species and their effects can be retained and mediated through plasma-activated liquids (PAL). In the medical field, PAL is considered promising for wound treatment, sterilisation and cancer therapy due to its rich and relatively long-lived reactive species components. This study sought to identify any potential antagonistic effect between antioxidative intracellularly accumulated platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) and PAL. We found that PAL can significantly reduce the viability of glioblastoma U-251MG cells. This did not involve measurable ROS influx but instead lead to lipid damage on the plasma membrane of cells exposed to PAL. Although the intracellular antioxidative PtNPs showed no protective effect against PAL, this study contributes to further understanding of principle cell killing routes of PAL and discovery of potential PAL-related therapy and methods to inhibit side effects.

Accuracy of two prognostic indexes to predict mortality in older adults with advanced dementia.

Dementia is a cause of disability among older adults. Accessing advanced dementia prognosis is a challenge. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Charlson and Carey indexes in predicting 3-year survival of older adults with advanced dementia. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 238 patients aged ≥60 years with advanced dementia from an outpatient clinic and classified as stage ≥6A by using the Functional Assessment Staging scale. We excluded patients with missing data. We reviewed the semi-structured interview (clinical, sociodemographic, and functional data) from the baseline visit. This information was used to calculate 3-year mortality risks according to the Charlson and Carey indexes. We used Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the associations of all-cause mortality with both indexes, adjusted for sociodemographic variables. We used Harrell's C measure to determine the discrimination. We calculated the absolute differences between observed and predicted 3-year mortality risks for each index for calibration. Results: In 238 patients, the average age was 80.5±7.8 years, with 36% being men. The median follow-up time was 1.8 years (0.05-3.0). The 3-year all-cause mortality rate was 50% (119 deaths). The Carey index was associated with mortality, with one point increase related to a 15% increase in the mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR]=1.15, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.06-1.25, p=0.001), even after adjustment. Accuracy for the Charlson index and Carey index was 0.55 (95%CI 0.49-0.60) and 0.60 (95%CI 0.52-0.62), respectively, with no difference between them (p=0.44). Conclusions: Both indexes had poor discrimination and calibration performances in predicting 3-year mortality in patients with advanced dementia.

Demência é uma causa de incapacidade e dependência em idosos. A avaliação prognóstica na fase avançada é desafiadora. Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia dos índices de Charlson e Carey na predição de mortalidade em até três anos de idosos com demência avançada. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva que incluiu 238 pacientes acompanhados em ambulatório especializado em um país de renda média, com idade ≥60 anos e demência avançada classificada como estágio ≥6A pela escala Functional Assessment Staging (FAST). Foram excluídos pacientes com dados incompletos para análise. Realizou-se revisão da primeira consulta, que consiste em entrevista com dados clínicos, sociodemográficos e funcionais utilizados para calcular a probabilidade de óbito em três anos, de acordo com os índices. Foram usados modelos de risco proporcional de Cox para avaliar as associações de mortalidade por todas as causas com os dois índices, ajustados para variáveis sociodemográficas. As discriminações dos dois modelos foram comparadas usando o cálculo C de Harrell. Para a calibração, foram calculadas as diferenças absolutas entre os riscos observados e preditos por cada um dos índices. Resultados: Foram avaliados 238 pacientes, com média de idade de 80,5±7,8 anos, 36% do sexo masculino. A mediana do tempo de acompanhamento foi de 1,8 anos (intervalo interquartil=0,05­3,0). A taxa de mortalidade por todas as causas em três anos foi de 50% (119 óbitos). O índice de Carey foi associado à mortalidade, mas o de Charlson não. Um aumento de 1 ponto no Carey foi relacionado a aumento de 15% no risco de morte (hazard ratio [HR]=1,15, intervalo de confiança [IC95%] 1,06­1,25, p=0,001), mesmo após ajuste para variáveis sociodemográficas. A acurácia do índice de Charlson foi de 0,55 (IC95% 0,49­0,60) e a do índice de Carey de 0,60 (IC95% 0,52­0,62), sem diferença significativa na discriminação (p=0,44). Ambos os índices tiveram performances insatisfatórias na discriminação e na calibração. Conclusões: O índice de Carey foi associado à mortalidade, porém esse resultado não foi encontrado para o índice de Charlson. Ambos os índices tiveram desempenho insatisfatório na discriminação e na calibração para predizer a mortalidade em três anos em pacientes com demência avançada, o que indica que esses escores não são recomendados para predizer a mortalidade nessa população.

Computerized cognitive training using virtual reality on everyday life activities for patients recovering from stroke.

PURPOSE: Recent studies argue that the use of virtual reality tasks depicting activities daily living may be effective means for cognitive rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to test an ecologically oriented approach in virtual reality resembling the demands of everyday life activities for cognitive rehabilitation following stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 30 sub-acute stroke patients recovering from stroke in a rehabilitation hospital. They were assessed in a single-arm pre-post intervention study on global cognition, executive functions, memory and attention abilities. The intervention consisted of virtual reality in a multidomain cognitive training approach depicting everyday life tasks (preparing food, choosing clothes, shopping, etc.). RESULTS: Improvements were found in the assessed cognitive domains at 6 to 10 post-treatment sessions. In-depth analysis through reliable change scores has suggested larger treatment effects on global cognition. CONCLUSIONS: Overall results suggest that the use of virtual reality-based exercises on everyday life activities may be a useful cognitive rehabilitation approach to provide short-term gains in cognition following stroke.Implications for rehabilitationVirtual reality-based cognitive rehabilitation resembling everyday life activities may provide short-term gains in cognition of stroke patients;Consistent improvements in executive functions may require higher treatment dosage than for improvements in global cognition.

A Single Mindfulness-Based Meditation Session Can Produce Reductions in Cardiovascular Risk in Hypertensive Patients: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Several non-drug treatment approaches for systemic arterial hypertension have been studied aimed at reducing the adverse effects of this clinical condition. In addition to exercise training, which already has many of its modalities consolidated in the scientific field, body and mind practices have gained strength and deserve attention in the science and treatment of hypertension. The literature shows that meditation practices have numerous health benefits, one of which is blood pressure (BP) control. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of a single mindfulness-based meditation on BP in adults with hypertension. METHODS: Research was developed that evaluated the BP of 5 adult women with controlled hypertension. As a data collection instrument, we used 2 sessions of ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM): the first was a control session and the second a meditation session. Systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean blood pressure (MBP) were evaluated at the pre- and post-session in addition to heart rate (HR), with clinical and ambulatorial measurements, during the day, night, morning surge and a 24-hour period. Data analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the ABPM data and two-way ANOVA to analyze blood pressure. RESULTS: The main results found were a statistically significant reduction in SBP in the morning and a tendency toward a significant decrease in MBP during the same period (P = .057). There were no significant changes in the other variables analyzed. CONCLUSION: Therefore, we concluded that a single meditation session was effective only in reducing morning SBP.

Identification and in silico characterization of structural and functional impacts of genetic variants in milk protein genes in the Zebu breeds Guzerat and Gyr.

Whole genome sequencing of bovine breeds has allowed identification of genetic variants in milk protein genes. However, functional repercussion of such variants at a molecular level has seldom been investigated. Here, the results of a multistep Bioinformatic analysis for functional characterization of recently identified genetic variants in Brazilian Gyr and Guzerat breeds is described, including predicted effects on the following: (i) evolutionary conserved nucleotide positions/regions; (ii) protein function, stability, and interactions; (iii) splicing, branching, and miRNA binding sites; (iv) promoters and transcription factor binding sites; and (v) collocation with QTL. Seventy-one genetic variants were identified in the caseins (CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN1S2, and CSN3), LALBA, LGB, and LTF genes. Eleven potentially regulatory variants and two missense mutations were identified. LALBA Ile60Val was predicted to affect protein stability and flexibility, by reducing the number the disulfide bonds established. LTF Thr546Asn is predicted to generate steric clashes, which could mildly affect iron coordination. In addition, LALBA Ile60Val and LTF Thr546Asn affect exonic splicing enhancers and silencers. Consequently, both mutations have the potential of affecting immune response at individual level, not only in the mammary gland. Although laborious, this multistep procedure for classifying variants allowed the identification of potentially functional variants for milk protein genes.

Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on NLRP1 and NLRP3 Inflammasomes.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the main cause of dementia worldwide. The definitive diagnosis of AD is clinicopathological and based on the identification of cerebral deposition of Amyloid ß (Aß) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. However, the link between amyloid cascade and depositions of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) is still missing. In this scenario, inflammasomes might play a relevant role. Experimental models of AD have suggested that Aß accumulation induces, through microglia, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This activation contributes to the dissemination of Aß and p-tau, as well as to hyperphosphorylation of tau. Also, in experimental models, NLPR1 promoted neuronal pyroptosis. There are neither comprehensive neuropathologic characterization nor clinicopathologic studies evaluating the NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in subjects with AD. The current mini-review aims to summarize recent and promising findings on the role of NLRP1 and NLRP3 signaling in the pathophysiology of AD. We also sought to highlight the knowledge gap in patients with AD, mainly the lack of clinicopathologic studies on the interaction among inflammasomes, Aß/tau pathology, and cognitive decline.

Eales' Disease: When the Rare Sounds Frequent.

Eales' disease is a peripheral occlusive retinal phlebitis, with an unclear pathogenesis. The classic association with hypersensitivity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein infers that immunologic disturbance may be involved. Here, we described three cases of Eales' disease. All patients are Caucasian men aged 27-58 years and presented with vitreous hemorrhage and/or peripheral venous vasculitis. Tuberculin skin sensitive test (Mantoux screening test) and interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) were positive in all patients. Therapeutic approach included antituberculosis therapy and systemic steroids, associated or not to immunosuppressive therapy, and retinal scatter photocoagulation in all cases. Antivascular endothelial grow factor (VEGF) intravitreal injections were also required in two cases. Since various retinal diseases can resemble this presentation, Eales' disease is considered a diagnosis of exclusion. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic approach are both essential to accomplish disease control and reduce ophthalmologic complications.

Small mammals, ticks and rickettsiae in natural and human-modified landscapes: Diversity and occurrence of Brazilian spotted fever in Brazil.

We studied communities of small mammals and their ticks in endemic (E) and non-endemic (NE) areas for Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), aiming to infer if diversity parameters of parasites and hosts could be related to occurrence and prevalence of rickettsial infection, especially Rickettsia rickettsii. We compared E and NE areas in human-modified landscapes (HMLs) and natural areas (BIO) with no report of BSF cases. Composition and equitability were important components of diversity explaining differences among areas. The marsupial Didelphis albiventris was dominant in HMLs, but not in natural areas, and this opossum was the main host for the tick Amblyomma sculptum, principal vector of R. rickettsii, especially in E areas. Communities of ticks were dominated by A. sculptum, followed by Amblyomma dubitatum in E areas. In NE areas, this dominance was inverted, with more A. dubitatum than A. sculptum infesting small mammals, but the numbers of ticks were much lower than in E areas. Composition and abundance of ticks in natural areas were very dissimilar from HMLs, with the lowest tick burdens. Didelphis albiventris in E areas presented higher seroprevalence and endpoint titres against R. rickettsii than in other areas. At least three Rickettsia species, non-pathogenic to humans, were detected in natural areas (Rickettsia bellii, Rickettsia amblyommatis and 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae'), and only one non-pathogenic species in HMLs (R. bellii). Our results suggest that higher diversity of ticks, hosts and rickettsiae could be relevant factors in buffering the effect in BSF occurrence. Particularly for D. albiventris, its importance has to be quantified in further studies considering the epidemiological scenario of BSF.

Rapid Palatal Expansion and Utilization of E-space in Mixed Dentition: Mechanics that Helps in the Corrective Orthodontic Treatment.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article was to report two clinical cases, showing the benefits of interceptive treatment using rapid palatal expansion (RPE) and the preservation of E-space. BACKGROUND: It is important to follow-up child throughout its development to detect irregularities in their occlusion and to avoid or attenuate orthodontic treatments in the future. Posterior crossbite and transverse maxillary deficiency can easily be corrected by RPE that enhances the width of the maxilla and promotes a gain of space in the arch. Another way to gain space in the arch is by using the E-space, which is the difference between the mesiodistal distance of the second primary molar in relation to the second premolar. This additional space can be used to resolve negative, mild, or moderate crowding. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: Two clinical cases that presented malocclusions due to lack of space and maxillary deficiency, along with clinical technic of how the RPE and E-space can be used to bring those patients back to normality. CONCLUSION: We concluded that with a right diagnosis, correct interceptive timing, and using what growth provides, the development can be reestablished. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical importance of this report is that RPE and E-space are efficient interceptive orthodontic treatments to correct skeletal posterior crossbite (SPC) and gain space in dental arches. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Lopes BKB, Scheicher GV, Matsumoto MAN, et al. Rapid Palatal Expansion and Utilization of E-space in Mixed Dentition: Mechanics that Helps in the Corrective Orthodontic Treatment. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(1):133-139.