Zika virus: Critical crosstalk between pathogenesis, cytopathic effects, and macroautophagy.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a re-emerging positive-sense RNA arbovirus. Its genome encodes a polyprotein that is cleaved by proteases into three structural proteins (Envelope, pre-Membrane, and Capsid) and seven nonstructural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, and NS5). These proteins have essential functions in viral replication cycle, cytopathic effects, and host cellular response. When infected by ZIKV, host cells promote macroautophagy, which is believed to favor virus entry. Although several authors have attempted to understand this link between macroautophagy and viral infection, little is known. Herein, we performed a narrative review of the molecular connection between macroautophagy and ZIKV infection while focusing on the roles of the structural and nonstructural proteins. We concluded that ZIKV proteins are major virulence factors that modulate host-cell machinery to its advantage by disrupting and/or blocking specific cellular systems and organelles' function, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Challenges of Multidrug-resistant New Delhi Metallo-beta-Lactamase (NDM-1)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Kidney Transplant Patients / Desafios da Enterobacteriaceae produtora de New Delhi Metalo-beta-Lactamase (NDM-1) multirresistente em pacientes com transplante renal

Abstract Background: The emergence of multidrug-resistant NDM-1-producing enterobacteriaceae strains has become a threat to inpatients, especially to immunosuppressed ones, such as kidney transplant recipients. NDM-1 is a carbapenemase that makes gram-negative bacteria resistant to many types of antibiotics. The incidence of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria infection in solid organ transplant recipients is around 3 to 10%, with a mortality rate of up to 30%. Methods: We present a case series of 4 patients with NDM-1-producing enterobacteria isolated in urine cultures or rectal swabs. We also conducted a cross-sectional study 30 days after patient identification, collecting surveillance cultures (rectal swab) from all inpatients to assess the extent of spread of this resistance mechanism; a total of 101 patients were included. Results: Two patients were adequately treated with negative control cultures. The other two patients were not treated because they were asymptomatic and had subsequent negative urine cultures. No new colonization was identified in the cross-sectional screening, and no new cases of urinary NDM-1 infection were recorded after a 4-year follow-up. Conclusion: Surveillance for infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains in hospitals treating immunosuppressed patients should be continued and prompt action should be taken in cases of outbreaks of multidrug-resistant infections.

Resumo Histórico: O surgimento de cepas multirresistentes de enterobacteriaceae produtoras de NDM-1 tornou-se uma ameaça para pacientes hospitalizados, especialmente para os imunossuprimidos, como os receptores de transplante renal. NDM-1 é uma carbapenemase que torna as bactérias gram-negativas resistentes a muitos tipos de antibióticos. A incidência de infecção por enterobactérias produtoras de carbapenemas em receptores de transplante de órgãos sólidos é de cerca de 3 a 10%, com uma taxa de mortalidade de até 30%. Métodos: Apresentamos uma série de casos de 4 pacientes com enterobactérias produtoras de NDM-1 isoladas em culturas de urina ou esfregaços retais. Também realizamos um estudo transversal 30 dias após a identificação do paciente, coletando culturas de vigilância (esfregaço retal) de todos os pacientes internados para avaliar a extensão de disseminação deste mecanismo de resistência; foram incluídos um total de 101 pacientes. Resultados: Dois pacientes foram tratados adequadamente com culturas de controle negativo. Os outros dois pacientes não foram tratados porque eram assintomáticos e tiveram culturas de urina negativas subsequentes. Não foi identificada nenhuma nova colonização na triagem transversal, e não foram registrados novos casos de infecção urinária por NDM-1 após um acompanhamento de 4 anos. Conclusão: A vigilância de infecções causadas por cepas multirresistentes em hospitais que tratam pacientes imunossuprimidos deve ser continuada e devem ser tomadas medidas imediatas em casos de surtos desses tipos de infecções.

Challenges of Multidrug-resistant New Delhi Metallo-beta-Lactamase (NDM-1)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Kidney Transplant Patients.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of multidrug-resistant NDM-1-producing enterobacteriaceae strains has become a threat to inpatients, especially to immunosuppressed ones, such as kidney transplant recipients. NDM-1 is a carbapenemase that makes gram-negative bacteria resistant to many types of antibiotics. The incidence of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria infection in solid organ transplant recipients is around 3 to 10%, with a mortality rate of up to 30%. METHODS: We present a case series of 4 patients with NDM-1-producing enterobacteria isolated in urine cultures or rectal swabs. We also conducted a cross-sectional study 30 days after patient identification, collecting surveillance cultures (rectal swab) from all inpatients to assess the extent of spread of this resistance mechanism; a total of 101 patients were included. RESULTS: Two patients were adequately treated with negative control cultures. The other two patients were not treated because they were asymptomatic and had subsequent negative urine cultures. No new colonization was identified in the cross-sectional screening, and no new cases of urinary NDM-1 infection were recorded after a 4-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surveillance for infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains in hospitals treating immunosuppressed patients should be continued and prompt action should be taken in cases of outbreaks of multidrug-resistant infections.

Scavenging of reactive species probed by EPR and ex-vivo nanomolar reduction of lipid peroxidation of manganese complexes.

Antioxidant activity toward H2O2, anion radical superoxide, hydroxyl and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) of two manganese complexes [Mn(III)(bpa)2]Cl.H2O (1) and [(Cl)Mn(µ-hbpclnol)(µ-bpclnol)Mn](ClO4).3H2O (2) (hbpa = (2-hydroxybenzyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine and h2bpclnol = (N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)[(3-chloro)(2-hydroxy)]propylamine) are presented. X-ray diffraction studies were performed for complex (1). Both complexes presented similar or better activities than reference complex [Mn(salen)Cl], when the interaction between them and ROS (H2O2, O2•- and •OH), was monitored, by EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance), in PBS, DMSO and water. The antioxidant activity rank of complexes toward •OH, generated by Fenton reaction and monitored by EPR, is (2) > (1) > [Mn(salen)Cl], in water (0.1% of DMSO for each complex), with the values of the IC50 of 7.2 (±1.6), 15.5 (±1.8) and 29.1 (±2.01) µM respectively. EPR data presented herein suggest that complex (2) presents the better scavenging activity toward hydroxyl, being in good agreement with TBARS assay results, in which complex (2) presented the best inhibitory activity toward lipid peroxidation, employing Swiss mice liver homogenate tissue model. IC50 values obtained from the interaction between these complexes and hydroxyl, using TBARS method, were: 0.88 (± 0.029); 0.73 (± 0.01) and 42.7 (± 3.5) nM, respectively for (1), (2) and [Mn(salen)Cl]. Complexes (1) and (2) are regulating the lipid homeostasis, protecting the tissue from the lipid peroxidation, in nanomolar scale, motivating in vivo studies. Redox properties and radical scavenging activity of complexes toward DPPH are non-linear and solvent dependent. Furthermore, the monitoring of antioxidant activity probed by EPR could be a fair and appropriate study to guide more advanced investigations.

ROS scavenging of SOD/CAT mimics probed by EPR and reduction of lipid peroxidation in S. cerevisiae and mouse liver, under severe hydroxyl radical stress condition.

The interaction between CuII, FeIII and MnII complexes, derived from the ligands 1-[bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)amino]-3-chloropropan-2-ol (hpclnol) and bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)amine (bpma), and the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), was investigated by colorimetric and EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) techniques. A comparison between these results and those reported to [Mn(salen)Cl] or EUK-8 was also addressed. EPR studies allowed us the identification of intermediates species such as superoxide­copper(I) and superoxide­copper(II), a mixed-valence FeIIIFeII species and a 16-line feature attributed to MnIII-oxo-MnIV species. The biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by TBARS assay in S. cerevisiae cells, and the determination of the IC50 indicate that the antioxidant activity shown dependence on the metal center (CuII ≈ FeIII > MnII ≈ [Mn(salen)Cl]. The lipid peroxidation attenuation was also investigated in liver homogenates obtained from Swiss mice and the IC50 values were in the nanomolar concentrations. We demonstrated here that all the complexes interact with the free radical DPPH and with ROS (H2O2, O2•- and hydroxyl radical), enhancing the cellular protection against oxidative stress generated by hydroxyl radical, employing two experimental model systems, S. cerevisiae (in vivo) and mouse liver (ex vivo).

Peptides for Coating TiO2 Implants: An In Silico Approach.

Titanium is usually used in the manufacturing of metal implants due to its biocompatibility and high resistance to corrosion. A structural and functional connection between the living bone and the surface of the implant, a process called osseointegration, is mandatory for avoiding prolonged healing, infections, and tissue loss. Therefore, osseointegration is crucial for the success of the implantation procedure. Osseointegration is a process mediated by bone-matrix progenitor cells' proteins, named integrins. In this study, we used an in silico approach to assemble and test peptides that can be strategically used in sensitizing TiO2 implants in order to improve osseointegration. To do so, we downloaded PDB structures of integrins α5ß1, αvß3, and αIIbß3; their biological ligands; and low-cost proteins from the Protein Data Bank, and then we performed a primary (integrin-protein) docking analysis. Furthermore, we modeled complex peptides with the potential to bind to the TiO2 surface on the implant, as well as integrins in the bone-matrix progenitor cells. Then we performed a secondary (integrin-peptide) docking analysis. The ten most promising integrin-peptide docking results were further verified by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We recognized 82 peptides with great potential to bind the integrins, and therefore to be used in coating TiO2 implants. Among them, peptides 1 (GHTHYHAVRTQTTGR), 3 (RKLPDATGR), and 8 (GHTHYHAVRTQTLKA) showed the highest binding stability during the MD simulations. This bioinformatics approach saves time and more effectively directs in vitro studies.

An overview of Zika virus genotypes and their infectivity.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA arbovirus belonging to the genus Flavivirus. It was first isolated from a sentinel monkey in Uganda in 1947. More recently, ZIKV has undergone rapid geographic expansion and has been responsible for outbreaks in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and America. In this review, we have highlighted the influence of viral genetic variants on ZIKV pathogenesis. Two major ZIKV genotypes (African and Asian) have been identified. The Asian genotype is subdivided into Southwest Asia, Pacific Island, and American strains, and is responsible for most outbreaks. Non-synonymous mutations in ZIKV proteins C, prM, E, NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, and NS4B were found to have a higher prevalence and association with virulent strains of the Asian genotype. Consequently, the Asian genotype appears to have acquired higher cellular permissiveness, tissue persistence, and viral tropism in human neural cells. Therefore, mutations in specific coding regions of the Asian genotype may enhance ZIKV infectivity. Considering that mutations in the genomes of emerging viruses may lead to new virulent variants in humans, there is a potential for the re-emergence of new ZIKV cases in the future.

Lightning patterns in the Pantanal: Untangling natural and anthropogenic-induced wildfires.

The identification of fire causes and characteristics is of fundamental importance to better understand fire regimes and drivers. Particularly for Brazil, there is a gap in the quantification of lightning-caused fires. Accordingly, this work is a novel probabilistic assessment of the spatial-temporal patterns of lightning-ignited wildfires in the Pantanal wetland. Here, remote sensing information such as VIIRS active fires, MODIS burned area (BA) and STARNET lightning observations from 2012 to 2017, were combined to estimate the location, number of scars and amount of BA associated with atmospheric discharges on a seasonal basis. The highest lightning activity occurs during summer (December-February), and the lowest during winter (June-August). Conversely, the highest fire activity occurred during spring (September-November) and the lowest during autumn (March-May). Our analysis revealed low evidence of an association between fires and lightning, suggesting that human-related activities are the main source of ignitions. Weak evidence of natural-caused fire occurrence is conveyed by the low spatial-temporal match of lightning and fire throughout the studied period. Natural-caused fires accounted for only 5% of the annual total scars and 83.8% of the BA was human-caused. Most of the fires with extension larger than 1000 ha were not related to lighting. Lightning-fires seem an important element of the summer fire regime given that around half of the total BA during this season may be originated by lightning. By contrast, in the rest of the year the lightning-fires represent a minor percentage of the fire activity in the region. The density of lightning-ignited fires varies considerably, being higher in the north part of the Pantanal. This work provides a basis for a better understanding of lightning-related fire outbreaks in tropical ecosystems, particularly wetlands, which is fundamental to improve region-based strategies for land management actions, ecological studies and modeling climatic and anthropogenic drivers of wildfires.

An overview of Zika virus genotypes and their infectivity

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA arbovirus belonging to the genus Flavivirus. It was first isolated from a sentinel monkey in Uganda in 1947. More recently, ZIKV has undergone rapid geographic expansion and has been responsible for outbreaks in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and America. In this review, we have highlighted the influence of viral genetic variants on ZIKV pathogenesis. Two major ZIKV genotypes (African and Asian) have been identified. The Asian genotype is subdivided into Southwest Asia, Pacific Island, and American strains, and is responsible for most outbreaks. Non-synonymous mutations in ZIKV proteins C, prM, E, NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, and NS4B were found to have a higher prevalence and association with virulent strains of the Asian genotype. Consequently, the Asian genotype appears to have acquired higher cellular permissiveness, tissue persistence, and viral tropism in human neural cells. Therefore, mutations in specific coding regions of the Asian genotype may enhance ZIKV infectivity. Considering that mutations in the genomes of emerging viruses may lead to new virulent variants in humans, there is a potential for the re-emergence of new ZIKV cases in the future.

Clinical effects of the exposure to red wine during at-home bleaching.

OBJECTIVES: This clinical trial evaluated the effects of red wine exposure on the effectiveness of at-home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide, degree of tooth sensitivity, and levels of periodontal inflammatory markers. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Eighty participants were assigned to two groups, namely, those who drank red wine (experimental group), and those who did not drink red wine (control group). The experimental group participants rinsed their mouths with 25 mL of red wine four times a day during the bleaching period. Shade evaluation was assessed visually by using the Vita Classical and Vita Easyshade techniques. Tooth sensitivity was evaluated by the numeric and visual analog scales, and the salivary and gingival crevicular fluids were collected for assessment of nitric oxide (NO) levels, a marker of inflammation. Differences in color change were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The absolute risks of tooth sensitivity were compared by the Fisher exact test. Tooth sensitivity intensity data sets for both the visual analog scale and the numeric rating scale were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test (α = .05). Repeated measures and two-way ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni test were used to assess time-course and differences between groups in NO production. RESULTS: The bleaching technique was effective regardless of wine consumption (P > .05). Tooth sensitivity was classified as mild, with no differences between groups (P > .05). Red wine reduced both the gingival crevicular fluid and salivary levels of NO (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Red wine does not interfere with the effectiveness and sensitivity of at-home teeth bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide and protects against bleaching-induced inflammation.

Assessment of the aesthetic impact and quality of life of home dental bleaching in adult patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide on the quality of life and aesthetic perception of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 107 patients between 18 and 38 years of age with good oral and general health and at least one anterior tooth in color A2 or darker were selected. Patients who previously underwent any type of bleaching procedures were excluded. All patients received a home bleaching treatment with 10% carbamide peroxide. Before beginning the bleaching treatment, the selected patients responded a form with the Oral Health Impact Profile short form (OHIP-14) and Oral Aesthetic Subjective Impact Scale (OASIS) questionnaire. One month after the bleaching treatment, the patients answered the same questionnaires again. The mean ΔE after bleaching was obtained for the canines and lateral and central incisors. The OHIP-14 and OASIS data were measured for the total sample before and after bleaching using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The effectiveness of whitening by significant color variation was observed in all groups of teeth with less variation in ΔE for central incisors. Comparing before and after bleaching, there was no significant difference in impact for any of the seven domains and total OHIP-14 scores, although a decrease was observed in the discomfort and psychological disability domains. As for the self-perception of dental aesthetics, measured by the OASIS, there was also no significant difference for all the items evaluated; however, it was possible to observe an increase in "concern with dental appearance" after bleaching. CONCLUSIONS: Home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide did not have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and aesthetic perception, although there was a decrease in the domain of psychological discomfort and an increase in concerns about dental appearance. Key words:Tooth Bleaching, quality of life, self-perception, dental aesthetics.

Evaluation of DNA-binding and DNA-photocleavage ability of tetra-cationic porphyrins containing peripheral [Ru(bpy)2Cl]+ complexes: Insights for photodynamic therapy agents.

The present work reports the spectroscopic and theoretical evaluation of the interaction between calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and free-base meso-tetra-(ruthenated) porphyrin (H2RuTPyP) or its corresponding Zn(II) complex (ZnRuTPyP). Spectroscopic measurements (UV-vis, circular dichroism and steady-state fluorescence emission) combined with theoretical molecular docking calculations suggest that Ru(II)-porphyrins interact with the DNA backbone by external mode via electrostatic forces. In addition, gel electrophoresis analysis demonstrate that these porphyrins promote efficient plasmidial DNA photocleavage upon white-light irradiation conditions, indicating H2RuTPyP and ZnRuTPyP as potential candidates for photodynamic therapy.

Bioactive glass granules S53P4 in osteotomy Le Fort I.

We evaluated bioactive glass graft (S53P4) in patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy, with non-grafted patients as controls. Computed tomography facial scans of the 25 patients submitted for Le Fort I were divided into two groups: Group 1-S53P4 group and Group 2-without grafting. CT scans were analyzed in the immediate postoperative period (T1) and 6 months later (T2), for linear bone gap measurements, tomographic radiodensity and behavior of the maxillary sinus. A Kruskal-Wallis test on bone gap data adopted α significance levels (p ≤ 0.05). The Friedman test (p ≤ 0.05) was used to evaluate sinus reaction cores. For gap measurements, we observed a decrease in median data between T1 and T2 in both groups, with statistical significances observed between groups in T0; G1 presented statistical difference in its two studied times (p ≤ 0.0001). For bone density, the studied data behaved inversely. G1's bone density decreased from T1 to T2, whereas in G2 there was an increase from T1 to T2. S53P4 did not elicit increased reactions and/or sinus infections in the G1 group (p ≥ 1.00). S53P4 did not impact on Le Fort I osteotomies as a coadjuvant and a favorable factor in bone formation, and appeared innocuous in the maxillary sinus.

Cryptic diversity and ancient diversification in the northern Atlantic Forest Pristimantis (Amphibia, Anura, Craugastoridae).

The Neotropical region is known both for its megadiverse fauna and for the significant deficiency of our knowledge on species limits. The Amazon and Atlantic Forest are the two most diverse and large rainforests in South America, and they harbor many groups of sister species and sister genera. The frog genus Pristimantis is the most speciose genus of terrestrial vertebrates with 546 species, but only three of them occur in the Atlantic forest. Herein, we investigate the diversification history and phylogenetic relationship among the Atlantic Forest Pristimantis lineages in a spatial-temporal framework, using mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Our results reveal a remarkable hidden diversity, with nine highly structure lineages that may correspond to undescribed species, with many cases of sympatry among these divergent lineages. Atlantic forest Pristimantis form a monophyletic group that started to diversify over 40 million years ago. This ancient group shows diversification events that remount the early bursts of the Atlantic Forest diversification history, as well as lineage diversification likely resulting from recent Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. Future work must concentrate in comparing these lineages under an integrative framework including morphology, advertisement calls and other ecology traits to confidently delimit species of Pristimantis in the Atlantic Forest.

Preliminary evaluation of the positively and negatively charge effects of tetra-substituted porphyrins on photoinactivation of rapidly growing mycobacteria.

This manuscript reports, at the first time, the photoinactivation evaluation of tetra-cationic and anionic porphyrins as photosensitizers (PS) for the photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of rapidly growing mycobacteria strains. Two different charged porphyrin groups were obtained commercially. PDI experiments in the strains Mycobacterium massiliense e Mycobacterium fortuitum conducted with adequate concentration (without aggregation) of photosensitizer under white light at a fluence rate of 50 mW/cm2 over 90 min showed that the most effective PS caused a 100 times reduction in the concentration of viable mycobacteria. The present results show that porphyrin with positively charge are more efficient PS than anionic porphyrin (negatively charged) against M. massiliense e M. fortuitum. It is also clear that the effectiveness of the molecule as PS for PDI studies with mycobacteria is strongly related with the porphyrin peripheral charge, and consequently their solubility in physiological media. Cationic PSs might be promising anti-mycobacteria PDI agents with potential applications in medical clinical cases and bioremediation.

Use of refrigerant spray of a propane/butane/isobutane gas mixture in the management of keratocystic odontogenic tumors: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is an aggressive benign tumor and the management by complete enucleation followed by cryotherapy maintains the inorganic bone matrix, resulting in better repair and reduces the rates of recurrence. A refrigerant spray with a propane/butane/isobutane gas mixture has been pointed to as an alternative to liquid nitrogen, because the device is easy to handle and contain within the cavity, providing better control and lower risk of injury to the adjacent soft tissue. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of enucleation followed by cryosurgery using a refrigerant spray of this gas mixture in ten patients diagnosed with KCOT. METHOD: The biggest lesions received a prior treatment consisting of marsupialization to decrease the tumor size. During the surgeries, the lesions were removed by enucleation and the surgical site was sprayed with the gas mixture. RESULTS: Wound dehiscence was observed in all cases, which healed by the second intention. The mean follow-up period was 64.3 months (range 24-120 months). Eight of the ten patients showed no evidence of clinical or radiographic recurrence. Pathologic fractures and infections were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained suggest that enucleation followed by cryosurgery is an effective therapy for managing KCOT.

Multilocus Phylogeography of the Treefrog Scinax eurydice (Anura, Hylidae) Reveals a Plio-Pleistocene Diversification in the Atlantic Forest.

We aim to evaluate the genetic structure of an Atlantic Forest amphibian species, Scinax eurydice, testing the congruence among patterns identified and proposed by the literature for Pleistocene refugia, microrefugia, and geographic barriers to gene flow such as major rivers. Furthermore, we aim to evaluate predictions of such barriers and refugia on the genetic structure of the species, such as presence/absence of dispersal, timing since separation, and population expansions/contractions. We sequenced mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers on 94 tissue samples from 41 localities. We inferred a gene tree and estimated genetic distances using mtDNA sequences. We then ran population clustering and assignment methods, AMOVA, and estimated migration rates among populations identified through mtDNA and nDNA analyses. We used a dated species tree, skyline plots, and summary statistics to evaluate concordance between population's distributions and geographic barriers and Pleistocene refugia. Scinax eurydice showed high mtDNA divergences and four clearly distinct mtDNA lineages. Species tree and population assignment tests supported the existence of two major clades corresponding to northeastern and southeastern Atlantic Forest in Brazil, each one composed of two other clades. Lineage splitting events occurred from late Pliocene to Pleistocene. We identified demographic expansions in two clades, and inexistent to low levels of migrations among different populations. Genetic patterns and demographic data support the existence of two northern Refuge and corroborate microrefugia south of the Doce/Jequitinhonha Rivers biogeographic divide. The results agree with a scenario of recent demographic expansion of lowland taxa. Scinax eurydice comprises a species complex, harboring undescribed taxa consistent with Pleistocene refugia. Two rivers lie at the boundaries among populations and endorse their role as secondary barriers to gene flow.

Composition and diversity of anurans in the Restinga of the Conde municipality, northern coast of the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil / Composição e diversidade de anuros na Restinga do município de Conde, litoral norte do estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil

Abstract The Conde municipality is located in the northern coast of the state of Bahia (NC), northeastern Brazil, and is part of the Atlantic Tropical domain. The anuran fauna of the northern portion of the NC is still poorly known if compared to the southern portion. The Restinga is one of the predominant environments of the coastal plains of the NC and it is characterized essentially by presenting sandy soil covered by herbaceous and shrubby vegetation. The objective of this study was to determine the anuran species composition and diversity for the Restinga of the Conde municipality. Sampling was carried out at night by active search over four periods of five consecutive days each, two over the 'main rainy season' and two in a 'lesser rainy season', using 14 sample units (SUs) and five extra sample plots (EPs). We calculated dominance and species diversity using the Berger-Parker and Shannon-Wiener H' indices, respectively. We used accumulation curves and the Jackknife 1 estimator to estimate anuran species richness, considering only the data obtained from the SUs. We recorded 713 anuran specimens distributed within 33 species, 13 genera and five families (Bufonidae, Craugastoridae, Hylidae, Leptodactylidae and Microhylidae). The Hylidae and Leptodactylidae families had the highest species richness. Considering only the SUs (Jackknife 1 estimator in brackets), we recorded 28 species in the study area (33.9 ± 2.3), 13 in Shrubby Vegetation Zones - SVZ (20.8 ± 2.9) and 25 in Freshwater Wetland Zones - FWZ (28.9 ± 1.9). The abundance and species diversity of the FWZ (n = 638 specimens; H'= 2.4) were higher than those recorded for the SVZ (n = 52 specimens; H' = 1.9). The SVZ and FWZ showed distinct dominant species, wherein Pristimantis paulodutrai was the dominant species in SVZ and Scinax fuscomarginatus in FWZ. The Restinga of the Conde municipality stands out as the one with the highest anuran species richness already recorded considering only SVZ and FWZ. Moreover, its anuran species composition represented 55% of the anuran species known for the NC and included taxa common to three different morphoclimatic domains (Tropical Atlantic, Cerrado and Caatinga).

Resumo O município de Conde situa-se no litoral norte do estado da Bahia (LN), nordeste do Brasil, e está inserido no domínio Tropical Atlântico. A fauna de anuros da porção setentrional do LN ainda é pouco conhecida se comparada à porção sul. A Restinga é um dos ambientes predominantes das planícies costeiras do LN, sendo caracterizada essencialmente por apresentar solo arenoso e vegetação herbácea e arbustiva. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a composição e a diversidade de espécies de anuros da Restinga do município de Conde. A amostragem foi realizada por procura ativa noturna, durante quatro períodos de cinco dias consecutivos cada, dois na estação 'mais chuvosa' e dois em estação 'menos chuvosa', utilizando-se 14 unidades amostrais (UAs) e cinco pontos amostrais extras (PEs). Calculamos a dominância e a diversidade de espécies utilizando os índices de Berger-Parker e de Shannon-Wiener-H'. Utilizamos curvas de acumulação de espécies e o estimador Jackknife 1 para estimar a riqueza de espécies de anuros, considerando-se somente os dados obtidos nas UAs. Registramos 713 espécimes de anuros distribuídos em 33 espécies, 13 gêneros e cinco famílias (Bufonidae, Craugastoridae, Hylidae, Leptodactylidae e Microhylidae). As famílias Hylidae e Leptodactylidae apresentaram as maiores riquezas de espécies. Considerando-se somente UAs (estimador Jackknife 1 entre parêntesis) foram registradas 28 espécies na área de estudo (33,9 ± 2,3), 13 nas zonas de moitas (20,8 ± 2,9) e 25 nas zonas úmidas (28,9 ± 1,9). A abundância e a diversidade de espécies para as zonas úmidas (n = 638 espécimes; H' = 2,4) foram superiores às registradas para as zonas de moitas (n = 52 espécimes; H' = 1,9). As zonas de moitas e úmidas exibiram espécies dominantes distintas, sendo Pristimantis paulodutrai a espécie dominante para as zonas de moitas e Scinax fuscomarginatus para as zonas úmidas. A Restinga do município de Conde desponta como aquela de maior riqueza de espécies de anuros já registrada considerando-se somente zonas de moitas e zonas úmidas. Além disso, sua composição de espécies de anuros representou 55% do total de espécies de anuros conhecidas para o LN e incluiu táxons comuns a três diferentes domínios morfoclimáticos (Tropical Atlântico, Cerrado e Caatinga).

Management of locally aggressive mandibular tumours using a gas combination cryosurgery.

This study evaluated the results of curettage followed by cryosurgery using a combination of propane, butane, and isobutane gas for several benign but locally aggressive bone tumours on the mandible. Twenty-nine patients (16 men and 13 women) participated in the study. Patient ages ranged from 6 to 87 years (mean, 23.72 years). Before enucleation and cryosurgery, some patients received prior treatment consisting of marsupialisation to decrease tumour size. Twenty-seven of the 29 patients (93.10%) showed no evidence of clinical or radiographic recurrence after treatment through enucleation and cryosurgery. Wound dehiscence, which was observed in all cases, healed by second intention. The average follow-up period was 70.55 months (range, 53-120 months). These results suggest that enucleation followed by cryosurgery is an effective therapy for managing locally aggressive mandible tumours. In addition, this treatment is a less expensive intervention than more radical procedures.

Distração osteogênica mandibular em paciente tráqueo-dependente / Mandibular osteogenic distraction in a tracheo-dependent patient

Objetivo: Descrever o caso clínico e o acompanhamento pós-operatório de uma paciente de 18 anos de idade que apresentava um quadro de micrognatia severa, causada por anquilose de ATM devido a trauma durante o parto. Relato do caso: A paciente foi primeiramente tratada da anquilose de ATM por meio de liberação das ATMs e rotação de retalho músculo/fáscia temporal. Em seguida, foi realizada a instalação de um distrator osteogênico em cada lado da mandíbula e realizadas osteotomias. O distrator foi ativado a partir do 6º dia de pós-operatório a uma média de 0.5 mm ao dia, chegando até o avanço de 25mm. A paciente obteve um perfil facial mais aceitável, e as vias aéreas posteriores se expandiram, permitindo a remoção da traqueostomia. Considerações finais: A distração osteogênica mandibular é uma boa opção para pacientes com micrognatia que necessitem de grandes avanços mandibulares, permitindo, além de uma melhor harmonia facial, um aumento do espaço aéreo superior.

Objective: To describe the clinical case and postoperative follow-up of an 18-year-old patient with a picture of severe micrognatia caused by anchylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) due to trauma during childbirth. Method: The patient was initially treated for the anchylosis by means of the release of the TMJs and rotation of the temporal musculo-fascial flap, following which an osteogenic distractor was placed on either side of the mandible and osteotomies performed. The distractor was activated from the 6th postoperative day at an average of 0.5 mm per day up to a distance of 25 mm. The patient achieved a more acceptable facial profile and the airways expanded, allowing the removal of the tracheostomy. Final considerations: Mandibular osteogenic distraction is a good option for patients with micrognatia who require major mandibular remodelling, thus permitting, in addition to a better harmony of the face, an increase in the upper air space.