Molecular and morphometric study of Brazilian populations of Psychodopygus davisi.

In this study, we analysed the molecular and morphometric differences of several populations of the putative sand fly vector Psychodopygus davisi (Root, 1934) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in Brazil. We amplified the 658 base pair fragments of the DNA barcoding region-cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene-for 57 specimens of P. davisi and three specimens of Psychodopygus claustrei (Abonnenc, Léger & Fauran, 1979). We merged our data with public sequences of the same species available from GenBank. Then, the combined dataset-87 sequences and 20 localities-was analysed using population structure analysis and different species delimitation approaches. Geometric morphometry of wings was performed for 155 specimens of P. davisi populations from the North, Midwest and Southeast Brazilian regions, analysing the differences in centroid sizes and canonical variates. Molecular analysis indicated high intraspecific genetic distance values for P. davisi (maximum p distance = 5.52%). All algorithms identified P. davisi and P. claustrei as distinct molecular taxonomic units, despite the low interspecific distance (p distance to the nearest neighbour = 4.79%). P. davisi sequences were split into four genetic clusters by population structure analysis and at least five genetic lineages using intermediate scenarios of the species delimitation algorithms. The species validation analysis of BPP strongly supported the five-species model in our dataset. We found high genetic diversity in this taxon, which is in agreement with its wide geographic distribution in Brazil. Furthermore, the wing analysis showed that specimens from the Southeast Region of Brazil are different from those in the North and the Midwest. The evolutionary patterns of P. davisi populations in Brazil suggest the presence of candidate species, which need to be validated in future studies using a more comprehensive approach with both genomic data and morphological characters.

Protective Effects of Kefir Against Unpredictable Chronic Stress Alterations in Mice Central Nervous System, Heart, and Kidney.

Kefir is a probiotic mixture with anxiolytic and antioxidant properties. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety disorders and increase oxidative damage in organs such as the heart and kidney. In this study, we examined whether kefir ameliorates the anxiety-like behavior of mice submitted to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) by modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and corticosterone levels and whether kefir modifies the oxidative parameters in the heart and kidney of mice. Male Swiss mice received kefir (0.3 mL/100 g/day) or milk for 30 days (gavage). On the 10th day, the mice were submitted to CUS. Behavioral analysis was performed using the elevated plus maze and forced swimming tests. BDNF levels were analyzed in brain tissues. Heart and kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), 3-nitrotyrosine, metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and plasma corticosterone were evaluated. Kefir reverted the CUS-induced decrease in the time spent in the open arms, the increase in grooming frequency, and decrease in the head dipping frequency, but not the reduced immobility time. CUS decreased the cerebellum BDNF levels and increased corticosterone levels, which were restored by Kefir. Neither catalase and SOD activities nor GSH, TBARS, 3-nitrotyrosine, and MMP-2 were modified by CUS in the heart. In the kidney, CUS increased 3-nitrotyrosine and MMP-2. Kefir increased the antioxidant defense in the heart and kidney of control and CUS mice. These results suggest that kefir ameliorated CUS-induced anxiety-like behavior by modulating brain BDNF and corticosterone levels. Kefir also increased the antioxidant defense of mice heart and kidney.

Osteoblastoma em osso zigomático - relato de caso raro / Osteoblastoma in zygomatic bone ­ rare case report

O osteoblastoma é um tumor frequentemente visto em ossos longos, com pouco envolvimento maxilofacial e raramente localizado em osso zigomático. Devido à sua semelhança clínica e histológica com outros tumores ósseos, o osteoblastoma representa um desafio de diagnóstico para o profissional. A ressecção cirúrgica total é recomendada, sendo que a ausência de recidiva se deve ao diagnóstico correto e tratamento adequado. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar o manejo de um paciente com osteoblastoma envolvendo o osso zigomático e realizar uma breve revisão da literatura.

Osteoblastoma is a tumor often seen in long bones, with little maxillofacial involvement and rarely located in zygomatic bone. Due to its clinical and histological similarity with other bone tumors, osteoblastoma represents a diagnostic challenge for the professional. Total surgical resection is recommended, and the absence of recurrence is due to correct diagnosis and adequate treatment. The aim of this article is to report the management of a patient with osteoblastoma involving the zygomatic bone and to carry out a brief review of the literature.

Diagnóstico e tratamento de granuloma periférico de células gigantes em mandíbula - relato de caso / Diagnosis and treatment of peripheral granuloma of giant cell in the jaw - case report

O granuloma periférico de células gigantes (GPCG) é uma lesão hiperplásica benigna causada por trauma local ou trauma crônico. Origina-se do ligamento periodontal ou mucoperiósteo. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um caso de GPCG em mandíbula tratada com sucesso através de excisão cirúrgica, curetagem e ostectomia periférica.

Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a benign hyperplastic lesion caused by local trauma or chronic trauma. It originates from the periodontal ligament or mucoperiosteum. The objective of this work is to present a case of PGCG in the mandible successfully treated through surgical excision, curettage and peripheral ostectomy.

Nicotine exposure through breastfeeding affects brain-derived neurotrophic factor and synaptic proteins levels in the brain of stressed adult female mice.

Nicotine has been used during pregnancy and lactation as a tobacco harm reduction strategy. However, it is unclear whether nicotine exposure during a critical development period negatively impacts stress responses in adulthood. This study investigated how nicotine, administered via breastfeeding, affects the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synaptic proteins levels, and anxiety-like behavior in adult female mice subjected to stress. Female Swiss mice were exposed to saline or nicotine (8 mg/kg/day) through breastfeeding between their fourth and 17th postnatal days (P) via implanted osmotic mini pumps. The unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) protocol was performed during their adulthood (P65) for 10 consecutive days, followed by the elevated plus maze (EPM) test 1 day after the protocol. Animals were euthanized and their blood, collected for plasma corticosterone measurements and their brain structures, dissected for BDNF and synaptic proteins analyses. We found no significant differences in corticosterone levels between groups (Saline/Non-stress, Nicotine/Non-stress, Saline/Stress, and Nicotine/Stress). The UCMS protocol hindered weight gain. Mice exposed to nicotine through breastfeeding with or without the UCMS protocol in adulthood showed higher grooming and head dipping frequency; decreased BDNF levels in cerebellum and striatum; increased postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), synapsin I, and synaptophysin levels in cerebellum; and decreased PSD-95 and synapsin I levels in brainstem. Our results indicate that nicotine exposure through breastfeeding leads to long-lasting behavioral effects and synaptic protein changes, most of which were independent of the UCMS protocol, even after a long nicotine-free period, highlighting the importance of further studies on nicotine exposure during development.

DNA Barcoding of genus Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the Brazilian Amazon.

Culicoides biting midges are capable to transmit Oropouche virus, Bluetongue virus and Mansonella spp. This study aimed to assess the utility of DNA barcode as an alternative method in the Culicoides species identification. The study was conducted in Jamari National Forest. Biting midges were collected using HP light traps during four months, February, April, August and October 2018. Insects were morphologically identified to the species level, and rest of the body were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR targeting a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, which were analyzed and deposited in GenBank. A phylogenetic gene tree was reconstructed using RAxML software, and the sequences were assigned at Molecular Operational Taxonomic Unit (MOTU) level by species delimitation algorithms. According to morphological approach, 18 species of 2 subgenera and 7 species groups were identified. A total of 191 new COI barcodes from 18 species were generated. Of these, fifteen species have been deposited for the first time in all datasets in the world. These sequences allowed the correct identification of 188 and 187 specimens according to the BM and BCM criteria, respectively. The intraspecific genetic distances ranged from 0 to 16.5%, while the interspecific ones ranged from 2.1 to 27.1%. The nominal species Culicoides glabellus and C. tetrathyris splitted into three and two MOTUs, respectively, except for mPTP, indicating a cryptic diversity in these species. Also, sequences of C. pseudodiabolicus formed two MOTUs using all algorithms, except for PTP and ABGD, suggesting the existence of two potential species. In contrast, some barcodes of C. quasiparaensis and C. paraensis merged into a single MOTU, which can be explained by the complex characteristics of the paraensis group, since these species have similar morphological characters. Here, we provided the first COI barcodes for biting midges in Rondônia and Brazil, and demonstrates that these are sufficient to discriminate between some species.

Diagnóstico e manejo das exostoses maxilares: relato de caso / Diagnosis and management of maxillary exostoses: case report

As exostoses maxilares são protuberâncias ósseas de caráter benigno, que se originam da cortical óssea e de etiologia controversa. Sua denominação vai depender da localização anatômica em que se encontra. Podem interferir na mastigação, fonação e adaptação de próteses removíveis parciais ou totais, devendo sua remoção ser considerada. O intuito deste trabalho é relatar o manejo de uma paciente com exostoses vestibulares em maxila e realizar uma breve revisão de literatura.

Maxillary exostoses are benign bony protuberances, which originate from the cortical bone and of controversial etiology. Its denomination will depend on its anatomical location. They can interfere with chewing, phonation and adaptation of partial or total removable prostheses, and their removal should be considered. The aim of this work is to report the management of a patient with vestibular exostosis in the maxilla and perform a brief literature review.

Tratamento de fratura isolada do arco zigomático - relato de caso / Treatment of isolated fracture of the zygomatic arch - case report

Devido ao comprometimento estético funcional, as fraturas do arco zigomático (AZ) devem ser abordadas, o mais breve possível, com o objetivo de minimizar as sequelas. Há várias formas de tratamento descritas na literatura. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso clínico de fratura isolada do AZ tratada pela técnica de Keen sob anestesia local.

Due to functional aesthetic impairment, fractures of the zygomatic arch (ZA) should be addressed, as soon as possible, in order to minimize the sequelae. There are several forms of treatment described in the literature. The objective of this work is to report a clinical case of isolated ZA fracture treated by Keen's technique under local anesthesia.

Updating the knowledge of sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) in Rondônia State, Brazil.

Background: Sandflies are insects important for the transmission cycles of the leishmaniases. Despite being studied since the 1960s in the State of Rondônia (Brazil), several gaps exist regarding our working knowledge of these insects. This study aimed to construct an up-to-date database of sandflies using complementary information from the speciesLink database and the scientific literature, as well as to elaborate integrated abundance maps. We identified 153,155 records of sandflies captured in Rondônia between 1965-2021; after exclusion, 147,258 reports (speciesLink - 3,408, Rondônia studies - 143,850) associated with 15 genera and 140 species were mapped. The most abundant species observed were Psychodopygusdavisi (Root, 1934) (43,818 records), Nyssomyiawhitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) (12,594), Psychodopyguscarrerai (Barretto, 1946) (11,840), Psychodopygushirsutus (Mangabeira, 1942) (9,676), Nyssomyiaantunesi (Coutinho, 1939) (8,847), Trichophoromyiaubiquitalis (Mangabeira, 1942) (5,505), Psychodopygusgeniculatus (Mangabeira, 1941) (4,644), Pintomyianevesi (Damasceno & Arouck, 1956) (4,140), Trichophoromyiaauraensis (Mangabeira, 1942) (3,579), Psychodopyguscomplexus (Mangabeira, 1941) (2,659), Nyssomyiafraihai (Martins, Falcão & Silva, 1979) (2,504) and Bichromomyiaflaviscutellata (Mangabeira, 1942) (1,418). A total of 20 records of Leishmania detection corresponded to eight sand fly species. The present dataset provides updated information on the distribution of sandflies of Rondônia, including those considered potential vectors of Leishmania, which should prove useful to guide future studies. New information: The present study provides an extensive dataset built from all studies reporting phlebotomine sandflies in the Brazilian State of Rondônia. Online distribution maps can aid scientists who wish to consult the updated list of sand fly species and view the distribution of these insects, as well as those considered potential vectors of Leishmania. The results of the present study can serve as the basis for future studies on sandflies conducted in the State.

Ayahuasca, a psychedelic beverage, modulates neuroplasticity induced by ethanol in mice.

Alcohol use disorder needs more effective treatments because relapse rates remain high. Psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, have been used to treat substance use disorders. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of ayahuasca on ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization (EIBS). Swiss mice received 2.2 g/kg ethanol or saline IP injections every other day across nine days (D1, D3, D5, D7, and D9), and locomotor activity was evaluated 10 min after each injection. Then, animals were treated daily with ayahuasca (corresponding to 1.76 mg/kg of N,N-dimethyltryptamine, DMT) or water by oral gavage for eight consecutive days. On the seventh day, mice were evaluated in the elevated plus maze. Then, mice were challenged with a single dose of ethanol to measure their locomotor activity. Dopamine receptors, serotonin receptors, dynorphin, and prodynorphin levels were quantified in the striatum and hippocampus by blot analysis. Repeated ethanol administration resulted in EIBS. However, those animals treated with ayahuasca had an attenuated EIBS. Moreover, ayahuasca reduced the anxiogenic response to ethanol withdrawal and prevented the ethanol-induced changes on 5-HT1a receptor and prodynorphin levels in the hippocampus and reduced ethanol effects in the dynorphin/prodynorphin ratio levels in the striatum. These results suggest a potential application of ayahuasca to modulate the neuroplastic changes induced by ethanol.

The spread of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil: the first canine cases described in Ji-Paraná, Rondônia, Brazil.

Leishmaniases are zoonotic diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. The disease has two clinical manifestations described in humans: visceral (VL) and cutaneous (CL) leishmaniasis. In Brazil, there has been an expansion of human VL. The participation of the dog as a reservoir of Leishmania infantum, the agent of VL, is important for the epidemiology of the disease since canine cases generally precede human cases. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. infection in dogs in the municipality of Ji-Paraná by PCR assays using blood samples. Leishmania DNA was detected in two of the 105 studied dogs. The PCR products were sequenced and confirmed that the two samples (1.90%) correspond to L. infantum. The dogs had allochthonous history. Therefore, the positive results found here should serve as a warning to public health agencies. This is because Ji-Paraná is the third municipality to register cases of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in Rondônia state. Thus, reinforcing the importance of expanding studies on the epidemiology and surveillance of VL in the region.

Occurrence of Leishmania infection in the immediate geographic region of Ji-Paraná, Rondônia State, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the epidemiology of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the immediate region of Ji-Paraná, Rondônia State. METHODS: Samples and epidemiological data were collected from 105 patients. RESULTS: Leishmania infection was observed in 58 (55.2%) patients, and Leishmania braziliensis was present in 82.9% of the 41 sequenced samples. Infected patients were predominantly male (93.1%). Leishmania infection was twice as prevalent among rural inhabitants versus urban inhabitants. Lesions were more frequent in the upper limbs (arms/hands, 41.82%). CONCLUSIONS: The present data corroborate the zoonotic profile of cutaneous leishmaniasis; this information could help to improve surveillance and control strategies.

DNA-based blood meal analysis of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) species from Jamari National Forest, Southwestern Amazon, Brazil.

Culicoides biting midges are insects involved in the transmission of filarial nematodes, protozoans, and viruses. Greater knowledge of Culicoides blood meal sources could improve our understanding of parasite transmission cycles. Our study used molecular tools to evaluate the blood meal sources of Culicoides biting midges from sylvatic environments. This study was conducted in Jamari National Forest, Rondônia, Brazil. Culicoides were captured using HP light traps positioned at ground level (1.5 m above ground) and in canopy (15 m above ground). To identify blood meal sources, females were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR targeting the cytb gene fragment, and the obtained sequences were analyzed and compared with sequences from GenBank. DNA extraction and PCR were performed on 455 Culicoides females, and blood meal sources were identified in 186 females. Thirty Culicoides specimens were collected from the Potosi trail and 156 were collected from the Santa Maria trail. A total of 22 species were captured; all 22 species were collected in canopy (100%) but only three species were collected at ground level (13.6%). The cytb fragment was amplified in 162 of 186 samples. Sample sequencing identified cytb DNA from nine blood-meal sources: Pauxi sp., Psophia viridis, Ramphastos tucanus tucanus, Choloepus didactylus, Choloepus hoffmanni, Tamandua tetradactyla, Ateles chamek, Homo sapiens and Pithecia irrorata. We observed that several different blood meal sources were utilized by a high diversity of Culicoides species. The abundance of Culicoides in the canopy may be related to the fact that the majority of blood meal hosts feed in treetops. We observed that C. (Hoffmania) sp. and C. coutinhoi tend to be more generalist, feeding on a range of mammals and piciform, gruiform and galliform birds. This data improves our knowledge of the feeding profile of biting midges from forest environments and should serve as a future basis for defining zoonotic transmission cycles.

Biting Midges in Jamari National Forest, in the Brazilian Amazon, With 12 New Records of Culicoides Species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for the State of Rondônia.

Culicoides biting midges are small hematophagous flies, some species of which transmit pathogens to livestock and humans. In the Brazilian Amazon Basin, Culicoides diversity has remained largely unexamined. Jamari National Forest (JNF) is a conservation area in Rondônia State where research and environmental education are conducted in conjunction with the protection of natural resources, and the recovery of degraded areas. The present study augments our knowledge of Culicoides diversity in JNF. The survey collected 640 individuals from 41 species; 632 individuals were collected by HP light trap and 8 were collected by the BG Sentinel trap. Twelve species are first-time records for Rondônia: Culicoides acotylus Lutz, Culicoides albuquerquei Wirth & Blanton, Culicoides baniwa Felippe-Bauer, Culicoides bricenoi Ortiz, Culicoides brownei Spinelli, Culicoides carsiomelas Wirth & Blanton, Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz, Culicoides forattinii Ortiz, Culicoides ginesi Ortiz, Culicoides profundus Santarém, Felippe-Bauer & Trindade, Culicoides pseudoreticulatus Santarém, Felippe-Bauer & Castellón, and Culicoides spurius Santarém, Felippe-Bauer & Trindade. The most abundant species were Culicoides glabrior Macfie, Culicoides pseudodiabolicus Fox, Culicoides debilipalpis, Culicoides quasiparaensis Clastrier, and Culicoides brownei Spinelli. The present study updates the Culicoides species count in Rondônia to 55, and highlights the importance of JNF as a hotbed for biting midge diversity.

Occurrence of Leishmania infection in the immediate geographic region of Ji-Paraná, Rondônia State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the epidemiology of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the immediate region of Ji-Paraná, Rondônia State. METHODS: Samples and epidemiological data were collected from 105 patients. RESULTS: Leishmania infection was observed in 58 (55.2%) patients, and Leishmania braziliensis was present in 82.9% of the 41 sequenced samples. Infected patients were predominantly male (93.1%). Leishmania infection was twice as prevalent among rural inhabitants versus urban inhabitants. Lesions were more frequent in the upper limbs (arms/hands, 41.82%). CONCLUSIONS: The present data corroborate the zoonotic profile of cutaneous leishmaniasis; this information could help to improve surveillance and control strategies.

Hearing screening in schoolchildren: accuracy of different criteria used to analyze transient evoked otoacoustic emissions / Triagem auditiva em escolares: acurácia de diferentes critérios de análise das emissões otoacústicas evocadas transientes

ABSTRACT Purpose: to compare the accuracy of different criteria used to analyze transient evoked otoacoustic emissions in schoolchildren. Methods: an accuracy study, where an audiological assessment (audiometry, logoaudiometry, tympanometry) and transient emissions were performed with 70 schoolchildren, from the first to the fifth grade of a municipal school, in Northeastern Brazil (6-14 years, 9.9 ± 2 years), with four criteria, all with signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 3 dB, being: criterion A, in all frequency bands; B, in three consecutive frequency bands; C, in three of the five non-consecutive frequency bands; D, in 2, 3 and 4 kHz. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and predictive values with their respective confidence intervals of 95% were analyzed. Results: criterion A showed higher sensitivity (92.31%, 95% CI: 67-98%) and lower specificity (17.35%, 95% CI: 10-29%); criterion C higher specificity (84.21%, 95% CI: 72-91%) and higher positive predictive value (52.63%; 95% CI: 51.63-54.63). Accuracy was 82.85% (95% CI 78.23-87.47) in criterion C and 70% (95% CI: 65.38-74.62) in criterion B. Conclusion: criterion C, signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 3dB in three non-consecutive frequency bands, showed the best accuracy, being considered the best choice as a criterion for the isolated use of transient emissions as a hearing screening procedure, in schoolchildren.

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar a acurácia de diferentes critérios de análise das emissões otoacústicas evocadas transientes na triagem auditiva em escolares. Métodos: estudo de acurácia no qual foi realizada avaliação audiológica (audiometria, logoaudiometria, timpanometria) e emissões transientes de 70 escolares do primeiro ao quinto ano de escola municipal do nordeste do Brasil (6-14 anos, 9,9 ± 2 anos), com quatro critérios, todos com relação sinal/ruído ≥ 3 dB, sendo no critério A em todas as bandas de frequência; B em três bandas de frequências consecutivas; C em três das cinco bandas de frequência não consecutivas; D em 2, 3 e 4 kHz. Foram analisadas a sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia e valores preditivos com seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados: o critério A apresentou maior sensibilidade (92,31%, IC95%: 67-98%) e menor especificidade (17,35%, IC95%: 10-29%); o critério C maior especificidade (84,21%, IC95%: 72-91%) e maior valor preditivo positivo (52,63%; IC95%: 51,63-54,63). A acurácia foi 82,85% (IC95% 78,23-87,47) no critério C e 70% (IC95%: 65,38-74,62) no critério B. Conclusão: o critério C (relação sinal/ruído ≥ 3dB em três bandas de frequência não consecutivas) apresentou a melhor acurácia, sendo considerado a melhor opção como critério para o uso isolado das emissões transientes como procedimento de triagem auditiva em escolares.

The spread of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil: the first canine cases described in Ji-Paraná, Rondônia, Brazil / A disseminação da leishmaniose visceral no Brasil: os primeiros casos caninos descritos em Ji-Paraná, Rondônia, Brasil

Abstract Leishmaniases are zoonotic diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. The disease has two clinical manifestations described in humans: visceral (VL) and cutaneous (CL) leishmaniasis. In Brazil, there has been an expansion of human VL. The participation of the dog as a reservoir of Leishmania infantum, the agent of VL, is important for the epidemiology of the disease since canine cases generally precede human cases. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. infection in dogs in the municipality of Ji-Paraná by PCR assays using blood samples. Leishmania DNA was detected in two of the 105 studied dogs. The PCR products were sequenced and confirmed that the two samples (1.90%) correspond to L. infantum. The dogs had allochthonous history. Therefore, the positive results found here should serve as a warning to public health agencies. This is because Ji-Paraná is the third municipality to register cases of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in Rondônia state. Thus, reinforcing the importance of expanding studies on the epidemiology and surveillance of VL in the region.

Resumo As leishmanioses são doenças causadas por protozoários do gênero Leishmania. A doença apresenta duas manifestações clínicas: leishmaniose visceral (LV) e cutânea (LC). No Brasil, a LV está em expansão. A participação do cão como reservatório é importante para a epidemiologia da doença, pois os casos caninos geralmente precedem os humanos. O presente estudo avaliou a ocorrência de LV em cães (LVC) do município de Ji-Paraná por meio de ensaios de PCR, utilizando-se amostras de sangue. O DNA de Leishmania foi detectado em dois dos 105 cães estudados. Os produtos da PCR foram sequenciados e confirmaram que duas amostras (1,90%) eram Leishmania infantum. Os cães tinham histórico alóctone. Os resultados positivos encontrados servem de alerta aos órgãos públicos de saúde. Isso porque Ji-Paraná é o terceiro município a registrar casos de LVC no estado de Rondônia. Dessa forma, reforça-se a importância da ampliação dos estudos sobre a epidemiologia e vigilância da LV na região.

Toxoplasma gondii infection damages the perineuronal nets in a murine model.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and neurochemical alterations associated with toxoplasmosis may be influenced by the persistence of tissue cysts and activation of an immune response in the brain of Toxoplasma gondii-infected hosts. The cerebral extracellular matrix is organised as perineuronal nets (PNNs) that are both released and ensheath by some neurons and glial cells. There is evidences to suggest that PNNs impairment is a pathophysiological mechanism associated with neuropsychiatric conditions. However, there is a lack of information regarding the impact of parasitic infections on the PNNs integrity and how this could affect the host's behavior. OBJECTIVES: In this context, we aimed to analyse the impact of T. gondii infection on cyst burden, PNNs integrity, and possible effects in the locomotor activity of chronically infected mice. METHODS: We infected mice with T. gondii ME-49 strain. After thirty days, we assessed locomotor performance of animals using the open field test, followed by evaluation of cysts burden and PNNs integrity in four brain regions (primary and secondary motor cortices, prefrontal and somesthetic cortex) to assess the PNNs integrity using Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) labeling by immunohistochemical analyses. FINDINGS AND MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed a random distribution of cysts in the brain, the disruption of PNNs surrounding neurons in four areas of the cerebral cortex and hyperlocomotor behavior in T. gondii-infected mice. These results can contribute to elucidate the link toxoplasmosis with the establishment of neuroinflammatory response in neuropsychiatric disorders and to raise a discussion about the mechanisms related to changes in brain connectivity, with possible behavioral repercussions during chronic T. gondii infection.

Vertical stratification of sand fly diversity in relation to natural infections of Leishmania sp. and blood-meal sources in Jamari National Forest, Rondônia State, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Almost 1000 cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis have been registered yearly in Rondônia State, Brazil. Little is known about the Leishmania transmission cycle (vectors and reservoirs) in the state. This study aimed to evaluate sand fly fauna from two vertical stratification layers in order to identify potential vectors and their blood-meal sources. METHODS: The study was conducted in Jamari National Forest. Sand flies were collected in the canopy (15 m) and at ground level (1 m) using HP light traps during four months, February, April, August and October, 2018. Insects were identified to the species level, and females were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR targeting minicircle kDNA and hsp70 (for Leishmania detection and species identification), and cytb (to identify blood-meal sources). Exploratory data analysis was used to determine mean of abundance and species richness between stratifications. The hsp70 and cytb sequences were analyzed and compared with sequences from GenBank. RESULTS: Overall, 68 species were identified from 15,457 individuals. On the Potosi trail, 7531 individuals of 49 species were collected; canopy captures totaled 6463 individuals of 46 species, while ground captures totaled 1068 individuals of 38 species. On the Santa Maria trail, 7926 individuals of 61 species were collected; canopy captures totaled 6136 individuals of 51 species, while ground captures totaled 1790 individuals of 53 species. A total of 23 pools were positive for kDNA (canopy n = 21, ground n = 2). Only two samples were sequenced for hsp70 (both in canopy); one sequence exhibited similarity with Leishmania braziliensis (Lutzomyia davisi pool) and another with L. naiffi (Lu. antunesi pool). The cytb fragment was amplified in 11 of 86 samples. Sample sequencing identified cytb DNA from 5 blood-meal sources: Micrastur gilvicollis, Psophia viridis, Tamandua tetradactyla, Homo sapiens and Choloepus didactylus. CONCLUSIONS: Sand fly fauna is more diverse in the canopy than at ground level. Factors such as blood-meal sources, resting sites, and abiotic components probably contribute to high abundance in the canopy. Our results reinforce the possibility that Lu. antunesi and Lu. davisi participate in Leishmania transmission in forest environments and may play an important role in transmission from sylvatic to human hosts.

Diversity, natural infection and blood meal sources of phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera, Psychodidae) in the western Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: The state of Rondônia (RO) is a hot spot for human cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Many sandfly species in RO are putative vectors of leishmaniasis. OBJECTIVES: This study examines the diversity patterns and the presence of Leishmania DNA and blood meal sources of sandflies in RO. METHODS: A sandfly survey was performed between 2016 and 2018 in 10 municipalities categorised into three different environment types: (i) Conservation Unit (CUN) - comprised of preserved ombrophilous forests; (ii) Forest Edge (FE) - small forest fragments; and (iii) Peridomicile (PE) - areas around dwellings. FINDINGS: A total of 73 species were identified from 9,535 sandflies. The most abundant species were Psychodopygus davisi (1,741 individuals), Nyssomyia antunesi (1,397), Trichophoromyia auraensis (1,295) and Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis (1,043). Diversity was the highest in CUN, followed by the FE and PE environments. One pool of Ps. davisi tested positive for Leishmania braziliensis, reinforcing the possibility that Ps. davisi acts as a vector. The cytochrome b (cytb) sequences were used to identify three blood meal sources: Bos taurus, Homo sapiens and Tamandua tetradactyla. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that sandflies can switch between blood meal sources in differing environments. This study enhances the knowledge of the vector life cycle in RO and provides information relevant to leishmaniasis surveillance.