Palatal Stent Following Tumor Ablative Surgery.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors of the salivary glands. Resection of this tumor can result in postsurgical morbidity, affecting the patient's quality of life and normal oral functioning. This study aimed to present a successful case of postsurgical rehabilitation following mucoepidermoid carcinoma resection in the palate. Following tumor ablative surgery, the 32-year-old patient experienced impairments in both speech and feeding due to the surgical wound. A protective stent that covered the entire extent of the palate and teeth was made. This esthetic device was fabricated in a single session and provided sealing and protection of the surgical site, ensuring comfort, functionality, and, consequently, a higher quality of life during the postoperative period. The simplicity and low cost of the custom palatal stent make it applicable for use in a diverse range of postsurgical oncology patients, providing protection for surgical wounds and reducing postoperative morbidity.

Interaction Between Macrophages and Cryptococcus neoformans: Distinguishing Phagocytosed Versus External Fungi.

The interaction between macrophages and Cryptococcus neoformans is crucial in the pathogenesis of cryptococcosis. These phagocytes are important immune effectors, but also a niche in which facultative intracellular parasites, such as C. neoformans, thrive. Consequently, phagocytosis of cryptococcal cells and its outcomes are very frequently studied. One major issue with several of the tests used for this, however, is that macrophage-C. neoformans interaction does not always result in phagocytosis, as fungi may be attached to the external surface of the phagocyte. The most used methodologies to study phagocytosis of cryptococcal cells have varying degrees of precision in separating fungi that are truly internalized from those that are outside macrophages. Here we describe two assays to measure phagocytosis that can differentiate internal from external C. neoformans cells.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Symptomatic Neurosyphilis in People With HIV Compared with Uninfected Individuals.

We evaluated the diagnostic clinical performance characteristics (DCPC) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total protein (TP), white blood cell count (WBC), and lactate (LA) with different cutoff points as adjunct biomarkers of confirmed or presumptive symptomatic neurosyphilis (NS) and the impact of HIV infection. From 5,640 participants who underwent lumbar punctures, 236 participants were included, and classified as either people with HIV (PWH) or people without HIV (PWoH) according to the CDC criteria for confirmed NS (n = 42), presumptive NS (n = 74), systemic syphilis (SS) (n = 38), serological diagnosis of syphilis (n = 18), PWH without SS and NS (n = 10), and negative control (n = 72). In PWoH, for presumptive NS, the combination of CSF TP > 45 mg/dL and/or WBC > 5.0 cells/mm3 is valuable for screening, whereas in PWH, it is not recommended for either screening or case-finding NS, however the DCPC were better in the suppressed group. In PWoH, the value of CSF TP > 45 mg/dL is adequate for both screening and confirmation of presumptive NS, subject to prevalence. For WBC count > 20 cell/mm3, the positive predictive value (PPV) of the test is almost perfect, suggesting a confirmatory test. In PWH, CSF TP is an inadequate marker of NS. The WBC count, with cutoffs of > 10 or > 20 cells/mm3, was moderately applicable for screening.As conclusions: CSF WBC count and TP showed distinct DCPC in confirmed or presumptive NS, better in the former. These biomarkers could be included for presumptive NS diagnosis. DCPC of these biomarkers for the diagnosis of NS is greatly affected by HIV co-infection.

The Cost of Safe Injection: Insights on Nonprescription Syringe Price Variability From Systematic Secret Shopping.

BACKGROUND: Although the sale of nonprescription syringes in pharmacies is legal in most states, people who inject drugs (PWID) continue to face obstacles to syringe purchase like stigma, prohibitive costs, restrictive policies, and stocking issues. We examined the consistency of syringe pricing as another possible barrier. METHODS: We analyzed data on syringe prices and other relevant variables from 153 unique secret shopper visits to 2 retail chain pharmacies in Massachusetts (MA), New Hampshire (NH), Oregon (OR), and Washington (WA) as part of the fidelity component of a large pharmacy-focused intervention study. Pretax prices from purchases made between August 2019 and May 2021 were adjusted for inflation to 2022 dollars, and a linear regression of the price of a 10-pack of syringes was constructed to examine the determinants of syringe pricing. RESULTS: The average real price of a 10-pack of syringes across all states was $4.53 (SD = 0.99), with wide variability between pharmacies (max = $11.44, min = $1.70) and between states (mean OR = $5.76, WA = $4.74, MA = $4.33, NH = $4.30). Forty-seven percent (n = 72) of the purchases were taxed despite syringes being tax exempt in MA and WA, and not having a sales tax in NH or OR. The results of the regression suggest that certain needle gauges were associated with lower overall prices, while 1 pharmacy chain and 2 syringe brands were associated with higher overall prices. CONCLUSIONS: The high variability in syringe pricing presents another barrier to pharmacy-based syringe access since high prices may leave PWID no choice but to reuse or share needles, especially in areas with limited alternatives or without a syringe service program. Leadership from healthcare systems, pharmacy chains, and state and local policymakers is essential to reduce stigma and to implement policies that streamline syringe purchases, eliminate the taxation of exempt syringes in accordance with state laws, and reduce the variation in syringe prices.

O uso da versatilidade do bráquete MBT no tratamento da agenesia de incisivo lateral superior ­ relato de caso / Usage of MBT versatility for maxillary lateral incisor agenesis ­ a case report

A agenesia dos incisivos laterais superiores compromete a função e a estética, prejudicando o desenvolvimento e autoestima do paciente. O tratamento pode se dar pela abertura dos espaços e reposição dos dentes ausentes por meio de implantes ou reposição mesial dos caninos, seguido pelo seu recontorno em incisivos laterais. A transformação dos caninos em laterais apresenta diversos desafios ao ortodontista devido às diferenças entre torque, volume e cor entre esses dentes, o que, se não devidamente corrigido, pode impactar negativamente no resultado do tratamento. A técnica MBT apresenta diversas versatilidades de bráquetes que podem ser utilizadas com a finalidade de otimizar a movimentação, compensar as diferenças anatômicas e facilitar o tratamento de diversos tipos de casos com arco reto. O caso clínico apresentado mostra o tratamento da agenesia dos incisivos laterais superiores por meio do fechamento de espaço em uma paciente padrão III, com mordida cruzada anterior seguindo a técnica MBT, fazendo uso das relatadas versatilidades de bráquetes de caninos e pré-molares para atingir um posicionamento ideal desses dentes, com as alterações de torque e angulações necessárias. O tratamento incluiu o fechamento de espaços, a extração de pré- -molares inferiores e transformação dos caninos em incisivos laterais, obtendo uma correta relação anterior, oclusão funcional e bom resultado estético.(AU)

Maxillary lateral incisors agenesis compromises the patient's function and aesthetics, impairing the development and self-esteem. Main treatment options are open space for future implant restoration or canine substitution. Canine substitution usually requires restorative treatment to ideally recreate maxillary lateral incisors torque, volume, and color to achieve treatment goals and satisfy the patient's expectations. MBT system presents versatilities that can be used to optimize orthodontic movements, compensate dental anatomic discrepancies, and facilitate some straight-wire cases. This case report describes the orthodontic management of a Class III with anterior cross-bite patient that presented maxillary lateral incisor agenesis. The patient was treated with canine substitution following the MBT technique. Versatilities for canine and premolars were used to achieve the best position, torque, and angulation. The treatment also included mandibular first premolar extraction, space closing, and restorative treatment to re-anatomize the canine into a lateral incisor, achieving proper anterior relation, functional occlusion, and best esthetic result (AU)

Oral Rehabilitation of Marginal Maxillectomy Patient After Local Flap Reconstruction.

The treatment of oral cancer can lead to various oral complications, including oral defects, tissue deformation, and trismus in patients who have undergone oral cancer surgery with resection of any part of the maxillary. Restoring the ability to chew, swallow, and maintain esthetics is essential and a significant challenge. The aim of this study was to report a successful clinical case of preprosthetic surgery and prosthetic rehabilitation of a 65-year-old man who had undergone marginal maxillectomy, resulting in tissue scarring and a significant reduction in maximal mouth opening. The oral rehabilitation was achieved using a conventional removable prosthesis. This case demonstrates that preprosthetic surgery combined with conventional removable prosthesis is an effective strategy for complex rehabilitations providing functional and esthetic improvement in the affected area for patients with marginal maxillectomies resulting from oral cancer.

Shrimp laccase degrades polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from an oil spill disaster in Brazil: A tool for marine environmental bioremediation.

Our work aims to purify, characterize and evaluate a laccase from by-products of the shrimp farming industry (Litopenaeus vannamei) for the degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from 2019 oil spill in Brazilian coast. The enzyme was purified by affinity chromatography and characterized as thermostable, with activity above 90 °C and at alkaline pH. In addition, the laccase was also tolerant to copper, lead, cadmium, zinc, arsenic, hexane and methanol, with significant enzymatic activation in acetone and 10 mM mercury. Concerning PAHs' degradation, the enzyme degraded 42.40 % of the total compounds, degrading >50 % of fluorene, C4-naphthalenes, C3-naphthalenes, C2-naphthalenes, anthracene, acenaphthene, 1-methylnaphthalene and 2-methylnaphthalene. Thus, this laccase demonstrated important characteristics for bioremediation of marine environments contaminated by crude oil spills, representing a viable and ecological alternative for these purposes.

Evidências de Validade da Sportsmanship Coaching Behaviors Scale (SCBS)para o contexto brasileiro / Evidencias de Validez de la Sportsmanship Coaching Behaviors Scale (SCBS)para el Contexto Brasileño / Validity Evidence of Sportsmanship Coaching Behaviors Scale (SCBS) for the Brazilian Context

El entrenador deportivo es considerado una de las figuras más influyentes para los atletas, siendo importante contar con medidas que puedan evaluar su comportamiento de juego limpio. En este sentido, el presente estudio pretendió adaptar y verificar la evidencia de de validez con base en la estructura interna de la Sportsmanship Coaching Behavior Scale (SCBS) para el contexto deportivo brasileño. Inicialmente, se realizaron traducciones, adaptaciones culturales y validez de contenido del SCBS, con la participación de 20 jóvenes atletas (edad promedio 15.44 ± 2.53) y cinco médicos especialistas en el campo de la psicología del deporte. La validez de contenido demostró que los ítems del instrumento eran claros y pertinentes (CVC entre 0.80 y 1.00) y que estaban evaluando las dimensiones correctas (Kappa ≥ 0.70). Para verificación de evidencia de validez con base en la estructura interna del SCBS,, participaron 302 atletas jóvenes de ambos sexos (edad media 16.1 ± 3.61; 64.7% hombres). Usando el programa estadístico FACTOR, un análisis factorial exploratorio identificó una estructura factorial con cuatro factores, explicando el 69% de la varianza total, que consta de 20 elementos distribuidos en los factores: Prioriza la victoria sobre el buen espíritu deportivo - PV (α = 0.85, ω = 0.87); Enseña buen espíritu deportivo - EBEE (α = 0.83, ω = 0.85); Es un modelo de buena deportividad- MBEE (α = 0.72, ω = 0.77), y Castiga la mala deportividad - PPEE (α = 0.70, ω = 0,74). Son necesarios futuros estúdios para confirmar esta estructura factorial y ampliar la evidencia de validez de SCBS para el contexto brasileño, llevando a cabo análisis basados ​​en variables externas, por ejemplo. (AU)

The present study aimed to adapt and verify validity evidence based on the internal structure of the Sportsmanship Coaching Behavior Scale (SCBS) for the Brazilian sports context. Initially, translations, cultural adaptations and content validity of the SCBS were performed. The content validity demonstrated that the items of the instrument were clear and relevant (CVCs between 0.80 and 1.00) and that they were evaluating the correct dimensions (Kappa ≥ 0.70). Em seguida, 302 young athletes of both sexes participated (mean age 16.1 ± 3.61). Anexploratory factor analysis using FACTOR identified a factorial structure with four factors, explaining 69% of the total variance, composed of 20 items distributed in the factors: Prioritizes winning over good sportsmanship(α = 0.85, ω = 0.87); Teaches good sportsmanship(α = 0.83, ω = 0.85); Isa model of good sportsmanship(α = 0.72, ω = 0.77); and Punishes the poor sportsmanship(α = 0.70, ω = 0.74). Future studies are necessary to confirm this factorial structure and expand the evidence of validity of SCBS for the Brazilian context, carrying out analyzes based on external variables, for example. (AU)

O estudo objetivou adaptar e verificar evidências de validade baseada na estrutura interna da Sportsmanship Coaching Behavior Scale(SCBS) para o contexto brasileiro. Os resultados indicaram que os itens estavam claros e pertinentes (CVCs entre 0.80 e 1.00) e avaliando as dimensões corretas (Kappa ≥ 0.70). Em seguida, participaram 302 jovens atletas de ambos os sexos (idade média 16,1±3,61). Uma análise fatorial exploratoria realizada no FACTOR,identificou quatro fatores, explicando 69% da variância total, composta por 20 itens distribuídos nos fatores: Prioriza a vitória acima do bom espírito esportivo(α = 0.85, ω = 0.87); Ensina o bom espírito esportivo (α = 0.83, ω = 0.85); É modelo de bom espírito esportivo(α = 0.72, ω = 0.77); e Pune o pobre espírito esportivo(α = 0.70, ω = 0.74). Estudos futuros são necessários para confirmar esta estrutura fatorial e ampliar evidênciasde validade da SCBS no contexto brasileiro. (AU)

Fine-needle aspiration cytology for the diagnosis of plasma cell neoplasms in the head and neck region: A systematic analysis of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Cytopathologic analysis is feasible and provides detailed morphological characterisation of head and neck lesions. AIMS: To integrate the available data published on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) used for the diagnosis of plasma cell neoplasms (PCN) of the head and neck region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Searches on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus were performed to compile data from case reports/case series published in English. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was used for the critical appraisal of studies. RESULTS: A total of 82 studies comprising 102 patients were included in this review. There was a predilection for men (68.6%) (male/female ratio: 2.1:1). Individuals in their 50s (29.4%), 60s (22.5%), and 70s (22.5%) were more often affected. The thyroid gland (26.2%) was the main anatomical location, followed by scalp (15.5%), neck/cervical region (15.5%), jaws (13.6%), and major salivary glands (13.6%). For FNAC analysis, a smear was employed in 41 (40.6%) cases and a cell block was used in four (3.9%). In 56 (55.4%) reports, no cytological methods were available. Morphologically, 34 (56.7%) cases had a diagnosis of PCN with agreement between cytopathology and histopathology. The rate of wrong diagnoses when using cytology was 27.5%. Immunophenotyping was performed in 49 (48%) of the cases. The 69-month disease-free survival rate was 60.2%, while the 27-month overall survival rate was 64.1%. CONCLUSION: This study reinforces that FNAC can be an ancillary tool in the first step towards the diagnosis of PCN of the head and neck region, especially when applying a cell block for cytological analysis.

Metacyclogenesis as the Starting Point of Chagas Disease.

Chagas disease is a neglected infectious disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, primarily transmitted by triatomine vectors, and it threatens approximately seventy-five million people worldwide. This parasite undergoes a complex life cycle, transitioning between hosts and shifting from extracellular to intracellular stages. To ensure its survival in these diverse environments, T. cruzi undergoes extreme morphological and molecular changes. The metacyclic trypomastigote (MT) form, which arises from the metacyclogenesis (MTG) process in the triatomine hindgut, serves as a crucial link between the insect and human hosts and can be considered the starting point of Chagas disease. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the parasite's life cycle, molecular pathways, and mechanisms involved in metabolic and morphological adaptations during MTG, enabling the MT to evade the immune system and successfully infect human cells.

A ansiedade odontológica materna influencia no relato da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal de pré-escolares? / Does maternal dental anxiety influence the report of oral health-related quality of life in preschool children?

Objetivo: O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a associação entre a ansiedade odontológica materna e o impacto no relato da QVRSB de seus filhos pré-escolares. Métodos: Um estudo transversal foi conduzido com uma amostra de 150 crianças de 4 e 5 anos de idade residentes na cidade de Diamantina-MG. A ansiedade odontológica materna foi avaliada por meio da Escala de Ansiedade Odontológica (Dental Anxiety Scale - DAS) previamente à uma consulta de exame clínico para detecção de alterações bucais. As crianças também foram clinicamente avaliadas para verificar a presença de cárie dentária e traumatismo dentário. As avaliações clínicas foram conduzidas por examinadores treinados e calibrados para esses critérios. As mães responderam o Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) e preencheram um formulário com características sociodemográficas e econômicas. A análise de dados envolveu estatística descritiva e regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Ansiedade odontológica moderada à alta foi encontrada em 12% (n = 18) das mães e mostrou-se associada a uma pior qualidade de vida de pré-escolares na análise não ajustada. A análise ajustada mostrou uma associação significativa da idade da criança aos 5 anos (RP = 4,45; IC = 2,38-8,30; p≤ 0,001) e da cárie dentária não tratada (RP = 2,77; IC = 1,64-4,65; p ≤ 0,001) com um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida das crianças. A ansiedade materna moderada à alta foi associada a um impacto negativo no relato de qualidade de vida de pré-escolares na análise não ajustada, mas perdeu a associação após o ajuste para outras variáveis. Conclusão: Não foi encontrada associação entre a ansiedade odontológica materna e o relato de QVRSB de seus filhos.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the association between maternal dental anxiety and the impact on oral health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of preschool children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 150 children, aged between 4 and 5 years, living in the city of Diamantina, MG, Brazil. Maternal dental anxiety was assessed using the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) prior to a clinical examination appointment to detect oral alterations. The children were also clinically evaluated for the presence of dental caries and dental trauma. Clinical assessments were conducted by examiners trained and calibrated to these criteria. Mothers answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and filled out a form to provide sociodemographic and economic characteristics. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Poisson regression. Results: Moderate to high dental anxiety was found in 12% (n=18) of the mothers and was associated with a poorer quality of life in preschoolers in the unadjusted analysis. The adjusted analysis showed a significant association between the child at 5 years of age (PR = 4.45; CI = 2.38-8.30; p ≤ 0.001) and untreated dental caries (PR = 2.77; CI = 1.64-4.65; p ≤ 0.001) with a negative impact on children's quality of life. Moderate to high maternal anxiety was associated with a negative impact on preschoolers' quality of life in the unadjusted analysis, but the association was lost after adjustment for other variables. Conclusion: No association was found between maternal dental anxiety and their children's HRQoL.

Cardanol in the feeding of meat-type quail breeders.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of cardanol in the diet of quails on productive performance, egg quality, reproductive performance, and progeny performance. A total of three hundred European quail breeders of 32 weeks of age, with average body weights of 305.98 g, were housed in laying cages in groups (4 females and 1 male), following a distribution in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 6 replications of 10 quails, being the experimental unit constituted by the set of two cages. The treatments consisted of diets with 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00% of cardanol. There was reduction in the performance of the quail with the inclusion of 1.00% of cardanol in the diet when compared to the control treatment, while egg weight and egg mass were lower in the treatments with 0.75 and 1.00% of cardanol, respectively. It was observed that there was decrease in the specific gravity, and increase in color and TBARS value of the yolk in all treatments with cardanol. The inclusion of 0.50% of cardanol decreased the percentage of albumen, and increased the percentage of yolk, while the shell thickness decreased with 0.75%. The weight of the incubated eggs and the chick weight at hatching were lower in the treatments with 0.75 and 1.00% of cardanol. In the evaluation of the progeny performance, it was found that the weight at 7 days of age of chicks from breeders fed the diet containing 1.00% of cardanol was decreased when compared to the chicks from breeders fed the control diet. It was concluded that the inclusion of cardanol did not present benefits to the quail breeders.

Changes in Group B Streptococcus Colonization among Pregnant Women before and after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal infections. The genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract of pregnant women are the main source of transmission to newborns. This work investigated the prevalence and characterized GBS from pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, comparing the periods before (January 2019 to March 2020; 521) and during (May 2020 to March 2021; 285) the COVID-19 pandemic. GBS was detected in 10.8% of anovaginal samples. Considering scenarios before and during the pandemic, GBS colonization rate significantly decreased (13.8% vs. 5.3%; p = 0.0001). No clinical and sociodemographic aspect was associated with GBS carriage (p > 0.05). A total of 80%, 13.8% and 4.6% GBS strains were non-susceptible to tetracycline, erythromycin and clindamycin, respectively. Serotype Ia was the most frequent (47.7%), followed by V (23.1%), II (18.4%), III (7.7%) and Ib (3.1%). An increasing trend of serotypes Ib and V, as well as of antimicrobial resistance rates, and a decreasing trend of serotypes II and III, were observed after the pandemic onset, albeit not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The reduction in GBS colonization rates and alterations in GBS serotypes and resistance profiles during the pandemic were not due to changes in the sociodemographic profile of the population. Considering that control and preventive measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic onset have impacted other infectious diseases, these results shed light on the need for the continuous surveillance of GBS among pregnant women in the post-pandemic era.

Measuring conscientiousness in Brazil and disentangling its relationships with subjective well-being, and academic involvement.

Abstract: Providing a valid and reliable measure of conscientiousness constitutes a worthwhile endeavor to allow research and intervention in Brazil. This study aimed to adapt the Chernyshenko Conscientiousness Scales (CCS) into Brazilian Portuguese, evaluate their psychometric properties, and investigate the relationship between conscientiousness and academic involvement, taking into account the possible confound effect of subjective well-being (SWB). Two samples were studied to cross-validate the CCS's internal structure. Participants were university students (N1 = 332, N2 = 684) who answered the CCS and measures of SWB and academic involvement. Exploratory factor analysis showed that the CCS presented a five-factor solution corresponding to the previously replicated facets of industriousness, orderliness, self-control, traditionalism, and virtue. Most facets related positively to life satisfaction, positive affect, and involvement in academic activities, and negatively to negative affect. A structural model indicated strong associations of conscientiousness with SWB and academic engagement, suggesting more conscious students are happier and engage more in academic tasks. These results support the use of the CCS in Brazil. Trial registration number and date of registration: 32732820.6.0000.5334, July 8th, 2020. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-03552-7.

Hemorrhagic complications in individuals with liver disease submitted to minor oral surgery.

Individuals with chronic liver disease (CLD) have an increased risk of bleeding from thrombocytopenia and changes in hemostasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of and the factors associated with the occurrence of bleeding in CLD patients who underwent dental surgical procedures. This was a retrospective study whose data were collected in a hospital dentistry service between 2010 and 2016. The patients were referred from the gastroenterology and liver transplantation services of a university hospital for dental treatment. The study followed the STROBE guidelines. Among the 71 surgical procedures performed, there were 17 (24%) perioperative and postoperative bleeding episodes, 14 of which were in pretransplant patients and 11 received blood transfusion before dental surgery. Individuals with a previous history of bleeding (PR = 2.67, CI = 1.07-6.67, P  = 0.035) and those with a platelet count before surgery 50 × 10 9 /l or less (PR = 7.48, CI = 1.70-32.86, P  = 0.008) had a higher prevalence of perioperative and postoperative bleeding episodes than their peers without a previous history of bleeding, and those with platelet count greater than 50 × 10 9 /l. The approach to individuals with CLD is complex and represents a challenge to the clinician. A careful anamnesis combined with laboratory screening of coagulation disorders appears to be useful to identify individuals at a major risk of bleeding. Studies identifying the predisposing factors of bleeding in CLD patients support well tolerated protocols for oral surgery in this group.

A comparative phylogenomic analysis of birds reveals heterogeneous differentiation processes among Neotropical savannas.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate biogeographical hypotheses of diversification and connection between isolated savannas north (Amazonian savannas) and south (Cerrado core) of the Amazon River. To achieve this, we used genomic markers (genotyping-by-sequencing) to evaluate the genetic structure, population phylogenetic relationships and historical range shifts of four Neotropical passerines with peri-Atlantic distributions: the narrow-billed woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes angustirostris), the plain-crested elaenia (Elaenia cristata), the grassland sparrow (Ammodramus humeralis) and the white-banded tanager (Neothraupis fasciata). Population genetic analyses indicated that landscape (e.g., geographic distance, landscape resistance and percentage of tree cover) and climate metrics explained divergence among populations in most species, but without indicating a differential role between current and historical factors. Our results did not fully support the hypothesis that isolated populations in Amazonian savannas have been recently derived from the Cerrado core domain. Intraspecific phylogenies and gene flow analyses supported multiple routes of connection between the Cerrado and Amazonian savannas, rejecting the hypothesis that the Atlantic corridor explains the peri-Atlantic distribution. Our results reveal that the biogeographical history of the region is complex and cannot be explained by simple vicariant models.

Molecular detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species in triatomines found in urban households and Peridomiciles in a city with high prevalence of tuberculosis in Northeastern Brazil.

Background: Triatomine insects, native to northeastern Brazil, have been found in the urban peridomicile. The city of Sobral has a high number of tuberculosis cases and several triatomine species. This study investigates the presence of mycobacteria, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) species, in triatomines captured in the urban perimeter of Sobral. Methods: We analyzed 167 triatomines captured in urban households and peridomiciles of Sobral. Mycobacteria were identified by the PRA-hsp65 method followed by partial sequencing of the hsp65 and rpoB genes. The sequences confirmed as MTBC were also typed by mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR) and spoligotyping. Results: Triatoma brasiliensis (38.6%), Triatoma pseudomaculata (32.9%), Panstrongylus lutzi (24.3%) were the most frequently identified. In 51.1% (70/167) of them, species of the Mycobacteriaceae family were detected by PRA-hsp65; of these, 31.4% (22/70) were identified as belonging to MTBC species. Nine (12.9%) of the triatomine samples were confirmed by sequencing as belonging to MTBC species. MIRU-VNTR genotyping suggests that the presence of different MTBC sublines in the triatomines should be investigated. Conclusion: This is the first report of MTBC lineages in triatomine insects. These results indicate the migration and adaptation of these insects in an urban setting.

A covid-19 para além da doença: efeitos da pandemia no espaço intensivista neonatal à luz da teoria ambientalista de Nightingale / Covid-19 beyond the disease: effects of the pandemic on the neonatal intensive care in the light of Nightingale's environmental theory

Resumo As rigorosas medidas de segurança adotadas pelos hospitais, em decorrência da pandemia, estenderam-se também às Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatais (UTIN). Este artigo desvela, por meio de observação sistemática, as mudanças organizacionais e estruturais ancoradas na Teoria Ambientalista de Nightingale que ocorreram na UTIN de um hospital público do interior da Bahia. Observou-se a interconexão entre os Ambientes Físico, Psicológico e Social, porém, com comprometimento na comunicação e relação entre família, neonato e equipe, apresentando um viés sensível das consequências restritivas da covid-19. Salienta-se o paradoxo entre zelar pela segurança e o impedimento das práticas informativas e facilitadoras de vínculos que envolvem o trinômio mencionado. Contudo, novas estratégias emergem desse contexto, levando os profissionais a se reinventarem e ousarem na comunicação, por meio de recursos remotos antes não utilizados, destacando as tecnologias digitais.

Abstract The strict safety measures adopted in hospital environments due to the pandemic have also been extended to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). By means of a systematic observation and based on Nightingale's Environmental Theory, this article sought to unveil the organizational and structural changes in the NICU of a public hospital in the countryside of Bahia. Results indicate an interconnection between physical, psychological, and social environments, which were committed to the communication and relationship between family, newborn, and team, thus presenting a sensitive bias of the restrictive consequences of covid-19. These findings highlight the paradox between ensuring security and preventing informational and bond-facilitator practices that involve the aforementioned triad. From this context emerge new communication strategies leading professionals to reinvent themselves, and to dare in communication by remote resources not used before, emphasizing the use of digital technologies.

Increased diversity, fungal burden, and virulence of oral Candida spp. in patients undergoing anti-tuberculosis treatment.

Some studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of Candida species in patients with tuberculosis (TB). This is most likely due to long-term antimicrobial therapy. To date, no longitudinal studies addressed the effects of anti-TB treatment on the fungal burden and virulence of Candida spp. This study investigated the prevalence and virulence of Candida spp. in the oral cavity of 30 TB patients at different stages of treatment through a cohort study. These results were compared with those of 60 systemically healthy individuals in a cross-sectional study. Oral rinse samples from TB patients were collected before 45 and after 120 days of treatment. In the control group, the biological samples were collected only once. Candida spp. were identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assays, and the following virulence factors were studied: phospholipase C and proteinase production, as well as Candida spp. biofilm and hyphae formation. The clinical diagnosis of TB and its treatment time were associated with the greater fungal burden (p < 0.0001), presence of non-albicans Candida (NAC) species (p = 0.0003), and increased virulence factors when compared with the Candida spp. isolated from systemically healthy individuals. The results showed that anti-TB treatment time was responsible for the increased fungal burden and isolation of NAC in TB patients (p = 0.0233). The increased prevalence, quantification, and virulence of Candida spp. isolated from the oral cavity of TB patients highlight the greater risk of oral lesions and cases of systemic dissemination in these patients.