Tabanidae (Diptera) captured on horses in Amazon Forest fragments of the state of Rondônia, Brazil.

Tabanidae is one of the most diverse families of hematophagous dipterans. Tabanids, in general, are mechanical vectors of some pathogens. Given the vector importance and the lack of knowledge of the tabanid fauna in horses in Amazon Forest fragments of the state of Rondônia, this work aimed to determine the season that the different species of horse flies prefer to carryout hematophagy on horses and verify whether the horse fly community remains the same throughout the year. The sampling areas for tabanid captures were in the municipality of Monte Negro, Western Amazon, Brazil. Four new occurrences were recorded for the state of Rondônia: Stenotabanus albilinearis, Tabanus fuscofasciatus, T. macquarti and T. restrepoensis, which increases the number of species for the state to 109. The horse flies were most frequently collected on the hind leg (43.15%) and front leg (31.11%), followed by the belly (7.41%) and the ear (5.18%). In the other anatomical regions, the collection frequency was 13.15% of the remaining individuals.

Relationship between vitamin D and physical activity: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Vitamin D plays an important role in immune function and inflammation and the physical activity demonstrate relationship near to syntheses of vitamin D, considering to necessary to factors immunologics, environmental and physical. We searched five databases through February 20, 2021. Two reviewers screened the studies, collected data, assessed the risk of bias, and ranked the evidence for each outcome across the studies, independently and in duplicate. The prespecified endpoints of interest were Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Sunlight Exposure; Body Mass Index (BMI). We only included data from peer-reviewed articles in our primary analyses. In our primary analysis, there was a positive trend between serum 25(OH)D <20 ng/ml and body mass index, this result should be interpreted with caution, considering confidence intervals (RR 1.10 95% CI 0.37 to 1.83. We identified 4 high quality evidence that vitamin D levels and high physical activity required a direct relationship considering (four trials with 2,253) ; RR 0. (RR 0.0; 95% CI -0.15 to 0.15) (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.75. Although the evidence available so far, from observational studies of medium quality, can be seen as showing a trend towards an association between sufficient serum levels of 25(OH)D and physical activity, this relationship has been shown. have a stimulating effect on vitamin D synthesis, the relationship of low body mass index with sufficient vitamin D levels is not based on solid evidence. We await results from ongoing studies to determine this effectiveness.

An incremental learning approach to prediction models of SEIRD variables in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several works have proposed predictive models of the SEIRD (Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Recovered, and Dead) variables to characterize the pandemic of COVID-19. One of the challenges of these models is to be able to follow the dynamics of the disease to make more precise predictions. In this paper, we propose an approach based on incremental learning to build predictive models of the SEIRD variables for the COVID-19 pandemic. Our incremental learning approach is a dynamic ensemble method based on a bagging scheme that allows the addition of new models or the updating of incremental models. The article proposes an incremental learning architecture composed of two components. The first component carries out an analysis of the interdependencies of the SEIRD variables and the second component is an incremental learning model that builds/updates the predictive models. The paper analyses the quality of the predictive models of our incremental learning approach using data of the COVID-19 from Colombia, and shows interesting results about the predictions of the SEIRD variables. These results are compared with an incremental learning approach based on random forests.

Genetic parameters and genetic trends of conformation and management traits in Dairy Gir cattle / [Parâmetros genéticos e tendências genéticas de características de conformação e manejo de bovinos Gir Leiteiro]

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and genetic trends of different conformation and management traits regularly measured within the context of the National Dairy Gir Breeding Program (PNMGL). The estimation of genetic and residual variances for each trait was performed using average information restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML) procedure in AIREMLF90 program software. The population was divided into three subpopulations constituted by measured females (with phenotype records), all females, and males. Linear regressions were applied for each trait, considering two periods of birth (1st period: 1938-1996; 2nd period: 1997-2012). The estimated heritability of conformation and management traits varied from 0.01 to 0.53, denoting a perspective of genetic improvement through selection and corrective matings for purebred Dairy Gir populations. The average genetic changes in conformation and management traits were, in general, variable and inexpressive, showing that the selection of Dairy Gir may have had been directed essentially to increase milk yield. The analysis of the two periods of birth indicated that some linear traits present progress (although inexpressive) in the 2nd period (more recent period).(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos e as tendências genéticas para diferentes características de conformação e manejo de animais puros da raça Gir Leiteiro, pertencentes ao Programa Nacional de Melhoramento do Gir Leiteiro (PNMGL). A estimativa das variâncias genéticas e residuais para cada característica foi realizada usando-se o procedimento de máxima verossimilhança restrita (AI-REML), por meio do programa AIREMLF90. A população foi dividida em três subpopulações, constituídas por fêmeas mensuradas (com registros de fenótipo), todas fêmeas e machos. As regressões lineares para cada característica foram ainda divididas em dois períodos de anos de nascimento (1º período: 1938 a 1996; 2º período: 1997 a 2012). As herdabilidades estimadas variaram de 0,01 a 0,53 para as características de conformação e manejo, possibilitando a perspectiva de melhoramento mediante seleção e acasalamentos corretivos na população pura da raça Gir Leiteiro. As mudanças genéticas nas características conformação e manejo foram, em geral, variáveis e inexpressivas, sugerindo que a seleção no Gir Leiteiro possa ter sido direcionada essencialmente para maior produção de leite. Ao serem observados os dois períodos distintos de anos de nascimento, infere-se que algumas características lineares apresentaram progresso (embora inexpressivo) no 2º período analisado.(AU)

CCR3 antagonist impairs estradiol-induced eosinophil migration to the uterus in ovariectomized mice

Eosinophils are abundant in the reproductive tract, contributing to the remodeling and successful implantation of the embryo. However, the mechanisms by which eosinophils migrate into the uterus and their relationship to edema are still not entirely clear, since there are a variety of chemotactic factors that can cause migration of these cells. Therefore, to evaluate the role of CCR3 in eosinophil migration, ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice were treated with CCR3 antagonist SB 328437 and 17β-estradiol. The hypothesis that the CCR3 receptor plays an important role in eosinophil migration to the mouse uterus was confirmed, because we observed reduction in eosinophil peroxidase activity in these antagonist-treated uteruses. The antagonist also influenced uterine hypertrophy, inhibiting edema formation. Finally, histological analysis of the orcein-stained uteruses showed that the antagonist reduced eosinophil migration together with edema. These data showed that the CCR3 receptor is an important target for studies that seek to clarify the functions of these cells in uterine physiology.

CCR3 antagonist impairs estradiol-induced eosinophil migration to the uterus in ovariectomized mice.

Eosinophils are abundant in the reproductive tract, contributing to the remodeling and successful implantation of the embryo. However, the mechanisms by which eosinophils migrate into the uterus and their relationship to edema are still not entirely clear, since there are a variety of chemotactic factors that can cause migration of these cells. Therefore, to evaluate the role of CCR3 in eosinophil migration, ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice were treated with CCR3 antagonist SB 328437 and 17ß-estradiol. The hypothesis that the CCR3 receptor plays an important role in eosinophil migration to the mouse uterus was confirmed, because we observed reduction in eosinophil peroxidase activity in these antagonist-treated uteruses. The antagonist also influenced uterine hypertrophy, inhibiting edema formation. Finally, histological analysis of the orcein-stained uteruses showed that the antagonist reduced eosinophil migration together with edema. These data showed that the CCR3 receptor is an important target for studies that seek to clarify the functions of these cells in uterine physiology.

Ag Nanoparticles/α-Ag2WO4 Composite Formed by Electron Beam and Femtosecond Irradiation as Potent Antifungal and Antitumor Agents.

The ability to manipulate the structure and function of promising systems via external stimuli is emerging with the development of reconfigurable and programmable multifunctional materials. Increasing antifungal and antitumor activity requires novel, effective treatments to be diligently sought. In this work, the synthesis, characterization, and in vitro biological screening of pure α-Ag2WO4, irradiated with electrons and with non-focused and focused femtosecond laser beams are reported. We demonstrate, for the first time, that Ag nanoparticles/α-Ag2WO4 composite displays potent antifungal and antitumor activity. This composite had an extreme low inhibition concentration against Candida albicans, cause the modulation of α-Ag2WO4 perform the fungicidal activity more efficient. For tumor activity, it was found that the composite showed a high selectivity against the cancer cells (MB49), thus depleting the populations of cancer cells by necrosis and apoptosis, without the healthy cells (BALB/3T3) being affected.

The ability of three nickel-titanium mechanized systems to negotiate and shape MB2 canals in extracted maxillary first molars: a micro-computed tomographic study.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of three engine-driven NiTi file systems manufactured from different NiTi alloys for the preparation of second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals in extracted maxillary first molars using a micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) scanner. METHODOLOGY: Thirty maxillary molars with two canals in the mesiobuccal root were selected and randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): Reciproc [REC; size 25, .08 taper; VDW, Munich, Germany], ProDesign R [PDR; size 25, .06 taper; Easy, Belo Horizonte, Brazil] and Mtwo [MO; size 25, .06 taper; VDW, Munich, Germany]. Before and after root canal preparation of the MB2 canal, the teeth were scanned using a micro-CT to evaluate canal transportation, centring ability, dentine thickness and volume change. The working time to achieve working length was also evaluated. All parameters were compared statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn test for multiple comparisons, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: There was no significant difference amongst the groups regarding canal transportation and centring ability (P > 0.05). However, the PDR size 25, .06 taper group had significantly lower canal volume and volume of dentine removal compared with a MO size 25, .06 taper and REC size 25, .08 taper (P < 0.05). A root perforation was detected in MO size 25, .06 taper and REC size 25, .08 taper groups, respectively. Regarding the working time, the PDR size 25, .06 taper required a significantly longer time to achieve working length than MO size 25, .06 taper and REC size 25, .08 taper (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All NiTi systems had similar canal transportation, centring ability and increase in apical volume after preparation of MB2 canals. However, the PDR size 25, .06 taper had less volume of dentine removal, absence of root canal perforation and required a longer time to accomplish the root canal preparation.

An appraisal of the taxonomy and nomenclature of trypanosomatids presently classified as Leishmania and Endotrypanum.

We propose a taxonomic revision of the dixenous trypanosomatids currently classified as Endotrypanum and Leishmania, including parasites that do not fall within the subgenera L. (Leishmania) and L. (Viannia) related to human leishmaniasis or L. (Sauroleishmania) formed by leishmanias of lizards: L. colombiensis, L. equatorensis, L. herreri, L. hertigi, L. deanei, L. enriettii and L. martiniquensis. The comparison of these species with newly characterized isolates from sloths, porcupines and phlebotomines from central and South America unveiled new genera and subgenera supported by past (RNA PolII gene) and present (V7V8 SSU rRNA, Hsp70 and gGAPDH) phylogenetic analyses of the organisms. The genus Endotrypanum is restricted to Central and South America, comprising isolates from sloths and transmitted by phlebotomines that sporadically infect humans. This genus is the closest to the new genus Porcisia proposed to accommodate the Neotropical porcupine parasites originally described as L. hertigi and L. deanei. A new subgenus Leishmania (Mundinia) is created for the L. enriettii complex that includes L. martiniquensis. The new genus Zelonia harbours trypanosomatids from Neotropical hemipterans placed at the edge of the Leishmania-Endotrypanum-Porcisia clade. Finally, attention is drawn to the status of L. siamensis and L. australiensis as nomem nudums.

Agonistic activity of tamoxifen, a selective estrogen-receptor modulator (SERM), on arthritic ovariectomized mice

Arthritis is positively associated with the decline of sex hormones, especially estrogen. Tamoxifen (TMX) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, possessing agonist or antagonistic activity in different tissues. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of TMX on the zymosan-induced arthritis model. Female Swiss normal and ovariectomized (OVX) mice were divided into groups and treated for five days with TMX (0.3, 0.9 or 2.7 mg/kg) or 17-β-estradiol (E2, 50 µg/kg). On the fifth day, arthritis was induced and 4 h later, leukocyte migration into joint cavities was evaluated. The neutrophil migration in OVX animals, but not in normal mice, treated with TMX (all tested doses) was significantly decreased compared with mice that received the vehicle (P≤0.05). Similarly, this effect was also demonstrated in the E2-treated group. Therefore, the present study demonstrates that TMX presented agonist effects in inhibiting neutrophil migration and preventing arthritis progression in OVX mice.

Agonistic activity of tamoxifen, a selective estrogen-receptor modulator (SERM), on arthritic ovariectomized mice.

Arthritis is positively associated with the decline of sex hormones, especially estrogen. Tamoxifen (TMX) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, possessing agonist or antagonistic activity in different tissues. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of TMX on the zymosan-induced arthritis model. Female Swiss normal and ovariectomized (OVX) mice were divided into groups and treated for five days with TMX (0.3, 0.9 or 2.7 mg/kg) or 17-ß-estradiol (E2, 50 µg/kg). On the fifth day, arthritis was induced and 4 h later, leukocyte migration into joint cavities was evaluated. The neutrophil migration in OVX animals, but not in normal mice, treated with TMX (all tested doses) was significantly decreased compared with mice that received the vehicle (P≤0.05). Similarly, this effect was also demonstrated in the E2-treated group. Therefore, the present study demonstrates that TMX presented agonist effects in inhibiting neutrophil migration and preventing arthritis progression in OVX mice.

Safe surgery: validation of pre and postoperative checklists.

Objective: to develop, evaluate and validate a surgical safety checklist for patients in the pre and postoperative periods in surgical hospitalization units. Method: methodological research carried out in a large public teaching hospital in the South of Brazil, with application of the principles of the Safe Surgery Saves Lives Programme of the World Health Organization. The checklist was applied to 16 nurses of 8 surgical units and submitted for validation by a group of eight experts using the Delphi method online. Results: the instrument was validated and it was achieved a mean score ≥1, level of agreement ≥75% and Cronbach's alpha >0.90. The final version included 97 safety indicators organized into six categories: identification, preoperative, immediate postoperative, immediate postoperative, other surgical complications, and hospital discharge. Conclusion: the Surgical Safety Checklist in the Pre and Postoperative periods is another strategy to promote patient safety, as it allows the monitoring of predictive signs and symptoms of surgical complications and the early detection of adverse events.

Assessment of the impact of changes in temperature in Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) melanic and albino variants infected with Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907)

Abstract Fluctuations in population density of planorbid hosts of S. mansoni are influenced by climatic factors. The knowledge about interference from changes in water temperature in these populations is an important aspect of the epidemiology of schistosomiasis. In this experiment, it is explored the influence of different temperatures on the development of Schistosoma mansoni in Biomphalaria glabrata melanic and albino variants. The results indicated an intrinsic relationship between temperature and development of the parasite in the intramollusc phase, independent of the pigmentation of the mantle of the molluscs. The higher the temperature, the shorter the period necessary for the development of the parasite was while the higher the mortality of infected mollusks. It is concluded that, in the presence of climate change, the increasement of temperature in cold and flooded regions may encourage the establishment of new foci of transmission of schistosomiasis by changing the geographic extent and extending the epidemiological transmission potential. In warm climates, higher temperatures, however, could compromise the transmission of the disease because of biological stress suffered by parasite and host. Under these conditions, it can result in the death of the parasite or a change in their ability to infect new host species of molluscs in new areas. Mantle pigmentation patterns in molluscs have not shown significant interference in the development of the parasite.

Resumo Flutuações na densidade populacional de planorbídeos hospedeiros do S. mansoni são influenciadas por fatores climáticos. O conhecimento sobre a interferência de alterações na temperatura da água nestas populações é um aspecto importante da epidemiologia da esquistossomose. Neste experimento avaliou-se a influência de diferentes temperaturas no desenvolvimento de Schistosoma mansoni em Biomphalaria glabrata variantes melânica e albina. Os resultados indicaram uma relação intrínseca entre temperatura e desenvolvimento do parasito na fase intramolusco, independente da pigmentação do manto dos moluscos. Quanto mais elevada a temperatura, menor o período necessário para desenvolvimento do parasito e maior mortalidade dos moluscos infectados. Conclui-se que, na presença de alterações climáticas, o aumento da temperatura em regiões frias e alagadas poderá favorecer o estabelecimento de novos focos de transmissão da esquistossomose alterando a extensão geográfica e ampliando o potencial epidemiológico da transmissão. Em regiões de clima quente, o aumento da temperatura, por sua vez, poderá comprometer a transmissão da doença em virtude do estresse biológico sofrido por parasito e hospedeiro. Nestas condições, poderá ocorrer a morte do parasito ou uma alteração na sua habilidade de infectar novas espécies de moluscos hospedeiros em novas áreas. Padrões de pigmentação do manto nos moluscos não demonstraram interferência significativa no desenvolvimento do parasita.

Assessment of the impact of changes in temperature in Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) melanic and albino variants infected with Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907) / Avaliação de impacto de alterações na temperatura em Biomphalaria glabrata variantes melânica e albina infectadas com Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract Fluctuations in population density of planorbid hosts of S. mansoni are influenced by climatic factors. The knowledge about interference from changes in water temperature in these populations is an important aspect of the epidemiology of schistosomiasis. In this experiment, it is explored the influence of different temperatures on the development of Schistosoma mansoni in Biomphalaria glabrata melanic and albino variants. The results indicated an intrinsic relationship between temperature and development of the parasite in the intramollusc phase, independent of the pigmentation of the mantle of the molluscs. The higher the temperature, the shorter the period necessary for the development of the parasite was while the higher the mortality of infected mollusks. It is concluded that, in the presence of climate change, the increasement of temperature in cold and flooded regions may encourage the establishment of new foci of transmission of schistosomiasis by changing the geographic extent and extending the epidemiological transmission potential. In warm climates, higher temperatures, however, could compromise the transmission of the disease because of biological stress suffered by parasite and host. Under these conditions, it can result in the death of the parasite or a change in their ability to infect new host species of molluscs in new areas. Mantle pigmentation patterns in molluscs have not shown significant interference in the development of the parasite.

Resumo Flutuações na densidade populacional de planorbídeos hospedeiros do S. mansoni são influenciadas por fatores climáticos. O conhecimento sobre a interferência de alterações na temperatura da água nestas populações é um aspecto importante da epidemiologia da esquistossomose. Neste experimento avaliou-se a influência de diferentes temperaturas no desenvolvimento de Schistosoma mansoni em Biomphalaria glabrata variantes melânica e albina. Os resultados indicaram uma relação intrínseca entre temperatura e desenvolvimento do parasito na fase intramolusco, independente da pigmentação do manto dos moluscos. Quanto mais elevada a temperatura, menor o período necessário para desenvolvimento do parasito e maior mortalidade dos moluscos infectados. Conclui-se que, na presença de alterações climáticas, o aumento da temperatura em regiões frias e alagadas poderá favorecer o estabelecimento de novos focos de transmissão da esquistossomose alterando a extensão geográfica e ampliando o potencial epidemiológico da transmissão. Em regiões de clima quente, o aumento da temperatura, por sua vez, poderá comprometer a transmissão da doença em virtude do estresse biológico sofrido por parasito e hospedeiro. Nestas condições, poderá ocorrer a morte do parasito ou uma alteração na sua habilidade de infectar novas espécies de moluscos hospedeiros em novas áreas. Padrões de pigmentação do manto nos moluscos não demonstraram interferência significativa no desenvolvimento do parasita.

Host-parasite relationship between Biomphalaria amazonica (Paraense, 1966) and Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907) / Relação parasito-hospedeiro entre Biomphalaria amazonica e Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract Biomphalaria amazonica is a planorbid species considered a potential host of Schistosoma mansoni. It is widely distributed in the Neotropical zone, particularly in the North and Centre-West of Brazil and in the North of Bolivia. The aim of the present study was to determine the host-parasite relationship between B. amazonica and S. mansoni (BH and SJ strains). Specimens of B. amazonica and their snail-conditioned water were examined in terms of their ability to attract miracidia. The infectivity of the mollusks was determined by exposing them to 20 miracidia of both strains. Sporocyst development and amebocyte reactions were studied after each mollusk specimen was exposed to 100 miracidia. Although no cercariae were eliminated, specimens of B. amazonica proved capable of attracting 77% of the miracidia they were exposed to. Viable sporocysts with no amebocyte reaction were found 96 hours after the exposure to miracidia. These results indicate the susceptibility of B. amazonica to the BH and SJ strains of S. mansoni, and therefore demonstrate the importance of this planorbid species as a potential vector of the trematode in the areas where it occurs.

Resumo Biomphalaria amazonica é uma espécie de planorbídeo considerada vetora potencial do Schistosoma mansoni. É amplamente distribuída na zona neotropical, especialmente no Norte e Centro-Oeste do Brasil e Norte da Bolívia. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a relação parasito-hospedeiro entre B. amazonica e S. mansoni (linhagens BH e SJ). Espécimes de B. amazonica e sua água de condicionamento foram examinados em relação à sua capacidade de atração miraxonal. A infectividade dos moluscos foi testada expondo-os a 20 miracídios de ambas as linhagens. A viabilidade dos esporocistos e o desenvolvimento de reações amebocitárias foram estudados após cada molusco ser exposto a 100 miracídios. Apesar de não eliminarem cercárias, B. amazonica provou ser capaz de atrair 77% dos miracídios a que foram expostos. Esporocistos viáveis sem reação amebócitaria foram encontrados 96 horas após a exposição aos miracídios. Esses resultados indicam a suscetibilidade de B. amazonica às linhagens BH e SJ de S. mansoni e, portanto, demonstram a importância desta espécie de planorbídeo como um vetor potencial do trematodeo na área onde ele ocorre.

Satisfação dos usuários com a segurança na assistência de enfermagem / Satisfaction of patients with safety in nursing care

Objetivo: analisar a satisfação dos usuários na perspectiva da qualidade da assistência de enfermagem e da segurança do paciente. Método: estudo transversal, realizado na Clínica Cirúrgica de um hospital de ensino da Região Centro-Oeste, com 80 pacientes internados em pré e/ou pós-operatório. Realizada análise descritiva, calculado o índice de positividade e a média de satisfação. Resultados: predominou o sexo feminino (61,3%), o domínio higiene e conforto apresentou o maior índice de positividade das respostas (97,8%), a maior parte dos pacientes julgou a assistência de forma positiva. Conclusão: os achados tornam evidente a necessidade de os gestores investirem na capacitação das pessoas e na estrutura da organização para o alcance da satisfação dos usuários por meio da qualidade e segurança da assistência em saúde.

Toothpaste with Nanosized Trimetaphosphate Reduces Enamel Demineralization.

This double-blind crossover study assessed the effects of a low-fluoride (low-F) dentifrice containing nanosized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) on enamel demineralization in situ. Nineteen subjects wore palatal appliances containing 4 blocks of bovine enamel and were randomly assigned to brush their teeth with placebo (without F/TMP), 250-ppm F (250F), 250F plus 0.05% nanosized TMP (250F-TMPnano), and 1,100-ppm F (1,100F) dentifrices during 7 d, under cariogenic challenge. Enamel surface hardness and cross-sectional hardness (ΔKHN [Knoop hardness number]), as well as F, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) concentrations, were determined. Also, biofilm that formed on the blocks was analyzed for F, Ca, P, and insoluble extracellular polysaccharide concentrations. Data were submitted to analysis-of-variance models and Student-Newman-Keuls test ( P < 0.05). The 250F-TMPnano dentifrice promoted the lowest ΔKHN among all groups ( P < 0.001), while the percentage of surface hardness loss was similar to 1,100F. Also, similar F, Ca, and P concentrations in enamel were observed for 1,100F and 250F-TMPnano. In the biofilm, the highest F content was observed for 1,100F; Ca content was similar between 1,100F and 250F-TMPnano; and P content was similar among all groups. Similar extracellular polysaccharide values were observed for 250F-TMPnano and 1,100F ( P < 0.001), ionic activity of CaHPO40, CaF+, and HF0 ( P < 0.05) and degree of saturation of hydroxyapatite and CaF2 ( P < 0.05). It was concluded that the protective effect of 250F-TMPnano dentifrice was similar to a conventional dentifrice for most of the variables studied, having a more pronounced effect on the subsurface lesion when compared with the conventional toothpaste (1,100F). Knowledge Transfer Statement: Although toothpastes containing ≥1,000-ppm fluoride are more effective than low-fluoride formulations against dental caries, their early use can lead to side effects. This has prompted intensive research on alternatives to increase the anticaries effect of low-fluoride toothpastes. The present in situ study demonstrated that the addition of sodium trimetaphosphate nanoparticles to toothpastes containing 250-ppm fluoride significantly enhances the protective effect of this formulation against enamel demineralization to levels comparable to a 1,100-ppm fluoride toothpaste in terms of most of the variables studied. Most important, this formulation promoted the lowest loss of subsurface hardness among all groups, suggesting that caries lesions would take longer to develop under clinical conditions when compared with a conventional (1,100-fluoride) toothpaste.

Host-parasite relationship between Biomphalaria amazonica (Paraense, 1966) and Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907).

Biomphalaria amazonica is a planorbid species considered a potential host of Schistosoma mansoni. It is widely distributed in the Neotropical zone, particularly in the North and Centre-West of Brazil and in the North of Bolivia. The aim of the present study was to determine the host-parasite relationship between B. amazonica and S. mansoni (BH and SJ strains). Specimens of B. amazonica and their snail-conditioned water were examined in terms of their ability to attract miracidia. The infectivity of the mollusks was determined by exposing them to 20 miracidia of both strains. Sporocyst development and amebocyte reactions were studied after each mollusk specimen was exposed to 100 miracidia. Although no cercariae were eliminated, specimens of B. amazonica proved capable of attracting 77% of the miracidia they were exposed to. Viable sporocysts with no amebocyte reaction were found 96 hours after the exposure to miracidia. These results indicate the susceptibility of B. amazonica to the BH and SJ strains of S. mansoni, and therefore demonstrate the importance of this planorbid species as a potential vector of the trematode in the areas where it occurs.

Assessment of the impact of changes in temperature in Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) melanic and albino variants infected with Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907).

Fluctuations in population density of planorbid hosts of S. mansoni are influenced by climatic factors. The knowledge about interference from changes in water temperature in these populations is an important aspect of the epidemiology of schistosomiasis. In this experiment, it is explored the influence of different temperatures on the development of Schistosoma mansoni in Biomphalaria glabrata melanic and albino variants. The results indicated an intrinsic relationship between temperature and development of the parasite in the intramollusc phase, independent of the pigmentation of the mantle of the molluscs. The higher the temperature, the shorter the period necessary for the development of the parasite was while the higher the mortality of infected mollusks. It is concluded that, in the presence of climate change, the increasement of temperature in cold and flooded regions may encourage the establishment of new foci of transmission of schistosomiasis by changing the geographic extent and extending the epidemiological transmission potential. In warm climates, higher temperatures, however, could compromise the transmission of the disease because of biological stress suffered by parasite and host. Under these conditions, it can result in the death of the parasite or a change in their ability to infect new host species of molluscs in new areas. Mantle pigmentation patterns in molluscs have not shown significant interference in the development of the parasite.