Yellow Fever Virus Maintained by Sabethes Mosquitoes during the Dry Season in Cerrado, a Semiarid Region of Brazil, in 2021.

In recent decades, waves of yellow fever virus (YFV) from the Amazon Rainforest have spread and caused outbreaks in other regions of Brazil, including the Cerrado, a savannah-like biome through which YFV usually moves before arriving at the Atlantic Forest. To identify the vectors involved in the maintenance of the virus in semiarid environments, an entomological survey was conducted after confirmation of yellow fever (YF) epizootics at the peak of the dry season in the Cerrado areas of the state of Minas Gerais. In total, 917 mosquitoes from 13 taxa were collected and tested for the presence of YFV. Interestingly, mosquitoes of the Sabethes genus represented 95% of the diurnal captured specimens, displaying a peak of biting activity never previously recorded, between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Molecular analysis identified three YFV-positive pools, two from Sabethes chloropterus-from which near-complete genomes were generated-and one from Sa. albiprivus, whose low viral load prevented sequencing. Sa. chloropterus was considered the primary vector due to the high number of copies of YFV RNA and the high relative abundance detected. Its bionomic characteristics allow its survival in dry places and dry time periods. For the first time in Brazil, Sa. albiprivus was found to be naturally infected with YFV and may have played a role as a secondary vector. Despite its high relative abundance, fewer copies of viral RNA were found, as well as a lower Minimum Infection Rate (MIR). Genomic and phylogeographic analysis showed that the virus clustered in the sub-lineage YFVPA-MG, which circulated in Pará in 2017 and then spread into other regions of the country. The results reported here contribute to the understanding of the epidemiology and mechanisms of YFV dispersion and maintenance, especially in adverse weather conditions. The intense viral circulation, even outside the seasonal period, increases the importance of surveillance and YFV vaccination to protect human populations in affected areas.

Fast surveillance response reveals the introduction of a new yellow fever virus sub-lineage in 2021, in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, the yellow fever virus (YFV) is maintained in a sylvatic cycle involving wild mosquitoes and non-human primates (NHPs). The virus is endemic to the Amazon region; however, waves of epidemic expansion reaching other Brazilian states sporadically occur, eventually causing spillovers to humans. OBJECTIVES: To report a surveillance effort that led to the first confirmation of YFV in NHPs in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Southeast region, in 2021. METHODS: A surveillance network was created, encompassing the technology of smartphone applications and coordinated actions of several research institutions and health services to monitor and investigate NHP epizootics. FINDINGS: When alerts were spread through the network, samples from NHPs were collected and YFV infection confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and genome sequencing at an interval of only 10 days. Near-complete genomes were generated using the Nanopore MinION sequencer. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that viral genomes were related to the South American genotype I, clustering with a genome detected in the Amazon region (state of Pará) in 2017, named YFVPA/MG sub-lineage. Fast YFV confirmation potentialised vaccination campaigns. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: A new YFV introduction was detected in MG 6 years after the beginning of the major outbreak reported in the state (2015-2018). The YFV strain was not related to the sub-lineages previously reported in MG. No human cases have been reported, suggesting the importance of coordinated surveillance of NHPs using available technologies and supporting laboratories to ensure a quick response and implementation of contingency measures to avoid YFV spillover to humans.

Serological Evidence of Orthopoxvirus Infection in Neotropical Primates in Brazil.

The genus Orthopoxvirus (OPXV) of the family Poxviridae comprises several viruses that are capable of infecting a wide range of hosts. One of the most widespread OPXVs is the Vaccinia virus (VACV), which circulates in zoonotic cycles in South America, especially in Brazil, infecting domestic and wild animals and humans and causing economic losses as well as impacting public health. Despite this, little is known about the presence and/or exposure of neotropical primates to orthopoxviruses in the country. In this study, we report the results of a search for evidence of OPVX infections in neotropical free-living primates in the state of Minas Gerais, southeast Brazil. The sera or liver tissues of 63 neotropical primates were examined through plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT) and real-time PCR. OPXV-specific neutralizing antibodies were detected in two sera (4.5%) from Callithrix penicillata, showing 55% and 85% reduction in plaque counts, evidencing their previous exposure to the virus. Both individuals were collected in urban areas. All real-time PCR assays were negative. This is the first time that evidence of OPXV exposure has been detected in C. penicillata, a species that usually lives at the interface between cities and forests, increasing risks of zoonotic transmissions through spillover/spillback events. In this way, studies on the circulation of OPXV in neotropical free-living primates are necessary, especially now, with the monkeypox virus being detected in new regions of the planet.

Bothrops moojeni snake venom induces an inflammatory response in preadipocytes: Insights into a new aspect of envenomation.

Bothrops envenomation is a public health problem in Brazil. Despite the advances in the knowledge of the pathogenesis of systemic and local effects induced by Bothrops venom, the target tissues to this venom are not completely characterised. As preadipocytes are important cells of the adipose tissue and synthesize inflammatory mediators, we investigated the ability of B. moojeni snake venom (Bmv) to stimulate an inflammatory response in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in vitro, focusing on (1) the release of PGE2, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, KC, leptin and adiponectin; (2) the mechanisms involved in PGE2 release and (3) differentiation of these cells. Cytotoxicity of Bmv was determined by MTT assay. The concentrations of PGE2, cytokines and adipokines were quantified by EIA. Participation of the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, NF-κB and PGE2 receptors (EP1-4) was assessed using a pharmacological approach, and protein expression of the COX enzymes and P-NF-κB was analysed by western blotting. Preadipocyte differentiation was quantified by Oil Red O staining. Bmv (1 µg/mL) induced release of PGE2, IL-6 and KC and increased expression of COX-2 in preadipocytes. Basal levels of TNF-α, MCP-1, leptin and adiponectin were not modified. Treatment of cells with SC560 (COX-1 inhibitor) and NS398 (COX-2 inhibitor) inhibited Bmv-induced PGE2 release. Bmv induced phosphorylation of NF-κB, and treatment of the cells with TPCK and SN50, which inhibit distinct NF-κB domains, significantly reduced Bmv-induced PGE2 release, as did the treatment with an antagonist of PGE2 receptor EP1, unlike treatment with antagonists of EP2, EP3 or EP4. Bmv also induced lipid accumulation in differentiating cells. These results demonstrate that Bmv can activate an inflammatory response in preadipocytes by inducing the release of inflammatory mediators; that PGE2 production is mediated by the COX-1, COX-2 and NF-κB pathways; and that engagement of EP1 potentiates PGE2 synthesis via a positive feedback mechanism. Our findings highlight the role of the adipose tissue as another target for Bmv and suggest that it contributes to Bothrops envenomation by producing inflammatory mediators.

Description of a safe doppler ultrasound-guided technique for hyaluronic acid filler in the face-A method to avoid adverse vascular events.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of facial anatomy is essential for professionals intending to inject hyaluronic acid (HA) into that region, but due to the considerable anatomical variations in region, it does not guarantee the complete safety of the procedure. Similarly, procedures widely disseminated among professionals, such as aspiration and the use of cannulas, do not ensure total safety against vascular occlusion events caused by the filler. OBJECTIVES: This article describes a technique for injecting hyaluronic acid into the face guided by Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) in order to ensure greater safety against vascular occlusion events secondary to the procedure. METHODS: We describe a Doppler ultrasound-guided filling technique, with an 18 MHZ transducer, consisting of three steps: arterial mapping, real-time ultrasound-guided filling, and assessing the perfusion. RESULTS: The described technique was performed in 480 patients and can be adopted in the routine of professionals who inject hyaluronic acid, especially in areas at high risk for vascular events. Its use results in greater safety against vascular occlusion events secondary to the procedure, without the need for prior aspiration. We conclude that there is a local vasodilation right after the filling that makes it difficult the possibility of extrinsic compression exerted by the filler on the vessel. Furthermore, the product moves to deep planes even with the bevel facing up (toward the epidermis). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that in the future the use of Doppler ultrasound-guided filling technique will be mandatory for professionals who intend to perform HA injection, to both ensure patient safety and provide legal protection for the professional.

Bothrops moojeni snake venom induces an inflammatory response in preadipocytes: insights into a new aspect of envenomation

Bothrops envenomation is a public health problem in Brazil. Despite the advances in the knowledge of the pathogenesis of systemic and local effects induced by Bothrops venom, the target tissues to this venom are not completely characterised. As preadipocytes are important cells of the adipose tissue and synthesize inflammatory mediators, we investigated the ability of B. moojeni snake venom (Bmv) to stimulate an inflammatory response in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in vitro, focusing on (1) the release of PGE2, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, KC, leptin and adiponectin; (2) the mechanisms involved in PGE2 release and (3) differentiation of these cells. Cytotoxicity of Bmv was determined by MTT assay. The concentrations of PGE2, cytokines and adipokines were quantified by EIA. Participation of the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, NF-κB and PGE2 receptors (EP1-4) was assessed using a pharmacological approach, and protein expression of the COX enzymes and P-NF-κB was analysed by western blotting. Preadipocyte differentiation was quantified by Oil Red O staining. Bmv (1 μg/mL) induced release of PGE2, IL-6 and KC and increased expression of COX-2 in preadipocytes. Basal levels of TNF-α, MCP-1, leptin and adiponectin were not modified. Treatment of cells with SC560 (COX-1 inhibitor) and NS398 (COX-2 inhibitor) inhibited Bmv-induced PGE2 release. Bmv induced phosphorylation of NF-κB, and treatment of the cells with TPCK and SN50, which inhibit distinct NF-κB domains, significantly reduced Bmv-induced PGE2 release, as did the treatment with an antagonist of PGE2 receptor EP1, unlike treatment with antagonists of EP2, EP3 or EP4. Bmv also induced lipid accumulation in differentiating cells. These results demonstrate that Bmv can activate an inflammatory response in preadipocytes by inducing the release of inflammatory mediators; that PGE2 production is mediated by the COX-1, COX-2 and NF-κB pathways; and that engagement of EP1 potentiates PGE2 synthesis via a positive feedback mechanism. Our findings highlight the role of the adipose tissue as another target for Bmv and suggest that it contributes to Bothrops envenomation by producing inflammatory mediators.

Fast surveillance response reveals the introduction of a new yellow fever virus sub-lineage in 2021, in Minas Gerais, Brazil

BACKGROUND In Brazil, the yellow fever virus (YFV) is maintained in a sylvatic cycle involving wild mosquitoes and non-human primates (NHPs). The virus is endemic to the Amazon region; however, waves of epidemic expansion reaching other Brazilian states sporadically occur, eventually causing spillovers to humans. OBJECTIVES To report a surveillance effort that led to the first confirmation of YFV in NHPs in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Southeast region, in 2021. METHODS A surveillance network was created, encompassing the technology of smartphone applications and coordinated actions of several research institutions and health services to monitor and investigate NHP epizootics. FINDINGS When alerts were spread through the network, samples from NHPs were collected and YFV infection confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and genome sequencing at an interval of only 10 days. Near-complete genomes were generated using the Nanopore MinION sequencer. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that viral genomes were related to the South American genotype I, clustering with a genome detected in the Amazon region (state of Pará) in 2017, named YFVPA/MG sub-lineage. Fast YFV confirmation potentialised vaccination campaigns. MAIN CONCLUSIONS A new YFV introduction was detected in MG 6 years after the beginning of the major outbreak reported in the state (2015-2018). The YFV strain was not related to the sub-lineages previously reported in MG. No human cases have been reported, suggesting the importance of coordinated surveillance of NHPs using available technologies and supporting laboratories to ensure a quick response and implementation of contingency measures to avoid YFV spillover to humans.

No Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Neotropical Primates Sampled During COVID-19 Pandemic in Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

In 2019, a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was detected in China. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was capable to infect domestic and captive mammals like cats, tigers and minks. Due to genetic similarities, concern about the infection of non-human primates (NHPs) and the establishment of a sylvatic cycle has grown in the Americas. In this study, neotropical primates (NP) were sampled in different areas from Brazil to investigate whether they were infected by SARS-CoV-2. A total of 89 samples from 51 NP of four species were examined. No positive samples were detected via RT-qPCR, regardless of the NHP species, tissue or habitat tested. This work provides the first report on the lack of evidence of the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in NP. The expansion of wild animals sampling is necessary to understand their role in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and other potentially zoonotic pathogens in natural environments shared by humans.

Real-Time Genomic Surveillance during the 2021 Re-Emergence of the Yellow Fever Virus in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

The 2021 re-emergence of yellow fever in non-human primates in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southernmost Brazil, resulted in the death of many howler monkeys (genus Alouatta) and led the state to declare a Public Health Emergency of State Importance, despite no human cases reported. In this study, near-complete genomes of yellow fever virus (YFV) recovered from the outbreak were sequenced and examined aiming at a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships and the spatio-temporal dynamics of the virus distribution. Our results suggest that the most likely sequence of events involved the reintroduction of YFV from the state of São Paulo to RS through the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, by the end of 2020. These findings reinforce the role of genomic surveillance in determining the pathways of distribution of the virus and in providing references for the implementation of preventive measures for populations in high risk areas.

Survey on Non-Human Primates and Mosquitoes Does not Provide Evidences of Spillover/Spillback between the Urban and Sylvatic Cycles of Yellow Fever and Zika Viruses Following Severe Outbreaks in Southeast Brazil.

In the last decade, Flaviviruses such as yellow fever (YFV) and Zika (ZIKV) have expanded their transmission areas. These viruses originated in Africa, where they exhibit both sylvatic and interhuman transmission cycles. In Brazil, the risk of YFV urbanization has grown, with the sylvatic transmission approaching the most densely populated metropolis, while concern about ZIKV spillback to a sylvatic cycle has risen. To investigate these health threats, we carried out extensive collections and arbovirus screening of 144 free-living, non-human primates (NHPs) and 5219 mosquitoes before, during, and after ZIKV and YFV outbreaks (2015-2018) in southeast Brazil. ZIKV infection was not detected in any NHP collected at any time. In contrast, current and previous YFV infections were detected in NHPs sampled between 2017 and 2018, but not before the onset of the YFV outbreak. Mosquito pools screened by high-throughput PCR were positive for YFV when captured in the wild and during the YFV outbreak, but were negative for 94 other arboviruses, including ZIKV, regardless of the time of collection. In conclusion, there was no evidence of YFV transmission in coastal southeast Brazil before the current outbreak, nor the spread or establishment of an independent sylvatic cycle of ZIKV or urban Aedes aegypti transmission of YFV in the region. In view of the region's receptivity and vulnerability to arbovirus transmission, surveillance of NHPs and mosquitoes should be strengthened and continuous.

Haematological and biochemical parameters of wild capuchin monkeys in Brasília, Federal District-Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Wild capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) usually are found in conserved forests near the zoo and the urban areas of Brasília city, Brazil. In this study, some capuchin monkeys were captured using traps, followed by safe biological procedures for their overall health analysis, based on specific haematological and biochemical tests of blood samples. METHODS: Blood was collected from a total of 17 monkeys for the determination of parameters, namely packed cell volume (PCV), leucocytes, erythrocytes, platelets and triglycerides. Statistical analyses for average values, median, standard deviation and range were performed. RESULTS: These parameters were set based on the minimum and maximum values obtained from the blood tests. Data are presented in tabulated form. CONCLUSIONS: Capture procedures were based on animal safety analysis for free-living animals and would help future studies on wild animals. The collected samples used in this study suggested the animals to be apparently healthy in their habitat.

Anomalous Pigmentation in Invasive and Native Marmosets, Callithrix jacchus, Callithrix penicillata (Primates, Callitrichidae), and Their Hybrids in Brazil.

Leucism is the lack or reduction in pigmentation in the most or parts of the body, but not in the eyes and body extremities. It is extremely rare in primates and has never been reported for Callithrix, a genus endemic to Brazil. We searched for individuals of Callithrix jacchus and C. penicillata with pigmentation anomalies in a systematic survey of three protected areas in the Atlantic Forest, within museum collections in Brazil, and opportunistically during field studies. Since 2008, we have recorded 8 individuals with leucism in small urban and periurban forest patches. Four were from native populations of C. penicillata in Cerrado savannahs and of C. jacchus in the Caatinga xeric scrubland, and 4 were from populations of hybrids between C. jacchus and C. penicillata in invaded areas in the coastal Atlantic Forest. We found no pigmentation abnormalities in museum specimens. We hypothesize that the observed leucism may be linked to inbreeding within the native range, but to hybridization within the invaded range, and discuss the likely ecological consequences to leucistic individuals.

Estudo dos efeitos do Veneno da serpente Crotalus durissus terrificus quanto à produção de mediadores imunomodulatórios em pré-adipócitos / Study of the effects of the Venom of the snake Crotalus durissus terrificus on the production of immunomodulatory mediators in pre-adipocytes

Ophidic accidents are a major public health problem in tropical regions around the world and are included in the WHO list of neglected diseases. The envenomation caused by the Crotalus durissus terrificus is responsible for the highest mortality in Brazil[...]

Acidentes ofídicos constituem um importante problema de saúde pública em regiões tropicais do mundo e estão incluídas na lista de doenças negligenciadas da OMS. O envenenamento causado pela serpente Crotalus durissus terrificus é responsável pelo maior índice de letalidade do Brasil. O veneno desta serpente exerce efeito neurotóxico, miotóxico e imunomodulatório. Os efeitos imunomodulatórios ainda não foram esclarecidos e as ações deste veneno, em células produtoras de mediadores que regulam o processo inflamatório, foram pouco estudadas. Neste sentido, as células do tecido adiposo constituem uma fonte importante de mediadores inflamatórios e anti-inflamatórios, uma vez que o tecido adiposo é um órgão endócrino, que contribui para processos fisiológicos e fisiopatológicos. Em mamíferos, existem dois tipos de tecido adiposo, o Tecido adiposo branco e o Tecido adiposo marrom. O tecido adiposo branco contribui para a atividade metabólica do organismo e produz uma ampla variedade de mediadores, que participam de doenças metabólicas e de natureza inflamatória. Dentre esses mediadores estão a prostaglandina E2 (PGE2) e a IL-10. A PGE2 é um importante mediador pró-inflamatório e imunomodulatório, que também regula a diferenciação de pré-adipócitos em adipócitos maduros. A interleucina-10 (IL-10) é uma citocina envolvida em efeitos anti-inflamatórios e imunomodulatórios, que incluem a inibição de funções de macrófagos e de células T. Considerando essas informações, o presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do veneno de Crotalus durissus terrificus (VCdt), na produção dos mediadores imunomodulatórios PGE2 e IL-10, em pré-adipócitos. Para tanto, pré-adipócitos da linhagem 3T3-L1 foram cultivados em meio de cultura DMEM, suplementado com soro fetal bovino 10%. Estas células foram incubadas com diferentes concentrações do VCdt (0,5, 1, 5 ou 10 μg / mL) ou DMEM (controle), por diferentes períodos de tempo (1 - 24 h). A viabilidade celular foi avaliada pelo ensaio do MTT. As concentrações de PGE2 e IL-10 foram determinadas nos sobrenadantes das culturas, por ensaio imunoenzimático (EIA). Os resultados mostraram que o VCdt não alterou a viabilidade celular em nenhuma 9 das concentrações e períodos de tempo avaliados; a concentração de 10 μg / mL de VCdt foi então definida para os estudos subsequentes. O VCdt induziu uma liberação significativa de PGE2 nos períodos de 3 a 24 h de incubação, em comparação aos respectivos controles. Além disso, o VCdt induziu uma liberação significativa de IL- 10, após 48 h de incubação, mas não nos demais períodos de tempo estudados, em comparação aos controles. Em conclusão, os dados mostraram a capacidade do VCdt, em concentração não citotóxica, estimular pré-adipócitos em cultura e induzir a liberação dos mediadores PGE2 e IL-10 por estas células. Além disso, este estudo aponta o tecido adiposo como alvo importante do veneno crotálico, para a geração de mediadores imunomodulatórios.

Howler monkeys are the reservoir of malarial parasites causing zoonotic infections in the Atlantic forest of Rio de Janeiro.

BACKGROUND: Although malaria cases have substantially decreased in Southeast Brazil, a significant increase in the number of Plasmodium vivax-like autochthonous human cases has been reported in remote areas of the Atlantic Forest in the past few decades in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) state, including an outbreak during 2015-2016. The singular clinical and epidemiological aspects in several human cases, and collectively with molecular and genetic data, revealed that they were due to the non-human primate (NHP) parasite Plasmodium simium; however, the understanding of the autochthonous malarial epidemiology in Southeast Brazil can only be acquired by assessing the circulation of NHP Plasmodium in the foci and determining its hosts. METHODOLOGY: A large sampling effort was carried out in the Atlantic forest of RJ and its bordering states (Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Espírito Santo) for collecting and examining free-living NHPs. Blood and/or viscera were analyzed for Plasmodium infections via molecular and microscopic techniques. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In total, 146 NHPs of six species, from 30 counties in four states, were tested, of which majority were collected from RJ. Howler monkeys (Alouatta clamitans) were the only species found infected. In RJ, 26% of these monkeys tested positive, of which 17% were found to be infected with P. simium. Importantly, specific single nucleotide polymorphisms-the only available genetic markers that differentiate P. simium from P. vivax-were detected in all P. simium infected A. clamitans despite their geographical origin of malarial foci. Interestingly, 71% of P. simium infected NHPs were from the coastal slope of a mountain chain (Serra do Mar), where majority of the human cases were found. Plasmodium brasilianum/malariae was initially detected in 14% and 25% free-living howler monkeys in RJ and in the Espírito Santo (ES) state, respectively. Moreover, the malarial pigment was detected in the spleen fragments of 50% of a subsample comprising dead howler monkeys in both RJ and ES. All NHPs were negative for Plasmodium falciparum. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our data indicate that howler monkeys act as the main reservoir for the Atlantic forest human malarial parasites in RJ and other sites in Southeast Brazil and reinforce its zoonotic characteristics.

Horizontal histological sections in the preliminary evaluation of basal cell carcinoma submitted to Mohs micrographic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery is a surgical technique for the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Surgery begins by removing the visible tumor before excision of the tissue specimens for evaluation of the tumor margins. OBJECTIVES: To present a new way to evaluate the material obtained from debulking, by horizontal histological analysis of the fragment. METHODS: Descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study based on the medical records and histological lamellae of patients with primary basal cell carcinomas smaller than 1.5cm submitted to Mohs micrographic surgery and who had the visible tumor analyzed by horizontal histological sections. RESULTS: The sample evaluated included 16 patients with lesions located on the face. Comparing the histopathological examinations of incisional biopsy in vertical sections and debulking in horizontal sections, there was agreement in seven cases. The histological analysis performed in horizontal sections allowed identification of the tumor site in 13 cases, and the relation between tumor and margin showed that in 11 cases, the lateral margin was compromised. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The technique was better-applied in lesions smaller than 2cm. CONCLUSION: Horizontal histological analysis of debulking has advantages for Mohs surgery, since it allows visualization of almost all tumor extension in the same view plane of the dermatoscopy, allowing better definition of the histological subtype, tumor site, and tumor/margin of lesions less than 1.5cm.

Horizontal histological sections in the preliminary evaluation of basal cell carcinoma submitted to Mohs micrographic surgery

Abstract Background: Mohs micrographic surgery is a surgical technique for the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Surgery begins by removing the visible tumor before excision of the tissue specimens for evaluation of the tumor margins. Objectives: To present a new way to evaluate the material obtained from debulking, by horizontal histological analysis of the fragment. Methods: Descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study based on the medical records and histological lamellae of patients with primary basal cell carcinomas smaller than 1.5 cm submitted to Mohs micrographic surgery and who had the visible tumor analyzed by horizontal histological sections. Results: The sample evaluated included 16 patients with lesions located on the face. Comparing the histopathological examinations of incisional biopsy in vertical sections and debulking in horizontal sections, there was agreement in seven cases. The histological analysis performed in horizontal sections allowed identification of the tumor site in 13 cases, and the relation between tumor and margin showed that in 11 cases, the lateral margin was compromised.Study limitations: The technique was better-applied in lesions smaller than 2 cm. Conclusion: Horizontal histological analysis of debulking has advantages for Mohs surgery, since it allows visualization of almost all tumor extension in the same view plane of the dermatoscopy, allowing better definition of the histological subtype, tumor site, and tumor/margin of lesions less than 1.5 cm.

Faecal Virome Analysis of Wild Animals from Brazil.

The Brazilian Cerrado fauna shows very wide diversity and can be a potential viral reservoir. Therefore, the animal's susceptibility to some virus can serve as early warning signs of potential human virus diseases. Moreover, the wild animal virome of this biome is unknown. Based on this scenario, high-throughput sequencing contributes a robust tool for the identification of known and unknown virus species in this environment. In the present study, faeces samples from cerrado birds (Psittacara leucophthalmus, Amazona aestiva, and Sicalis flaveola) and mammals (Didelphis albiventris, Sapajus libidinosus, and Galictis cuja) were collected at the Veterinary Hospital, University of Brasília. Viral nucleic acid was extracted, submitted to random amplification, and sequenced by Illumina HiSeq platform. The reads were de novo assembled, and the identities of the contigs were evaluated by Blastn and tblastx searches. Most viral contigs analyzed were closely related to bacteriophages. Novel archaeal viruses of the Smacoviridae family were detected. Moreover, sequences of members of Adenoviridae, Anelloviridae, Circoviridae, Caliciviridae, and Parvoviridae families were identified. Complete and nearly complete genomes of known anelloviruses, circoviruses, and parvoviruses were obtained, as well as putative novel species. We demonstrate that the metagenomics approach applied in this work was effective for identification of known and putative new viruses in faeces samples from Brazilian Cerrado fauna.

Capture of Alouatta guariba clamitans for the surveillance of sylvatic yellow fever and zoonotic malaria: Which is the best strategy in the tropical Atlantic Forest?

Howler monkey capture is an arduous and expensive task requiring trained and specialized professionals. We compared strategies and methods to most efficiently capture Alouatta guariba clamitans in remnants of the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro and its bordering states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo. We tested whether or not the success of expeditions in the forest with anesthetic darts, nets, and baited traps differed with and without the support of an information network, a contact chain built with key institutions and inhabitants to continuously monitor howler monkey presence. The influence of forest conditions (vegetation type and fragment size) upon darting success was also evaluated. We captured 24 free-living A. guariba clamitans. No howler monkey was caught with traps, probably due to the predominantly folivore feeding to high local plant diversity providing a great variety of food options. Captures based on an information network were significantly more efficient in terms of numbers of caught monkeys than without it. Captures with darts were considerably more efficient when performed in semideciduous forests and small forest fragments as opposed to ombrophilous forests or large woods. Although we walked great distances within the forest searching for howler monkeys, all but one animal were captured at the forest fringes. Hindrances to search and the darting method in the Atlantic Forest, for example, the steep terrain, high tree canopies, hunt pressure, and low A. guariba clamitans population density, were mitigated with the use of the information network in this monkey capture. Moreover, the information network enhanced the surveillance of zoonotic diseases, which howler monkeys and other nonhuman primates are reservoirs in Brazil, such as malaria and yellow fever.

Correction to: Frozen blood clots can be used for the diagnosis of distinct Plasmodium species in man and non-human primates from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Following publication of the original article [1], it was flagged that one of the authors (Anielle de Pina Costa) is missing an affiliation in the article.