ABSTRACT Background: Triatominae are vectors of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. This study aims to report an infestation on Triatominae colonies by a beetle, previously identified as a pest. Methods: The management of these colonies should be improved to maximize their usefulness, and factors that may cause harm to them should be avoided as much as possible. Results: This is the first report on a coleopteran infestation on living Triatominae colonies worldwide. Conclusions: The present record provides an important warning to researchers who maintain insectaries in general, especially those who rear triatomines, to carry protective measures against such invasions.

ABSTRACT Background: Triatomines infest atypical public spaces in the Western Amazon. Methods: Frequent visitors to these spaces captured the insects in the state of Acre, Brazil (Rio Branco and Cruzeiro do Sul). Results: Six insects were found in a penitentiary, a church, a school, a university, a hospital, and a health center. Five of the insects were adults (three positive for Trypanosoma cruzi) and one was a nymph. Conclusions: This is the first report of triatomine occurrence in schools or churches. These data are important for implementing surveillance strategies and alerting individuals about possible changes in Chagas disease transmission dynamics.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the postoperative clinical outcomes of the arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff injuries using a suture configuration we have developed based on a modification of the Suture Bridge (Arthrex, Naples, FL, United States). Methods A retrospective study with 28 male (41.2%) and 40 female (58.8%) subjects with a mean age of 60 years. All patients underwent rotator cuff repair with the modified Suture Bridge technique and follow-up for a minimum period of 18 months. The clinical assessment was performed using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score. Results The mean postoperative range of motion was of 134° (range: 110° to 140°) for elevation, 58° (range: 40° to 70°) for lateral rotation, and T10 (range: L4 to T7) for medial rotation. The mean increase was of 15° for elevation, 14° for lateral rotation, and 2 vertebral levels for medial rotation. The outcomes were excellent in 61 (83.6%) cases, good in 8 (10.9%), and regular in 4 cases (5.5%). Conclusion The modified Suture Bridge technique for the arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff injuries led to excellent or good postoperative clinical outcomes in most cases (69; 94.5%).

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados clínicos pós-operatórios do reparo artroscópico de lesões do manguito rotador com uma configuração de sutura desenvolvida por nós a partir de modificação do Suture Bridge (Arthrex, Naples, FL, Estados Unidos). Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de 28 pacientes do gênero masculino (41,2%) e 40 do gênero feminino (58,8%), com média de idade de 60 anos. Todos foram submetidos a reparo do manguito rotador com a técnica Suture Bridge modificada e acompanhados por um período mínimo de 18 meses. Os pacientes foram avaliados clinicamente através da Escala de Ombro da University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Resultados A amplitude de movimento média no pós-operatório foi elevação de 134 ° (variação: 110° a 140°), rotação lateral de 58° (variação: 40° a 70°), e rotação medial de T10 (variação: L4 a T7). O aumento médio de elevação foi de 15°, o de rotação lateral, de 14°, e o de rotação medial, de 2 níveis vertebrais. Os resultados foram considerados excelentes em 61 casos (83,6%) e bons, em 8 (10,9%). Em 4 casos (5,5%), o resultado foi regular. Conclusão Os resultados clínicos pós-operatórios do reparo artroscópico de lesões do manguito rotador, pela técnica Suture Bridge modificada, foram excelentes e bons na maioria dos casos (69; 94,5%).

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo primário do presente trabalho é avaliar os resultados funcionais de uma modificação na transferência do grande dorsal no ombro para o tratamento de lesões póstero-superiores irreparáveis do manguito rotador. O objetivo secundário é avaliar as variáveis que podem influenciar os resultados. Técnica cirúrgica Por meio de uma única abordagem deltopeitoral, o tendão do músculo grande dorsal é desinserido reforçado e alongado com um enxerto tendíneo homólogo, transferido para o úmero e fixado em posição superolateral ao tubérculo maior e anterior ao músculo subescapular. Métodos Avaliação funcional retrospectiva de 16 casos. O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 21 meses (12-47 meses). Os resultados pós-operatórios (no último acompanhamento) foram comparados aos pré-operatórios, bem como a outras variáveis pré, intra e pós-operatórias. Resultados Todos os pacientes ficaram satisfeitos (exceto um). A pontuação média da University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) aumentou de 11,6 (8-16) para 27,3 (17-30) (p< 0,001). A dor, a função e a força do ombro apresentaram melhora estatisticamente significativa (p< 0,001). A força, porém, não voltou ao valor normal. A amplitude de movimento ativa média apresentou as seguintes melhoras: elevação frontal, de 106° (60-140°) para 145° (130-160°) (p< 0,001); rotação externa, de 30° (0-60°) para 54° (40-70°) (p< 0,001); e rotação interna, de L1 (glúteo a T7) para T10 (T12-T3) (p< 0,05). Nenhuma complicação foi observada. A pseudoparesia pré-operatória foi revertida em todos os seis casos em que foi observada. Nenhuma das variáveis analisadas influenciou os desfechos, nem mesmo a pseudoparesia. Conclusões A curto prazo essa técnica é segura e eficaz na recuperação da pseudoparesia e na melhora da dor, da função e da força do ombro.

Abstract Objective The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the functional results of a modification to the latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer around the shoulder for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. The secondary aim is to evaluate variables that might influence the outcomes. Surgical Technique Through a single deltopectoral approach, the LD tendon is detached, reinforced, and elongated with a tendinous allograft, transferred around the humerus, and fixed superolaterally to the greater tuberosity and anteriorly to the subscapularis. Methods Retrospective functional evaluation of 16 cases. The average follow-up was 21 months (12-47). The postoperative results (at last follow-up) were compared with the preoperative ones, as well as to other pre, intra, and postoperative variables. Results All (but one) patients were satisfied. Average University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score increased from 11.6 (8-16) to 27.3 (17-30) (p< 0.001). Improvements of shoulder pain, function, and strength achieved statistical significance (p< 0.001). Nonetheless, normal strength was never restored. Average active range of motion improved as follows: forward elevation, from 106° (60-140°) to 145° (130-160°) (p< 0.001); external rotation from 30° (0° to 60°) to 54° (40-70°) (p< 0.001); and internal rotation from L1 (gluteus to T7) to T10 (T12-T3) (p< 0.05). No complication has occurred. Preoperative pseudoparesis was reverted in all the six cases in which it was present. None of the variables analyzed influenced the outcomes, including pseudoparesis. Conclusions At early follow-up, this technique is safe and effective at recovering from pseudoparesis and at improving shoulder pain, function, and strength.

Abstract This study evaluated the effectiveness of a morphological awareness intervention delivered by preschool teachers in the naturalistic setting of their classrooms. The participants were 162 Portuguese children, attending kindergarten who were allocated as groups to experimental and control conditions. The former group was the object of six-weeks morphological awareness intervention anchored on explicit discussions about the morphological structure of words appearing in selected storybooks. The control group received normal curriculum activities. Results showed strong to high effect sizes on morphological awareness post-test abilities of children in the experimental group related to identifying words of the same “family”, interpreting the meaning of stems and affixes in morphologically structured pseudowords and finding the base word in derived or inflected stimuli, after controlling for age, cognitive ability, vocabulary, pre-test phonological and morphological results. The relevance of developing tools that help preschool children to consciously manipulate morphemes as meaningful building blocks of words, in partnership with preschool teachers, is proposed.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a eficácia de uma intervenção sobre consciência morfológica desenvolvida por educadores de infância no contexto natural das suas salas. Participaram 162 crianças portuguesas que frequentavam jardins-de-infância, alocadas ao grupo experimental e ao grupo de controlo consoante as turmas que frequentavam. O grupo experimental foi objeto de uma intervenção de 6 semanas sobre consciência morfológica, em que foi explicitamente discutida a estrutura morfológica de palavras de livros de histórias selecionados. O grupo de controlo participou nas atividades curriculares usuais. Os resultados do pós-teste mostraram que as crianças do grupo experimental tiveram melhores desempenhos na identificação de palavras da mesma “família”, na interpretação do significado de prefixos e afixos em pseudopalavras estruturadas morfologicamente e na identificação da palavra-base em palavras derivadas ou flexionadas, após controlo da idade, da competência cognitiva, do vocabulário e dos resultados do pré-teste relativos à consciência fonológica e morfológica. Este estudo mostra a relevância de desenvolver, em parceria com educadores de infância, instrumentos que ajudem as crianças em idade pré-escolar a manipular conscientemente morfemas enquanto constituintes das palavras.

ABSTRACT Background: Trypanosoma cruzi presents great variability in morphology, virulence, pathogenicity, avoidance of the host immune system, and antigenic constitution, associated with different clinical manifestations of the disease. Methods: Two strains of T. cruzi were cultivated in liver infusion tryptose to determine growth kinetics, morphometry and molecular characterization using restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction. Results: The biological parameters showed sharp growth by the 7th day. Morphologically, both strains showed short and thin forms and were classified as Group I. Conclusion: Group TcI presents cardiac manifestations and T. sherlocki is adapting to the home environment, requiring attention to future problems.

RESUMO Os objetivos deste estudo foram verificar a influência dos procedimentos adotados para conter a pandemia da Covid-19 nos níveis de atividade física (AF) de crianças e adolescentes e verificar se há diferenças entre os sexos e faixas etárias. Foi realizada uma revisão rápida de literatura, com busca em periódicos disponíveis nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science, utilizando as palavras-chaves: Crianças, Adolescentes, Exercício Físico, Atividade Física e Covid-19. Dos 449 estudos identificados, 17 foram selecionados pelo critério de conter dados referentes a antes e durante o período de restrição social no mesmo estudo. Com exceção de um artigo, a síntese dos resultados indicou diminuição dos níveis de AF e aumento do tempo em atividades de tela durante o período de restrição social, em maior proporção para adolescentes e para o sexo feminino. Os resultados são mais próximos entre países da mesma região do que entre diferentes continentes, devido às diferenças no ambiente sociocultural em que os jovens vivem, incentivados principalmente pelos seus responsáveis. Do ponto de vista da saúde pública, deve existir uma preocupação com a continuidade desse padrão de comportamento após o término da pandemia, o que aumentaria ainda mais o risco de problemas já existentes, como atrasos no desenvolvimento motor, sobrepeso, obesidade, doenças cardiovasculares e diabetes na vida adulta.

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to verify the influence of the procedures adopted to contain the Covid-19 pandemic on the levels of physical activity (PA) of children and adolescents, as well as to check if there are any differences between the sexes and age groups. A quick literature review was carried out by means of a search in journals available in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, using the following keywords: Children, Adolescents, Physical Exercise, Physical Activity, and Covid-19. Of the 449 studies identified, 17 were selected by the criterion of containing data referring to before and during the social restriction period in the same study. With the exception of one article, the synthesis of results indicated a decrease in PA levels and an increase in time spent on screen activities during the social restriction period, in greater proportions for adolescents and for females. Results are similar among countries in the same region than comparing different continents, due to differences in the sociocultural environment in which young people live, mainly encouraged by their guardians. From a public health point of view, there should be a concern about the continuity of this pattern of behavior after the end of the pandemic, which would further increase the risk of already existing problems, such as delays in motor development, overweight, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in adulthood.

ABSTRACT Background: The subfamily Triatominae, which comprises 157 species, carries the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. This short communication reports for the first time the occurrence of Rhodnius montenegrensis in Bolivia. Methods: Active searches were carried out on palm trees of the genus Oenocarpus in Beni district, Bolivia. Results: Fifteen R. montenegrensis specimens were collected from a rural area of the Beni district, Bolivia, and tested positive for T. cruzi. Conclusions: This new report expands the geographic distribution of the species in Latin America. Due to their ability to transmit trypanosomatids, the species deserves the attention of vector control programs.

Abstract The chemical hydroxymethylation of the antimicrobial nitrofurazone leads to the prodrug NFOH, also increases the anti-T. cruzi activities (in vitro and in vivo), as well as showed non-genotoxic (Ames and micronucleus assays). In the present study, we assessed the anti-T. cruzi effect of the NFOH In vivo - in acute Swiss and C57Bl/6 experimental Chagas models. The treatment started at 5 days post-infection during 20 consecutive days (orally, once day, 150mg/kg), and the parasitaemia as well as histopathology analysis were performed. In both experimental murine models, NFOH was able to reduce parasitemia blood avoiding parasitic reactivation, during immunosuppression period (dexamethasone 5mg/kg, 14 days), in 100% of the mice, and decrease tissue parasite nests, demonstrating absence of amastigote forms in all organs (100%) analyzed, data similar to benznidazole (BZN). Therefore, the results shown here pointing to the NFOH as promising compound for further preclinical studies, being a high potential drug to effective and safe chemotherapy to Chagas disease.

Resumo Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar a eficácia de dois programas de intervenção de escrita inventada, um com instrução explícita de correspondências grafo-fonéticas e outro baseado no questionamento e reflexão sobre as correspondências grafo-fonéticas (designadas como instruções implícitas). Noventa crianças em idade pré-escolar, cujas escritas inventadas não mobilizavam letras convencionais para representar os sons, foram distribuídas por três grupos, dois experimentais e um de controlo. Todos os grupos eram equivalentes na idade, inteligência, conhecimento de letras e consciência fonológica. Manipulámos o tipo de instruções (implícitas vs. explícitas) entre os pré e pós-testes nos dois grupos experimentais onde as crianças participaram num programa de intervenção de escrita inventada. As crianças que participaram no programa de intervenção implícita mostraram uma melhoria significativa no número de letras mobilizadas corretamente nas suas produções escritas e na consciência fonémica em comparação com as crianças dos grupos de controlo e com instrução explícita. As crianças do grupo de instrução explícita mostraram melhorias significativas relativamente às crianças do grupo de controlo. Estes resultados sugerem que o questionamento e a reflexão aplicados aos programas de escrita inventada parecem potenciar um conhecimento mais significativo sobre as relações entre o código oral e o escrito.

Abstract This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two invented spelling intervention programs, one with explicit instruction of graph-phonetics matches and another based on questioning and reflection on the graph-phonetic correspondences (implicit instructions). Ninety pre-school children, whose invented spellings use conventional letters unconventionally to represent sounds, were allocated to three groups, two experimental and one control. All groups were equivalent in age, intelligence, letter knowledge, and phonological awareness. We manipulated the type of instructions (implicit vs. explicit) between the pre- and post-tests in two experimental groups where children participated in an intervention programme of invented spelling. Children who participated in the implicit intervention programme showed a significant improvement in the number of correct letters mobilized in their spelling and phonemic awareness compared with children of control and explicit instruction group. Children from explicit instruction group showed significant more improvements than the children from the control group. These results suggest that questioning and reflection applied to invented spelling programmes seems to enhance a more significant knowledge about the relations between the oral and written code.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatoma lenti and Triatoma sherlocki are endemic species of the State of Bahia, located in northeastern Brazil, where they have records of domiciliation in the human environment. In view of the epidemiological aspect and taxonomic importance of these species for the systematics of the Triatoma genus, a study was carried out with nymphs of all five instars. METHODS An extensive review of studies on nymphs from the subfamily Triatominae is presented. Morphology was studied using a scanning electron microscope and morphometric analyses. RESULTS: The morphological study allowed us to characterize and discriminate species by means of scanning electron microscope of the last abdominal segment. In addition, the results show morphometric variability, with the total size of the head that best discriminates the species. CONCLUSIONS: Studies on nymphs are fundamental to the ecosystem; however, the literature on the immature forms of certain groups is scarce, difficult to use, or nonexistent. Therefore, this study includes morphological and morphometric data of the nymphal instars of T. lenti and T. sherlocki, corroborating the specific taxonomy of these species.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study reports the first occurrence of Psammolestes tertius (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. METHODS: In 2020, 95 specimens were collected from the municipality of Porto da Folha, Sergipe, Brazil. RESULTS: This finding expands the geographical distribution of the species from 15 states in Brazil to 16 and increases the biodiversity of triatomines in the state of Sergipe. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of P. tertius in the state of Sergipe demonstrated a wider distribution of this species in northeastern Brazil.

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study confirms the occurrence of Psammolestes tertius Lent & Jurberg, 1965 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: In 2002, a male specimen of P. tertius was collected in the municipality of Porto Rico, Paraná, Brazil. RESULTS: This finding adds to the data on the geographical distribution of P. tertius from 14 to 15 known occurrences in Brazilian states and, therefore, reports the increase in the diversity of triatomines in Paraná. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of P. tertius in the state of Paraná demonstrates that the biodiversity of these insects may have been underestimated.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are hematophagous insects that are important to public health since they are the vectors of American Trypanosomiasis. The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of triatomines in homes in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil. METHODS The specimens were collected by an active search inside homes and also by a passive search by the residents. RESULTS: A total of 55 triatomines were captured comprising of 5 species each of the genera Rhodnius, Eratyrus, and Panstrongylus. No colonies were detected, ruling out the possibility of domiciliation. CONCLUSIONS: Information on regional epidemiological dynamics contributes to the prevention and control of disease.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are insect vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. METHODS: Triatomines were collected from households and by dissecting palm trees in the peri-urban areas of Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre); they were identified using a specific key and via genital analyses. Trypanosomatid infection was determined through microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In total, 116 triatomines of the species Eratyrus mucronatus, Rhodnius pictipes, R. stali, and R. montenegrensis were collected, of which 13.8% were positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS: Four species of triatomines presented an infection rate above 13% in the Boca do Moa community.