Abstract The aim of this cross-sectional study was to perform a three-dimensional (3D) assessment of the cranial base of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 52 UCLP patients (21 females and 31 males; mean age, 10.0 ± 2.12 years) were compared with the scans of 72 individuals (24 females and 48 males; mean age, 11.0 ± 2.11 years) without CLP, matched by gender and age (control group, CG). The 3D Euclidean distances of anterior cranial base (N-S), posterior cranial base (S-Ba), total cranial base (N-Ba) lengths, cranial base width (Po-Po), as well as the cranial base flexure (NSBa), were measured using open-source software ITK-SNAP and 3D Slicer. Statistical analyses were carried out with the Student’s t-test at a significance level of 5%. UCLP demonstrated shorter 3D distances than CG in the N-S, S-Ba, and N-Ba cranial base lengths (p < 0.001). In comparison with female CG, female UCLP had a smaller cranial base flexure (NSBa; p = 0.020). No statistically significant differences between UCLP and CG were found for the cranial base width (Po-Po). UCLP patients presented distinct morphological cranial base characteristics in comparison with CG. These results indicate that morphological and positioning changes in the maxillary bones are not solely attributable to the cleft and/or surgical procedures.

ABSTRACT In Honduras, Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi, the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), is responsible for non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL). We characterized NUCL and VL Honduran strains to understand intraspecies infectivity. Based on in-vitro assays, we aimed to elucidate certain host-parasite interactions in VL and NUCL isolates through a hamster model. To assess the capacity of these strains to infect peritoneal macrophages, we exposed them to promastigotes from NUCL and VL patients at varying temperatures and time intervals (32, 34, and 36 °C; 24 and 48 h) and infection-index (II) was determined. No significant differences were observed over time for dermotropic strains; however, a higher II was noted at lower temperatures (32 and 34 °C). Interestingly, only the VL strain exhibited a higher II at elevated temperatures (34 and 36 °C) at 48 h. Low levels of oxygen and nitrogen-derived metabolites were detected in both NUCL and VL strains. For in-vivo assays, hamsters were infected subcutaneously (SC) and intraperitoneally (IP) with 107-promastigotes from NUCL and VL patients. After 90 days of infection, parasite-load and histopathological changes were assessed from spleen samples. Regardless of the administration route, no substantial differences were observed in the histopathological features between NUCL and VL strains. In conclusion, lower temperatures may favor parasite infection for NUCL strains, mirroring conditions found in the skin. This contrasts with the VL strain, which demonstrated a superior II at higher temperatures, a condition normally found in the viscera. Our data also indicate that M. auratus is susceptible to Honduran L. (L.) infantum chagasi strains, circumventing the skin barrier by IP or SC injection.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as ações de vigilância e segurança da vacina contra a mpox (Jynneos) no Brasil, de 2022 a 2023. Realizou-se estudo descritivo dos casos de mpox e dos eventos supostamente atribuíveis à vacinação e/ou imunização para vacina Jynneos, registrados nos sistemas de informação. Foram calculadas frequências absolutas e relativas e coeficientes de notificação de eventos supostamente atribuíveis à vacinação e/ou imunização por mil doses administradas. Foram registrados 9.596 casos de mpox e distribuídas 49 mil doses de vacina; dessas, 14.395 (31%) doses foram administradas e 65 eventos supostamente atribuíveis à vacinação e/ou imunização (4,5 por mil doses administradas) foram notificados. Todos os eventos supostamente atribuíveis à vacinação e/ou imunização foram não graves e 22 (33,8%) casos apresentaram reações relacionadas ao produto. Os resultados estão dentro da frequência esperada. No entanto, o número de doses administradas pode não ter sido suficiente para detectar eventos raros ou inusitados. Portanto, a vigilância contínua é necessária para garantir a efetividade e a segurança da vacinação, especialmente entre os grupos de maior risco.

Resumen: El objetivo fue describir las acciones de vigilancia y seguridad de la vacuna contra mpox (Jynneos) en Brasil, del 2022 al 2023. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de los casos de mpox y de los eventos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación o inmunización para la vacuna Jynneos, registrados en los sistemas de información. Se calcularon frecuencias absolutas y relativas y coeficientes de notificación de eventos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación o inmunización por 1.000 dosis administradas. Se registraron 9.596 casos de mpox y se distribuyeron 49.000 dosis de vacuna, de estas se administraron 14.395 (31%) dosis y se reportaron 65 eventos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación o inmunización (4,5 por 1.000 dosis administradas). Todos los eventos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación o inmunización no fueron graves y 22 (33,8%) casos tuvieron reacciones relacionadas con el producto. Los resultados son acordes a la frecuencia esperada. Sin embargo, puede que el número de dosis administradas no haya sido suficiente para detectar eventos raros o inusuales. Por lo tanto, es necesaria una vigilancia continua para garantizar la eficacia y la seguridad de la vacunación, especialmente entre los grupos con mayor riesgo de contraer la enfermedad.

Abstract: This study describes the surveillance and safety actions of the mpox (Jynneos) vaccine in Brazil, from 2022 to 2023. A descriptive study of mpox cases and events supposedly attributable to vaccination and/or immunization for Jynneos vaccine, recorded in the information systems, was conducted. Absolute and relative frequencies and reporting coefficients of events supposedly attributable to vaccination and/or immunization per 1,000 administered doses were calculated. A total of 9,596 cases of mpox were registered and 49,000 doses of vaccine were distributed, of which 14,395 (31%) were administered and 65 events supposedly attributable to vaccination and/or immunization (4.5 per 1,000 administered doses) were notified. All events supposedly attributable to vaccination and/or immunization were non-serious, and 22 (33.8%) cases had product-related reactions. Results are within the expected frequency; however, the number of administered doses may not have been sufficient to detect rare or unusual events. Continued surveillance is necessary to ensure vaccination effectiveness and safety, especially among groups at higher risk for the disease.

RESUMO Introdução: O diagnóstico precoce da assimetria mandibular (AM) em pacientes com fissura labiopalatina unilateral (FLPU) pode contribuir para seu tratamento. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência e a extensão da AM em pacientes com FLPU em diferentes estágios do crescimento. Métodos: Tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico de 47 pacientes com FLPU foram incluídas e divididas em dois grupos (estágio pré-puberal e estágio puberal). A altura do ramo mandibular (Co-Go), comprimento do corpo mandibular (Go-Me), comprimento mandibular total (Co-Me), ângulo goníaco (CoGoMe), volume dos côndilos mandibulares e desvio lateral do mento foram avaliados. Os lados com fissura (LCF) e sem fissura (LSF) foram comparados por meio do teste t pareado para amostras dependentes. O desvio do mento e sua possível associação com os lados foram avaliados por meio dos testes Mann-Whitney e Exato de Fisher. O nível de significância foi estabelecido em 5%. Resultados: No estágio pré-puberal, o Co-Me foi menor (105,5 ± 5,7 mm; p = 0,036) no LCF, e no estágio puberal, o Co-Go foi menor (46 ± 6 mm; p = 0,004) e o Go-Me foi maior (78,5 ± 5,8 mm; p = 0,026) no LCF. Em ambos os estágios do crescimento, foi observada uma associação significativa (p< 0,05) entre o lado para o qual o mento estava desviado e o LCF. Conclusões: Embora pacientes com FLPU nos estágios pré-puberal e puberal tenham apresentado medidas significativas revelando AM, apenas Co-Go no estágio puberal demonstrou uma diferença clinicamente relevante entre os lados. Esse resultado indica que a AM deve ser monitorada durante o crescimento dos pacientes com FLPU.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The early diagnosis of mandibular asymmetry (MA) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) can contribute to its treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and the extent of MA in UCLP patients at different growth stages. Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of 47 UCLP patients were included, and divided into two groups (prepubertal stage and pubertal stage). The mandibular ramus height (Co-Go), mandibular body length (Go-Me), total mandibular length (Co-Me), gonial angle (CoGoMe), the volume of the mandibular condyles, and lateral chin deviation were evaluated. The cleft side (CS) and noncleft side (NCS) were compared using the paired t-test for dependent samples. Chin deviation and its possible association with specific sides were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney and Fisher’s Exact tests, respectively. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Comparison of CS and NCS revealed that in prepubertal stage, Co-Me was shorter (105.5 ± 5.7 mm; p = 0.036) in the CS, and that in pubertal stage, Co-Go was lower (46 ± 6 mm; p= 0.004) and Go-Me was greater (78.5 ± 5.8 mm; p = 0.026) in the CS. In both growth stages, a significant association (p< 0.05) was observed between the side to which the chin has deviated and the CS. Conclusions: Although patients with UCLP in the prepubertal and pubertal stages presented significant measurements revealing MA, only Co-Go in the pubertal stage showed a clinically relevant difference. This specific result indicates that MA must be monitored during patients’ growth.

Abstract Groupers (Epinephelidae and Serranidae) have attracted special attention to fish farming, and their species offer good opportunities for successful hybridizations. Cytogenetic data allow a better understanding of the role of karyotypic diversification in the acquisition of post-zygotic reproductive isolation (RI). Thus, chromosomal analyses were performed on E. striatus (Caribbean Sea), E. coioides and E. tauvina (Indo-Pacific Region), using standard procedures and mapping of six repetitive DNA classes by the in situ hybridization. The three species have 2n=48 chromosomes. The karyotypes of E. coioides and E. striatus are composed only of acrocentric chromosomes (FN=48), while E. tauvina has 8 submetacentric chromosomes (FN=56). Heterochromatin has a preferential centromeric distribution, and the microsatellite repeats are dispersed throughout the chromosomes of all species. The 18S and 5S rDNA sites are unique but show a colocalization arrangement in E. tauvina and E. striatus. The chromosomal organization suggests that the three species still maintain a significant amount of syntenic regions. The range of the karyotype divergence and the RI levels showed low, but goes turn proportionally greater in relation to the divergence time between the parental species. The slow acquisition of postzygotic RI is consistent with the high karyotype homogeneity presented by Epinephelidae family.

Abstract: This study describes the surveillance and safety actions of the mpox (Jynneos) vaccine in Brazil, from 2022 to 2023. A descriptive study of mpox cases and events supposedly attributable to vaccination and/or immunization for Jynneos vaccine, recorded in the information systems, was conducted. Absolute and relative frequencies and reporting coefficients of events supposedly attributable to vaccination and/or immunization per 1,000 administered doses were calculated. A total of 9,596 cases of mpox were registered and 49,000 doses of vaccine were distributed, of which 14,395 (31%) were administered and 65 events supposedly attributable to vaccination and/or immunization (4.5 per 1,000 administered doses) were notified. All events supposedly attributable to vaccination and/or immunization were non-serious, and 22 (33.8%) cases had product-related reactions. Results are within the expected frequency; however, the number of administered doses may not have been sufficient to detect rare or unusual events. Continued surveillance is necessary to ensure vaccination effectiveness and safety, especially among groups at higher risk for the disease.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as ações de vigilância e segurança da vacina contra a mpox (Jynneos) no Brasil, de 2022 a 2023. Realizou-se estudo descritivo dos casos de mpox e dos eventos supostamente atribuíveis à vacinação e/ou imunização para vacina Jynneos, registrados nos sistemas de informação. Foram calculadas frequências absolutas e relativas e coeficientes de notificação de eventos supostamente atribuíveis à vacinação e/ou imunização por mil doses administradas. Foram registrados 9.596 casos de mpox e distribuídas 49 mil doses de vacina; dessas, 14.395 (31%) doses foram administradas e 65 eventos supostamente atribuíveis à vacinação e/ou imunização (4,5 por mil doses administradas) foram notificados. Todos os eventos supostamente atribuíveis à vacinação e/ou imunização foram não graves e 22 (33,8%) casos apresentaram reações relacionadas ao produto. Os resultados estão dentro da frequência esperada. No entanto, o número de doses administradas pode não ter sido suficiente para detectar eventos raros ou inusitados. Portanto, a vigilância contínua é necessária para garantir a efetividade e a segurança da vacinação, especialmente entre os grupos de maior risco.

Resumen: El objetivo fue describir las acciones de vigilancia y seguridad de la vacuna contra mpox (Jynneos) en Brasil, del 2022 al 2023. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de los casos de mpox y de los eventos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación o inmunización para la vacuna Jynneos, registrados en los sistemas de información. Se calcularon frecuencias absolutas y relativas y coeficientes de notificación de eventos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación o inmunización por 1.000 dosis administradas. Se registraron 9.596 casos de mpox y se distribuyeron 49.000 dosis de vacuna, de estas se administraron 14.395 (31%) dosis y se reportaron 65 eventos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación o inmunización (4,5 por 1.000 dosis administradas). Todos los eventos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación o inmunización no fueron graves y 22 (33,8%) casos tuvieron reacciones relacionadas con el producto. Los resultados son acordes a la frecuencia esperada. Sin embargo, puede que el número de dosis administradas no haya sido suficiente para detectar eventos raros o inusuales. Por lo tanto, es necesaria una vigilancia continua para garantizar la eficacia y la seguridad de la vacunación, especialmente entre los grupos con mayor riesgo de contraer la enfermedad.

BACKGROUND Leishmania tarentolae is a non-pathogenic species found in lizards representing an important model for Leishmania biology. However, several aspects of this Sauroleishmania remain unknown to explain its low level of virulence. OBJECTIVES We reported several aspects of L. tarentolae biology including glycoconjugates, proteolytic activities and metabolome composition in comparison to pathogenic species (Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania major). METHODS Parasites were cultured for extraction and purification of lipophosphoglycan (LPG), immunofluorescence probing with anti-gp63 and resistance against complement. Parasite extracts were also tested for proteases activity and metabolome composition. FINDINGS Leishmania tarentolae does not express LPG on its surface. It expresses gp63 at lower levels compared to pathogenic species and, is highly sensitive to complement-mediated lysis. This species also lacks intracellular/extracellular activities of proteolytic enzymes. It has metabolic differences with pathogenic species, exhibiting a lower abundance of metabolites including ABC transporters, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and steroids, TCA cycle, glycine/serine/threonine metabolism, glyoxylate/dicarboxylate metabolism and pentose-phosphate pathways. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The non-pathogenic phenotype of L. tarentolae is associated with alterations in several biochemical and molecular features. This reinforces the need of comparative studies between pathogenic and non-pathogenic species to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of virulence during host-parasite interactions.

Abstract Chromosomal patterns are valuable tools in evolutionary approaches. Despite the remarkable expansion of fish cytogenetic data, they are still highly deficient concerning deep oceanic species, including the Gempylidae snake mackerels. The snake mackerels are important commercial species composed by meso- and bento-pelagic predators with very limited information available about their lifestyle and genetics patterns. This study presents the first chromosomal data of two circumglobal species of this family, Ruvettus pretiosus and Promethichthys prometheus, from the São Pedro and São Paulo Archipelago. Conventional analyses, chromosomal staining with base-specific fluorochromes, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for mapping of repetitive DNA classes were used. Both species have 2n = 48 chromosomes, but they highly differ regarding the karyotype formula (FN = 50 and FN = 84). The 18S rDNA/Ag-NOR and the 5S rDNA sites have a syntenic bi-telomeric array in R. pretiosus, but an independent distribution in P. prometheus. The transposable elements are dispersed, while the microsatellites are also clustered in the centromeric and terminal regions of some chromosomes. It is noteworthy that despite the 2n conservation, a marked macro and microstructural diversifications, mainly mediated by pericentric inversions, differentiates the karyotypes of the species, pointing to a particular chromosomal trajectory of the gempylids among marine fish.

Resumo Padrões cromossômicos são ferramentas valiosas em abordagens evolutivas. Apesar da notável expansão dos dados citogenéticos dos peixes, eles ainda são altamente deficientes para as espécies de águas oceânicas profundas, incluindo os membros da família Gempylidae. Espécies desta família são comercialmente importantes, compostas por predadores meso e bentopelágicos, cujas informações disponíveis sobre seu estilo de vida e padrões genéticos são muito limitadas. Este estudo apresenta os primeiros dados cromossômicos de duas espécies circumglobais desta família, Ruvettus pretiosus e Promethichthys prometheus, do Arquipélago de São Pedro e São Paulo. Foram utilizadas análises convencionais, coloração cromossômica com fluorocromos base-específicos e hibridização in situ por fluorescência (FISH) para o mapeamento de diferentes classes de DNA repetitivos. Ambas as espécies possuem 2n = 48 cromossomos, mas diferem significativamente quanto à fórmula cariotípica (FN = 50 e FN = 84). Os sítios 18S DNAr/Ag-RON e 5S DNAr têm um arranjo bi-telomérico sintênico em R. pretiosus, mas uma distribuição independente em P. prometheus. Os elementos transponíveis têm dispersão semelhante em ambas as espécies, enquanto os microssatélites estão agrupados nas regiões centroméricas e terminais de alguns cromossomos. Vale ressaltar que apesar da conservação do 2n basal dos Percomorpha, uma acentuada diversificação macro e microestrutural, mediada principalmente por inversões pericêntricas, diferencia os cariótipos das espécies, apontando para uma trajetória cromossômica particular dos gempilídeos entre os peixes marinhos.

Abstract Along with the Brazilian Law of Free Birth (1871), extensively discussed in historiographical literature, other reforms undertaken by the Viscount of Rio Branco, when head of the Council of Ministers (1871-1875), tended to be analyzed separately and thematically, and thus without rendering a clear meaning to his cabinet´s work. Through budgetary and banking-related primary sources, this article proposes that Rio Branco remedied the emancipation measure with financial, productive, and tax reforms in order to appease farmers in dire straits due to the wave of abolitionism. Despite the wide range of projects, also examined here, the capital mobilized by Rio Branco was specifically earmarked for coffee farmers of the Paraíba Valley. The Bank of Brazil, to which the greatest fraction of the Rio de Janeiro coffee capital was migrating, played a major role in the process. Thus, a type of uneven reformism, already glimpsed in the 1850s, was carried out by Rio Branco through a greatly increased public debt: on the whole, it focused on a recoinage of the imperial currency.

Resumo Incluída a Lei do Ventre Livre (1871), fartamente tratada na literatura historiográfica, as demais reformas empreendidas pelo visconde do Rio Branco quando à frente da presidência do Conselho de Ministros (1871-1875) tenderam a ser analisadas separada e tematicamente, sem produzir, portanto, um sentido para o conjunto da obra. Buscando suprir a lacuna mediante fontes primárias sobretudo orçamentárias e bancárias, propõe-se no artigo que o governo de Rio Branco remediou a medida emancipacionista com reformas financeiras, produtivas e tributárias, com vistas a serenar uma lavoura irrequieta com a eventual abolição. Em que pese a ampla paleta de reformas, também aqui examinada, o capital mobilizado por Rio Branco foi especialmente destinado aos cafeicultores do Vale do Paraíba. O processo contou com larga participação do Banco do Brasil, para onde se deslocava o grande capital cafeeiro fluminense. Assim, argumenta-se que o gabinete de Rio Branco reconduziu pela via da dívida pública, agora muito ampliada, um tipo de reformismo desigual já vislumbrado na década de 1850: operou-se, ao todo, uma recunhagem da moeda imperial.

RESUMO O artigo propõe o enquadramento teórico-metodológico da região-mundo no intuito de reler os porquês do conflito de 1864. Argumenta-se que a perspectiva das alianças sistêmicas - o estado historiográfico da arte - assume, talvez insuficientemente, a dimensão temporal que caracteriza a região-mundo. Nesta proposta, o conflito de 1864 não decorreu apenas de um entorno geopolítico conflitivo, mas sobretudo da incorporação do passado na redefinição de interesses nacionais. Para além da unidade espacial ou da inserção na economia-mundo polarizada pela Grã-Bretanha, o Prata foi uma região-mundo demarcada no Oitocentos principalmente por dois estratos de tempo. O primeiro, que se desenrolou até meados do século XIX, distinguiu-se pela formação disputada dos Estados-nacionais e resolveu-se com a hegemonização regional do Brasil. As contradições subsequentes, próprias a um segundo estrato desdobrado até 1870, retrataram as ameaças ao novo status quo, isto é, a unipolaridade brasileira. Assim, o conflito de 1864 - no fundo, apenas um episódio da Guerra de Sessenta Anos - foi mais originário do tempo platino reconfigurado em 1851-1852 do que das alianças de 1863-1864, elas mesmas apenas expressões do segundo estrato de tempo, qualificado por Estados-nacionais já consolidados.

ABSTRACT This article proposes a theoretical-methodological framework using the concept of the world-region to reassess the causes of the 1864 conflict. It argues that the prevailing systemic alliances perspective in historiography might insufficiently account for the temporal dimension characteristic of the world-region. According to this proposal, the 1864 conflict arose from a contentious geopolitical environment and significantly from the inclusion of historical perspectives in redefining national interests. Beyond spatial unity or integration into the world economy dominated by Great Britain, the River Plate basin in the 19th century was defined as a world-region by two main temporal layers. The first, lasting until the mid-century, was marked by the contentious formation of nation-states, which Brazil resolved in regional hegemony. The subsequent contradictions, representing a second temporal layer extending until 1870, highlighted threats to this new status quo, specifically Brazilian unipolarity. Therefore, the 1864 conflict, essentially an episode of the Sixty Years’ War, had deeper roots in the 1851-1852 reconfiguration of the Platine basin rather than the 1863-1864 alliances, which were merely outcomes of this second temporal layer, characterized by already established nation-states.

BACKGROUND Eosinophils are granulocytes that rapidly increase frequency in the bloodstream during helminthic infections and allergic responses. They are found in tissue infected by Leishmania during early disease, but their role during infection is not entirely understood. OBJECTIVES We aim to compare the disease due to Leishmania amazonensis in BALB/c and Δdbl-GATA1 mice, which lack eosinophils. METHODS BALB/c and Δdbl-GATA1 mice infected with L. amazonensis were observed for several weeks. The parasite load and dissemination pattern were assessed. FINDINGS The Δdbl-GATA1 mice developed an anticipated dissemination of L. amazonensis and a worsening disease. No differences were found in the lesion development or the parasite load in the footpad among Δdbl-GATA1 mice and BALB/c eight weeks after infection. However, nine weeks after infection, massive growth of metastatic lesions appeared in several parts of the skin in Δdbl-GATA1 mice, weeks earlier than BALB/c. We observed increased parasites in the bloodstream, probably an essential dissemination route. Thirteen weeks after infection, metastatic lesions were found in all Δdbl-GATA1 mice. MAIN CONCLUSION These results suggest a protective role of eosinophils in delaying the disease caused by L. amazonensis, although several limitations of this mice strain must be considered.

Resumo Gambás sul-americanos (Didelphis spp.) são hospedeiros definitivos de Sarcocystis neurona, Sarcocystis speeri, Sarcocystis lindsayi e Sarcocystis falcatula. No Brasil, diversos estudos têm demonstrado alta frequência de Sarcocystis falcatula-like em esporocistos derivados de gambás, com grande diversidade nos genes que codificam antígenos de superfície (SAGs). Neste estudo, a diversidade genética de Sarcocystis spp., oriundos de Didelphis albiventris e Didelphis aurita, dos municípios de Campo Grande e São Paulo, foi acessada por meio do sequenciamento de SAG2, SAG3 e SAG4, da primeira região espaçadora interna transcrita (ITS-1) e citocromo c oxidase subunidade I (cox1). Identificação molecular foi realizada em 16 amostras de DNA, obtidas de esporocistos ou merozoítos derivados de cultivo. Os fragmentos de ITS-1, cox1 e SAG3 foram clonados, enquanto SAG2 e SAG4 foram sequenciados diretamente dos produtos de PCR. Quatro alelos foram observados em SAG2, 13 em SAG3 e sete em SAG4, sendo novos quatro, 13 e quatro, respectivamente. Em ITS-1, 27 alelos foram observados, todos filogeneticamente relacionados à S. falcatula-like, previamente detectados no Brasil. Sarcocystis sp. filogeneticamente relacionado à Sarcocystis rileyi foi evidenciado por cox1 em três gambás. Mais estudos são necessários para entender o papel de Didelphis spp. como hospedeiro definitivo de Sarcocystis spp. diferentes daqueles previamente descritos. sulamericanos sul americanos spp neurona speeri falcatula Brasil falcatulalike like gambás SAGs. SAGs . (SAGs) estudo aurita Paulo SAG ITS1 ITS 1 (ITS-1 cox1. cox (cox1) DNA cultivo ITS1, 1, ITS-1 clonados PCR quatro respectivamente 2 S falcatulalike, like, sp descritos (SAGs (ITS- (cox1 ITS- (ITS (cox

Abstract South American opossums (Didelphis spp.) are definitive hosts of Sarcocystis neurona, Sarcocystis speeri, Sarcocystis lindsayi and Sarcocystis falcatula. In Brazil, diverse studies have demonstrated a high frequency of Sarcocystis falcatula-like in sporocysts derived from opossums, and high genetic diversity has been observed in surface antigen-encoding genes (SAGs). In this study, genetic diversity of Sarcocystis spp. derived from Didelphis albiventris and Didelphis aurita from the cities of Campo Grande and São Paulo, was accessed by sequencing SAG2, SAG3, SAG4, the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1). Molecular identification was performed for 16 DNA samples obtained from sporocyst or culture-derived merozoites. The ITS-1, cox1, and SAG3 fragments were cloned, whereas SAG2 and SAG4 were sequenced directly from PCR products. Four alleles variants were found for SAG2, 13 for SAG3 and seven for SAG4, from which four, 13 and four, respectively, were novel. Twenty-seven allele variants were found for ITS-1, all phylogenetically related to S. falcatula-like previously described in Brazil. Sarcocystis sp. phylogenetically related to Sarcocystis rileyi was evidenced by cox1 in three opossums. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of Didelphis spp. as definitive hosts of Sarcocystis spp. other than that previous described. spp neurona speeri falcatula Brazil falcatulalike like antigenencoding antigen encoding SAGs. SAGs . (SAGs) study Paulo SAG ITS1 ITS 1 (ITS-1 cox1. cox (cox1) culturederived culture merozoites ITS1, 1, ITS-1 cloned products four respectively novel Twentyseven Twenty S sp (SAGs (ITS- (cox1 ITS- (ITS (cox

Abstract The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional investigation was to perform a 3D analysis of craniofacial morphology of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) at two stages of skeletal maturation. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 52 UCLP patients (34 prepubertal; 18 pubertal) were collected from an outpatient referral center for the treatment of craniofacial deformities. In total 15 multiplanar craniofacial landmarks were identified, 3D virtual surface models were created, and 13 variables were measured to assess the 3D Euclidean distances between landmarks and spatial position of the landmarks in the projected X, Y and Z components. Maxillary and mandibular pitch (clockwise, counterclockwise) rotation relative to the cranial base was also evaluated. The significance level was set at 5%. Maxillary retrusion value relative to the cranial base was higher and statistically significant greater (p = 0.028) in pubertal (SNA, 77.4° ± 6.2; N-ANS Y, 3.3 mm ± 3.1) than in prepubertal patients (SNA 81.0° ± 5.2; N-ANS Y, 5.8 mm ± 2.7). The posterior cranial base length (S-Ba Y) was significantly longer (p = 0.013) in pubertal (20.7 mm ± 3.4) than in prepubertal patients (18.4 mm ± 2.7). The upper facial height (N-ANS Z) was significantly greater (p = 0.01) in pubertal (46.9 mm ± 4.5) than in prepubertal patients (43.4 mm ± 3.0). Prepubertal and pubertal UCLP patients presented distinct patterns of craniofacial morphology, mainly in the sagittal component of the maxilla and in the posterior cranial base length. Pubertal patients had greater maxillary retrusion and posterior cranial base length. crosssectional cross sectional D (UCLP maturation Conebeam Cone beam CBCT (CBCT 5 34 (3 1 deformities identified created X components clockwise, clockwise (clockwise counterclockwise evaluated 5% p 0.028 0028 0 028 SNA, SNA 774 77 4 77.4 6.2 62 6 2 NANS N ANS 33 3 3. 3.1 31 810 81 81.0 5.2 58 8 5. 2.7. 27 2.7 . 7 2.7) SBa S Ba 0.013 0013 013 20.7 207 20 (20. 3.4 18.4 184 (18. 0.01 001 01 46.9 469 46 9 (46. 4.5 45 43.4 434 43 (43. 3.0. 30 3.0 3.0) ( 0.02 002 02 77. 6. 81. 2. 20. (20 18. (18 0.0 00 46. (46 4. 43. (43 (2 (1 0. (4

BACKGROUND Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV1) is commonly found in South American Leishmania parasites belonging to the subgenus Viannia, whereas Leishmania RNA virus 2 (LRV2) was previously thought to be restricted to the Old-World pathogens of the subgenus Leishmania. OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigated the presence of LRV2 in strains of Leishmania (L.) infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), originating from different hosts, clinical forms, and geographical regions. METHODS A total of seventy-one isolates were screened for LRV2 using semi-nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene. FINDINGS We detected LRV2 in two L. infantum isolates (CUR268 and HP-EMO) from canine and human cases, respectively. MAIN CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detection of LRV2 in the New World.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the mechanical properties of mini-implants (MIs) manufactured from stainless steel and compare them with conventional titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy MIs. Material and Methods: The following groups were formed: G1 (n=24), 8×1.5 mm steel MIs; G2 (n=24), 12×2.0 mm steel MIs; and G3 (n=24), 10×1.5 mm titanium MIs. The 72 MIs were inserted in the infra zygomatic crest region of the maxilla and retromolar trigone in the jaw of 10 pigs. Pull-out, insertion torque, fracture and percussion tests were performed in order to measure the tensile strength, primary stability and fracture strength of MIs. A digital torque gauge was used to measure insertion and fracture torque, a universal mechanical testing machine was used for pull-out testing and a periotest device was used to measure the micromovement of MIs. For morphological and MI component evaluation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. D'Agostino & Pearson, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn post-hoc and normality tests were used. Results: G2 insertion and fracture torques were significantly higher than G1 and G3 insertion and fracture torques (p<0.05). The pull-out and percussion tests presented similar values among the groups. SEM revealed that the fracture point was predominantly on the fourth thread for steel MIs (G1 and G2) and on the seventh thread for titanium-aluminum-vanadium MIs (G3). Conclusion: The mechanical properties of stainless steel MIs are superior to those of titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy MIs.