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BACKGROUND: The gold-standard method for establishing a microbiological diagnosis of COVID-19 is reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of a set of clinical-radiological criteria for COVID-19 screening in patients with severe acute respiratory failure (SARF) admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as the reference standard. METHODS: Diagnostic accuracy study including a historical cohort of 1009 patients consecutively admitted to ICUs across six hospitals in Curitiba (Brazil) from March to September, 2020. The sample was stratified into groups by the strength of suspicion for COVID-19 (strong versus weak) using parameters based on three clinical and radiological (chest computed tomography) criteria. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by RT-PCR (referent). RESULTS: With respect to RT-PCR, the proposed criteria had 98.5% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 97.5-99.5%) sensitivity, 70% (95% CI 65.8-74.2%) specificity, 85.5% (95% CI 83.4-87.7%) accuracy, PPV of 79.7% (95% CI 76.6-82.7%) and NPV of 97.6% (95% CI 95.9-99.2%). Similar performance was observed when evaluated in the subgroups of patients admitted with mild/moderate respiratory disfunction, and severe respiratory disfunction. CONCLUSION: The proposed set of clinical-radiological criteria were accurate in identifying patients with strong versus weak suspicion for COVID-19 and had high sensitivity and considerable specificity with respect to RT-PCR. These criteria may be useful for screening COVID-19 in patients presenting with SARF.

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Introduction: American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) is a neglected tropical disease that causes severe conditions in immunosuppressed patients such as kidney transplant recipients. In these individuals, the infection can be associated with renal graft dysfunction and loss. Objective: To describe the case of a female kidney transplant recipient assisted at the Hospital das Clínicas of Marília Medical School, who died probably as a result of hemodialysis-related complications after graft loss due to treatment toxicity of her underlying disease. Clinical case: A 22-year-old patient, resident in an endemic region of AVL, immunosuppressed due to renal transplantation, who evolved to graft loss after successive relapses, treatment and drug prophylaxis for AVL. With the interruption of immunosuppressive therapy and return to dialysis, amastigote forms were not observed in a bone marrow aspirate smears. However, after one year, she progressed to death due to a cerebrovascular accident resulting from comorbidities. Conclusions: It is described a rare case of successive relapses of AVL and difficult medical decision due to the therapeutic impasse between the use of immunosuppressive drugs for renal graft maintenance and treatment for the parasitic disease. The parasitological control was observed with the immunosuppression suspension, demonstrating the importance of a competent immune system and the adjuvant of specific drugs for the disease control(AU)

Introducción: La leishmaniasis visceral americana (LVA) es una enfermedad tropical desatendida causante de cuadros graves en pacientes inmunodeprimidos, tales como los trasplantados renales. En estos individuos, la infección puede asociarse a la disfunción y pérdida del injerto renal. Objetivo: Describir el caso de una paciente con transplante renal, atendida en el Hospital Clínico de la Facultad de Medicina de Marília, que murió probablemente como resultado de complicaciones por una hemodiálisis después de la pérdida del injerto por toxicidad del tratamiento de su enfermedad. Caso clínico: Paciente de 22 años, residente en una región endémica para LVA, con inmunosupresión debido a trasplante renal, que evolucionó con pérdida del injerto después de sucesivas recidivas, tratamiento y profilaxis medicamentosa contra LVA. Con la interrupción de la terapia inmunosupresora y el retorno a la terapia dialítica, no se observaron formas amastigotes en la muestra de aspirado de médula ósea. Sin embargo, después de un año, evolucionó a muerte por accidente vascular encefálico resultante de comorbilidades. Conclusiones: Se describe un caso raro de sucesivas recidivas de AVL y la toma de decisiones médicas difíciles debido a la disyuntiva terapéutica entre el uso de medicamentos inmunosupresivos para mantener el injerto renal y el tratamiento antiparasitario. El control parasitológico se logró con la suspensión de la inmunosupresión, lo que demuestra la importancia de un sistema inmunocompetente y la adyuvancia de drogas específicas para el control de la enfermedad(AU)

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The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of manual torque (10 Ncm) versus clinical torque (30 Ncm), which is recommended by the manufacturer, on the total length of morse cone implant abutments. Twenty specimens were prepared and distributed into two groups: group 1 with ten analogs for morse cone type implant, and group 2 with ten morse type implants, size 4.3 × 15 cm. In each group, the distance between the implant platform to the top of the prosthetic abutment (abutment height) was measured and subjected to a torque of 10 Ncm. Then, the 30 Ncm torque was applied to the same abutment, and abutment height was measured. The distance between the top of the abutment and the implant/analog base was measured. In order to verify the clinical reproducibility of the experiment, comparisons between the abutment height of the analog at 10 Ncm and the implant at 30 Ncm were performed, showing a greater discrepancy in torque for the 10 Ncm analog (p < 0.05). In order to verify if the change in the laboratory protocol from 10 to 30 Ncm could minimize the differences in the height of the prosthetic abutments, the abutment height in groups 1 and 2 was compared with 30 Ncm, and no significant difference was observed (p > 0.05). The data indicated that the manual torque and the torque recommended by the manufacturer influence the total length of the prosthetic abutments of morse cone implants.

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AIM: To evaluate the active tactile sensitivity in individuals with complete natural dentition, determining the smallest thickness detected by the participants, and clarifying if there is a difference between the thicknesses analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Active tactile sensitivity was evaluated in 40 research participants. Inclusion criteria included participants with complete natural dentition, without active or history of periodontal disease, absence of temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, and restorations in the evaluated area. Exclusion criteria included age below 18 years. The active tactile perception threshold was evaluated by using carbon sheets of different thicknesses (0, 12, 24, 40, 80, 100, and 200 µm), which were inserted in the participants' premolars, bilaterally. The carbon sheet was inserted so as not to come into contact with the oral soft tissues. Subsequently, the participant occluded and was asked about the perception of the intraocclusal object 20 times in each occlusal contact. The collected data were tabulated considering the amount of positive and negative responses for each carbon thickness. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The results showed that there was linearity in perception, on both sides, besides, the natural dentition was able to perceive difference in thickness from 12 µm. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the 12 µm thickness is noticeable in occlusion and can be differentiated from other thicknesses in natural dentition and that there is no difference between the tactile sensitivity of the right and left sides. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A better understanding of active oral tactile sensitivity will contribute to numerous clinical applications in dentistry, including occlusal adjustment in dental rehabilitation, dental implants prosthesis design, and survival of prosthetic rehabilitation.

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ABSTRACT The objectives of the study were to investigate parents' mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic; to find correlations between parents' mental health and their perceptions of risk, virus exposure, use of preventive measures, COVID-19 knowledge, and social distancing practices; and to analyze correlations between parents' mental health and their perception about children's emotional regulation (ER). Participants were 69 parents of children aged between 5 and 12. The instruments used were ERC, HADS, ABEP, and a questionnaire about COVID-19. Descriptive analyses, the Wilcoxon test, and Spearman's correlation were conducted. The results indicated increased parental anxiety and depression during the pandemic, and a weak negative correlation between parental anxiety and their children's ER. The pandemic acts as a stressor, which impacts the mental health of both parents and children.

RESUMO Os objetivos do estudo foram investigar a saúde mental parental antes e durante a pandemia da COVID-19; verificar as associações entre saúde mental parental e suas percepções de risco, exposição ao vírus, uso de medidas preventivas, conhecimento sobre a COVID-19 e práticas de distanciamento social; e analisar as relações entre saúde mental parental e suas percepções sobre a Regulação Emocional (RE) infantil. Os participantes desta pesquisa foram 69 pais de crianças entre 5 e 12 anos. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: ERC, HADS, ABEP e questionário sobre a COVID-19. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, Teste de Wilcoxon e correlação de Spearman. Foram encontrados aumento dos níveis de ansiedade e depressão parental durante a pandemia, bem como uma correlação negativa fraca entre ansiedade parental e RE infantil. A pandemia, enquanto agente estressor, tende a impactar a saúde mental de pais e crianças.

RESUMEN Los objetivos del estudio fueron investigar la salud mental de los padres antes y durante la COVID-19; comprobar relaciones entre la salud mental de los padres y sus percepciones de riesgo, exposición a virus, uso de medidas preventivas, conocimiento de COVID-19 y prácticas de distanciamiento social y analizar las correlaciones entre la salud mental de los padres y su percepción sobre la Regulación Emocional (RE) de los niños. Los participantes fueron 69 padres de niños de entre 5 y 12 años. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron ERC, HADS, ABEP y un cuestionario sobre COVID-19. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, la prueba de Wilcoxon y la correlación de Spearman. Los resultados indicaron aumento en la ansiedad y depresión de los padres; correlación negativa débil entre la ansiedad de los padres y la ER de sus hijos. La pandemia actúa como un factor de estrés, que tiene un impacto en la salud mental de padres e hijos.

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Abstract Introduction: After implementing measures to control vector transmission by Triatoma infestans in Brazil, the number of new cases of Chagas disease (CD) decreased. Currently, the American continent has an annual incidence of 28 000 cases, but a large number of older adults are still affected by the chronic phase of this disease. Objective: To characterize the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients in the chronic phase of CD treated at a reference center located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted based on the analysis of the medical records of 62 patients in the chronic phase of CD and treated at the Hospital das Clínicas de Marília. Results: No significant differences were found regarding sex, age and time of diagnosis. Cardiac problems were the most reported clinical sign. A significant difference was observed in the case of the indeterminate form of the disease, which was more predominant in males. In addition, functional classification B1 of CD was more common in women, while B2 predominated in men. Conclusion: A late diagnosis of CD may increase the chances of presenting digestive complications. However, the classic manifestations of the disease and its comorbidities can be successfully managed as long as comprehensive (multidisciplinary) medical care is provided, since this would help delay the course of the disease and, consequently, improve the patients' quality of life.

Resumen Introducción. Luego de la implementación de medidas de control de la transmisión vectorial por Triatoma infestans en Brasil, hubo una reducción en el número de nuevos casos de la enfermedad de Chagas (EC). Actualmente, en el continente americano la incidencia anual de EC es de 28 000 casos, pero cabe señalar que aún existe una gran cantidad de adultos mayores que padecen los síntomas y signos de la fase crónica de esta enfermedad. Objetivo. Caracterizar el perfil clínico y epidemiológico de pacientes chagásicos en fase crónica atendidos en un centro de referencia ubicado en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal y descriptivo. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de 62 pacientes chagásicos crónicos atendidos en el Hospital das Clínicas de Marília. Resultados. No hubo diferencias significativas con respecto a sexo, edad y tiempo de diagnóstico. Los problemas cardiacos fueron el signo clínico más reportado. Se observó una diferencia significativa en el caso de la forma indeterminada de la enfermedad, siendo más predominante en los hombres. Por otra parte, el estadio B1 fue más frecuente en las mujeres, mientras que el estadio B2 fue predominante en los hombres. Conclusión. El diagnóstico tardío de la EC puede aumentar la probabilidad de presentar complicaciones digestivas. Sin embargo, las manifestaciones clásicas de esta enfermedad y sus comorbilidades pueden ser controladas siempre que se cuente con atención médica integral (multidisciplinar), ya que de esta forma se retrasa su evolución y, en consecuencia, se mejora la calidad de vida de estos pacientes.

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Studies of bacterial communities can reveal the evolutionary significance of symbiotic interactions between hosts and their associated bacteria, as well as identify environmental factors that may influence host biology. Atta sexdens is an ant species native to Brazil that can act as an agricultural pest due to its intense behavior of cutting plants. Despite being extensively studied, certain aspects of the general biology of this species remain unclear, such as the evolutionary implications of the symbiotic relationships it forms with bacteria. Using high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, we compared for the first time the bacterial community of A. sexdens (whole ant workers) populations according to the habitat (natural versus agricultural) and geographical location. Our results revealed that the bacterial community associated with A. sexdens is mainly influenced by the geographical location, and secondarily by the differences in habitat. Also, the bacterial community associated with citrus differed significantly from the other communities due to the presence of Tsukamurella. In conclusion, our study suggests that environmental shifts may influence the bacterial diversity found in A. sexdens.

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Emotion Regulation is an important resource over children development, especially when facing adversities. The arrival of Convid-19 pandemic has resulted in procedures as quarantine and social distancing, which may cause mental health status challenges for children. The aim of this study was to compare parents' perception on their children's emotional regulation before and during quarantine. The results showed positive correlation between Covid's behavioral and cognitive variables, as risk perception, virus exposure, preventive care, social distancing and Covid-19 knowledge with emotion regulation. Unexpectedly there was an increment on children's emotion regulation during quarantine period perceived by their parents. This data can provide clues regarding the emotion development, the route of how mental health preventive measures should go, prioritizing parents support and psychoeducation.

A Regulação Emocional é um importante recurso no desenvolvimento infantil, especialmente em contextos de adversidades. A chegada da pandemia da Covid-19 trouxe necessidade de medidas como quarentena e distanciamento social, gerando possíveis desafios à saúde mental de crianças. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a percepção de pais sobre a regulação emocional dos filhos antes e durante a quarentena. Os resultados mostraram correlações positivas entre variáveis cognitivas e comportamentais sobre a Covid-19, como percepção de risco, exposição ao vírus, cuidados preventivos, distanciamento social e conhecimento sobre a Covid-19 com a regulação emocional. Inesperadamente, na percepção dos pais, foi identificado um aumento da regulação emocional das crianças durante o período da quarentena. Estes dados podem fornecer informações sobre o desenvolvimento emocional infantil, direcionando as medidas de prevenção a saúde mental para o contexto de suporte parental e psicoeducação.

La regulación emocional es un importante recurso en él desarrollo infantil, especialmente en contextos de adversidades. La llegada del Covid-19 provocó la necesidad de medidas como la cuarentena y el distanciamiento social, generando posibles desafíos a la salud mental de los niños. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la percepción de padres sobre la regulación emocional de sus hijos antes y durante la cuarentena. Los resultados mostraron correlaciones positivas entre variables cognitivas y conductuales del Covid-19, como la percepción del riesgo, exposición al virus, cuidados preventivos, distanciamiento social y conocimiento sobre el COVID-19, con la regulación emocional. Inesperadamente, en la percepción de los padres, fue identificado un aumento de la regulación emocional de los niños durante el periodo de la cuarentena. Estos datos pueden proporcionar informaciones sobre el desarrollo emocional infantil, dirigiendo las medidas de prevención de salud mental al contexto de soporte parental y psicoeducación.

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The presence of symbiotic relationships between organisms is a common phenomenon found across the tree of life. In particular, the association of bacterial symbionts with ants is an active area of study. This close relationship between ants and microbes can significantly impact host biology and is also considered one of the driving forces in ant evolution and diversification. Diet flexibility of ants may explain the evolutionary success of the group, which may be achieved by the presence of endosymbionts that aid in nutrition acquisition from a variety of food sources. With more than 1,140 species, ants from the genus Pheidole have a worldwide distribution and an important role in harvesting seeds; this behavior is believed to be a possible key innovation leading to the diversification of this group. This is the first study to investigate the bacterial community associated with Pheidole using next generation sequencing (NGS) to explore the influences of host phylogeny, geographic location and food preference in shaping the microbial community. In addition, we explore if there are any microbiota signatures related to granivory. We identified Proteobacteria and Firmicutes as the major phyla associated with these ants. The core microbiome in Pheidole (those found in >50% of all samples) was composed of 14 ASVs and the most prevalent are family Burkholderiaceae and the genera Acinetobacter, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Cloacibacterium and Ralstonia. We found that geographical location and food resource may influence the bacterial community of Pheidole ants. These results demonstrate that Pheidole has a relatively stable microbiota across species, which suggests the bacterial community may serve a generalized function in this group.

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Aborda-se neste artigo a situação de crianças e adolescentes que são vítimas de Alienação Parental. A Alienação Parental (AP) consiste em interferência na formação psicológica da criança ou do adolescente, praticada por um dos genitores, parentes ou por quem exerça autoridade, com o objetivo de fazer com que o menor repudie o outro genitor, tendo geralmente motivação egoísta de vingança e desentendimentos que marcam o término dos vínculos conjugais. A legislação brasileira combate essa nociva prática na Lei 12.318/2010, mediante utilização de recursos interdisciplinares que envolvem o direito, a psicologia, ciências sociais e demais ciências úteis à preservação dos menores envolvidos(AU)

The article addresses the situation of children and adolescents who are victims of Parental Alienation. Parental Alienation consists of interference in the psychological formation of the child or adolescent, practiced by one of the parents, relatives or by those who exercise authority, with the purpose of causing the minor to repudiate the other parent, generally having a selfish motivation for revenge and disagreements which mark the end of marital bonds. The Brazilian legislation fights this harmful practice in Law 12.318 / 2010, through the use of interdisciplinary resources that involve law, psychology, social sciences and other sciences useful for the preservation of the minors involved(AU)

Este artículo aborda la situación de los niños y adolescentes que son víctimas de la alienación parental. La Alienación Parental (AP) consiste en una interferencia en la formación psicológica del niño o adolescente, practicada por uno de los padres, familiares o por quienes ejercen la autoridad, con el propósito de hacer que el menor repudie al otro padre, generalmente con una motivación egoísta. Venganza y desacuerdos que marcan el fin de los vínculos matrimoniales. La legislación brasileña combate esta práctica perjudicial en la Ley 12.318 / 2010, mediante el uso de recursos interdisciplinarios que involucran leyes, psicología, ciencias sociales y otras ciencias útiles para la preservación de los menores involucrados(AU)

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The ultimate effect that ocean acidification (OA) and warming will have on the physiology of calcifying algae is still largely uncertain. Responses depend on the complex interactions between seawater chemistry, global/local stressors and species-specific physiologies. There is a significant gap regarding the effect that metabolic interactions between coexisting species may have on local seawater chemistry and the concurrent effect of OA. Here, we manipulated CO2 and temperature to evaluate the physiological responses of two common photoautotrophs from shallow tropical marine coastal ecosystems in Brazil: the calcifying alga Halimeda cuneata, and the seagrass Halodule wrightii. We tested whether or not seagrass presence can influence the calcification rate of a widespread and abundant species of Halimeda under OA and warming. Our results demonstrate that under elevated CO2, the high photosynthetic rates of H. wrightii contribute to raise H. cuneata calcification more than two-fold and thus we suggest that H. cuneata populations coexisting with H. wrightii may have a higher resilience to OA conditions. This conclusion supports the more general hypothesis that, in coastal and shallow reef environments, the metabolic interactions between calcifying and non-calcifying organisms are instrumental in providing refuge against OA effects and increasing the resilience of the more OA-susceptible species.

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Introdution: Immediate implants placement has shown contradictory results inthe posterior region. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the successrate and predictability of the short-term treatment using immediate implants inanterior and posterior regions. Methods: A total of 1000 dental charts wereanalyzed, of which 43 were included in the study: anterior (n=20) and posterior(n=23). The inclusion criteria were: tooth extraction indication, immediate single-tooth implant placement and at least twelve months of follow-up with functionalimplant. The success rates were based on the criteria I. and II. from the healthscale for dental implants proposed at the International Congress of Oral ImplantDentistry: no pain; no mobility, until 4 mm of bone loss, no exudate. P-value <0.05was considered significant. Results: The total success rate of immediate implantswas 97.7% for immediate implants in function for at least 12 months. The use ofbiomaterial (p=0.03) and temporary prosthesis (p<0.0001) were significantly higherin the anterior group. There was no significant difference in implant failure betweengroups (p=0.47). There was no statistical difference between the groups, consideringage, sex, extraction reason, initial torque immediately following implantplacement, treatment time and implant platform type (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Itmay be concluded that the anterior and posterior regions present a high short-term success rate when the immediate implant technique was used.

Introdução: A utilização de implante imediato em regiões posteriores temapresentado resultados contraditórios. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foicomparar o índice de sucesso e previsibilidade à curto prazo de implantes imediatosinstalados em regiões anterior e posterior. Métodos: Um total de 1000 prontuáriosforam analisados, dos quais 43 foram incluídos neste estudo: Anterior (n=20) eposterior (n=23). Os critérios de inclusão foram: Indicação de extração dentária,instalação de implantes imediatos unitários, no mínimo doze meses de segmentocom implante funcional. Os critérios de sucesso foram baseados na escala desaúde dos implantes dentários do Congresso Internacional de Implantologia Oral,eixo I. e II.: ausência de dor, ausência de mobilidade, ausência de exudato e perdaóssea de até 4 mm. Valor de p<0.05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante.Resultados: O índice de sucesso dos implantes imediatos foi de 97,7% paraimplantes em função por pelo menos 12 meses. O uso de biomaterial (p=0,03) eprótese provisória (p<0,0001) foi significantemente maior em região anterior.Não foi encontrado diferença significante quanto a falha dos implantescomparando os dois grupos (p=0,47). Não houve diferença estatisticamentesignificante entre os grupos, considerando a idade, gênero, motivo da extração,torque inicial, tempo de tratamento e tipo de plataforma do implante (p>0,05).Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que as regiões anterior e posterior apresentaramalta taxa de sucesso a curto prazo quanto a técnica de implante imediato.

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INTRODUCTION: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecia presenting with scarring hair loss and variable degrees of perifollicular erythema and scaling. Pustules are infrequent and may mimic folliculitis decalvans (FD) and other forms of neutrophilic alopecia. We present a series of LPP cases with pustules and discuss the importance of differentiating them from primary neutrophilic folliculitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic, clinical, histopathological, and follow-up data of 13 cases of LPP with pustules followed at the Department of Dermatology of the University of São Paulo Medical School were described. RESULTS: Seven females and 6 males were included. Onset of signs and symptoms ranged from 23 to 61 years of age. Previous diagnoses were FD in 3 patients, pityriasis amiantacea in 2 cases, and folliculitis keloidalis nuchae in 1 case. Other 7 cases presented typical clinical features of LPP. DISCUSSION: There is limited data concerning LPP with pustules. Our analysis shows that LPP should be considered a differential diagnosis in patients with refractory folliculitis. Cautious examination of the entire scalp with dermoscopy and/or reevaluation after a course of antibiotics can avoid misdiagnosis. Further studies are required to establish the etiology of pustules in the setting of LPP.

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Absorption spectra are indicative of biological sample chemical composition and can be used as a basis for the construction of descriptive and predictive models for biotechnological screening or assays. In marine algae, chemical composition can vary due to species-specific differences in biochemistry, as well as intra-specific responses to unique environmental variables. Different indices (UVCi, UVB+Ai and PARi) were proposed and calculated to evaluate how photoprotective compounds vary in 18 species of Phaeophyceae. In addition, they were correlated to abiotic factors. Through this technique, seven main peaks were detected in the absorbing spectra of marine brown algal extracts. The highest photoprotective indices values were found in species collected in tropical areas, where higher solar radiation is observed compared to the southern Brazilian coast. Considering additional abiotic factors, water temperature and nitrate concentration were negatively correlated with UV indices. PARi's indices were positively affected by nitrate. All species collected on the Brazilian coast have absorption peaks in the region of phenolic compounds and carotenoids, suggesting that tropical marine brown macroalgae may have developed an effective antioxidant defense system, suggesting adaptation to environments characterized by high solar radiation. UVR/PAR indices congregated essential information to possible future biotechnological screening, facilitating selection of high priority species or sites, fostering actions to enhance alternative sustainable management strategies of coastal environments.

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BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria has an expressive prevalence in general population, especially in adults, and is defined by the presence of intermittent hives for six weeks or longer. Our study aims to characterize the histological patterns of chronic spontaneous urticaria, based on the inflammatory cell infiltrate, and correlate them to laboratory exams. METHODS: It was performed a retrospective analysis of laboratory, histopathology and direct immunofluorescence data of 93 patients with chronic urticaria. For histopathological analysis, cell count was performed in four fields at high magnification (×400) for each specimen. The resulting cell count medians were submitted to statistical analysis and, then, were correlated to laboratorial findings. RESULTS: We found a female predominance (76.34%) of chronic urticaria cases, and an average age of 42.5 years (SD ± 15). Two histological groups were distinctive: 1) chronic urticaria with predominance of neutrophils or eosinophils - N (%) = 39 (42.4%) - and 2) chronic urticaria with predominance of lymphocytes - N (%) = 53 (57.6%). There was not significant correlation between histological groups and laboratorial tests. Moreover, direct immunofluorescence was positive in 21 (33,87%) from 62 patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough scientific evidence to support neutrophilic urticaria as a solid, separate entity.

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Bacterial endosymbionts are common in all insects, and symbiosis has played an integral role in ant evolution. Atta sexdens rubropilosa leaf-cutting ants cultivate their symbiotic fungus using fresh leaves. They need to defend themselves and their brood against diseases, but they also need to defend their obligate fungus gardens, their primary food source, from infection, parasitism, and usurpation by competitors. This study aimed to characterize the microbial communities in whole workers and different tissues of A. sexdens rubropilosa queens using Ion Torrent NGS. Our results showed that the microbial community in the midgut differs in abundance and diversity from the communities in the postpharyngeal gland of the queen and in whole workers. The main microbial orders in whole workers were Lactobacillales, Clostridiales, Enterobacteriales, Actinomycetales, Burkholderiales, and Bacillales. In the tissues of the queens, the main orders were Burkholderiales, Clostridiales, Syntrophobacterales, Lactobacillales, Bacillales, and Actinomycetales (midgut) and Entomoplasmatales, unclassified γ-proteobacteria, and Actinomycetales (postpharyngeal glands). The high abundance of Entomoplasmatales in the postpharyngeal glands (77%) of the queens was an unprecedented finding. We discuss the role of microbial communities in different tissues and castes. Bacteria are likely to play a role in nutrition and immune defense as well as helping antimicrobial defense in this ant species.

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This study focuses on the weaver ant, Camponotus textor, Forel which occurs in some areas of the Brazilian Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, and its symbionts: Blochmannia, an obligate symbiont of Camponotus, and Wolbachia, known for causing reproductive alterations in their hosts. The main goal of this study was to investigate the presence, frequency of occurrence, and diversity of Wolbachia and Blochmannia strains in C. textor colonies. We found high infection rates (100%) and the occurrence of at least two distinct strains of Blochmannia (H_1 or H_7) in the same species. The observed haplotype variation within a single species may result from the high mutation rate of the symbiont. Similarly, the Wolbachia was found in all colonies with different rates of infections and a new strain (supergroup A) was deposited in the MLST database. The diversity found in the present study shows that there is still much to explore to understand about these symbiotic interactions.

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Oral manifestations of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) are rare, have rarely been studied and have given controversial results. There are few data about IgA, IgG, and IgM antibody salivary levels in the literature, and there are few papers about the clinical impact of antibody deficiencies and CVID on the oral health of such patients. The aim of this study was to measure serum and salivary IgA, IgG, and IgM levels in CVID participants and controls, and to associate immunoglobulin levels with caries and periodontal disease. This was a case-control study involving 51 CVID individuals and 50 healthy controls. All participants underwent examination for dental caries and periodontal disease. Blood and whole saliva samples were collected on the same day of the oral examination. Serum IgA, IgM, and IgG levels were measured by turbidimetry and salivary IgA, IgM, and IgG titers were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Incidences of caries and gingivitis were significantly higher in the CVID group than in the control group (p<0.05). Salivary and blood IgA and IgM titers were significantly reduced in the CVID group, but there was no association of salivary immunoglobulin levels with periodontal disease or with caries incidence (p>0.05 for both). Although CVID was associated with increased susceptibility to caries and gingivitis, it was not associated with low salivary levels of IgA and IgM.

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Abstract Oral manifestations of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) are rare, have rarely been studied and have given controversial results. There are few data about IgA, IgG, and IgM antibody salivary levels in the literature, and there are few papers about the clinical impact of antibody deficiencies and CVID on the oral health of such patients. The aim of this study was to measure serum and salivary IgA, IgG, and IgM levels in CVID participants and controls, and to associate immunoglobulin levels with caries and periodontal disease. This was a case-control study involving 51 CVID individuals and 50 healthy controls. All participants underwent examination for dental caries and periodontal disease. Blood and whole saliva samples were collected on the same day of the oral examination. Serum IgA, IgM, and IgG levels were measured by turbidimetry and salivary IgA, IgM, and IgG titers were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Incidences of caries and gingivitis were significantly higher in the CVID group than in the control group (p<0.05). Salivary and blood IgA and IgM titers were significantly reduced in the CVID group, but there was no association of salivary immunoglobulin levels with periodontal disease or with caries incidence (p>0.05 for both). Although CVID was associated with increased susceptibility to caries and gingivitis, it was not associated with low salivary levels of IgA and IgM.

Resumo As manifestações orais em pacientes com imunodeficiência comum variável (ICV) têm sido pouco estudadas e com resultados variados. Há escassos dados na literatura sobre os níveis de IgA, IgG e IgM na saliva, e pouco se sabe sobre o impacto clínico da deficiência destes anticorpos sobre a saúde bucal de pacientes com ICV. O objetivo deste estudo foi medir os níveis séricos e salivares de IgA, IgG e IgM em indivíduos com ICV e controles, e associar os níveis de imunoglobulinas com cárie e doença periodontal. Este foi um estudo de caso-controle, envolvendo 51 indivíduos ICV e 50 controles saudáveis. Todos os participantes foram examinados para cárie e doença periodontal. As amostras de sangue e saliva foram coletadas no mesmo dia do exame intraoral. Os níveis de IgA, IgM e IgG foram medidos por turbidimetria, e os títulos salivares de IgA, IgM e IgG foram avaliados através método imunoenzimático (ELISA). As incidências de cáries e gengivite foram significativamente maiores no grupo ICV do que no grupo controle (p<0,05). Os níveis de IgA e IgM salivares e no sangue foram significativamente reduzidos no grupo ICV, porém não houve associação dos níveis de imunoglobulina salivar com doença periodontal ou com a incidência de cárie (p>0,05 para ambos). Embora ICV foi associado com um aumento da susceptibilidade à cárie e gengivite, não estava associado com baixos níveis salivares de IgA e IgM.

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As both food and source of a kappa-carrageenan, Hypnea musciformis represents a species of great economic interest. It also synthesizes substances with antiviral, anti-helminthic and anti-inflammatory potential and shows promise for use as a bioindicator of cadmium. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of seawater from three urbanized areas (area 1: natural runoff, NRA; area 2: urbanized runoff and sewage with treatment, RTA; area 3: urbanized runoff and untreated sewage, RUS) and three different temperatures (15, 25 and 30 °C) on the growth rate, photosynthetic efficiency, photosynthetic pigments and cell morphology of H. musciformis. After 4 days (96 h) of culture, the biomass of H. musciformis showed differences that fluctuated among the areas and temperature treatments. Specifically, the specimens cultivated in 35 °C had low values of ETRmax, α(ETR), ß(ETR), and Fv/Fm photosynthetic parameters, as well as changes in cell morphology, with reduction in photosynthetic pigments and drastic reduction in growth rates. When combined with the extreme temperatures, high concentrations of ammonium ion in seawater effluent caused an inhibition of photosynthetic activity, as well as significant variation in chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents. As observed by light microscopy, the synergism between different temperatures and pollutants found in eutrophic waters caused changes in cellular morphology with increased cell wall thickening and decreased floridean starch grains. H. musciformis also showed important changes in physiological response to each factor independently, as well as changes resulting from the synergistic interaction of these factors combined. Therefore, we can conclude that extreme temperature combined with the effect of eutrophic waters, especially RUS, caused distinct morphological and physiological changes in the red alga H. musciformis.

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