Performance of intraoperative neurocognitive tests during awake surgery for patients with diffuse low-grade glioma.

Despite great advancements and the diffusion of awake surgery for brain tumors, the literature shows that the tests applied during the procedure are heterogeneous and non-standardized. This prospective, observational, descriptive study collected data on intraoperative brain mapping and the performance of multiple neurocognitive tests in 51 awake surgeries for diffuse low-grade glioma. Frequency of use and rate of intraoperative findings of different neurocognitive tests were analyzed. Patients mean age at the time of surgery was 35.1 (20-57) years. We performed 26 (51.0%) surgeries on the left hemisphere (LH) and 25 (49.0%) on the right hemisphere (RH). Significant differences were observed between the total number of functional findings (cortical and subcortical) identified in the LH and RH (p = 0.004). In subcortical findings alone, the differences remained significant (p = 0.0004). The RH subcortical region showed the lowest number of intraoperative findings, and this was correlated with functional outcome: Karnofsky performance scale at five days (p = 0.022), three months (p = 0.002) and one year (p = 0.002) post-surgery. On average, more tests were used to map the RH, with a lower frequency of both cortical and subcortical functional findings. Even though subcortical findings were less frequent than cortical findings, they were crucial to defining the resection margins. Based on the intraoperative findings, frequency of use, and rate of findings per use of the tests analyzed, the most relevant tests for each hemisphere for awake brain mapping were identified.

The Viromes of Six Ecosystem Service Provider Parasitoid Wasps.

Parasitoid wasps are fundamental insects for the biological control of agricultural pests. Despite the importance of wasps as natural enemies for more sustainable and healthy agriculture, the factors that could impact their species richness, abundance, and fitness, such as viral diseases, remain almost unexplored. Parasitoid wasps have been studied with regard to the endogenization of viral elements and the transmission of endogenous viral proteins that facilitate parasitism. However, circulating viruses are poorly characterized. Here, RNA viromes of six parasitoid wasp species are studied using public libraries of next-generation sequencing through an integrative bioinformatics pipeline. Our analyses led to the identification of 18 viruses classified into 10 families (Iflaviridae, Endornaviridae, Mitoviridae, Partitiviridae, Virgaviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Chuviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Xinmoviridae, and Narnaviridae) and into the Bunyavirales order. Of these, 16 elements were described for the first time. We also found a known virus previously identified on a wasp prey which suggests viral transmission between the insects. Altogether, our results highlight the importance of virus surveillance in wasps as its service disruption can affect ecology, agriculture and pest management, impacting the economy and threatening human food security.

High capacity of Brazilian Aedes aegypti populations to transmit a locally circulating lineage of Chikungunya virus.

The global incidence of chikungunya has surged in recent decades, with South America, particularly Brazil, experiencing devastating outbreaks. The primary vector for transmitting CHIKV in urban areas is the mosquito species Aedes aegypti, which is very abundant in Brazil. However, little is known about the impact of locally circulating CHIKV genotypes and specific combinations of mosquito populations on vector competence. In this study, we analyzed and compared the infectivity and transmissibility of a recently isolated CHIKV-ECSA lineage from Brazil among four Ae. aegypti populations collected from different regions of the country. When exposed to CHIKV-infected mice for blood feeding, all mosquito populations showed high infection rates and dissemination efficiency. Moreover, using a mouse model to assess transmission rates in a manner that better mirrors natural cycles, we observed that these populations exhibit highly efficient transmission rates of CHIKV-ECSA. Our findings underscore the robust capability of Brazilian Ae. aegypti populations to transmit the locally circulating CHIKV-ECSA lineage, potentially explaining its higher prevalence compared to the Asian lineage also introduced in Brazil.

Lab-on-a-Drone: remote voltammetric analysis of lead in water with real-time data transmission.

The present work describes a laboratory-on-a-drone (Lab-on-a-Drone) developed to perform in situ detection of contaminants in environmental water samples. Toward this goal, the system was mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (drone) and remotely controlled via Wi-Fi to acquire a water sample, perform the electrochemical detection step, and then send the voltammetry data to a smartphone. This Lab-on-a-Drone system was also able to recharge its battery using a solar cell, greatly increasing the autonomy of the system, even in the absence of a power line. As a proof of concept, the Lab-on-a-Drone was employed for the detection of Pb2+ in environmental waters, using a simple electrochemical cell containing a miniaturized screen-printed boron-doped diamond electrode (SP-BDDE) as a working electrode, an Ag/AgCl as a reference electrode, and a graphite ink as a counter electrode. For quantification purposes, analytical curves were constructed covering a concentration range from 1.0 µg L-1 (4.83 nmol L-1) to 80.0 µg L-1 (386.10 nmol L-1), featuring a detection limit of 0.062 µg L-1 (0.30 nmol L-1). The Lab-on-a-Drone was applied to monitor a water reservoir in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Brazil. To evaluate its performance regarding accuracy and precision, a reference method based on inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was applied, and the results obtained by both methods showed no statistical differences (t-test at 95% confidence level, n = 3). These results represent the first demonstration of the capabilities of an adapted UAV for the quantification of electroactive environmental contaminant using voltammetry, with real-time data transmission. Thus, the Lab-on-a-Drone makes it possible to reach difficult-to-access environmental reserves and to monitor potentially polluting activity in distant water bodies. Thus, this tool can be used by governments and non-profit organizations to monitor environmental waters using fast, low-cost, process autonomy with accurate and precise data useful to decision making.

Simultaneous voltammetric determination of 7-methyl-guanine and 5-methyl-cytosine using a cathodically pre-treated boron-doped diamond electrode.

Given the importance of identifying the presence of biomarkers of human diseases in DNA samples, the main objective of this work was to investigate, for the first time, the electro-catalytic oxidation of 7-methyl-guanine (7-mGua) and 5-methyl-cytosine (5-mCyt) on a boron doped diamond electrode pre-treated cathodically (red-BDDE), using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The anodic peak potentials of 7-mGua and 5-mCyt by DPV were at E = 1.04 V and E = 1.37 V at pH = 4.5, indicating excellent peak separation of approximately 330 mV between species. Using DPV, experimental conditions such as supporting electrolyte, pH and influence of interferents were also investigated to develop a sensitive and selective method for individual and simultaneous quantification of these biomarkers. The analytical curves for the simultaneous quantification of 7-mGua and 5-mCyt in the acid medium (pH = 4.5) were: concentration range of 0.50-5.00 µmol L-1 (r = 0.999), detection limit of 0.27 µmol L-1 for 7-mGua; from 3.00 to 25.00 µmol L-1 (r = 0.998), with a detection limit of 1.69 µmol L-1 for 5-mCyt. A new DP voltammetric method for the simultaneous detection and quantification of biomarkers 7-mGua and 5-mCyt using a red-BDDE is proposed.

Using a biphasic system and digital imaging analysis with chemometric tools for simultaneous determination of Cu2+ and furfural in cachaça.

The present study reports, for the first time, the development and application of a highly efficient method based on digital imaging analysis for the simultaneous determination of Cu2+ and furfural in cachaça samples using a two-phase system and chemometrics tools. Furfural reacts with aniline in an acidic medium to form a Schiff base, which exhibits a pink color. On the other hand, Cu2+ reacts with cuprizone in a basic medium to form a blue complex. The two reactions were performed on a porcelain plate, and a smartphone was used to capture the colorimetric images. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to construct the prediction models for Cu2+ and furfural contents in cachaça samples. After finding the best PLS models, the ordered predictor selection (OPS) analysis was performed in order to select the most predictive variables. The method developed was found to be effective in estimating the amounts of Cu2+ and furfural in cachaça samples, with a mean absolute error of 0.2 mg L-1 for the Cu2+ model, and 0.3 mg per 100 mL of anhydrous alcohol for the furfural model. The method proposed in this study is simple and straightforward; it does not require complex technical knowledge and can be used by the producers themselves in the cachaça manufacturing process.

Machine Learning Models to Forecast Outcomes of Pituitary Surgery: A Systematic Review in Quality of Reporting and Current Evidence.

BACKGROUND: The complex nature and heterogeneity involving pituitary surgery results have increased interest in machine learning (ML) applications for prediction of outcomes over the last decade. This study aims to systematically review the characteristics of ML models involving pituitary surgery outcome prediction and assess their reporting quality. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge databases for publications on the use of ML to predict pituitary surgery outcomes. We used the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) to assess report quality. Our search strategy was based on the terms "artificial intelligence", "machine learning", and "pituitary". RESULTS: 20 studies were included in this review. The principal models reported in each article were post-surgical endocrine outcomes (n = 10), tumor management (n = 3), and intra- and postoperative complications (n = 7). Overall, the included studies adhered to a median of 65% (IQR = 60-72%) of TRIPOD criteria, ranging from 43% to 83%. The median reported AUC was 0.84 (IQR = 0.80-0.91). The most popular algorithms were support vector machine (n = 5) and random forest (n = 5). Only two studies reported external validation and adherence to any reporting guideline. Calibration methods were not reported in 15 studies. No model achieved the phase of actual clinical applicability. CONCLUSION: Applications of ML in the prediction of pituitary outcomes are still nascent, as evidenced by the lack of any model validated for clinical practice. Although studies have demonstrated promising results, greater transparency in model development and reporting is needed to enable their use in clinical practice. Further adherence to reporting guidelines can help increase AI's real-world utility and improve clinical practice.

The molecular pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas.

Research from the last 20 years has provided important insights into the molecular pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas (CPs). Besides the well-known clinical and histological differences between the subtypes of CPs, adamantinomatous (ACP) and papillary (PCP) craniopharyngiomas, other molecular differences have been identified, further elucidating pathways related to the origin and development of such tumors. The present minireview assesses current knowledge on embryogenesis and the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and signaling pathways involved in the ACP and PCP subtypes, revealing the similarities and differences in their profiles. ACP and PCP subtypes can be identified by the presence of mutations in CTNNB1 and BRAF genes, with prevalence around 60% and 90%, respectively. Therefore, ß-catenin accumulates in the nucleus-cytoplasm of cell clusters in ACPs and, in PCPs, cell immunostaining with specific antibody against the V600E-mutated protein can be seen. Distinct patterns of DNA methylation further differentiate ACPs and PCPs. In addition, research on genetic and epigenetic changes and tumor microenvironment specificities have further clarified the development and progression of the disease. No relevant transcriptional differences in ACPs have emerged between children and adults. In conclusion, ACPs and PCPs present diverse genetic signatures and each subtype is associated with specific signaling pathways. A better understanding of the pathways related to the growth of such tumors is paramount for the development of novel targeted therapeutic agents.

Mosquito vector competence for dengue is modulated by insect-specific viruses.

Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes are the main vectors for dengue virus (DENV) and other arboviruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV). Understanding the factors that affect transmission of arboviruses from mosquitoes to humans is a priority because it could inform public health and targeted interventions. Reasoning that interactions among viruses in the vector insect might affect transmission, we analysed the viromes of 815 urban Aedes mosquitoes collected from 12 countries worldwide. Two mosquito-specific viruses, Phasi Charoen-like virus (PCLV) and Humaita Tubiacanga virus (HTV), were the most abundant in A. aegypti worldwide. Spatiotemporal analyses of virus circulation in an endemic urban area revealed a 200% increase in chances of having DENV in wild A. aegypti mosquitoes when both HTV and PCLV were present. Using a mouse model in the laboratory, we showed that the presence of HTV and PCLV increased the ability of mosquitoes to transmit DENV and ZIKV to a vertebrate host. By transcriptomic analysis, we found that in DENV-infected mosquitoes, HTV and PCLV block the downregulation of histone H4, which we identify as an important proviral host factor in vivo.

Rad5 HIRAN domain: Structural insights into its interaction with ssDNA through molecular modeling approaches.

The Rad5 protein is an SWI/SNF family ubiquitin ligase that contains an N-terminal HIRAN domain and a RING C3HC4 motif. The HIRAN domain is critical for recognition of the stalled replication fork during the replication process and acts as a sensor to initiate the damaged DNA checkpoint. It is a conserved domain widely distributed in eukaryotic organisms and is present in several DNA-binding proteins from all kingdoms. Here we showed that distant species have important differences in key residues that affect affinity for ssDNA. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that different HIRAN domains might affect fork reversal and translesion synthesis through different metabolic processes. To address this question, we predicted the tertiary structure of both yeast and human HIRAN domains using molecular modeling. Structural dynamics experiments showed that the yeast HIRAN domain exhibited higher structural denaturation than its human homolog, although both domains became stable in the presence of ssDNA. Analysis of atomic contacts revealed that a greater number of interactions between the ssDNA nucleotides and the Rad5 domain are electrostatic. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of the HIRAN domain of Rad5 and may guide us to further elucidate differences in the ancient eukaryotes HIRAN sequences and their DNA affinity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The molecular pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas

ABSTRACT Research from the last 20 years has provided important insights into the molecular pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas (CPs). Besides the well-known clinical and histological differences between the subtypes of CPs, adamantinomatous (ACP) and papillary (PCP) craniopharyngiomas, other molecular differences have been identified, further elucidating pathways related to the origin and development of such tumors. The present minireview assesses current knowledge on embryogenesis and the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and signaling pathways involved in the ACP and PCP subtypes, revealing the similarities and differences in their profiles. ACP and PCP subtypes can be identified by the presence of mutations in CTNNB1 and BRAF genes, with prevalence around 60% and 90%, respectively. Therefore, β-catenin accumulates in the nucleus-cytoplasm of cell clusters in ACPs and, in PCPs, cell immunostaining with specific antibody against the V600E-mutated protein can be seen. Distinct patterns of DNA methylation further differentiate ACPs and PCPs. In addition, research on genetic and epigenetic changes and tumor microenvironment specificities have further clarified the development and progression of the disease. No relevant transcriptional differences in ACPs have emerged between children and adults. In conclusion, ACPs and PCPs present diverse genetic signatures and each subtype is associated with specific signaling pathways. A better understanding of the pathways related to the growth of such tumors is paramount for the development of novel targeted therapeutic agents.

Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of the Medial Wall of the Cavernous Sinus and Its Impact on Outcomes of Pituitary Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction. Pituitary adenomas have the potential to infiltrate the dura mater, skull, and the venous sinuses. Tumor extension into the cavernous sinus is often observed in pituitary adenomas and techniques and results of surgery in this region are vastly discussed in the literature. Infiltration of parasellar dura and its impact for pituitary surgery outcomes is significantly less studied but recent studies have suggested a role of endoscopic resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus, in selected cases. In this study, we discuss the techniques and outcomes of recently proposed techniques for selective resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus in endoscopic pituitary surgery. Methods. We performed a systematic review of the literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and protocol and a total of 4 studies with 106 patients that underwent an endoscopic approach for resection of pituitary tumors with resection of medial wall from cavernous sinus were included. Clinical and radiological data were extracted (sex, mean age, Knosp, prior surgery, tumor size and type, complication rate, and remission) and a meta-analysis using the RevMan 5.4 software was performed. Results. A total of 5 studies with 208 patients were included in this analysis. The mean age of the study population was 48.87 years (range 25−82) with a female/male ratio of 1:1.36. Majority of the patients had Knosp Grade 1 (n = 77, 37.02%) and Grade 2 (n = 53, 25.48%). The complication rate was 4.81% (n = 33/106) and the most common complication observed was a new transient CN dysfunction and diplopia. Early disease remission was observed in 94.69% of the patients (n = 196/207). The prevalence rate of CS medial wall invasion varied from 10.4 % up to 36.7%. This invasion rate increased in frequency with higher Knosp Grade. The forest plot of persistent disease vs. remission in this surgery approach showed a p < 0.00001 and heterogeneity (I^2 = 0%). Discussion. Techniques to achieve resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus via the endoscopic endonasal approach include the "anterior to posterior" technique (opening of the anterior wall of the cavernous sinus) and the "medial to lateral" technique (opening of the inferior intercavernous sinus and). Although potentially related with improved endocrinological outcomes, these are advanced surgical techniques and require extensive anatomical knowledge and extensive surgical experience. Furthermore, to avoid procedure complications, extensive study of the patient's configuration of cavernous ICA, Doppler-guided intraoperative imaging, surgical navigation system, and blunt tip knives to dissect the ICA's plane are recommended. Conclusion. Endoscopic resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus has been associated with reports of high rates of postoperative hormonal control in functioning pituitary adenomas. However, it represents a more complex approach and requires advanced experience in endoscopic skull base surgery. Additional studies addressing case selection and studies evaluating long term results of this technique are still necessary.

A fluorescence digital image-based method using carbon quantum dots to evaluate the compliance of a biocidal agent.

In this work, a simple, low-cost and easy-to-handle analytical procedure based on carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is proposed to check commercially available formulated microbicides that are used to mitigate the transmission of viruses, such as SARS-COV-2, or bacterial diseases. For this purpose, CQDs were synthesized via pyrolysis using citric acid and ethylenediamine as precursors to produce an intense fluorescence that is used to measure the concentration of hypochlorite, an important biocidal agent present in sanitizing mats, by quenching mechanisms. The characterization of the CQDs was performed using IR spectrophotometry, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, spectrofluorometry, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. For analytical purposes, fluorescence was measured in a UV chamber irradiated using an LED with the maximum emission at 350 nm. A smartphone was coupled to the UV chamber to measure the fluorescence quenching due to the presence of hypochlorite, and further the digital images were decomposed by RGB data using free software. Tests of pH, CQD concentration and stability of the fluorescence emitted were performed. The stability study of the fluorescence emitted by the CQD solution showed a relative standard deviation lower than 5.0%. The fluorescence digital image-based (FDIB) method resulted in a linear range from 17.44 µmol L-1 to 90.0 µmol L-1 with an LOD of 3.30 µmol L-1 for the determination of hypochlorite using a microplate made of PLA (polylactic acid) customized using a 3D printer. Furthermore, the hypochlorite concentration was tested in situ for its compliance in a sanitizing mat, in a real use situation (daily, a group of four people, each one kept their feet on the mat for 30 s). After 2.5 h, the monitored concentration of hypochlorite was 0.04953% (w/v) or 7.63 mmol L-1, and therefore, it was inefficient to act as a sanitizing agent. Thus, for the first time in the literature, an FDIB method with CQDs is used to verify in situ microbicide practices with a fast and low-cost analytical procedure.

Hospitalizations for pulmonary embolism in Brazil (2008-2019): an ecological and time series study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the temporal trends of hospitalizations for pulmonary embolism (PE) in Brazil, its regions, and states between 2008 and 2019. METHODS: An ecological and time series study was conducted. Data were obtained from the Hospital Information System (SIH) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The inflection point regression model was applied for temporal trend analyses. Trends were classified as increasing, decreasing, or stationary according to the slope of the regression line. The Annual Percent Charge (APC) and the Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) were calculated considering a confidence interval of 95% and p-value <0.05. Furthermore, spatial distribution maps of epidemiological indicators related to PE in Brazil were elaborated. RESULTS: There was an increasing trend in the hospitalization rate for PE in Brazil, ranging from 2.57 in 2008 to 4.44/100,000 in 2019 (AAPC=5.6%; p<0.001). Total and average hospitalizations costs also showed increasing trend in the country (AAPC=9.2% and 3.0%, respectively). Still, there was a decrease in the in-hospital mortality rate (from 21.21% to 17.11%; AAPC=-1.9%; p<0.001). Similar trends were observed in most regions. The average hospitalization time in Brazil showed a stationary trend. The hospitalization rate has also increased in 18 states (66.67%). Seven states showed a decrease in the mortality rate (25.93%), except for Roraima, which showed an increasing trend. CONCLUSION: Hospitalizations for PE represent a serious public health problem in Brazil and the temporal patterns observed herein demonstrate an increasing trend in all regions and states of the country.

Hospitalizations for pulmonary embolism in Brazil (2008-2019): an ecological and time series study / Hospitalizações por embolia pulmonar no Brasil (2008-2019): um estudo ecológico e de séries temporais

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the temporal trends of hospitalizations for pulmonary embolism (PE) in Brazil, its regions, and states between 2008 and 2019. Methods An ecological and time series study was conducted. Data were obtained from the Hospital Information System (SIH) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The inflection point regression model was applied for temporal trend analyses. Trends were classified as increasing, decreasing, or stationary according to the slope of the regression line. The Annual Percent Charge (APC) and the Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) were calculated considering a confidence interval of 95% and p-value <0.05. Furthermore, spatial distribution maps of epidemiological indicators related to PE in Brazil were elaborated. Results There was an increasing trend in the hospitalization rate for PE in Brazil, ranging from 2.57 in 2008 to 4.44/100,000 in 2019 (AAPC=5.6%; p<0.001). Total and average hospitalizations costs also showed increasing trend in the country (AAPC=9.2% and 3.0%, respectively). Still, there was a decrease in the in-hospital mortality rate (from 21.21% to 17.11%; AAPC=-1.9%; p<0.001). Similar trends were observed in most regions. The average hospitalization time in Brazil showed a stationary trend. The hospitalization rate has also increased in 18 states (66.67%). Seven states showed a decrease in the mortality rate (25.93%), except for Roraima, which showed an increasing trend. Conclusion Hospitalizations for PE represent a serious public health problem in Brazil and the temporal patterns observed herein demonstrate an increasing trend in all regions and states of the country.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar as tendências temporais das hospitalizações por Embolia Pulmonar (EP) no Brasil, assim como suas regiões e estados no período entre 2008 e 2019. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo ecológico e de série temporal. Os dados foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação Hospitalar (SIH) do Ministério da Saúde (MS) do Brasil. O modelo de regressão de pontos de inflexão foi aplicado para análises de tendências temporais. As tendências foram classificadas como crescentes, decrescentes ou estacionárias de acordo com a inclinação da linha de regressão. O percentual de variação anual (APC) e Percentual de Variação Médio do Período (AAPC) foram calculados considerando Intervalo de Confiança de 95% (IC 95%) e significância de 5%. Além disso, foram elaborados mapas de distribuição espacial dos indicadores epidemiológicos relacionados à EP no Brasil. Resultados Houve uma tendência crescente na taxa de hospitalização de EP no Brasil, variando de 2,57 em 2008 a 4,44/100.000 em 2019 (AAPC=5,6%; p<0,001). Os custos totais e médios de hospitalização também mostraram uma tendência crescente no país (AAPC=9,2% e 3,0%, respectivamente). Ainda assim, houve uma diminuição na taxa de mortalidade hospitalar (de 21,21% para 17,11%; AAPC=-1,9%; p<0,001). Tendências similares foram observadas na maioria das regiões. O tempo médio de hospitalização no Brasil mostrou uma tendência estacionária. A taxa de hospitalização também aumentou em 18 estados (66,67%). Sete estados mostraram uma diminuição na taxa de mortalidade (25,93%), exceto Roraima, que mostrou uma tendência crescente. Conclusão As hospitalizações de EP representam um grave problema de saúde pública no Brasil, e os padrões temporais aqui observados demonstraram uma tendência crescente em todas as regiões e estados do país.

Impact of COVID-19 on Neurosurgery in Brazil's Health System: The Reality of a Developing Country Affected by the Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease identified in 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic changed neurosurgery protocols to provide ongoing care for patients while ensuring the safety of health care workers. In Brazil, the rapid spread of the disease led to new challenges in the health system. Neurooncology practice was one of the most affected by the pandemic due to restricted elective procedures and new triage protocols. We aim to characterize the impact of the pandemic on neurosurgery in Brazil. METHODS: We analyzed 112 different types of neurosurgical procedures, with special detail in 11 neurooncology procedures, listed in the Brazilian Hospital Information System records in the DATASUS database between February and July 2019 and the same period in 2020. Linear regression and paired t-test analyses were performed and considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. RESULTS: There was an overall decrease of 21.5% (28,858 cases) in all neurosurgical procedures, impacting patients needing elective procedures (-42.46%) more than emergency surgery (-5.93%). Neurooncology procedures decreased by 14.89%. Nonetheless, the mortality rate during hospitalization increased by 21.26%. Linear regression analysis in hospitalizations (Slope = 0.9912 ± 0.07431; CI [95%] = 0.8231-1.159) and total cost (Slope = 1.03 ± 0.03501; CI [95%] = 0.9511-1.109) in the 11 different types of neurooncology procedures showed a P < 0.0001. The mean cost per type of procedure showed an 11.59% increase (P = 0.0172) between 2019 and 2020. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased mortality, decreased hospitalizations, and therefore decreased overall costs, despite increased costs per procedure for a variety of neurosurgical procedures. Our study serves as a stark example of the effect of the pandemic on neurosurgical care in settings of limited resources and access to care.

Genome-wide identification of miRNAs and target regulatory network in the invasive ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor.

Varroa destructor is an ectoparasite mite that attacks bees leading to colony disorders worldwide. microRNAs (miRNAs) are key molecules used by eukaryotes to post-transcriptional control of gene expression. Nevertheless, still lack information aboutV. destructor miRNAs and its regulatory networks. Here, we used an integrative strategy to characterize the miRNAs in the V. destructor mite. We identified 310 precursors that give rise to 500 mature miRNAs, which 257 are likely mite-specific elements. miRNAs showed canonical length ranging between 18 and 25 nucleotides and 5' uracil preference. Top 10 elements concentrated over 80% of total miRNA expression, with bantam alone representing ~50%. We also detected non-templated bases in precursor-derived small RNAs, indicative of miRNA post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Finally, we note that conserved miRNAs control similar processes in different organisms, suggesting a conservative role. Altogether, our findings contribute to the better understanding of the mite biology that can assist future studies on varroosis control.

First genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 recovered from an infected cat and its owner in Latin America.

An 11-year-old male mixed-breed cat, with exclusively indoor life, presented 3 cough episodes after the owners tested positive by RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2. The house is inhabited by 5 people (3 adults and 2 children), and 2 of the adults have shown mild symptoms associated with throat discomfort. The cat was vaccinated, had no history of any previous disease, and tested negative for feline coronavirus (FCoV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Rectal sample collected from the cat was positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Viral genome sequences recovered from human and cat samples showed an average 99.4% sequence identity. This is the first report of genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 recovered from a cat and its owner in Latin America.