Estimating the burden of care for oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer in Brazilian dental practice.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer (OC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) pose significant challenges to public health in Brazil. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of oral cancer (OC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) among patients who would be treated by Brazilian dentists during their careers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on the number of dentists in Brazil were extracted from the 2022 census data, while incidence rates for OC cases were sourced from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA). Population estimates for Brazil and data on dental check-up rates were obtained from relevant national sources. RESULTS: Our analysis indicates that a general dentist in Brazil can expect to encounter on average two to three OC patients and on average 675 patients with OPMDs over a 35-year career. Regional disparities were observed, with certain regions showing higher than the average number of encounters due to low density of dentists in some rural districts. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian dentists are likely to confront a substantial number of OC and OPMD cases during their professional tenure, emphasizing the need for public health policies aimed at enhancing dental surgeons' education in oral cancer prevention and early detection.

A nanochitosan-D-galactose formulation increases the accumulation of primaquine in the liver.

Primaquine is the mainstream antimalarial drug to prevent Plasmodium vivax relapses. However, this drug can induce hemolysis in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Nanostructure formulations of primaquine loaded with D-galactose were used as a strategy to target the drug to the liver and decrease the hemolytic risks. Nanoemulsion (NE-Pq) and nanochitosan (NQ-Pq) formulations of primaquine diphosphate containing D-galactose were prepared and characterized by their physicochemistry properties. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies were conducted using Swiss Webster mice. A single dose of 10 mg/kg of each nanoformulation or free primaquine solution was administered by gavage to the animals, which were killed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours. Blood samples and tissues were collected, processed, and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The nanoformulation showed sizes around 200 nm (NE-Pq) and 400 nm (NQ-Pq) and physicochemical stability for over 30 days. Free primaquine solution achieved higher primaquine Cmax in the liver than NE-Pq or NQ-Pq at 0.5 hours. However, the half-life and mean residence time (MRT) of primaquine in the liver were three times higher with the NQ-Pq formulation than with free primaquine, and the volume distribution was four times higher. Conversely, primaquine's half-life, MRT, and volume distribution in the plasma were lower for NQ-Pq than for free primaquine. NE-Pq, on the other hand, accumulated more in the lungs but not in the liver. Galactose-coated primaquine nanochitosan formulation showed increased drug targeting to the liver compared to free primaquine and may represent a promising strategy for a more efficient and safer radical cure for vivax malaria.

Oral cancer screening outcomes in the Latin American region with special relevance to Brazil and Cuba: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND:  The Latin American region represents a hotspot for oral cancer incidence and mortality. To reduce oral cancer mortality rates, screening for early detection of subjects with suspicious or innocuous oral lesions has been promoted. A systematic review was performed to assess the outcomes of oral cancer screening in the Latin American region. MATERIAL AND METHODS:  An electronic search was conducted in eight databases and grey literature. The eligibility criteria included screening where adult participants underwent any screening test during an organized screening program. Screening programs were assessed to understand trends in oral cancer diagnosis. Rates of oral cancers diagnosed in screening programs were classified as increase, decrease, or stable based on each year assessed. RESULTS:  Following our searches, twelve studies conducted in Brazil and Cuba were included. The screening tests reported were visual oral examination (VOE) and in one study in addition light-based fluorescence testing. 13,277,608 individuals were screened and a total of 1,516 oral cancers were detected (0.01%). Only two studies aimed to screen high-risk individuals (smokers and drinkers). Oral cancer cases diagnosed during screening programs were proportionately stable over the years 1997 to 2009 but increased from 2010 to 2021. The fluorescence-associated VOE test demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 90%. Similarly, the VOE test alone exhibited a sensitivity of 100%, with specificity ranging from 75% to 90%. CONCLUSIONS:  Screening studies conducted in Latin American countries had serious limitations both in methodology (lack of examiner training) and in reporting data (lack of description of clinical categories of screen positives). Capacitation of health workers to perform VOE in well-designed screening programs should be implemented.

Distinct carbapenems susceptibility profiles in isogenic isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae presenting Ompk36 disruption and expression of down-regulated blaKPC-2.

The isolation of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospitals is a major public health threat, increasing patient hospitalization costs, morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this work investigated the resistance mechanisms that produced different carbapenems susceptibility profiles in two isogenic strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from the same patient in a public hospital in Recife, Pernambuco. The genes that encode the main porins in K. pneumoniae, ompK35 and ompK36, and several beta-lactamase genes were analyzed. The expression of these genes was evaluated by quantitative real time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) with reverse transcriptase (RT-qPCR). SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) was performed to analyze the outer membrane proteins. The analysis of the ompK36 genetic environment disclosed an IS903 insertion sequence disrupting this gene in the ertapenem resistant isolate (KPN133). The blaKPC-2 gene showed down-regulated expression in both isolates. Our findings show that changes in porins, especially OmpK36, are more determinant to carbapenems susceptibility profile of bacterial isolates than variations in blaKPC gene expression.

The barriers dentists face to communicate cancer diagnosis: self-assessment based on SPIKES protocol.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to characterize the barriers faced by Brazilian dentists to deliver bad news (DBN) about oral and oropharyngeal cancer diagnoses to patients by using a questionnaire based on the guidelines of the SPIKES protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional study. The questionnaire contained 27 questions based on the SPIKES protocol, which were answered in the SurveyMonkey platform. RESULTS: A total of 186/249 dentists answered the questionnaire. The main specialties reported were 36.02% oral medicine, 21.5% oral pathology, and 9.13% oral and maxillofacial surgery. A total of 44.6% expressed concern about the patient's emotional reactions, and 46.24% of respondents had never participated in any specific training to communicate bad news. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of training and low confidence in dealing with patients' emotional reactions dentists were considered the greatest barriers to DBNs. Moreover, most dentists who participated in the survey believe that a protocol to guide the communication of bad news would be useful for clinical practice. For those protocols to be used by dentists, training is critical for these protocols to be incorporated by professionals.

Distinct carbapenems susceptibility profiles in isogenic isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae presenting Ompk36 disruption and expression of down-regulated blaKPC-2 / Perfis distintos de suscetibilidade a carbapenêmicos em isolados isogênicos de Klebsiella pneumoniae apresentando interrupção de Ompk36 e expressão de blaKPC-2 negativamente regulada

The isolation of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospitals is a major public health threat, increasing patient hospitalization costs, morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this work investigated the resistance mechanisms that produced different carbapenems susceptibility profiles in two isogenic strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from the same patient in a public hospital in Recife, Pernambuco. The genes that encode the main porins in K. pneumoniae, ompK35 and ompK36, and several beta-lactamase genes were analyzed. The expression of these genes was evaluated by quantitative real time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) with reverse transcriptase (RT-qPCR). SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulphate­polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) was performed to analyze the outer membrane proteins. The analysis of the ompK36 genetic environment disclosed an IS903 insertion sequence disrupting this gene in the ertapenem resistant isolate (KPN133). The blaKPC-2 gene showed down-regulated expression in both isolates. Our findings show that changes in porins, especially OmpK36, are more determinant to carbapenems susceptibility profile of bacterial isolates than variations in blaKPC gene expression.

O isolamento de Klebsiella pneumoniae multirresistente em hospitais é uma grande ameaça à saúde pública, aumentando os custos de internação, morbidade e mortalidade dos pacientes. Portanto, este trabalho investigou os mecanismos de resistência que produziram diferentes perfis de suscetibilidade aos carbapenêmicos em duas cepas isogênicas de K. pneumoniae isoladas do mesmo paciente em um hospital público em Recife, Pernambuco. Foram analisados ​​os genes que codificam as principais porinas em K. pneumoniae, ompK35 e ompK36, e diversos genes de beta-lactamases. A expressão desses genes foi avaliada por PCR (reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa em tempo real) com transcriptase reversa (RT-qPCR). SDS-PAGE (dodecil sulfato de sódio-poliacrilamida gel eletroforese) foi realizada para analisar as proteínas da membrana externa. A análise do ambiente genético ompK36 revelou uma sequência de inserção IS903 interrompendo este gene no isolado resistente ao ertapenem (KPN133). O gene blaKPC-2 apresentou expressão negativamente regulada em ambos os isolados. Nossos achados mostram que alterações nas porinas, especialmente OmpK36, são mais determinantes no perfil de suscetibilidade aos carbapenêmicos de isolados bacterianos do que variações na expressão do gene blaKPC.

HIV-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas affecting the oral cavity: a clinicopathologic study of 11 cases.

BACKGROUND: HIV-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the oral cavity are rare lesions with aggressive clinical behaviour. The aim of this study is to describe the clinicopathological features of a series of HIV-related oral non-Hodgkin lymphomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven cases of oral lymphomas affecting HIV-positive patients were retrieved from 2012 to 2019. Clinicopathological features regarding age, sex, tumour location, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, disease stage and follow-up were obtained. Histologic, immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization for EBV detection were done for diagnosis confirmation. Overall survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier curve. RESULTS: Males predominated, with a mean age of 40.3 years-old. Maxilla and mandible were the mostly affected. Plasmablastic lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (NOS) were the main histological types. Lesions presented as reddish ulcerated swellings, representing the first sign of AIDS in six cases. Stage IV were common (7 cases) and the mean HIV viral load was 10,557 copies/mL, with a mean of 266 CD4+ cells/mm3, 1,278 CD8+ cells/mm3 and a CD4+/CD8+ ratio of 0.26. Eight patients died of the disease (72.7%). Overall survival revealed that 78.2% of the patients died after 21 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-related oral lymphomas present a poor prognosis usually diagnosed in advanced stages and in our series plasmablastic lymphoma was the most common subtype.

Avaliação das condições higiênico-sanitárias na comercialização de carne e pescado no mercado municipal da cidade de Pio XII, estado do Maranhão, Brasil / Evaluation of the hygienic-sanitary conditions in the commercialization of meat and fish in the municipal market in the city of Pio XII, state of Maranhão, Brazil

Avaliaram-se as condições higiênico-sanitárias na comercialização de carne e pescado no mercado municipal de Pio XII - MA, através da aplicação de uma lista de verificação adaptada de acordo com a RDC nº 216/2004 da ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária), dotada de um total de 33 itens distribuídos em 8 categorias distintas, em 17 boxes de comercialização, no período de agosto a setembro de 2021. Realizou-se a aplicação de um questionário para verificar o perfil socioeconômico dos vendedores do mercado de Pio XII - MA, com aprovação no Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CONEP), da Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA com o número de CAAE 25016719.8.0000.5554. Foram verificados que 13% dos boxes do mercado estavam em péssimas condições higiênico-sanitárias e o restante foi classificado como ruim (20 a 49%), sendo que o percentual de conformidades de nenhum deles ultrapassou 27,0%, não sendo nenhum estabelecimento classificado como regular (50 a 69%), bom (70 a 90%) ou excelente (91 a 100%). Em relação aos resultados do perfil socioeconômico dos comerciantes, 100% eram do sexo masculino, com 17,6% apresentavam-se na faixa etária de 30 a 39 anos, 41,2% tinham idade de 40-49 anos e 41,2%, com mais de 50 anos. Quanto à escolaridade, predominaram os níveis não alfabetizados e ensino fundamental com percentual de 40,2% para cada um. A renda familiar da maioria (58,8%) se concentrou no intervalo de 1 a 3 salários mínimos. Pode-se concluir que a atividade de comercialização de carne e pescado no Mercado Municipal de Pio XII - MA vem sendo realizada de forma inadequada, e a falta de conhecimento dos comerciantes sobre as Boas Práticas de Fabricação e a realização de treinamento adequado são fatores contribuem de forma significativa para o agravo dessa situação, assim como a origem da carne comercializada, que é de abate clandestino.

The hygienic-sanitary conditions in the marketing of meat and fish in the municipal market of Pio XII - MA were evaluated through the application of a checklist adapted according to the RDC No. 216/2004 of ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency), with a total of 33 items distributed into 8 distinct categories, in 17 commercialization boxes, in the period from August to September 2021. A questionnaire was applied to verify the socioeconomic profile of the vendors in the market of Pio XII - MA, with approval in the Research Ethics Committee (CONEP), of the Maranhão State University - UEMA with the number CAAE 25016719.8.0000.5554. It was verified that 13% of the market stalls were in very bad hygienic-sanitary conditions and the rest were classified as bad (20 to 49%), and the percentage of compliance of none of them exceeded 27.0%, with no establishment classified as regular (50 to 69%), good (70 to 90%) or excellent (91 to 100%). Regarding the results of the socioeconomic profile of the merchants, 100% were male, with 17.6% in the 30 to 39 age bracket, 41.2% were 40-49 years old, and 41.2% were over 50 years old. As for education, non-literate and elementary school levels predominated, with a percentage of 40.2% for each. The family income of the majority (58.8%) was concentrated in the range of 1 to 3 minimum wages. It can be concluded that the activity of meat and fish commercialization in the Municipal Market of Pio XII - MA has been performed in an inadequate way, and the lack of knowledge of traders about the Good Manufacturing Practices and the performance of proper training are factors that contribute significantly to the worsening of this situation, as well as the origin of the meat commercialized, which is from clandestine slaughter.

Oral Kaposi sarcoma development is associated with HIV viral load, CD4+ count and CD4+/CD8+ ratio.

BACKGROUND: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an uncommon, multifocal and angioproliferative lesion, which demonstrates a poor prognosis. The aim of the present research was to explore the association of HIV viral load, CD4+ and CD8+ counts and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio on the risk of oral Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 62 patients were retrieved from March 2008 to October 2020 from the files of two oral pathology centres. Clinical, laboratory and follow-up data were retrieved from their medical files. Poisson regression was used to explore the role of history of immunosuppression and its association with oral KS development. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were included in the present study (32 with oral KS and 30 with no presentation of lesions anywhere on the body). Patients with oral KS presented a mean age of 32.6 years, and male patients were more affected. The hard palate (15 cases; 46.8%) was the main anatomical site affected. The lesions were mostly presented as swellings (13 cases; 40.6%) and nodules (12 cases; 37.5%). Systemic manifestations were also observed, including candidiasis (4 cases; 12.5%), bacterial infection (3 cases; 9.3%), tuberculosis (3 cases; 9.3%), herpes simplex (3 cases; 9.3%) and pneumonia (3 cases; 9.3%). A significant correlation was observed between HIV viral load, CD4+ count and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio with oral KS development. CONCLUSIONS: HIV viral load, CD4+ count and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio are associated with oral KS development.

Different methods of cell quantification can lead to different results: a comparison of digital methods using a pilot study of dendritic cells in HIV-positive patients.

BACKGROUND: Although new digital pathology tools have improved the positive cell quantification, there is a heterogeneity of the quantification methods in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate and propose a novel dendritic cells quantification method in squamous cell carcinoma comparing it with a conventional quantification method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six squamous cell carcinomas HIV-positive cases affecting the oropharynx, lips and oral cavity were selected. Immunohistochemistry for CD1a, CD83, and CD207 was performed. The immunohistochemical stains were evaluated by automated examination using a positive pixel count algorithm. A conventional quantification method (unspecific area method; UA) and a novel method (specific area method; SA) were performed obtaining the corresponding density of positive dendritic cells for the intratumoral and peritumoral regions. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to verify the influence of the quantification methods on the positive cell counting according to the evaluated regions. Data were subjected to the ANOVA and Student's t-test to verify the influence of the tumour location, stage, histological grade, and amount of inflammation on the dendritic cells density counting. RESULTS: The cell quantification method affected the dendritic cells counting independently of the evaluated region (P-value <0.05). Significant differences between methods were also observed according to the tumour features evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: The positive cell quantification method influences the dendritic cells density results. Unlike the conventional method (UA method), the novel SA method avoids non-target areas included in the hotspots improving the reliability and reproducibility of the density cell quantification.

Diagnostic performance of a commercial ELISA used as a complementary test for bovine tuberculosis in two bovine herds with different disease status / Desempenho diagnóstico de um ELISA comercial usado como teste complementar para tuberculose bovina em dois rebanhos bovinos com diferentes estágios de controle da doença

Bovine tuberculosis is a worldwide spread zoonotic disease. Intradermal tuberculinizations are the most used diagnostic tests in the world. Serological tests can be an ancillary diagnosis for bovine tuberculosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the ELISA Mycobacterium Bovis Antibody Test Kit IDEXX ™ in infected herds, which were in different disease control stages. One hundred and twenty animals from two dairy herds of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, were subjected to the ELISA serological test and the comparative cervical tuberculin test (CCT). Diagnostic test parameters were estimated using Bayesian latent class models and concordance between tests estimated by the frequentist approach. The ELISA test presented lower sensitivity than CCT in both herds. Its sensitivity was higher in the herd in sanitation process. Specificity estimates were above 95% in both herds. Kappa index indicated low concordance or even disagreement between tests. According to the results, the ELISA IDEXX should not be used as substitution for CCT. The tests must not be associated in series. Parallel association increased diagnostic sensitivity in the herd which was in the process of sanitation.(AU)

A tuberculose bovina é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial cujos testes mais utilizados para o diagnóstico são as tuberculinizações intradérmicas, simples e compartivas. Contudo, testes sorológicos podem constituir diagnósticos auxiliares. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho diagnóstico do teste ELISA Mycobacterium Bovis Antibody Test Kit IDEXX ® em rebanhos bovinos infectados, que se encontravam em diferentes estágios de controle da doença. Cento e vinte animais de dois rebanhos leiteiros provenientes do estado de Minas Geais-Brasil foram submetidos ao ELISA e à tuberculinização cervical compartiva (TCC). Avaliou-se o desempenho dos testes por meio de modelos Bayesianos de classe latente e a concordância entre os eles, por meio de estatística frequentista. Uma maior sensibilidade do teste foi observada no rebanho previamente tuberculinizado. Em ambos os rebanhos o TCC foi mais sensível que o ELISA. Especificidade acima de 95% foi encontrada em ambos os rebanhos. Foram observadas baixa concordância ou mesmo discordância entre os testes. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, o teste ELISA-IDEXX não deve ser utilizado em substituição à TCC, tampouco devem ser associados em série. Houve aumento da sensibilidade quando os testes foram associados em paralelo no rebanho que já se encontrava em processo de saneamento.(AU)

Diagnostic performance of a commercial ELISA used as a complementary test for bovine tuberculosis in two bovine herds with different disease status / Desempenho diagnóstico de um ELISA comercial usado como teste complementar para tuberculose bovina em dois rebanhos bovinos com diferentes estágios de controle da doença

Bovine tuberculosis is a worldwide spread zoonotic disease. Intradermal tuberculinizations are the most used diagnostic tests in the world. Serological tests can be an ancillary diagnosis for bovine tuberculosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the ELISA Mycobacterium Bovis Antibody Test Kit IDEXX ™ in infected herds, which were in different disease control stages. One hundred and twenty animals from two dairy herds of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, were subjected to the ELISA serological test and the comparative cervical tuberculin test (CCT). Diagnostic test parameters were estimated using Bayesian latent class models and concordance between tests estimated by the frequentist approach. The ELISA test presented lower sensitivity than CCT in both herds. Its sensitivity was higher in the herd in sanitation process. Specificity estimates were above 95% in both herds. Kappa index indicated low concordance or even disagreement between tests. According to the results, the ELISA IDEXX should not be used as substitution for CCT. The tests must not be associated in series. Parallel association increased diagnostic sensitivity in the herd which was in the process of sanitation.(AU)

A tuberculose bovina é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial cujos testes mais utilizados para o diagnóstico são as tuberculinizações intradérmicas, simples e compartivas. Contudo, testes sorológicos podem constituir diagnósticos auxiliares. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho diagnóstico do teste ELISA Mycobacterium Bovis Antibody Test Kit IDEXX ® em rebanhos bovinos infectados, que se encontravam em diferentes estágios de controle da doença. Cento e vinte animais de dois rebanhos leiteiros provenientes do estado de Minas Geais-Brasil foram submetidos ao ELISA e à tuberculinização cervical compartiva (TCC). Avaliou-se o desempenho dos testes por meio de modelos Bayesianos de classe latente e a concordância entre os eles, por meio de estatística frequentista. Uma maior sensibilidade do teste foi observada no rebanho previamente tuberculinizado. Em ambos os rebanhos o TCC foi mais sensível que o ELISA. Especificidade acima de 95% foi encontrada em ambos os rebanhos. Foram observadas baixa concordância ou mesmo discordância entre os testes. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, o teste ELISA-IDEXX não deve ser utilizado em substituição à TCC, tampouco devem ser associados em série. Houve aumento da sensibilidade quando os testes foram associados em paralelo no rebanho que já se encontrava em processo de saneamento.(AU)

Edge effects on the blowfly fauna (Diptera, Calliphoridae) of the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In this contribution we examine the diversity, abundance and species richness of Calliphoridae in the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Specimens were collected monthly between September 2009 and August 2010, using sardines as bait, in three points: A, on the forest edge (22°56'846"S 43°17'496"W), B, 700 m from it (22°57'073"S 43°17'832"W) and C, 1,200 m into the forest (22°57'321"S 43°18'031"W), evaluating the indicator species at each point and the anthropogenic influences and abiotic factors that determine species distribution. A total of 16,364 Calliphoridae were collected and 17 species were identified. Species abundance was strongly positively correlated with temperature. The greatest number of flies was collected at A, but in this point, diversity was lower and most individuals collected belonged to the dominant species. Point C, conversely, had the lower abundance and the highest diversity. Chrysomya megacephala, an urban and synanthropic species, was dominant at point A, whereas Laneela nigripes and Mesembrinella peregrina, typically forest species, were considered indicators at points B and C, respectively, showing that the anthropogenic influence is more intense at the forest edge.

Edge effects on the blowfly fauna (Diptera, Calliphoridae) of the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Efeitos de borda sobre a fauna de califorídeos (Diptera, Calliphoridae) no Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

In this contribution we examine the diversity, abundance and species richness of Calliphoridae in the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Specimens were collected monthly between September 2009 and August 2010, using sardines as bait, in three points: A, on the forest edge (22°56846"S 43°17496"W), B, 700m from it (22°57073"S 43°17832"W) and C, 1,200m into the forest (22°57321"S 43°18031"W), evaluating the indicator species at each point and the anthropogenic influences and abiotic factors that determine species distribution. A total of 16,364 Calliphoridae were collected and 17 species were identified. Species abundance was strongly positively correlated with temperature. The greatest number of flies was collected at A, but in this point, diversity was lower and most individuals collected belonged to the dominant species. Point C, conversely, had the lower abundance and the highest diversity. Chrysomya megacephala, an urban and synanthropic species, was dominant at point A, whereas Laneela nigripes and Mesembrinella peregrina, typically forest species, were considered indicators at points B and C, respectively, showing that the anthropogenic influence is more intense at the forest edge.(AU)

O presente estudo visou analisar a diversidade, abundância e riqueza de espécies de Calliphoridae no Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Foram realizadas coletas mensais de setembro de 2009 a agosto de 2010, utilizando sardinha como isca, em três pontos: A, na borda (22°56846"S 43°17496"W); B, a 700m (22°57073"S 43°17832"W) e C, a 1.200m para o interior da mata (22°57321"S 43°18031"W), avaliando as espécies indicadoras em cada ponto, além da influência antrópica e os fatores abióticos que determinam a distribuição das espécies. Foram coletados 16.364 califorídeos, de 17 espécies. A abundância teve correlação extremamente forte e positiva com a temperatura. O ponto A foi o mais abundante, porém o menos diverso e com maior dominância. O ponto C, no entanto, foi o menos abundante e o mais diverso. Chrysomya megacephala, espécie sinantrópica e urbana, foi a espécie mais abundante no ponto A, enquanto Laneela nigripes e Mesembrinella peregrina, espécies caracteristicamente florestais, foram consideradas indicadoras para os pontos B e C, respectivamente, demonstrando que a influência antrópica atua de forma mais intensa no ponto da borda.(AU)

Edge effects on the blowfly fauna (Diptera, Calliphoridae) of the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Efeitos de borda sobre a fauna de califorídeos (Diptera, Calliphoridae) no Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract In this contribution we examine the diversity, abundance and species richness of Calliphoridae in the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Specimens were collected monthly between September 2009 and August 2010, using sardines as bait, in three points: A, on the forest edge (22°56’846"S 43°17’496"W), B, 700m from it (22°57’073"S 43°17’832"W) and C, 1,200m into the forest (22°57’321"S 43°18’031"W), evaluating the indicator species at each point and the anthropogenic influences and abiotic factors that determine species distribution. A total of 16,364 Calliphoridae were collected and 17 species were identified. Species abundance was strongly positively correlated with temperature. The greatest number of flies was collected at A, but in this point, diversity was lower and most individuals collected belonged to the dominant species. Point C, conversely, had the lower abundance and the highest diversity. Chrysomya megacephala, an urban and synanthropic species, was dominant at point A, whereas Laneela nigripes and Mesembrinella peregrina, typically forest species, were considered indicators at points B and C, respectively, showing that the anthropogenic influence is more intense at the forest edge.

Resumo O presente estudo visou analisar a diversidade, abundância e riqueza de espécies de Calliphoridae no Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Foram realizadas coletas mensais de setembro de 2009 a agosto de 2010, utilizando sardinha como isca, em três pontos: A, na borda (22°56’846"S 43°17’496"W); B, a 700m (22°57’073"S 43°17’832"W) e C, a 1.200m para o interior da mata (22°57’321"S 43°18’031"W), avaliando as espécies indicadoras em cada ponto, além da influência antrópica e os fatores abióticos que determinam a distribuição das espécies. Foram coletados 16.364 califorídeos, de 17 espécies. A abundância teve correlação extremamente forte e positiva com a temperatura. O ponto A foi o mais abundante, porém o menos diverso e com maior dominância. O ponto C, no entanto, foi o menos abundante e o mais diverso. Chrysomya megacephala, espécie sinantrópica e urbana, foi a espécie mais abundante no ponto A, enquanto Laneela nigripes e Mesembrinella peregrina, espécies caracteristicamente florestais, foram consideradas indicadoras para os pontos B e C, respectivamente, demonstrando que a influência antrópica atua de forma mais intensa no ponto da borda.

LTBI screening in rheumatoid arthritis patients prior to anti-TNF treatment in an endemic area.

SETTING: Recommendations for screening for latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) in patients eligible for anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents remain unclear in endemic regions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of LTBI screening and treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving TNF blockers. DESIGN: A total of 202 RA patients were screened for LTBI before receiving anti-TNF treatment using the tuberculin skin test (TST), chest X-ray (CXR) and history of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). All subjects were regularly followed at 1- to 3-month intervals. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients (42%) were treated with a single anti-TNF agent, while 117 patients (58%) changed anti-TNF agents once or twice. LTBI screening was positive in 66 patients, 44 were TST-positive, 23 had a history of TB exposure and 14 had an abnormal CXR. Exposure alone accounted for LTBI diagnosis in 14 patients with a negative TST. LTBI patients were treated with isoniazid (300 mg/day) for 6 months, and none developed TB. During follow-up, TST was repeated in 51 patients. Conversion was observed in 5; 3 were diagnosed with LTBI and 2 with active TB respectively 14 and 36 months after receiving anti-TNF treatment, suggesting new TB exposure. CONCLUSION: LTBI screening and treatment before anti-TNF treatment is effective in endemic areas and reinforces the importance of establishing contact history for diagnosing LTBI in RA patients.

Microbial composition of atherosclerotic plaques.

OBJECTIVE: The association of infections such as periodontitis with atherosclerotic diseases is well documented. In spite of the high diversity of the human oral microbiota, and its close contact with the circulatory system, few oral species were detected in atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, we attempted to evaluate the microbial diversity of atherosclerotic plaques from patients with different periodontal conditions, submitted to endarterectomy by a broad-range microbial method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients indicated for aorta endarterectomy due to myocardial infarction were recruited for periodontal clinical examination. The microbial diversity of atherosclerotic plaques (n = 35) was evaluated by sequence analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA libraries. RESULTS: Bacterial DNA was detected in 12 endarterectomy specimens (34.3%). Twenty-three bacterial species/phylotypes were identified. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes comprised 78.3% and 21.7% of the identified taxa, respectively. Fifteen (60.9%) phylotypes were reported as yet uncultivable or as yet uncharacterized species. Two uncultured phylotypes were previously detected in the human mouth. The periodontopathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was detected in seven samples (20%), followed by Pseudomonas species. There was no association between periodontal parameters and detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans or other phylotypes in atherosclerotic plaques. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a role of the oral microbiota in the development of inflammation in atherogenesis, particularly of A. actinomycetemcomitans.