An extinct north American porcupine with a South American tail.

New World porcupines (Erethizontinae) originated in South America and dispersed into North America as part of the Great American Biotic Interchange (GABI) 3-4 million years ago.1 Extant prehensile-tailed porcupines (Coendou) today live in tropical forests of Central and South America.2,3 In contrast, North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) are thought to be ecologically adapted to higher-latitude temperate forests, with a larger body, shorter tail, and diet that includes bark.4,5,6,7 Limited fossils8,9,10,11,12,13 have hindered our understanding of the timing of this ecological differentiation relative to intercontinental dispersal during the GABI and expansion into temperate habitats.14,15,16,17,18 Here, we describe functionally important features of the skeleton of the extinct Erethizon poyeri, the oldest nearly complete porcupine skeleton documented from North America, found in the early Pleistocene of Florida. It differs from extant E. dorsatum in having a long, prehensile tail, grasping foot, and lacking dental specializations for bark gnawing, similar to tropical Coendou. Results from phylogenetic analysis suggest that the more arboreal characteristics found in E. poyeri are ancestral for erethizontines. Only after it expanded into temperate, Nearctic habitats did Erethizon acquire the characteristic features that it is known for today. When combined with molecular estimates of divergence times, results suggest that Erethizon was ecologically similar to a larger species of Coendou when it crossed the Isthmus of Panama by the early Pleistocene. It is likely that the range of this more tropically adapted form was limited to a continuous forested biome that extended from South America through the Gulf Coast.

Regional reef fish assemblage maps provide baseline biogeography for tropicalization monitoring.

The Anthropocene rise in global temperatures is facilitating the expansion of tropical species into historically non-native subtropical locales, including coral reef fish. This redistribution of species, known as tropicalization, has serious consequences for economic development, livelihoods, food security, human health, and culture. Measuring the tropicalization of subtropical reef fish assemblages is difficult due to expansive species ranges, temporal distribution shifts with the movement of isotherms, and many dynamic density-dependent factors affecting occurrence and density. Therefore, in locales where tropical and subtropical species co-occur, detecting tropicalization changes relies on regional analyses of the relative densities and occurrence of species. This study provides a baseline for monitoring reef fish tropicalization by utilizing extensive monitoring data from a pivotal location in southeast Florida along a known transition between tropical and subtropical ecotones to define regional reef fish assemblages and use benthic habitat maps to spatially represent their zoogeography. Assemblages varied significantly by ecoregion, habitat depth, habitat type, and topographic relief. Generally, the southern assemblages had higher occurrences and densities of tropical species, whereas the northern assemblages had a higher occurrence and density of subtropical species. A total of 108 species were exclusive to regions south of the Bahamas Fracture Zone (BFZ) (South Palm Beach, Deerfield, Broward-Miami) and 35 were exclusive to the north (North Palm Beach, Martin), supporting the BFZ as a pivotal location that affects the coastal biogeographic extent of tropical marine species in eastern North America. Future tropicalization of reef fish assemblages are expected to be evident in temporal deviance of percent occurrence and/or relative species densities between baseline assemblages, where the poleward expansion of tropical species is expected to show the homogenization of assemblage regions as adjacent regions become more similar or the regional boundaries expand poleward. Ecoregions, habitat depth, habitat type, and relief should be incorporated into the stratification and analyses of reef fish surveys to statistically determine assemblage differences across the seascape, including those from tropicalization.

Validity and reliability of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Florida Patient Acceptance Survey for patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Device acceptance is a crucial factor in identifying implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients at risk for psychosocial distress and unfavorable quality of life outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the evidence of the validity of internal structure (construct) and reliability of the Florida Patient Acceptance Survey (FPAS) in a sample of ICD patients, comparing the psychometric indicators of the complete (FPAS-18 item) and abbreviated (FPAS-12 item) versions. The sample included 151 participants (97 males, mean age of 55.7 ± 14.1 years) who completed the cross-culturally adapted version of the FPAS instrument for the Brazilian context. The psychometric properties of both versions of the FPAS instrument were evaluated by two distinct approaches:•Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis: used to test the internal structure of the instrument•Cronbach's Alpha and McDonald's Omega: used to determine the reliability of the instrument The two versions of the FPAS-Br instrument showed consistent evidence of internal structure validity and reliability. However, the FPAS-Br 12-item showed a better psychometric adjustment, confirmed by the analysis of the quality indicators of the models.

Correção de sorriso gengival em paciente com displasia cemento óssea florida / Correction of gingival smile in patient with cemento bone dysplasia florida

Com os avanços tecnológicos na odontologia o planejamento digital se tornou algo mais presente na prática clinica. O objetivo desse trabalho é relatar uma experiência vivida em clínica sobre harmonização do sorriso através de uma gengivoplastia e remodelação óssea em paciente com displasia cemento óssea florida. Paciente 42 anos, autodeclarada do sexo feminino, não relatou nenhuma alteração sistêmica, uso de medicamento ou tabagismo, entretanto relatou ter displasia cemento óssea florida com diagnóstico de periodonto saudável. Compareceu a clínica escola de uma instituição de Ensino Superior para realização de tratamento odontológico queixando-se da aparência de seus dentes. Neste caso, foi utilizado escaneamento digital, tomografia computadorizada para tecidos moles, Digital Smile Design (DSD) e Perioguide (guia cirúrgico) para a realização do procedimento de harmonização do sorriso através da cirurgia periodontal. Em suma, apesar da displasia óssea ser um fator limitante ao sucesso ideal do procedimento, o resultado final alcançado foi satisfatório sob ótica do paciente e profissional não havendo recidiva(AU)

With technological advances in dentistry, digital planning has become something more present in clinical practice. The objective of this work is to report a clinical experience on smile harmonization through gingivoplasty and bone remodeling in a patient with florid cemento-osseous dysplasia. Patient 42 years old, self-reported female, did not report any systemic changes, use of medication or smoking, however she reported having florid cemento-osseous dysplasia with a diagnosis of healthy periodontium. He attended the school clinic of a Higher Education institution for dental treatment, complaining about the appearance of his teeth. In this case, digital scanning, soft tissue computed tomography, Digital Smile Design (DSD) and Perioguide (surgical guide) were used to perform the smile harmonization procedure through periodontal surgery. In short, despite bone dysplasia being a limiting factor for the ideal success of the procedure, the final result achieved was satisfactory from the perspective of the patient and professional, with no recurrence(AU)

Displasia Cemento Ósea Florida: Reporte de un caso / Florid Cemento-Osseous Dysplasia: A case report

La Displasia Cemento Ósea Florida corresponde a un tipo de lesión fibro ósea caracterizada por presentar un hueso trabecular con apariencia de tejido conectivo fibroso con áreas similares al cemento radicular. Afecta principalmente a mandíbula, a mujeres y a personas de etnia africana entre la cuarta a la quinta década. Posee crecimiento limitado, presentación de forma simétrica, bilateral y capacidad de afectar de uno a más cuadrantes. Tiene tres etapas de desarrollo, que se presentan con aspecto radiográfico diferente. En la primera etapa se aprecia un área radiolúcida, en la segunda etapa se visualizan radiopacidades circunscritas al área radiolúcida; y en la tercera etapa se observa una clara radiopacidad alrededor de la lesión. Para su correcto diagnóstico se necesita una cuidadosa correlación de los hallazgos clínicos, imagenológicos, de laboratorio e histopatológicos. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de género femenino de 70 años diagnosticada con Displasia Cemento Ósea Florida.

Florid Cemento-Osseous Dysplasia is a type of fibro-osseous lesion characterized by a trabecular bone with the appearance of fibrous connective tissue with areas similar to root cement. It mainly affects the jaw, women and people of African ethnicity between the fourth and fifth decades. It has limited growth, a symmetrical, bilateral presentation and the ability to affect one or more quadrants. It has three stages of development, with different radiographic appearance. The first stage shows a radiolucent area, the second stage shows radiopacities circumscribed to the radiolucent area; and in the third stage a clear radiopacity is observed around the lesion. For its correct diagnosis, a careful correlation of clinical, imaging, laboratory and histopathological findings is needed. The case of a 70-year-old female patient diagnosed with Florid Cemento-Osseous Dysplasia is presented.

Skin cancer prevention behaviors, beliefs, distress, and worry among hispanics in Florida and Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of skin cancer has been increasing among U.S. Hispanics, who often are diagnosed with larger lesions and at later stage disease. Behaviors to decrease exposure to ultraviolet radiation can reduce risk of skin cancer. We describe skin cancer prevention behaviors and psychosocial variables among Hispanic participants recruited into a skin cancer prevention trial. METHODS: Self-reported Hispanic participants from eight primary care clinics in Tampa, Florida and Ponce, Puerto Rico were recruited into a randomized controlled prevention trial. Information on demographics, sun-related behaviors, and psychosocial variables were collected before intervention materials were provided. Multivariable regression models were used to compare baseline sun-related behaviors and psychosocial variables across groups defined by geographic location and language preference. RESULTS: Participants reported low levels of intentional outdoor tanning, weekday and weekend sun exposure, and very low levels of indoor tanning. However, only a minority of participants practiced sun-protective behaviors often or always, and about 30% experienced a sunburn in the past year. Participants had low levels of recent worry and concern about skin cancer, modest levels of perceived risk and severity, and high levels of response efficacy and self-efficacy. When comparing across groups defined by geographic location and language preference, English-preferring Tampa residents (hereafter referred to as Tampeños) had the highest proportion who were sunburned (35.9%) and tended toward more risky behavior but also had higher protective behavior than did Spanish-preferring Tampeños or Puerto Ricans. Spanish-preferring Puerto Ricans had higher recent concern about skin cancer, comparative chance of getting skin cancer, and response efficacy compared to either English- or Spanish-preferring Tampeños. Spanish-preferring Tampeños had the highest levels of familism and recent distress about skin cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our results mirror previous observations of low levels of sun-protective behavior among U.S. Hispanics compelling the need for culturally appropriate and translated awareness campaigns targeted to this population. Because Hispanics in Tampa and Puerto Rico reported modest levels of perceived risk and severity, and high levels of response efficacy and self-efficacy, interventions aiming to improve skin cancer prevention activities that are anchored in Protection Motivation Theory may be particularly effective in this population subgroup.

Birefringence analysis of collagen supraorganization in cat corneas with tropical keratopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the birefringent properties of the cornea and examine the supraorganizational aspects of collagen fibers in cats with tropical keratopathy. PROCEDURE: In this study, 10-micrometer-thick sections of corneal tissue from cats with tropical keratopathy were examined, both in the opaque and transparent areas of the anterior stroma. Control samples were obtained from healthy cat corneas. Polarized light microscopy was employed to evaluate the birefringent properties using two distinct methods. The first method involved measuring the optical retardation associated with corneal birefringence, while the second method assessed the alignment/waviness of the birefringent collagen fibers. Differences were significant when p < .05. RESULTS: Tropical keratopathy resulted in a significant rise (p < .05) in optical retardation in both opaque and transparent regions of the cat cornea. In the anterior stroma, both the opaque zones and transparent tissue exhibited a higher degree of collagen fiber packing than the control corneas. However, no significant differences (p > .05) in alignment were observed between the transparent tissue of the diseased cornea and the healthy corneas. CONCLUSION: Supraorganizational changes in collagen fiber packing are not restricted to lesion zones in cat corneas affected by tropical keratopathy. Such alterations also occur in the corneal tissue of the anterior stroma adjoining the lesions. Therefore, it is plausible that the transparent tissue of the anterior stroma in corneas affected by the disease may have functional abnormalities, despite its macroscopic healthy appearance. Additional investigations are required to clarify the implications of these potential defects and their conceivable contribution to tropical keratopathy.

Analysis of the genomic landscape of inbreeding in two divergent groups of Spanish Florida goats.

The analysis of the genomic landscape of inbreeding using runs of homozygosity (ROH) patterns is becoming an interesting tool to partially understand phenotypic differences among individuals. In this study, we analysed genome-wide ROH patterns in two groups of Florida goats. We first determined the inbreeding levels of each individual by calculating ROH-based inbreeding coefficients (FROH ). Then, the individuals were divided into two groups based on FROH : high inbreeding (HI, FROH >0.1) and low inbreeding (LI, FROH <0.03). Finally, we performed an extensive in-depth analysis of ROH distribution in each group separately. We found a higher abundance of short ROH in LI, whereas long ROH was more frequent in HI. Furthermore, ROH abundance was not evenly distributed among chromosomes within groups, with some chromosomes showing larger numbers of ROH, like CHI6, CHI7 and CHI27. A different landscape was observed in recent inbreeding (ROH >8 Mb), with significant increases in CHI6, CHI11 and CHI28. Determination of genomic regions with significantly increased ROH (ROH islands-ROHi) showed 13 ROHi related to whole inbreeding and five ROHi associated with recent inbreeding analysis. Within these genomic regions, 123 and 101 genes were identified in HI and LI, respectively, including 10 and seven candidate genes previously related to production, fertility and heat resistance in goats and livestock species.

Liguus Landscapes: Amateur Liggers, Professional Malacology, and the Social Lives of Snail Sciences.

Malacologists took notice of tree snails in the genus Liguus during the last decades of the nineteenth century. Since then, Liguus have undergone repeated shifts in identity as members of species, states, shell collections, backyard gardens, and engineered wildernesses. To understand what Liguus are, this paper examines snail enthusiasts, collectors, researchers, and conservationists-collectively self-identified as Liggers-in their varied landscapes. I argue that Liguus, both in the scientific imaginary and in the material landscape, mediated knowledge-making processes that circulated among amateur and professional malacologists across the United States and Cuba during the twentieth century. Beginning with an examination of early Liggers' work in Florida and Cuba, this paper demonstrates how notions of taxonomy and biogeography informed later efforts to understand Liguus hybridization and conservation. A heterogeneous community of Liggers has had varied and at times contradictory commitments informed by shifting physical, social, and scientific landscapes. Genealogizing those commitments illuminates the factors underpinning a decision to undertake the until now little-chronicled large-scale and sustained transplantation of every living Floridian form of Liguus fasciatus into Everglades National Park. The social history of Liggers and Liguus fundamentally blurs distinctions between professional scientists and amateur naturalists. The experiences of a diverse cast of Liggers and their Liguus snails historicize the complex character of human-animal relations and speak to the increasing endangerment of many similarly range-restricted invertebrates.

Effects of Farm Location on Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus Levels in Oysters after Desiccation and Resubmersion in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.

ABSTRACT: Desiccation is a routine farming practice used in off-bottom oyster aquaculture to reduce biofouling organisms and improve shell quality. This practice can increase Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus levels, leading to increased risk of illness for raw oyster consumers. Previous resubmersion studies were performed in geographic proximity to one another, so to better understand the broader applicability of resubmersion, the next step was to perform concurrent studies in multiple geographic locations within a region. This study evaluated the effect of variations in geographic location on the recovery time needed for elevated vibrio levels to return to ambient levels in desiccated oysters after resubmersion at Gulf Coast farms. Two trials were performed between May and August 2019 at sites spanning ∼100 km: three in Alabama and one in Florida. Oysters were deployed in OysterGro cages at each location, 2 weeks before each trial, and then either were desiccated for 24 h or remained submersed as controls. Triplicate samples were taken before and immediately following the desiccation period, as well as 7 and 14 days after resubmersion. Total and pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus levels were determined using most-probable-number (MPN) real-time PCR. Vibrio levels increased by 0.23 to 3.50 log MPN/g after desiccation. Recovery times varied among geographic locations by trial and Vibrio spp., with all vibrio counts recovering to levels not significantly higher than those in control oysters within 7 to 14 days of resubmersion (P ≥ 0.06). These results suggest a 14-day resubmersion period of cultured oysters allowed vibrio levels, elevated because of routine handling, to return to ambient levels at all farm sites studied.

Transmission Potential of Floridian Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes for Dengue Virus Serotype 4: Implications for Estimating Local Dengue Risk.

Dengue virus serotype 4 (DENV-4) circulated in Aedes aegypti in 2016 and 2017 in Florida in the absence of human index cases, compelling a full assessment of local mosquito vector competence and DENV-4 risk. To better understand DENV-4 transmission risk in Florida, we used an expanded suite of tests to measure and compare the vector competencies of both an established colony of A. aegypti (Orlando strain [ORL]) and a field-derived colony from Collier County, FL, in 2018 (COL) for a Haitian DENV-4 human field isolate and a DENV-4 laboratory strain (Philippines H241). We immediately noted that ORL saliva positivity was higher for the field than for laboratory DENV-4 strains. In a subsequent comparison with the recent COL mosquito colony, we also observed significantly higher midgut infection of COL and ORL by the Haitian DENV-4 field strain and a significantly higher saliva positivity rate for COL, although overall saliva virus titers were similar between the two. These data point to a potential midgut infection barrier for the DENV-4 laboratory strain for both mosquito colonies and indicate that the marked differences in transmission potential estimates hinge on virus-vector combinations. Our study highlights the importance of leveraging an expanded suite of testing methods with emphasis on utilizing local mosquito populations and field-relevant dengue virus serotypes and strains to accurately estimate transmission risk in a given setting. IMPORTANCE DENV-4 was found circulating in Florida (FL) A. aegypti mosquitoes in the absence of human index cases in the state (2016 to 2017). How DENV-4 was maintained locally is unclear, presenting a major gap in our understanding of DENV-4 public health risk. We determined the baseline arbovirus transmission potential of laboratory and field colonies of A. aegypti for both laboratory and field isolates of DENV-4. We observed a high transmission potential of field populations of A. aegypti and evidence of higher vertical transmission of the DENV-4 field isolate, providing clues to the possible mechanism of undetected DENV-4 maintenance in the state. Our findings also move the field forward in the development of best practices for evaluating arbovirus vector competence, with evidence that transmission potential estimates vary depending on the mosquito-virus combinations. These data emphasize the poor suitability of laboratory-established virus strains and the high relevance of field-derived mosquito populations in estimating transmission risk.

[Resultados a corto y medio plazo de la técnica de Florida]. / Early and medium-term results of the Florida Sleeve technique for aortic root ectasia

Introduction: Aortic root dilatation is a frequent disease affecting mostly young patients that often requires surgical repair. Surgical techniques in young patients include aortic valve-sparing procedures to avoid prosthetic valve implant. Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the results obtained in three patients with aortic root dilatation using the Florida Sleeve technique. Methods: From November 2015 to January 2017, three patients with severe aortic regurgitation due to aortic anuloectasic were intervened applying the Florida Sleeve technique. Results: Excellent postoperative results were obtained in the three cases including freedom of aortic regurgitation and any cause re-operation during three years of follow-up. Conclusion: The Florida Sleeve technique is a safe, reproducible technique with a learning curve and lower surgical times than traditional techniques. The medium-term clinical outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality are good.

Introducción: La dilatación de la raíz aórtica es una patología frecuente que afecta a pacientes jóvenes y su tratamiento es quirúrgico. Las técnicas quirúrgicas de elección en pacientes jóvenes son las de preservación de la válvula aórtica para evitar el implante de una prótesis valvular. Objetivo: El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo describir la técnica de Florida Sleeve y los resultados de nuestra experiencia. Método: Entre noviembre de 2015 y enero de 2017 fueron intervenidos en nuestro centro tres casos de pacientes con insuficiencia aórtica severa secundaria a anulectasia aórtica en los que se realizó la técnica de Florida Sleeve. Resultados: En los tres casos se obtuvieron excelentes resultados postoperatorios, libres de insuficiencia aórtica residual y de reoperación por cualquier causa, resultados que se mantuvieron a los tres años de seguimiento. Conclusiones: La técnica de Florida Sleeve es una técnica segura, reproducible con una curva de aprendizaje y tiempos quirúrgicos inferiores a las técnicas tradicionales. Los resultados clínicos a medio plazo en términos de morbimortalidad son buenos.

Relationship between mercury and selenium concentrations in tissues from stranded odontocetes in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Odontocetes are apex predators that, despite accumulating mercury (Hg) to high concentrations in their tissues, show few signs of Hg toxicity. One method of Hg detoxification in odontocetes includes the sequestering of Hg in toxicologically inert mercury selenide (HgSe) compounds. To explore the tissue-specific accumulation of Hg and Se and the potential protective role of Se against Hg toxicity, we measured the concentrations of total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) in multiple tissues from 11 species of odontocetes that stranded along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast [Florida (FL) and Louisiana (LA)]. Tissues were collected primarily from bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus; n = 93); however, individuals from species in the following 8 genera were also sampled: Feresa (n = 1), Globicephala (n = 1), Grampus (n = 2), Kogia (n = 5), Mesoplodon (n = 1), Peponocephala (n = 4), Stenella (n = 9), and Steno (n = 1). In all species, mean THg concentrations were greatest in the liver and lowest in the blubber, lung, or skin. In contrast, in most species, mean Se concentrations were greatest in the liver, lung, or skin, and lowest in the blubber. For all species combined, Se:Hg molar ratios decreased with increasing THg concentration in the blubber, kidney, liver, lung, and skin following an exponential decay relationship. In bottlenose dolphins, THg concentrations in the kidney, liver, and lung were significantly greater in FL dolphins compared to LA dolphins. On average, in bottlenose dolphins, Se:Hg molar ratios were approximately 1:1 in the liver and >1:1 in blubber, kidney, lung, and skin, suggesting that Se likely protects against Hg toxicity. However, more research is necessary to understand the variation in Hg accumulation within and among species and to assess how Hg, in combination with other environmental stressors, influences odontocete population health.

Hurricanes fertilize mangrove forests in the Gulf of Mexico (Florida Everglades, USA).

Hurricanes are recurring high-energy disturbances in coastal regions that change community structure and function of mangrove wetlands. However, most of the studies assessing hurricane impacts on mangroves have focused on negative effects without considering the positive influence of hurricane-induced sediment deposition and associated nutrient fertilization on mangrove productivity and resilience. Here, we quantified how Hurricane Irma influenced soil nutrient pools, vertical accretion, and plant phosphorus (P) uptake after its passage across the Florida Coastal Everglades in September 2017. Vertical accretion from Irma's deposits was 6.7 to 14.4 times greater than the long-term (100 y) annual accretion rate (0.27 ± 0.04 cm y-1). Storm deposits extended up to 10-km inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Total P (TP) inputs were highest at the mouth of estuaries, with P concentration double that of underlying surface (top 10 cm) soils (0.19 ± 0.02 mg cm-3). This P deposition contributed 49 to 98% to the soil nutrient pool. As a result, all mangrove species showed a significant increase in litter foliar TP and soil porewater inorganic P concentrations in early 2018, 3 mo after Irma's impact, thus underscoring the interspecies differences in nutrient uptake. Mean TP loading rates were five times greater in southwestern (94 ± 13 kg ha-1 d-1) mangrove-dominated estuaries compared to the southeastern region, highlighting the positive role of hurricanes as a natural fertilization mechanism influencing forest productivity. P-rich, mineral sediments deposited by hurricanes create legacies that facilitate rapid forest recovery, stimulation of peat soil development, and resilience to sea-level rise.

Multifocal outbreak of equine influenza in vaccinated horses in Argentina in 2018: Epidemiological aspects and molecular characterisation of the involved virus strains.

BACKGROUND: Equine influenza is an important cause of respiratory disease of horses worldwide. The equine influenza virus (EIV) undergoes antigenic drift through the accumulation of amino acid substitutions in the viral proteins, which may lead to vaccine breakdown. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological findings and the molecular characteristics of the EIV detected during the multifocal outbreak that occurred in Argentina between March and July 2018 and evidence a vaccine breakdown. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, descriptive study. METHODS: Virus was detected in nasopharyngeal swabs using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes were obtained from EIV positive nasopharyngeal swabs, and phylogenetic analysis was undertaken. Amino acid sequences were compared against the current World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)-recommended Florida clade 1 vaccine strain and strain components of vaccines used in Argentina. Serum samples were tested using haemagglutination inhibition test. RESULTS: Equine influenza virus infection was confirmed using real-time RT-PCR and serological testing. The phylogenetic analysis of the HA and NA genes revealed that all the EIV identified during the outbreak belong to the H3N8 subtype, Florida clade 1. Multiple amino acid changes, some of them at antigenic sites, were observed in the circulating virus when compared with the strains included in the most commonly used vaccine in Argentina. Seventy-six percent of the affected horses had been vaccinated with this vaccine, suggesting the occurrence of vaccine breakdown. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The study does not include antigenic characterisation and full genome sequencing of Argentinian strains, that could provide additional information. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of this multifocal equine influenza outbreak in regularly vaccinated horses is a field evidence of vaccine breakdown, reinforcing the necessity of keeping vaccine strains updated according to OIE recommendations. It also underlines the importance of the implementation of appropriate quarantine measures and restriction of horse movement in the face of disease.

Occurrence of Podocotyle Dujardin, 1845 (Opecoelidae, Podocotylinae) in three species of deep-sea macrourids from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea with an updated key to species and host-parasite checklist.

Podocotyle pearsei Manter, 1934 is documented from the intestine of Vaillant's grenadier, Bathygadus melanobranchus Vaillant (Macrouridae: Bathygadinae), collected from the northeastern and western Gulf of Mexico from 783-841 m depth. The finding of P. pearsei in B. melanobranchus represents the first originally published report of this genus from this host and the fifth documented host species for P. pearsei. We report three unidentified species of Podocotyle, represented by one individual each, from the intestine of the western Atlantic grenadier, Nezumia atlantica (Parr) (Macrouridae: Macrourinae), and from Bathygadus favosus Goode Bean (Macrouridae: Bathygadinae) found at 637 m, 710 m and 1,143 m depths in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico off Florida and from the Caribbean Sea off Colombia. We provide a checklist of the parasites known from the three macrourid species relevant to this study, comment on the biogeography of the five species of Podocotyle now known from the deep sea and discuss the low host specificity observed across this genus. The high number of fish hosts for Podocotyle (i.e. type hosts include at least 22 piscine families) encompassing a wide phylogenetic diversity and diet makes it unlikely that members of a single genus could evolve such a broad array of life histories (i.e. utilize dissimilar intermediate hosts), and we predict in the future that Podocotyle will be taxonomically divided up. Morphological and especially molecular work is needed for Podocotyle as well as for other digenean genera known to inhabit the deep sea. Podocotyle sp. 1 2 represent the first originally published reports of this genus from N. atlantica while Podocotyle sp. 3 represents the first report of this genus from B. favosus. Podocotyle koshari Nagaty, 1973 is declared a species inquirenda, and a dichotomous key to the 27 species of Podocotyle we recognize is provided.

Displasia óssea florida expansiva: relatos de dois casos incomuns / Expansive florid osseous dysplasia: reports of two unusual cases

A displasia óssea geralmente é um achado radiográfico, por não apresentar, em sua maioria, alterações clínicas. Contudo, um novo subtipo de displasia, que afeta preferencialmente mulheres negras de meia-idade e promove expansão do osso cortical envolvido, tem sido relatada como Displasia Óssea Expansiva. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar dois casos de Displasia Óssea Florida com expressivo aspecto expansivo e perfuração das corticais ósseas envolvidas. O primeiro relata uma paciente negra, 46 anos, que compareceu à Odontoclínica Central da Marinha necessitando de restauração indireta em um dente. O exame clínico demonstrou um aumento de volume duro na face lingual do rebordo alveolar dos incisivos inferiores. Na radiografia panorâmica, foram observadas duas imagens de densidades mistas com predomínio de áreas radiopacas nas regiões apicais dos dentes anteroinferiores e do primeiro molar inferior esquerdo. A tomografia computadorizada mostrou expansão, adelgaçamento da cortical vestibular e perfuração da cortical lingual na região dos incisivos. O segundo caso apresenta uma paciente de meia idade, feoderma, que buscou atendimento para acompanhamento de lesão mista na mandíbula, nas regiões apicais dos dentes anteriores, pré-molares e na região correspondente ao terceiro molar direito. Na tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico observaram-se expansão e adelgaçamento da cortical vestibular nos dentes anteroinferiores. Com base na literatura atual e nas características de ambas as lesões, a hipótese diagnóstica para ambos os casos foi de Displasia Óssea Florida com aspecto expansivo. As pacientes foram orientadas sobre a importância da higiene bucal adequada e da necessidade de um acompanhamento clínico imagiológico anual destas lesões.

Osseous dysplasia generally is a radiographic finding because, for the most part, it does not cause clinical changes. However, a new subtype of dysplasia that affects primarily middle-aged black women and promotes expansion of the involved cortical bone has been reported as Expansive Osseous Dysplasia. The aim of this article is to report two cases of Florida Osseous Dysplasia with expressive expansion and perforation of the osseous cortex involved. The first case reports a 46-year-old black female patient whom was attended at the Naval Dental Center requiring indirect restoration in one tooth. Clinical examination showed a hard and increased volume at lingual portion of alveolar ridge in the region of the lower incisors. In the panoramic radiography two mixed density images were observed with predominance of radiopaque areas in the apical region of the anterior inferior teeth and in the first lower left molar. The computed tomography showed the buccal cortex thinning and the expansion and perforation of the lingual cortex in the incisor region. The second case presents a middle-aged brown skin patient who sought dental care to monitor a mixed lesion in the apical region of the anterior inferior teeth, lower premolars on both sides and in the third right lower third molar. In cone beam computed tomography, expansion and thinning of the vestibular cortex in the anterior inferior teeth were observed. Based on the current literature and the characteristics of both lesions, the diagnostic hypothesis was Florida Osseous Dysplasia with expansive aspect. The patients were advised on the importance of oral hygiene and the need for an annual follow-up of these lesions

Patterns and Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy in Mild Stroke.

Background and Purpose- We aimed to evaluate the current practice patterns, safety and outcomes of patients who receive endovascular therapy (EVT) having mild neurological symptoms. Methods- From Jan 2010 to Jan 2018, 127,794 ischemic stroke patients were enrolled in the Florida-Puerto Rico Stroke Registry. Patients presenting within 24 hours of symptoms who received EVT were classified into mild (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] ≤5) or moderate/severe (NIHSS>5) categories. Differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Results- Among 4110 EVT patients (median age, 73 [interquartile range=20] years; 50% women), 446 (11%) had NIHSS ≤5. Compared with NIHSS >5, those with NIHSS ≤5 arrived later to the hospital (median, 138 versus 101 minutes), were less likely to receive intravenous alteplase (30% versus 43%), had a longer door-to-puncture time (median, 167 versus 115 minutes) and more likely treated in South Florida (64% versus 53%). In multivariable analysis younger age, private insurance (versus Medicare), history of hypertension, prior independent ambulation and hospital size were independent characteristics associated with NIHSS ≤5. Among EVT patients with NIHSS ≤5, 76% were discharged home/rehabilitation and 64% were able to ambulate independently at discharge as compared with 53% and 32% of patients with NIHSS >5. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 4% of mild stroke EVT patients and 6.4% in those with NIHSS >5. Conclusions- Despite lack of evidence-based recommendations, 11% of patients receiving EVT in clinical practice have mild neurological presentations. Individual, hospital and geographic disparities are observed among endovascularly treated patients based on the severity of clinical symptoms. Our data suggest safety and overall favorable outcomes for EVT patients with mild stroke.

Wolbachia pipientis occurs in Aedes aegypti populations in New Mexico and Florida, USA.

The mosquitoes Aedes aegypti (L.) and Ae. albopictus Skuse are the major vectors of dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya viruses worldwide. Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium present in many insects, is being utilized in novel vector control strategies to manipulate mosquito life history and vector competence to curb virus transmission. Earlier studies have found that Wolbachia is commonly detected in Ae. albopictus but rarely detected in Ae. aegypti. In this study, we used a two-step PCR assay to detect Wolbachia in wild-collected samples of Ae. aegypti. The PCR products were sequenced to validate amplicons and identify Wolbachia strains. A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed and used for detecting Wolbachia in selected mosquito specimens as well. We found Wolbachia in 85/148 (57.4%) wild Ae. aegypti specimens from various cities in New Mexico, and in 2/46 (4.3%) from St. Augustine, Florida. Wolbachia was not detected in 94 samples of Ae. aegypti from Deer Park, Harris County, Texas. Wolbachia detected in Ae. aegypti from both New Mexico and Florida was the wAlbB strain of Wolbachia pipientis. A Wolbachia-positive colony of Ae. aegypti was established from pupae collected in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 2018. The infected females of this strain transmitted Wolbachia to their progeny when crossed with males of Rockefeller strain of Ae. aegypti, which does not carry Wolbachia. In contrast, none of the progeny of Las Cruces males mated to Rockefeller females were infected with Wolbachia.

Conservative Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis Associated with Florid Osseous Dysplasia / Tratamiento Conservador de la Osteomielitis Crónica Asociada con Displasia Ósea Florida

ABSTRACT: Florid osseous dysplasia (FOD) is an extensive form of osseous dysplasia where normal trabecular bone is substituted by fibrous connective tissue and amorphous mineralized tissue. Usually, the lesions are mainly asymptomatic and the patients should be followed with clinical and imaging examination, requiring no intervention. Nevertheless, due to the poor vascularization of the lesion and to local trauma, secondary infections and osteomyelitis may occur. Patients may present with pain, mucosal ulceration, lesion exposure in the oral cavity, fistula and swelling. In such cases, the correct diagnosis and management of the lesion is decisive to reestablish patient's health and quality of life. The aim of this article is to present a case of complicating secondary chronic osteomyelitis treated successfully with conservative intervention. A 68-year-old black female patient reported a "swelling of the gums" that was present for eleven years, with episodes of periodic pain and swelling. On physical examination, a papule with suppuration in the alveolar mucosa in the right side of the mandible was observed. Panoramic radiography and CBCT showed a mixed lesion surrounded by sclerotic bone. The patient was diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis in association with FOD and treated with antibiotic therapy together with surgical curettage. The incidence, etiophatology, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention of secondary osteomyelitis associated with FOD are discussed in the light of literature. This information might assist the dentists while choosing the best treatment options for similar cases.

RESUMEN: La displasia ósea florida (DOF) es una forma de displasia ósea donde el hueso trabecular normal es sustituido por tejido conectivo fibroso y tejido mineralizado amorfo. En general, las lesiones son de origen asintomático y los pacientes deben ser seguidos con el examen clínico. Sin embargo, debido a la pobre vascularización de la lesión y al trauma local, pueden producirse lesiones secundarias y osteomielitis. Los pacientes pueden presentarse con dolor, ulceración mucosa, lesión de exposición en la cavidad oral, fístula y edema. En estos casos, el correcto diagnóstico y tratamiento de la lesión es decisivo para reestabilizar la salud y la calidad de la vida. El objetivo de este artículo consistió en presentar un caso de complicación secundaria crónica de osteomielitis tratados con tratamiento conservador. El paciente, negro, de 68 años de edad, consulta por "hinchazón de las encías" que se presentó durante once años, con episodios de dolor. En el examen intraoral, se observó una pápula con supuración en la mucosa alveolar en el lado derecho de la mandíbula. La radiografía panorámica y CBCT mostraron una lesión mixta rodeada de hueso esclerótico. El paciente fue diagnosticado con osteomielitis crónica en asociación con DOF y fue tratado con tratamiento antibiótico junto con curetaje quirúrgico. La incidencia, la etiopatología, el diagnóstico diferencial, el tratamiento y la prevención de la osteomielitis secundaria asociada con DOF se discuten a la luz de la literatura. Esta información puede ayudar a los dentistas a elegir las mejores opciones de tratamiento para casos similares.