Allergic sensitization to Storage Dust Mites: a prospective study of patients with respiratory allergy

Summary: Objectives. To describe the prevalence of allergic sensitization to Storage Dust Mites (SDM), access whether the place of living and occupational exposure were determinants for SDM sensitization and study association between Lepidoglyphus destructor and other SDM sensitization. Methods. Prospective analysis of patients evaluated for suspected allergic rhinitis and/or asthma that performed Skin Prick Tests (SPT) to SDM between January and December 2018 in our Department. Results. Two hundred consecutive patients were evaluated for rhinitis and/or asthma in our outpatient consultation: 123 (61.5%) presented positivity for at least one SDM, 68.3% were female and the mean age was 33.1 ± 12.12. Lepidoglyphus destructor (69.9%) was the most prevalent, followed by Tyrophagus putrescentiae (50.4%), Blomia tropicalis and Glycyphagus domesticus (48.8%) and Acarus siro (24.4%). Living in a rural place was not associated with a higher prevalence of sensitization to SDM, except for Acarus siro (p = 0.032), and working in a place with storage areas was not associated with sensitization to any of SDM. Sensitization to Lepidoglyphus destructor was associated with sensitization to Blomia tropicalis, Glycyphagus domesticus and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (p less than 0.005), but not with Acarus siro.Conclusions. Our study suggests that our population, independently of their occupational exposure and place of residency, are sensitized to SDM and that evaluation of sensitization to SDM should be considered as standard practice.

Immunohistochemical assessment of PTEN in vulvar cancer: best practices for tissue staining, evaluation, and clinical association.

BACKGROUND: Pten encodes a well-characterized protein that is important in several cancers due to its tumor suppressor function. Yet, the detection and evaluation of PTEN by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for clinical practice have not been standardized. Thus, in this study, we performed a literature review of protocols for PTEN assessment by IHC and the possible differences in evaluation, based on our experience with vulvar carcinomas. Also, we report some of our most recent findings regarding the clinical impact of PTEN in this type of tumor. METHODS: In total, 150 FFPE vulvar carcinoma samples in a tissue microarray were examined by IHC with regard to PTEN, PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. All evaluations were performed by slide digitalization and quantification using APERIO ImageScope software. All measurements were converted into HScore values for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Sharp and specific PTEN expression was observed in the nuclei and cytoplasmic compartments. Its HScore values ranged from 3.5 to 226, with a median of 92.5. mTOR expression was robust in all cases (mean HScore=248.1). AKT and PI3K had median HScore values of 200.5 and 156.5, respectively. In addition, PTEN expression was associated with higher rates of patient survival. CONCLUSION: The preanalytical step is the first issue in the immunohistochemical evaluation of PTEN. With regard to the analytical procedure, the antigen retrieval step yielded better stains for protocols with high-pH buffers, and antibody clone 6H2.1 effected the most reliable results. PTEN is a good prognostic marker for vulvar cancer, correlating with higher rates of patient survival. Our data underscore the importance of technical standardization to ensure more reliable and reproducible evaluation of PTEN in clinical practice.

Status epilepticus-Therapeutic management at the pediatric emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: Status epilepticus is an important cause of pediatric neurological emergency. Immediate treatment is essential to prevent definitive neurological damage. Several antiepileptic drugs are available for the management of status epilepticus. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients admitted at the emergency department of a tertiary hospital for 5 years (2014-2019). We analyzed the compliance to the treatment guidelines for pediatric status epilepticus. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen admissions were identified, 23.9% of these were febrile status epilepticus. Among the other cases, the most frequent cause was genetic (22.2%). The majority were convulsive status epilepticus (93.1%), 58.7% of which were generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Benzodiazepines were the most used first and second line drug (98.2% and 94.8%). The most frequent third drug used was diazepam (56.4%) followed by phenytoin (18.2%). An infra-therapeutic antiepileptic drug dose was given in 48.7% of cases. 49.6% presented with a prolonged status epilepticus and 6.8% needed intensive care. Incorrect sequence of drugs and infra-therapeutic doses were associated with prolonged status (p<0.001 and p<0.05) and an increased number of antiepileptic drugs used (p<0.001 and p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Benzodiazepines were the most frequently first and second line drugs used for status epilepticus management. Surprisingly, the most frequently third line drugs used were also benzodiazepines. These findings were partially explained by the misuse of infra-therapeutic doses of these drugs. Noncompliance with the implemented guidelines was associated with unfavorable outcomes.

PAHs in franciscana dolphins from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean: Concentration and maternal transfer assessments.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds ubiquitous in the environment and known for their toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects. These compounds can bioaccumulate in the biota and be transferred through trophic webs. The franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), as top predators, can be an environmental sentinels. Thus, this study aimed to provide data about PAHs concentration in their hepatic tissue collected on the coast of Espírito Santo (Franciscana Management Area, FMA Ia), Rio de Janeiro (FMA IIa), and São Paulo states (FMA IIb), in Southeastern Brazil. PAHs were detected in 86 % of franciscana dolphins (n = 50). The highest ∑PAHsTotal median concentration was reported in FMA Ia followed by FMA IIb and FMA IIa (1055.6; 523.9, and 72.1 ng.g-1 lipid weight, respectively). Phenanthrene was detected in one fetus and two neonates, showing maternal transfer of PAHs in these dolphins. Evaluating PAHs with potential toxic effects is of utmost importance for the conservation of a threatened species.

Efficient association between PGF2α and methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate sex pheromone prior to electroejaculation in dogs.

Electroejaculation is a technique that can be used to collect semen from canines, but its use with this group of animals is restricted by low success rate and low semen quality. Here, we evaluated whether pharmacological and sexual sensory stimuli, which may affect ejaculation, can increase electroejaculation efficiency and improve ejaculate quality. We worked with 20 dogs of mixed breed weighing between 5.3 and 22.2 kg, divided into two groups. Both groups were exposed to a spayed female for 10 min, but in the second group, the same spayed female had her vagina impregnated with methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate synthetic pheromone for 10 min and after receiving dinoprost tromethamine IM, 0.1 mg/kg. After stimulation, all dogs were chemically restrained with ketamine, 8 mg/kg, IM; and xylazine, 1 mg/kg, IM, and subjected to electroejaculation protocol. We obtained 100% of antegrade ejaculate in treatments when the spayed female had her vagina impregnated with pheromone and 80% when she did not. Sperm motility was significantly different (p < 0.05) between controls and the test group (10.1 ± 4.5 and 43.0 ± 8.3, respectively). We concluded that the adopted electroejaculation protocol was efficient and that the PGF2α associated with sexual sensory stimulation can improve semen quality in dogs undergoing the procedure.

Tissue expression of PPAR-α isoforms in Scophthalmus maximus and transcriptional response of target genes in the heart after exposure to WY-14643.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are involved in the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and can be activated either by natural ligands as fatty acids or by synthetic ligands including several environmental chemicals. In this study, two PPARα isoforms (α1 and α2) were analyzed in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) for a different tissue distribution. PPARα1 was ubiquitously expressed, while the PPARα2 was predominantly expressed in the heart. Following this result, turbot juveniles were exposed by injection to a synthetic selective PPARα agonist, WY-14643, for 14 days. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed with pools of heart samples of control and exposed fish to get insights into PPARα-regulated genes in the heart of juvenile turbot. Four genes were positively identified in the forward-subtracted and 12 genes in the reverse-subtracted cDNA SSH library, corresponding to the down-regulated and up-regulated genes in response to the WY-14643 treatment, respectively. The confirmation of these results in individual samples of juvenile turbot exposed to WY-14643 revealed a statistically significant mRNA induction of two cardiac muscle proteins (myosin light chain 2 and tropomyosin 4), which were shown to be involved in heart contraction and heartbeat regulation in other teleost species. Herewith, we showed for the first time that PPARα2 is predominantly expressed in the heart and that a PPARα agonist can induce the mRNA expression of cardiac muscle proteins in teleosts.

Criteria for progressive fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a Portuguese patient cohort.

Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a syndrome caused by sensitisation to inhaled antigens that leads to an abnormal immune response in the airways and lung parenchyma. Some patients previously diagnosed with certain types of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (f-ILDs), including fibrotic HP (f-HP), are susceptible to develop a progressive fibrosing phenotype (PF-ILD), despite initial state-of-the-art management. Objectives: To characterise a cohort of patients with a multidisciplinary diagnosis (MTD) of chronic f-HP, who were followed up in an ILD outpatient clinic of a hospital in Portugal, and to assess the prevalence of PF-ILD criteria in these patients. Methods: Data were collected from all patients with a definite or provisional diagnosis of f-HP after a multidisciplinary team discussion. Patients were followed up between December 2014 and July 2019. Data included clinical characteristics, high-resolution chest tomography (HRCT) disease patterns, lung function tests, bronchoalveolar lavage and further immunological work-up, biopsy reports (conventional transbronchial lung biopsy, transbronchial lung cryobiopsy or surgical video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy), all ILD multidisciplinary team records and diagnostic confidence levels. Patients were assessed according to PF-ILD criteria as defined in the INBUILD trial. Results: We identified 83 patients with an MTD of HP, who had been followed up for at least 12 months. Of these, 63 (75.9%) were diagnosed with f-HP. Of the 63 f-HP patients, 33.3% (n=21) fulfilled the predefined criteria for PF-HP: 66.7% had a relative decline of ≥10% forced vital capacity (FVC); 5% a relative decline of 5 - 9% FVC, with worsening symptoms or increased fibrosis on HRCT; and 23.8% had worsening respiratory symptoms with radiological progression. Conclusion: This single-centre cohort study demonstrated that a third of f-HP patients presented with PF-ILD, as determined by progression during initial standard-of-care treatment. A usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)/UIP-like pattern was present in >70% of patients with f-HP, and two-thirds of these patients had an FVC decline of ≥10%. PF-HP patients were also more exacerbation prone. According to recent trial data, this segment of patients can be considered possible candidates for antifibrotic treatment, with a reasonable prospect of effectiveness. Further efforts should focus on refining knowledge of longitudinal behaviour of large multicentric cohorts of f-HP patients, establishing a consensual and uniform definition of progression for use in clinical practice, as well as developing prognostic prediction tools to better (and early) inform the disease course.

Temporal trends of trace elements bioaccumulation by a vulnerable cetacean (Pontoporia blainvillei) before and after one of the largest mining disasters worldwide.

One of the largest environmental disasters worldwide occurred on November 5th, 2015, when the Fundão dam collapsed in Mariana (Minas Gerais State, Southeast Brazil). The tailing mud flooded the Doce River basin and reached the sea in the coast of Espírito Santo State (ES), Southeast Brazil. This coastal region is the habitat of the most isolated population of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei), with the lowest populational census and lowest genetic diversity in Franciscana Management Area Ia (FMA Ia) - 18° 25'S and 21° 17'S. This study aimed to assess the bioaccumulation of trace-elements (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, and Zn) in muscle, liver and kidney of franciscana dolphins collected near the Doce River's mouth before (n = 32) and after (n = 19) the tailing mud reached the sea. The Generalized Additive Model (GAM) showed increasing temporal trends of Hg and Zn in muscle and liver after the dam failure, probably related to higher concentrations and bioavailability in the water column and sediments from the Doce River. Declining trends were found for As and Cu muscular and hepatic concentrations and Fe concentrations in kidney due to their lower bioavailability after the disaster, caused by association with tailings mud trapped in the riverbanks and suspended particulate material. Additionally, higher As and Hg concentrations found in the first period of sampling may be due to historical contamination by mining activities. The full extent of the impacts caused by the Fundão dam failure is still unknown. However, due to their rapid increase and remobilization process, toxic effects can be induced in the biota by these elements. Elements' bioaccumulation in this study contributes to the knowledge of franciscana dolphins from FMA Ia. Considering the conservation concern regarding this franciscana population and its scarce knowledge, the impact of this disaster can be alarming for species conservation.

Neospora caninum: evaluation of vertical transmission in slaughtered beef cows (Bos indicus).

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes the most important reproductive problems in cattle worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of vertical transmission of N. caninum in zebus breed beef cows (Bos indicus) submitted for slaughter at an abattoir in the northern region of the State of Paraná, southern Brazil. One hundred and fifty-nine cows were evaluated: 83 pregnant (in different stages of gestation) and 76 non-pregnant. Serum determination of N. caninum was evaluated by indirect ELISA (Idexx). Blood (with EDTA) from pregnant cows and tissue samples (brain and heart) from their fetuses were collected and used for PCR analyses. Antibodies against N. caninum were observed in 14.6% (12/83) of pregnant and in 15.8% (12/76) of non-pregnant cows. Antibodies against the parasites were detected in one fetus (1.4%). The PCR analyses revealed that 6.0% (5/83) of cows and 4.8% (4/83) of fetuses evaluated were positive to specific N. caninum primers. These positive fetuses were between 4 and 6 months of age. Thus, considering PCR and serology as an indicative of vertical transmission in fetuses, 4.8% of fetuses were infected by N. caninum during gestation.

Brasilia tapaculo (Scytalopus novacapitalis) seasonality and site occupancy in altitudinal riparian environments after non-natural burnings and feral pig invasion in Serra da Canastra National Park, Brazil.

The Brasilia Tapaculo, Scytalopus novacapitalis Sick, 1958, is a rare, geographically restricted, and endangered bird species that inhabits riparian vegetation of Cerrado, mainly Gallery Forests. In Serra da Canastra National Park, southeastern Brazil, wetlands are under threat due to frequent non-natural burnings and invasion by feral pigs, Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758. We aimed to evaluate the possible effects of seasonal variations on S. novacapitalis records in undisturbed habitats and answer questions about how fire and feral pigs may affect site occupancy of the species. Transects alongside riparian environments were used to survey n=21 sites, totalizing 7.5 Km, from 2014 to 2019. Results indicated the season influenced both, spontaneous records and induced encounters by playback method, which were more abundant in breeding period, from early spring to summer. The use of playback significantly increased the amount of records in all seasons. The probability of site occupancy in all studied area was higher in late spring (ψ=0.91) and lower in autumn (ψ=0.73). In burned sites (n=8), the first post-fire month showed the lowest probability of occupancy, but there was a rapid recovery in 2nd month and stabilization similar to control area from the 3rd month ahead. After sites (n=11) were invaded by feral pigs, the estimation of site occupancy indicated a slight drop in first two months, but after the 3rd month of invasion the decreasing pattern enhanced the discrepancy with undisturbed areas. It is important to keep monitoring S. novacapitalis population and their threats, to subsidize management actions, especially to avoid frequently unusual burnings in riparian forests, and to block the access of feral pigs to wetlands.

ErbB receptors and fatty acid synthase expression in aggressive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

SUMMARY: Overexpression of ErbB receptors is frequent in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and seems to be correlated with tumor progression and metastasis. Fatty acid synthase (FASN), the key lipogenic enzyme responsible for the endogenous synthesis of fatty acids, is regulated by ErbB2 and overexpressed in several human malignancies. METHODS: This study was performed to examine the immunohistochemical expression patterns of ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4, and FASN in a tissue microarray, containing 33 representative areas from aggressive primary HNSCC (whose patients had distant metastasis), and 21 matched lung metastasis. RESULTS: Strong correlation among the expression of ErbB family receptors was found (ErbB1-ErbB2 P = 0.008, ErbB1-ErbB4 P = 0.018, EbB2-ErbB3 P = 0.001, ErbB2-ErbB4 P = 0.006, ErbB3-ErbB4 P=0.012) in the HNSCC. FASN expression was significantly associated with ErbB2 (P = 0.024). Lymphatic permeation was correlated with ErbB3 (P = 0.033) and histological grade with ErbB4 staining (P = 0.050). ErbB1 and ErbB2 were found mainly in patients with smoking habit (P = 0.011 and P = 0.027), and ErbB2 was associated with alcohol consumption and clinical stage (P = 0.014 and P = 0.031). Finally, FASN was overexpressed in lung metastasis, in comparison with matched HNSCC samples (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that high FASN immunohistochemical expression is a feature of HNSCC lung metastasis, and ErbB1-ErbB2, ErbB1-ErbB4, ErbB2-ErbB3, ErbB2-ErbB4, and ErbB3-ErbB4 expression levels are correlated in the respective primary tumors, being ErbB2 the preferred coexpression partner of all the other ErbB receptors.

Hyperinfection strongyloidiasis in a liver transplant recipient treated with parenteral ivermectin.

Severe strongyloidiasis, including hyperinfection and dissemination, is a recognized complication of solid organ transplantation. However, the development of strongyloidiasis in a liver transplant recipient has not been previously described. We present a case of severe strongyloidiasis occurring in a patient 4 months after liver transplantation and 1 month after receiving treatment for acute rejection. We assess the management challenges in this patient who remained symptomatic despite oral treatment with ivermectin and albendazole and eventual successful treatment with parenteral ivermectin. We review the published experience with alternative methods of ivermectin administration. We also investigate the possible source of infection, as the patient was not from an endemic area.

Mycobacterium abscessus infection in solid organ transplant recipients: report of three cases and review of the literature.

Mycobacterium abscessus is an ubiquitous organism found in the environment. This rapidly growing mycobacterium infrequently causes disease in humans; however, in immunocompromised hosts, disease can range from localized cutaneous lesions to disseminated infection. The organism is resistant to most antimycobacterial drugs and therapy can be limited by drug interactions. The exact incidence of M. abscessus infection among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is unknown; data are only available from previously reported cases in the literature. We describe 3 cases of M. abscessus infection in SOT recipients diagnosed within a 5-month period. One of the cases followed multi-visceral transplantation, the first such case to be reported in the literature. An epidemiological investigation did not reveal significant commonalities among the cases, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA of the case isolates confirmed their non-identity. All cases improved with antibiotic therapy, most notably with the new glycylcycline, tigecycline, along with surgical intervention in 2 of the cases. In addition, we review features and characteristics of M. abscessus infections in recipients of SOT reported in the literature from 1992 to 2008 and summarize some selected therapeutic concerns and issues related to treatment.

Effect of daily food supplementation with essential fatty acids on canine semen quality.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are important membrane components that influence membrane integrity and fluidity. In the present study, the effect of oral supplementation for 60 days with essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9) and vitamin E on canine semen quality was evaluated. Sixteen dogs were selected for the experiment; eight were used as the control group and eight received the fatty acid supplemented diet for 60 days. Semen samples were taken every 15 days during the entire experimental period and were analyzed for volume (ml), motility (%), vigour (0-5), concentration (x10(6)/ml), morphology of spermatozoa (%), plasma membrane integrity (%; using the hyposmotic swelling test) and thermoresistance (motility and vigour after 4 h at 38 degrees C). We concluded that, daily supplementation with omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids, together with vitamin E, for a period of 60 days, significantly increased the semen volume of the treated group after 15 days of supplementation; the vigour and concentration of spermatozoa were superior after the first month of supplementation, while the percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa decreased and the cells were protected against thermal stress.

A case of subcutaneous Mycoleptodiscus indicus infection in a liver transplant recipient successfully treated with antifungal therapy.

Mycoleptodiscus indicus, a dematiaceous mold, occurs on the leaves of a number of different host plants and has been only recently described as a cause of human infection. Immunosuppressed individuals are at risk for developing infections with opportunistic fungal pathogens, which are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. In addition, the treatment of infections caused by these fungi is frequently challenging. We report a case of M. indicus subcutaneous infection in a 51-year-old man with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C co-infection, who had a liver transplant. He developed skin nodules with a sporotrichoid lymphangitic distribution. Histopathology demonstrated unusual fungal elements with angioinvasion. Mycology cultures isolated a dematiaceous mold with the characteristic curved hyaline conidia of M. indicus. Initial treatment involved a combination of amphotericin B lipid complex and voriconazole, followed by monotherapy with voriconazole. The subcutaneous lesions resolved completely after 4 months of antifungal therapy.

Heavy metals in the bottom sediments of the Furo of Laura estuary, Eastern Amazon, Brazil.

The Furo of Laura is an economically important river in the Amazon estuary. Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the metal distribution (Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Mg) in the bottom sediments of this river. The sediments were sampled at four points every 2months for a year with an Ekman-Birge sampler. After microwave acid digestion, the metal levels were determined by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. The particle size and organic matter content influenced the concentration of the metals. The sediments were not enriched by the analyzed metals; the estuary therefore retained the characteristics of an uncontaminated environment, thus serving as a reference environment for comparison.

Quantity and quality of oocytes recovered from donor bitches of different ages.

In vitro studies that use isolated oocytes benefit from the ability to harvest oocytes of excellent morphological quality in sufficient numbers to allow the replicability of techniques and experiments. The objective of the present study was to verify the effect of the age of the donor bitch on the quantity and quality of oocytes recovered from isolated ovaries, using the slicing technique. Ten bitches (45 days to 13 years) were ovariohysterectomized, and the ovaries were placed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), supplemented with bovine fetal serum (5%), and oocyte-cumulus-complexes (OCCs) were obtained by slicing the ovarian tissue. The OCSs were classified morphologically as Degree I (DI, best), Degree II (DII) and degenerated. A total of 427 oocytes were acquired, including 81, 109 and 237 that were graded as DI, DII and degenerated, respectively. Slicing yielded no OCS from animals < 2 months of age. In senile (> 9 years) bitches, bitches, there were more oocytes per bitch, compared to adult (2-6.5 years) bitches, but fewer DI oocytes, and more DII and degenerate oocytes. We inferred that using donors that were post-pubertal but not senile, would assure the recovery of high-quality oocytes by the slicing method. Additional studies are required to assess the quality of oocytes collected from pre-pubertal versus post-pubertal bitches < 2 years of age.

Brasilia tapaculo (Scytalopus novacapitalis) seasonality and site occupancy in altitudinal riparian environments after non-natural burnings and feral pig invasion in Serra da Canastra National Park, Brazil / Sazonalidade do Tapaculo-de-Brasília (Scytalopus novacapitalis) e ocupação de área em ambientes ripários de altitude após queimadas não naturais e invasão por javaporco no Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, Brasil

The Brasilia Tapaculo, Scytalopus novacapitalis Sick, 1958, is a rare, geographically restricted, and endangered bird species that inhabits riparian vegetation of Cerrado, mainly Gallery Forests. In Serra da Canastra National Park, southeastern Brazil, wetlands are under threat due to frequent non-natural burnings and invasion by feral pigs, Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758. We aimed to evaluate the possible effects of seasonal variations on S. novacapitalis records in undisturbed habitats and answer questions about how fire and feral pigs may affect site occupancy of the species. Transects alongside riparian environments were used to survey n=21 sites, totalizing 7.5 Km, from 2014 to 2019. Results indicated the season influenced both, spontaneous records and induced encounters by playback method, which were more abundant in breeding period, from early spring to summer. The use of playback significantly increased the amount of records in all seasons. The probability of site occupancy in all studied area was higher in late spring (ψ=0.91) and lower in autumn (ψ=0.73). In burned sites (n=8), the first post-fire month showed the lowest probability of occupancy, but there was a rapid recovery in 2nd month and stabilization similar to control area from the 3rd month ahead. After sites (n=11) were invaded by feral pigs, the estimation of site occupancy indicated a slight drop in first two months, but after the 3rd month of invasion the decreasing pattern enhanced the discrepancy with undisturbed areas. It is important to keep monitoring S. novacapitalis population and their threats, to subsidize management actions, especially to avoid frequently unusual burnings in riparian forests, and to block the access of feral pigs to wetlands.

O tapaculo-de-Brasília, Scytalopus novacapitalis, Sick 1958, é uma espécie de ave rara, geograficamente restrita e ameaçada de extinção que habita vegetação ripária do Cerrado, principalmente matas de galeria. No Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, sudeste do Brasil, áreas úmidas estão ameaçadas devido a frequentes queimadas não naturais e a invasão por javaporco, Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758. Avaliamos os possíveis efeitos da sazonalidade na quantidade de registros de S. novacapitalis em habitats sem perturbação e buscamos responder questões sobre como o fogo e a invasão por javaporco pode afetar a ocupação de área pela ave. Transecções paralelas aos ambientes ripários foram usadas para amostrar n=21 áreas, totalizando 7,5 km, de 2014 a 2019. Os resultados indicaram que a estação do ano influenciou na quantidade de registros espontâneos e de registros induzidos por playback, os quais foram mais abundantes durante o período reprodutivo. O uso de playback aumentou significativamente a quantidade de registros em todas as estações. A probabilidade de ocupação considerando toda área de estudo foi maior no fim da primavera (ψ=0,91) e menor no outono (ψ=0,73). Em áreas queimadas (n=8 trechos), o primeiro mês após o fogo apresentou a menor probabilidade de ocupação, mas houve uma rápida recuperação no 2º mês, e estabilização similar na área controle a partir do 3º mês. Após n=11 trechos terem sido invadidos por javaporcos, a estimativa de ocupação de área indicou pequena queda nos dois primeiros meses, mas a partir do 3º mês, o padrão de decréscimo ampliou a discrepância com áreas não perturbadas. É importante continuar monitorando a população de S. novacapitalis e suas ameaças, para subsidiar ações de manejo, principalmente para evitar queimadas não naturais frequentes nas florestas ripárias e bloquear o acesso de javaporcos às áreas úmidas.

Genomic imbalances pinpoint potential oncogenes and tumor suppressors in Wilms tumors.

BACKGROUND: Wilms tumor (WT) has a not completely elucidated pathogenesis. DNA copy number alterations (CNAs) are common in cancer, and often define key pathogenic events. The aim of this work was to investigate CNAs in order to disclose new candidate genes for Wilms tumorigenesis. RESULTS: Array-CGH of 50 primary WTs without pre-chemotherapy revealed a few recurrent CNAs not previously reported, such as 7q and 20q gains, and 7p loss. Genomic amplifications were exclusively detected in 3 cases of WTs that later relapsed, which also exhibited an increased frequency of gains affecting a 16.2 Mb 1q21.1-q23.2 region, losses at 11p, 11q distal, and 16q, and WT1 deletions. Conversely, aneuploidies of chromosomes 13 and 19 were found only in WTs without further relapse. The 1q21.1-q23.2 gain associated with WT relapse harbours genes such as CHD1L, CRABP2, GJA8, MEX3A and MLLT11 that were found to be over-expressed in WTs. In addition, down-regulation of genes encompassed by focal deletions highlighted new potential tumor suppressors such as CNKSR1, MAN1C1, PAQR7 (1p36), TWIST1, SOSTDC1 (7p14.1-p12.2), BBOX and FIBIN (11p13), and PLCG2 (16q). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the presence of CNAs previously related to WT and characterized new CNAs found only in few cases. The later were found in higher frequency in relapsed cases, suggesting that they could be associated with WT progression.