Metronome-guided cochlear implantation for slower and smoother insertions of lateral wall electrodes.

INTRODUCTION: Achieving a slow and smooth electrode array insertion is paramount for preserving structural and functional integrity during cochlear implantation. This controlled study evaluates the efficacy of a metronome-guided insertion technique in enhancing the smoothness and speed of electrode array insertions. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery between 2022 and 2023 with lateral wall electrode arrays were included. Metronome guidance was delivered through an acoustic signal via headphones during electrode array insertion in cochlear implantation and compared to a control group without metronome-guidance. RESULTS: In total, 37 cases were evaluated, including 25 conventional insertions and 12 metronome-guided insertions. The results indicate that metronome-guided insertions were significantly slower (- 0.46 mm/s; p < 0.001) without extending the overall procedure time. This can be attributed to fewer paused sections observed in the metronome-guided technique. Moreover, metronome-guided insertions exhibited superior performance in terms of insertion smoothness and a reduced number of re-gripping events. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the recommendation for the systematic application of metronome guidance in the manual insertion of cochlear implant electrode arrays, emphasizing its potential to optimize surgical outcomes.

High chromosomal mobility of rDNA clusters in holocentric chromosomes of Triatominae, vectors of Chagas disease (Hemiptera-Reduviidae).

The subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera-Reduviidae) includes more than 150 blood-sucking species, potential vectors of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease. A distinctive cytogenetic characteristic of this group is the presence of extremely stable chromosome numbers. Unexpectedly, the analyses of the chromosomal location of ribosomal gene clusters and other repetitive sequences place Triatominae as a significantly diverse hemipteran subfamily. Here, we advance the understanding of Triatominae chromosomal evolution through the analysis of the 45S rDNA cluster chromosomal location in 92 Triatominae species. We found the 45S rDNA clusters in one to four loci per haploid genome with different chromosomal patterns: On one or two autosomes, on one, two or three sex chromosomes, on the X chromosome plus one to three autosomes. The movement of 45S rDNA clusters is discussed in an evolutionary context. Our results illustrate that rDNA mobility has been relatively common in the past and in recent evolutionary history of the group. The high frequency of rDNA patterns involving autosomes and sex chromosomes among closely related species could affect genetic recombination and the viability of hybrid populations, which suggests that the mobility of rDNA clusters could be a driver of species diversification.

Antifungal and antiocratoxigenic potential of Alpinia speciosa and Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oils encapsulated in poly(lactic acid) nanofibres against Aspergillus fungi.

Essential oils encapsulated in a polymeric matrix can be used as an alternative method to control fungi and mycotoxins. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography. The nanofibres were produced from poly (acid lactic) (PLA) containing essential oils by the Solution Blow Spinning method. The antifungal and antimicotoxygenic properties were evaluated against Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus westerdijkiae by the fumigation method. Terpinen-4-ol (20·23%), sabinene (20·18%), 1·8-cineole (16·69%) and γ-terpinene (11·03%) were the principal compounds present in the essential oil from Alpinia speciosa, whereas citral (97·67%) was dominant from Cymbopogon flexuosus. Microscopy images showed that the addition of essential oils caused an increase in the diameter of the nanofibres. The infrared spectroscopy results indicated the presence of essential oils in the PLA nanofibres. Differential scanning calorimetry curves also indicated the existence of interactions between the essential oils and polymeric macromolecules through their plasticizing action. The hydrophobic character of nanofibres was revealed by the contact angle technique. An antifungal effect was observed, the mycelial growths (3·25-100%) and the synthesis of ochratoxin A (25·94-100%) were inhibited by the presence of the nanofibres. The results suggest that bioactive nanofibres hold promise for application to control toxigenic fungi.

Antifungal activity of poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles incorporated with Eucalyptus essential oils against Hemileia vastatrix.

Coffee (Coffea L.) is one of the main crops produced globally. Its contamination by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix Berkeley and Broome has been economically detrimental for producers. The objective of this work was to extract and characterize the essential oils from Eucalyptus citriodora Hook, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn and Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden, produce and characterize nanoparticles containing these essential oils and evaluate the in vivo and in vitro antifungal activity of free and nanoencapsulated essential oils. The principal constituent of the essential oil from E. citriodora was citronellal; that from E. grandis was α-pinene; and that from E. camaldulensis was 1,8-cineol. The in vitro antifungal activity against the fungus H. vastatrix was 100% at a concentration of 1000 µl l-1 for all the oils and nanoparticles containing these natural products. The sizes of the nanoparticles produced with the essential oils from E. citriodora, E. camaldulensis and E. grandis were 402·13 nm, 275·33 nm and 328·5 nm, respectively, with surface charges of -11·8 mV, -9·24 mV and - 6·76 mV, respectively. Fourier transform infrared analyses proved that the encapsulation of essential oils occurred in the polymeric matrix of poly(ε-caprolactone). The incorporation of essential oils into biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles increased their efficiency as biofungicides in the fight against coffee rust, decreasing the severity of the disease by up to 90·75% after treatment with the nanoparticles containing the essential oil from E. grandis.

Protective role of Portuguese natural mineral waters on skin aging: in vitro evaluation of anti-senescence and anti-oxidant properties.

Natural mineral waters (NMWs) emerge from the earth as springs and their beneficial therapeutic effect has been empirically recognized in different countries. Portugal has diverse NMW resources that are sought for the relief of different afflictions including dermatological complications. However, there is a lack of scientific validation supporting this empiric knowledge. In this study, we aimed to screen the in vitro bioactivity of Portuguese NMWs with different chemical profiles, namely sulfurous/bicarbonate/sodic (SBS), bicarbonate/magnesium, sulfated/calcic, sulfurous/chlorinated/sodic, sulfurous/bicarbonate/fluoridated/sodic, and chlorinated/sodic, focusing on aging-related skin alterations. Mouse skin fibroblasts and macrophages were exposed to culture medium prepared in different NMWs. Cellular viability was evaluated by MTT assay and etoposide-induced senescence was analyzed through the beta-galactosidase staining kit. Wound healing was investigated by the scratch assay, and phototoxicity/photoprotection after UVA irradiation was evaluated using a neutral red solution. ROS production was quantified using the 2'7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate dye, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was analyzed by a commercial kit after lipopolysaccharide exposure. NMWs within the SBS profile demonstrated anti-senescence activity in skin fibroblasts, along with a variable effect on cellular viability. Among the tested NMWs, two decreased cellular senescence and preserved cell viability and were therefore selected for subsequent studies, together with a SBS NMW with therapeutic indications for dermatologic diseases. Overall, the selected NMW promoted wound healing in skin fibroblasts and activated SOD in macrophages, thus suggesting an anti-oxidant effect. None of the NMWs prevented phototoxicity after UV irradiation. Our results shed a light on the anti-aging potential of Portuguese NMW, supporting their putative application in cosmetic or medical products.

The manifestation of emotional distress: Correlations between self-compassion and self-mutilation in Brazilian women with disordered eating behavior.

BACKGROUND: The functions or motives for self-mutilation behavior (SMB) in Eating Disorders are diverse, and the relationship with self-compassion is unclear. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the relationship between SMB and Self-compassion. METHODS: 251 women aged 25.8 years (SD=5.94) and 73.54kg (SD=19.33) completed measures for Binge Eating (BE), Self-Compassion, and SMB. RESULTS: In the total evaluated, 83.27% (n=209) presented BE and 94.02% (n=236) presented at least 1 type of SMB. In comparison between groups, the BE-purging one's reached higher values for BE, and less self-compassion, while BE group presented higher self-compassion values. For the BE-purging group, the behaviors "Cut or carving skin", "Hitting self", "Pulling out one's hair", "Burning skin" and "Picking areas of the body to the point of drawing blood" showed inverse correlations with self-compassion. CONCLUSION: There is an inverse correlation between self-compassion and SMB, and SMB seems to have different functions between BE-purging group vs. BE group.

A current review of pathogenicity determinants of Streptococcus sp.

The genus Streptococcus comprises important pathogens, many of them are part of the human or animal microbiota. Advances in molecular genetics, taxonomic approaches and phylogenomic studies have led to the establishment of at least 100 species that have a severe impact on human health and are responsible for substantial economic losses to agriculture. The infectivity of the pathogens is linked to cell-surface components and/or secreted virulence factors. Bacteria have evolved sophisticated and multifaceted adaptation strategies to the host environment, including biofilm formation, survival within professional phagocytes, escape the host immune response, amongst others. This review focuses on virulence mechanism and zoonotic potential of Streptococcus species from pyogenic (S. agalactiae, S. pyogenes) and mitis groups (S. pneumoniae).

The predictive value of serial serum estradiol and serial endometrial volume on endometrial receptivity on assisted reproductive technology cycles.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of endometrial receptivity is still unclear and conflicting. Despite advances in embryo development during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) cycles, the intricate process of implantation is still matter for debate and research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective case control of 169 subjects during ovarian controlled stimulation for ART. Endometrial receptivity assessment to predict clinical pregnancy with serial continuous biochemical (serum estradiol) and biophysical (endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volume) parameters were used. Both parameters were compared between negative and positive outcome in terms of clinical pregnancy. RESULTS: No statistical difference was noted between the two groups in terms of demographics and ART procedures and scores. Serum estradiol was significantly higher in the positive group from day 8 after ovarian controlled stimulation. Endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volume were significantly higher in the positive group as soon as day 6 of ovarian controlled stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous serum estradiol and 3D endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volumes may reflect endometrial changes during ART procedures and provide a useful real time tool for clinicians in predicting endometrial receptivity.

Potentiation of antifungal activity of terbinafine by dihydrojasmone and terpinolene against dermatophytes.

Dermatophytoses are infections that affect keratinized tissues. Their main etiologic agents are fungi of the genera Microsporum and Trichophyton. The emergence of resistant fungi and the clinical relevance of dermatophytosis have encouraged studies that aim to increase the arsenal of drugs or act on mechanisms that confer multiple drug resistance. This study investigated the modulating activity of terbinafine promoted by dihydrojasmone and terpinolene against Microsporum canis LM 216, Trichophyton interdigitale H6 and T. interdigitale Δmdr2. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of test drugs was determined by broth microdilution. The effect of the drugs tested on plasma membrane functionality was analysed. Terbinafine MIC was determined in sub-inhibitory concentrations of monoterpenes. Finally, it was performed an association study with terbinafine and monoterpenes. Dihydrojasmone presented lower MIC values than terpinolene. All fungi were sensitive to terbinafine, starting at 1 µg ml-1 . All tested drugs increased K+ release (P < 0·05), affecting the functionality of the plasma membrane. Dihydrojasmone modulated the sensitivity of all strains against terbinafine, and terpinolene modulated the sensitivity of M. canis LM 216 and T. interdigitale Δmdr2. The monoterpenes and terbinafine drug associations presented synergism. In conclusion, the results suggest that the dihydrojasmone and terpinolene are promising antifungal agents that potentiate the antifungal activity of terbinafine against dermatophytes.

Subendometrial resistence and pulsatility index assessment of endometrial receptivity in assisted reproductive technology cycles.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Subendometrial and Uterine artery resistance and pulsatility index continuous analysis as a predictor of Endometrial receptivity in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Cycles. DESIGN: Serial 2D transvaginal coloured power doppler ultrasound performed in women on ART cycle to evaluate a pattern that better predicts implantation rates. One hundred sixty-nine subjects on a prospective case control study were assessed. Uterine artery and Subendometrial resistance and pulsatility index was performed to all subjects at baseline (prior to ovarian controlled stimulation), at day 6, 8 and 10 of controlled ovarian stimulation, at trigger day and at embryo transfer day. Also the ratio of fluxometric parameters between Subendometrial blood flow and uterine artery was measured. RESULTS: No statistical difference was noted between two groups in terms of demographics and ART procedures and scores. Uterine artery resistance and pulsatility index showed statistical difference between the two groups (implantation versus non-implantation group). Also statistical significance was obtained between two groups in terms of Subendometrial vascularization. Ratio between Subendometrial and Uterine artery showed lower values of fluxometric parameters in all range for the Subendometrial territory. CONCLUSIONS: Serial Subendometrial and Uterine artery fluxometry may be a useful tool for clinicians in predicting endometrial receptivity enhancing elective embryo transfers in the same ART cycle.

Improving the soluble lipase-catalyzed biodiesel production through a two-step hydroesterification reaction system.

The application of lipases in liquid formulation instead of immobilized forms in the enzymatic biodiesel synthesis can make the process cost-efficient, more competitive, and sustainable. However, despite the benefits, the long reaction times required to achieve satisfactory yields is still a drawback of this biotechnological process. In this sense, employing the novel low-cost soluble NS40116 lipase, this paper proposes an innovative two-step hydroesterification reaction (TSHR) system as a technique of improving the reaction rate of an enzymatic biodiesel production. With the employment of two central composite statistical design to optimize the parameters of each of the reactions involved, the influence of the parameters "water concentration added to the reaction," "methanol-to-oil molar ratio," and "lipase load" on the process yield, besides the acid value of the samples, was investigated. After only 8 h of reaction, the highest fatty acid methyl ester yield reached was 97.1% with an acid value of 4.62 mg KOH g-1 utilizing a total of 8 wt% water, methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 6.3:1, and 0.70 wt% of lipase. Furthermore, the statistical models for both reactions indicated to be significant with 95% of reliability. Considering that the papers published using soluble lipases in a one-step batch process normally reach similar yields to those obtained in this research after 16 h to 24 h of reaction, the proposed system demonstrated to be a promising option of process configuration for the enzymatic production of biodiesel.

Detection and quantification of hepatitis E virus in the absence of IgG and IgM anti-HEV in HIV-positive patients.

AIMS: To improve RT-qPCR with an internal control and a synthetic standard curve to detect HEV in HIV co-infected patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) synthetic curve were designed, compared to the international reference panel for HEV genotypes, and tested to quantify and detect a reference panel for HEV genotypes. The detection limit of the RNA synthetic curve (50 copies per ml) was better than the DNA synthetic curve (100 copies per ml) and the WHO standard curve (250 copies per ml). Then, 280 serum samples from HIV-positive patients were tested for HEV RNA, which was detected in 3·6% of serum samples. The viral load ranged from 2 × 102 copies per ml to 4·78 × 108 copies per ml. HEV IgM/IgG antibodies were not detected in the RNA-positive patients. Sequencing analysis of HEV showed that the virus belongs to genotype 3 (HEV GT3). CONCLUSIONS: Real-time PCR was a useful tool to estimate co-infection with HEV/HIV, even in patients with low viral loads and undetectable anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV GT3) has been associated with silent chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in HIV-positive subjects worldwide, but there is a lack of data on this co-infection in Brazil.

Enteric viruses' dissemination in a private reserve of natural heritage.

This study aimed to assess anthropogenic impact of surrounding population in the Private Reserve of Natural Heritage at Pantanal, the world's largest freshwater wetland ecosystem located in the centre of South America. Viral aetiological agents of acute gastroenteritis as rotavirus A (RVA), noroviruses, human adenoviruses, klassevirus and of hepatitis, as hepatitis A virus, were investigated in different aquatic matrices. Annual collection campaigns were carried out from 2009 to 2012, alternating dry and rainy seasons. Viral particles present in the samples were concentrated by the adsorption-elution method, with negatively charged membranes, and detected by qualitative and quantitative PCR. From a total of 43 samples at least one virus was detected in 65% (28) of them. Viruses were detected in all matrices with concentrations ranging from 2 × 102 to 8·3 × 104 genome copies per litre. A significant higher RVA frequency was observed in the dry season. Our data revealing dissemination of human enteric viruses in water matrices both inside and outside the reserve could be useful to trace faecal contamination in the environment and to minimize the risk of infection by exposure of susceptible individuals. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study is part of a collaborative project designed to investigate the environmental and health conditions of the Private Reserve of Natural Heritage at Pantanal, the largest seasonally flooded wetland in the world. The project aimed to promote health and quality of human and wildlife extending technical-scientific knowledge about pathogens present in the region. By assessing the occurrence of human enteric viruses in different water matrices we demonstrated the anthropogenic impact of surrounding population and pointed out the potential risk of infection by exposure of susceptible individuals.

Clinicopathological analysis of head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma: A series of 10 cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: To describe the clinicopathological characteristics of a series of head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and to review the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases diagnosed as RMS affecting the head and neck region were retrospectively retrieved from the files of two Brazilian institutions from January 2006 to January 2017. Data on clinical features (sex, age and affected site), microscopic subtype, immunohistochemical results, treatment employed and follow-up status were obtained from the patient's medical charts. RESULTS: During the period considered, 10 cases of RMS were identified. Females predominated (4M:6F), the mean age at diagnosis was 16.5 years-old and the orbit was the most affected site (4 cases). Microscopically, most cases were classified as embryonal RMS (6 cases) and the Desmin/Myogenin/Myo-D1 immunohistochemical positivity was useful to confirm the diagnosis. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were applied to 9 and 8 patients respectively, whereas 2 patients were treated by surgery. Recurrences occurred in 3 patients and distant metastasis in 2 cases. Nine patients were alive in their last follow-up, 3 of them with disease, whereas 1 patient died due to the disease. CONCLUSION: Head and neck RMS is an aggressive malignant neoplasm which demands especial concern to achieve early diagnosis and successful treatment.

One or two ligatures inducing periodontitis are sufficient to cause fatty liver.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic disease that due to an intense inflammatory response triggers systemic changes such as hepatic alterations. This study aimed to compare hepatic damage in rats that received experimental periodontitis at one or two periodontal sites with ligatures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen rats were separated into three groups: control, without ligature; periodontitis 1, with one ligature; and periodontitis 2, with two ligatures. The following parameters were assessed: gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, tooth mobility, alveolar bone loss, malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in periodontal tissue; histopathological evaluation of hepatic tissue (steatosis score); glutathione levels (GSH), MDA, MPO, cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver; and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). RESULTS: Periodontal evaluation data showed that the periodontitis model worked well. The groups with periodontitis did not differ significantly in relation to MPO activity and MDA levels in the gingival samples, but they were significantly different when compared with the control group. Steatosis was observed in the histological analysis of the groups with periodontitis, but between the periodontitis groups, two ligatures did not cause increase in steatosis score. The levels of GSH, MDA, total cholesterol and triglycerides in the hepatic tissue were not altered between groups with periodontitis, but they showed significant differences in comparison with the control group. The activity of MPO in hepatic tissue and serum levels of AST and ALT did not present significant difference among the three groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results demonstrated that one or two ligatures inducing periodontitis were both sufficient to cause fatty liver. Steatosis caused by two ligatures did not present larger extension and severity than steatosis caused by one ligature.

Challenges in Application of Langmuir Monolayer Studies To Determine the Mechanisms of Bactericidal Activity of Ruthenium Complexes.

The effects induced by antibiotics on the bacterial membrane may be correlated with their bactericidal activity, and such molecular-level interactions can be probed with Langmuir monolayers representing the cell membrane. In this study, we investigated the interaction between [Ru(mcbtz)2(PPh3)2] (RuBTZ, mcbtz = 2-mercaptobenzothiazoline) and [Ru(mctz)2(PPh3)2] (RuCTZ, mctz = 2-mercaptothiazoline) with Langmuir monolayers of a lipid extract of Escherichia coli, an extract of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), and a zwitterionic phospholipid, dioleoylphosphatidyl choline (DOPC). RuBTZ and RuCTZ had little effects on DOPC, which is consistent with their negligible toxicity toward mammalian cells that may be approximated by a zwitterionic monolayer. Also little were their effects on LPSs. In contrast, RuBTZ and RuCTZ induced expansion in the surface pressure isotherms and decreased the compressional modulus of the E. coli lipid extract. While the more hydrophobic RuBTZ seemed to affect the hydrophobic tails of the E. coli extract monolayer to a larger extent, according to polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy results, evidence of a stronger RuBTZ interaction could not be confirmed unequivocally. Therefore, the interaction with the E. coli cell membrane cannot be directly correlated with the observed higher bactericidal activity of RuBTZ, in comparison to that of RuCTZ. This appears to be a case in which Langmuir monolayer studies do not suffice to determine the mechanisms responsible for the bactericidal activity.

Steatosis caused by experimental periodontitis is reversible after removal of ligature in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis may promote harmful systemic effects such as changes in hepatic tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the steatosis and oxidative stress caused by experimental periodontitis are reversible in the liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: control, periodontitis and P20-20 (20 days with experimental periodontitis and 20 days without experimental periodontitis, to verify the reversibility of hepatic injuries). The following parameters were assessed: gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, myeloperoxidase activity, alveolar bone loss for periodontal tissues; liver weights, histopathological scores for steatosis, inflammation and necrosis in liver; glutathione, malondialdehyde, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in hepatic tissues; and blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, gamma-glutaryl transferase, total cholesterol and random glucose. RESULTS: Gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, myeloperoxidase and alveolar bone loss parameters demonstrated the development of periodontitis. There was a significant reduction in the steatosis score of animals from the P20-20 group when compared with the periodontitis group. P20-20 group presented significantly higher glutathione (11 times) and lower malondialdehyde (nearly 23%), total cholesterol (both in blood and hepatic tissue) and triglyceride concentrations compared with the periodontitis group. For levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, gamma-glutaryl transferase and random glucose, a significant difference between the groups was not observed. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the microvesicular steatosis caused by periodontitis in rats is reversible after removal of the ligature, which is associated with the increase in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the liver.

Bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, vaginal inflammation and major Pap smear abnormalities.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of the vaginal milieu on the presence of abnormal Pap smears and a positive human papilloma virus (HPV) test. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2014 and May 2015, evaluating the vaginal discharge by fresh wet mount microscopy and comparing these data with Pap smear findings. Wet mount slides were scored for bacterial vaginosis (BV), aerobic vaginitis (AV), presence of Candida and Trichomonas vaginalis. Cytologic evaluation was done on all Pap smears according to the Bethesda criteria. The cobas© HPV Test (Roche) was performed for HPV detection. A total of 622 cases were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 41.6 ± 10.65 years (range 21-75). Eighty-three women (13.3 %) had a cytology result worse than low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). When comparing this group with the one with normal or minor [atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) or LSIL] Pap smear abnormalities, there were no differences in the presence of Candida (32.5 % vs. 33.2 %, p = 1.0), absence of lactobacilli (38.6 % vs. 32.5 %, p = 0.32) or BV (20.5 % vs. 13.2 %, p = 0.09). On the other hand, moderate or severe inflammation (msI) (41.0 % vs. 28.8 %, p = 0,04), moderate or severe AV (msAV) (16.9 % vs. 7.2 %, p = 0.009) and msAV/BV (37.3 % vs. 20.0 %, p = 0.001) were more common in women with such major cervical abnormalities. No significant association was found between deviations of the vaginal milieu and high-risk HPV infection. The presence of msI or msAV, but not BV, is independently associated with an increased risk of major cervical cytological abnormalities, but not with HPV infection.

Host preference, population growth and injuries assessment of Polyphagotarsonemus latus (banks) (ACARI: Tarsonemidae) on Capsicum annuum L. Genotypes.

Despite the continued efforts on the search for different genotypes, Capsicum annuum (L.) is quite susceptible to attack by pest arthropods, especially the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks. Thus, the host preference, population growth and the injuries assessment of P. latus was studied on six C. annuum genotypes used in Brazil (Atlantis, California Wonder, Impact, Palloma, Rubia and Tendence). Host preference was accessed in choice tests, pairing the several genotypes, and the population growth was observed through non-choice tests in laboratory. The injuries assessments were evaluated in the greenhouse, comparing the injury level among the six genotypes. The results indicate that California Wonder and Palloma genotypes were more preferred by P. latus, and Impact and Tendence were less preferred. P. latus presented positive population growth rates (ri) on all the genotypes, however, Palloma and California Wonder showed the highest values of population growth rate (ri = 0.344 and ri = 0.340, respectively), while Impact had the lowest value (ri = 0.281). All the evaluated C. annuum genotypes showed low tolerance to P. latus and exhibited several injuries, but there was no statistical difference between them. California Wonder had the highest average number of mites/leaf (57.15), while Impact and Tendence obtained the lowest values (36.67 and 35.12, respectively) at the end of the evaluation period. The total average of injuries notes at the end of the bioassay did not differ between the genotypes. The number of mites/leaf was growing for the injury scale to the note 3.0, but when the injury scale approached the note 4.0, there was observed a decrease in the number of mites/leaf for all the genotypes.