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We described a case of rhinitis case caused by Exserohilum rostratum in a 3-year-old, mixed breed, afemale goat, presenting with decreased appetite, dyspnea, and face deformity, with evolution of approximately 2 months. Necropsy revealed an extensive brownish yellow, irregular, ulcerated, and friable focal lesion in the nasal cavity. Purulent secretion drained from the lesion, affecting the nasal vestibule and extending the caudal portion of the dorsal concha, associated with nasal meatus obstruction, destruction of the nasal septum, and nasal bone palatine and vomer. Histologically, the lesion was characterized as rhinitis and pyogranulomatous and necrotizing osteomyelitis (multifocal to coalescent, sharp, and chronic) and associated with a myriad of fungal structures. Morphologically, the hyphae were characterized by thin, slightly tortuous, and rarely septate walls (2-6 µm diameter), multiple chains of individual conidia or in groups (8-10 µm diameter), and pigmented chlamydoconidia (7.5-15 µm diameter). They showed positive results for the special histochemical techniques such as Fontana Masson, methenamine silver nitrate by Grocott, and periodic acid by Schiff. E. rostratum was identified as the causative agent using microbiological isolation associated with molecular identification. Pyrogranulomatous rhinitis caused by E. rostratum in goats is unprecedented, being the first isolation of the agent in animals in Brazil and the first case of nasal phaeohyphomycosis in the goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory systems of birds may be parasitized by rhinonyssid and ereynetid mites, which are commonly found in their nasal cavities. Levels of infection caused by mites in relation to maturity and gender of birds have been poorly investigated. Although Columba livia is the host of both Tinaminyssus and Trispeleognathus species worldwide, there are no data on prevalence and mean intensity of infection by mites in immature and adult males and females. Therefore, this study aims to analyze infections in relation to characteristics of hosts in southern Brazil. In the sample of 160 birds under study, 24.38% were parasitized by rhinonyssid mites (Tinaminyssus melloi and Tinaminyssus columbae) while 5.0% were infested with ereynetid ones (Trispeleognathus striatus). Infections by rhinonyssid mites in immature and adult birds, as well as in male and female ones, were similar and there were no significant differences in prevalence and mean intensity of infection. However, when infections were analyzed separately, prevalence of T. melloi was significantly higher in immature (19.77%) than in adult (6.76%) birds (p = 0.021). Ereynetid mites, which parasitized only males, were more prevalent in adult (9.46%) than in immature (1.16%) birds (p = 0.025). Reproductive and behavioral characteristics of C. livia (e.g., year-round breeding and social behavior) may enable transmission and maintenance of mite populations, since direct contact among hosts and the presence of mites in their nests are considered forms of transmission. Even though information on the life history of mites is important to understand parasite-host relations, there is a gap in the biology of species commonly found in C. livia, which constitutes an area to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) is a well-established technique for sellar tumor resection. However, this route causes aerosol dispersion from the nasal cavity. In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, new measures were taken aiming at the safety and protection of patients and health-care professionals. Herein, we present a Brazilian experience with EETA during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was based on the review of medical records and observation in the operating room of the patients undergoing endoscopic surgery in the period from May 2020 to July 2022. All patients were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 before and after surgery. Since September 2021, it has been mandatory to present vaccination cards for adults (over 18 years old). Results: This case series included 28 patients and 35 surgical procedures using the EETA, who presented of nonfunctioning macroadenomas (19 cases - 67.8%), GH-secreting tumor (three cases - 10.8%), ACTH-secreting tumor (three cases - 10.8%), meningiomas (two cases - 7.1%), and Rathke's cleft cyst (one case - 3.5%). There were eight cases of diabetes insipidus (28.5%), five cases of cerebrospinal fluid leak (17.8%), and one case of meningitis (3.5%). Three patients died due to meningitis (one case), carotid occlusion (one case), and COVID-19 complications (one case). Conclusion: A simple protocol was established to perform EETA during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pituitary surgeries were maintained to treat critical cases. To date, the protocol should be continually updated to improve the procedure's safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traversodontidae is a group of Triassic herbivorous/omnivorous cynodonts that represents the most diversified lineage within Cynognathia. In southern Brazil, a rich fossil record of late Middle/mid-Late Triassic cynodonts has been documented, with Exaeretodon riograndensis Abdala, Barberena, and Dornelles, 2002 and Siriusgnathus niemeyerorum Pavanatto et al., 2018 representing two abundant and well-documented traversodontids. The present study provides a comparative analysis of the morphology of the nasal cavity, nasal recesses, nasolacrimal duct, and maxillary canals of both species using computed tomography, highlighting the changes that occurred in parallel to the origin of mammaliaforms. Our results show that there were no ossified turbinals or a cribriform plate delimiting the posterior end of the nasal cavity, suggesting these structures were probably cartilaginous as in nonmammaliaform cynodonts. Both species show lateral ridges on the internal surface of the roof of the nasal cavity, but the median ridge for the attachment of a nasal septum is absent. Exaeretodon riograndensis and S. niemeyerorum show recesses on the dorsal region of the nasal cavity, which increase the volume of the nasal cavity, potentially enhancing the olfactory chamber and contributing to the sense of smell. On the lateral sides of the nasal cavity, the analyzed taxa show a well-developed maxillary recess. Although E. riograndensis and S. niemeyerorum have roughly similar nasal cavities, in the former taxon, the space between the left and right dorsal recesses of the nasal cavity is uniform along its entire extension, whereas this space narrows posteriorly in S. niemeyerorum. Finally, the nasolacrimal duct of S. niemeyerorum is more inclined anteroposteriorly than in E. riograndensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blue‐fronted Amazon parrot is an extremely popular pet bird in Brazil. These birds are commonly raised in captivity and are often seen in veterinary practice. Modern imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), which had not been widely used in wild and exotic bird medicine until recently, are now becoming more popular due to wider availability and higher diagnostic accuracy. However, proper interpretation of tomographic findings requires species‐specific anatomical references. Studies investigating normal tomographic anatomy of parrots are scarce. This study set out to describe the normal anatomy of the head of the blue‐fronted amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) using conventional CT. Anatomical descriptions may contribute to future comparative morphology studies and assist in clinical practice. The head of the blue‐fronted Amazon parrot is structurally similar to other bird species. Major differences detected were are as follows: size and position of nasal conchae (long middle concha and small caudal concha located at the end of the nasal cavity), infraorbital sinus aperture located on the lateral aspect of the nasal cavity, presence of a nasopharyngeal duct connecting the nasal and oral cavities, longer infraorbital sinus with a larger number of caudal compartments and paraglossum with morphological features unique to psittacines. High‐quality CT images were vital for identification and detailed description of most head structures. Multiplanar reconstruction was a useful tool for complete visualization of the head. However, conventional CT images were not good enough for visualization of the inner ear and related structures, as well the paratympanic sinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study characterized the filamentous and yeast-like fungal microbiota of the nasal cavity and rectum of Amazonian manatees ( Trichechus inunguis ) undergoing rehabilitation at the Laboratory of Aquatic Mammals, National Institute of Amazonian Research, Manaus, Amazonas, and determined the antifungal susceptibility of these organisms. Nasal and rectal swabs were collected from 22 calves and three juveniles. The samples were seeded in Sabouraud agar supplemented with chloramphenicol 10%, incubated at 26°C, and observed daily for up to 7 d. The growth of different filamentous and yeast-like fungi was observed among the two anatomical sites. Filamentous fungi were categorized by macro- and microscopic characteristics of the colonies. Representatives of each group were selected for molecular identification based on the internal transcribed spacer region. Yeast identification was performed using MALDI-TOF MS and molecular analyses. Thirteen genera of filamentous fungi and six genera of yeasts were isolated and identified. The dominant filamentous species were Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Cochliobolus lunatus in the nostril samples and Aspergillus melleus in the rectal samples. Candida was the dominant genus among the identified yeasts at both anatomical sites. In the antifungal susceptibility test, 28 isolates showed resistance to fluconazole (78%), itraconazole (39%), and nystatin (42%). The knowledge of fungal microbiota composition of Amazonian manatees provides information that assists in monitoring the health status of individuals maintained in captivity, as these organisms can behave either as opportunists or as primary pathogens. Moreover, the composition and resistance of these organisms may vary among different rehabilitation institutions or different time frames of search, reinforcing the importance of constant in loco surveillance of these microorganisms. This study provides new perspectives on the fungal diversity in the microbiota of manatees and supports future studies concerning the clinical and epidemiological aspects and the impacts of these agents on the health of Amazonian manatees undergoing rehabilitation.

The present study integrates molecular and morphological data to support the proposal of new species of Telethecium Kritsky, Van Every & Boeger, 1996 and Diaphorocleidus Jogunoori, Kritsky & Venkatanarasaiah, 2004 from the nasal cavities of Bryconops melanurus (Bloch) of the coastal drainages of the Eastern Amazon. Telethecium tiquira sp. n. is characterized by possessing a male copulatory organ (MCO) with two circular sclerotized brims on the base, a coiled tubular shaft having 1 counterclockwise rings, an accessory piece with enlarged base, pincer-shaped at the distal portion; a sclerotized calyx-shaped vaginal vestibule, and hooks with proximal shank dilatation comprising 3/4 of the shank length. Also, Telethecium tiquira sp. n. can be easily distinguished from other species of the genus by the absence of a protruding bag located at the level of the copulatory complex. Diaphorocleidus forficata sp. n. is characterized by having a MCO with two counterclockwise rings, circular sclerotized tandem brim associated with the base of the MCO; accessory piece non-articulated with the MCO, bifurcate, pincer-shaped; vaginal pore sinistral-ventral with opening marginal, vaginal canal sclerotized, elongated, comprising one loop in the proximal portion before entering to the seminal receptacle; ventral anchor with shaft elongated and evenly curved on the axis; point short and slightly curved, and hooks similar in shape and size, hooks with proximal dilatation comprising approximately of the shank length. Furthermore, D. forficata sp. n. is supported by phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of the partial 28S rDNA gene, which placed D. forficata sp. n. in a well-supported clade of Diaphorocleidus spp. of characiform fishes. Thus, the two new species described here expand our knowledge about the diversity of monopisthocotylan parasites from the nasal cavities of Neotropical fishes. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the biodiversity of the region and highlight the importance of further research in this area.

Asymptomatically nasal colonization by Staphylococcus aureus is a well-established risk factor for S. aureus infections. The aimed of the study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with nasal carriage of S. aureus and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) from individuals residing in one Brazilian nursing home (NH). Three time-separate nasal swab collections were obtained from the elderly enrolled. The S. aureus isolates identified were submitted to Antimicrobial Susceptibility test (AST). The study showed a high prevalence of S. aureus (n = 9; 60%) and MRSA (n = 4; 26.7%) among elderly. Resistance to erythromycin was the most detected. S. aureus or MRSA colonization could not be associated to the data collected on demographics, personal habits, and medical history of the participants. Despite the small number of individuals enrolled, our study can contribute to improve the control of S. aureus and MRSA dissemination within the community, especially among the most vulnerable like the elderly., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Two specimens of Campinasuchus dinizi (CPPLIP 1319 and CPPLIP 1360) belonging to Baurusuchidae (Crocodyliformes, Notosuchia) from the Upper Cretaceous Bauru Group of Minas Gerais state (Brazil) were scanned in a Toshiba Aquilion 64 CT machine. Based on these data, it was possible to identify and reconstruct the paranasal sinuses, the nasal cavity proper, the nasopharyngeal duct, the encephalon, the paratympanic sinuses, and the semicircular canals of the inner ear. The paranasal sinuses present similar morphology to those of other mesoeucrocodylians, especially eusuchians. The nasal cavity proper occupies the entire rostral region, with an expansion in the olfactory region. The expansion in the nasal cavity is present in other notosuchians and theropod dinosaurs (e.g., Tyrannosaurus rex Osborn, 1905), but less developed in aquatic crocodilians, which may indicate an olfactory acuity related to terrestrial habits. The encephalon is similar in shape to that of other mesoeucrocodylians. The rostral semicircular canal is smaller than the caudal one, differing from most mesoeucrocodylians. The paratympanic sinuses are more developed in C. dinizi than in eusuchians, being more similar to Tyrannosaurus rex. Campinasuchus dinizi presents few variations in the internal structures of the skull in relation to taxa with different ecological niches, probably indicating that ecological factors do not strongly influence the morphology of these structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explored the role of auditory feedback in the regulation of oral–nasal balance in speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. Method: Twenty typical speakers of Brazilian Portuguese (10 male, 10 female) wore a Nasometer headset and headphones while continuously repeating stimuli with oral and nasal sounds. Oral–nasal balance was quantified with nasalance scores. The signals from 2 additional oral and nasal microphones were played back to the participants through the headphones. The relative loudness of the nasal channel in the mix was gradually changed, so that the speakers heard themselves as more or less nasal. Results: A repeated-measures analysis of variance of the mean nasalance scores of the stimuli at baseline, minimum, and maximum nasal feedback conditions demonstrated significant effects of nasal feedback condition (p < .0001) and stimuli (p < .0001). Post hoc analyses demonstrated that the mean nasalance scores were lowest for the maximum nasal feedback condition. The scores of the minimum nasal feedback condition were significantly higher than 2 of 3 baseline feedback conditions. The speaking amplitude of the participants did not change between the nasal feedback conditions. Conclusions: Increased nasal signal level feedback led to a compensatory adjustment in the opposite direction, confirming that oral–nasal balance is regulated by auditory feedback. However, reduced nasal signal level feedback resulted in a compensatory response that was lower in magnitude. This suggests that, even in Brazilian Portuguese, a language with phonetic and phonological vowel nasalization, decreased nasality was not perceived as critically as increased nasality by the speakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dactylogyrid genus Rhinoxenus (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) is composed of specialized monogeneans infecting the nasal cavities of freshwater fishes from the Neotropical region. This taxon currently comprises 11 species and is easily distinguished from other monogeneans by the absence of the dorsal bar, ventral anchor with inconspicuous roots covered by a sclerotized cap, dorsal anchor greatly modified into a needle-like shape, and hook pair 2 located into bilateral lobes of the trunk. Specimens of Rhinoxenus euryxenus and Rhinoxenus paranaensis were found infecting the nasal cavities of Serrasalmus marginatus and Serrasalmus maculatus, respectively, from the Paraná River basin in Brazil. For the first time, molecular data of Rhinoxenus spp. were obtained and used as a basis for phylogenetic analyses of the genus. Furthermore, our findings represent the first record of R. paranaensis in Brazil., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background: To determine the effects of an educational playful intervention on nasal hygiene behaviors among preschool (3-4 years old) children. Methods: A quasi-experimental before-after study was conducted with 39 children attending public daycare center in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A group-based intervention consisted of two educational sessions to promote healthy behaviors for nasal hygiene. It was adopted playful strategies such as a story told by puppets, card games and simulation of nasal hygiene in front of the mirror. The outcome was evaluated by observing six healthy behaviors for nasal hygiene one week before and after the intervention. Differences in the outcome before and after the intervention were tested using Wilcoxon signed rank test and McNemar's test. Results: The median of healthy nasal hygiene behaviors went from 3.0 to 4.0 after the intervention, with a significant statistical difference (P=0.0004) and a difference of behaviors. After the intervention, forcing the air out of one opened nostril increased from 5.1%to 30.8% (P=0.001, CI 95%: 0-0.440), forcing the air out of the other nostril increased from 5.1% to 28.2% (P=0.003/CI 95%: 0-0.50), throwing the piece of toilet paper in the garbage increased from 53.8% to 87.21% (P=0.04, CI 95%: 0.035-0.65), and sanitizing the hands with soap and water increased from 15.4% to 43.6% (P=0.039-0.76). Conclusion: the educational playful intervention improved the autonomy of preschoolers to adopt healthy nasal hygiene behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Two cases of nasal pythiosis are reported in horses from the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. From January 1986 to December 2015, the Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Federal University of Campina Grande received 830 equine samples, 156 (18.79%) of which were diagnosed with pythiosis. Of these, two horses (1.28%), a male and a female adult cross-breed, had lesions in the nasal cavity. Both horses had access to water reservoirs. Clinically, they had swelling in the rhinofacial region and a serosanguineous nasal discharge. Macroscopically, in case 1, the lesion affected the nasal vestibule, extending to the alar cartilage and nasal septum. In case 2, the lesion extended through the turbinates and the meatuses of the nasal cavity, as well as the ethmoid region. In both cases, the lesions were characterized by having a yellow–grey granular surface with cavitations of different sizes containing coral-like masses of necrotic tissue (kunkers). Histologically, multifocal necrotizing eosinophilic rhinitis associated with hyphae (2–8 μm) similar to Pythium insidiosum were observed. In case 2, the lesions extended to the muscle, cartilage and bone adjacent to the nasal cavity and lungs. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. It is concluded that nasal pythiosis occurs sporadically in horses in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil where cutaneous pythiosis is prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The transverse maxillary deficiency frequently observed in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) is usually treated by rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Considering that RME causes a significant increase of the internal nasal dimensions in children with unilateral CLP (UCLP), this study aimed to characterize the internal nasal geometry of children with bilateral CLP (BCLP) and transverse maxillary deficiency using acoustic rhinometry. The study also aimed to analyze changes caused by RME. Design: Cross-sectional prospective study. Setting: Laboratory of Physiology, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil. Participants: Fifteen children with repaired BCLP of both genders, aged 8 to 15 years, referred for RME, were prospectively analyzed. Interventions: Subjects underwent acoustic rhinometry before the expander installation and after the active phase of expansion. Cross-sectional areas (CSA) and volumes (V) of the nasal valve regions (CSA1 and V1) and turbinates (CSA2, CSA3, and V2), were measured after nasal decongestion. Main Outcome Measures: In the majority of the subjects, an increase of internal nasal dimensions was observed. Results: Percent changes of CSA1, CSA2, CSA3, V1, and V2 were: +25%, +11%, +9%, 20%, and +12%, respectively. Differences were significant for all variables studied, except CSA3 (P < .05). Conclusions: RME promotes an increase in the internal nasal dimensions of children with BCLP, suggesting that RME is capable of substantially improving nasal patency in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To measure cross-sectional areas of the main nasal constrictions as a function of the distance into the nose in children with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate, as compared with children without cleft, by acoustic rhinometry. Design: Prospective analysis. Setting: Craniofacial anomalies hospital. Participants: A total of 39 children with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate and 34 healthy controls without cleft, of both genders, aged 6 to 9 years. Interventions/Variables: Nasal cross-sectional areas measured at the three main deflections of the rhinogram (CSA1, CSA2, CSA3) and distances from the nares (dCSA1, dCSA2, dCSA3) were assessed by means of an Eccovision Acoustic Rhinometer, before and after nasal decongestion. Differences were analyzed at a significance level of 5%. Results: At the cleft side, mean CSA1, CSA2, and CSA3 values ± standard deviation obtained before nasal decongestion were 0.17 ± 0.12, 0.29 ± 0.20, and 0.40 ± 0.28 cm², respectively, and dCSA1, dCSA2, and dCSA3 values ± standard deviation were 2.02 ± 0.40, 3.74 ± 0.51, and 5.50 ± 0.44 cm, respectively. At the noncleft side, these were 0.33 ± 0.11, 0.65 ± 0.28, and 0.90 ± 0.43 cm², respectively, and 1.69 ± 0.48, 3.67 ± 0.53, and 5.60 ± 0.70 cm, respectively. Increased cross-sectional area means were seen after nasal decongestion in the control and cleft groups. Mean cross-sectional area values at the cleft side were significantly smaller than noncleft side and control values, and the mean cICSAI value was smaller at the noncleft side before and after decongestion. Conclusions: Objective assessment of internal nasal dimensions has shown that children with unilateral cleft lip and palate have a significant impairment of nasal patency due to the reduced cross-sectional areas seen at the cleft side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new neoplecostomine genus and species is described from headwater tributaries of the lower Rio Pardo basin, a coastal drainage in Bahia, eastern Brazil. Hirtella carinata is a small loricariid with a maximum standard length barely reaching 50 mm. The new genus and species are diagnosed among all other loricariids by a unique, remarkable pattern of sexual dimorphism in which adult males have five conspicuous longitudinal rows of bristle-like hypertrophied odontodes on the head and along the lateral dermal plates of the body. Hirtella is further distinguished from most loricariids by the anterior position of the pelvic fin, which originates in a vertical anterior to the nuchal plate, and by the possession of an elongate keel formed by 15-17 azygous plates along the mid-dorsal line between the dorsal and the caudal fins. Hirtella is additionally distinguished from other members of the Neoplecostominae by having a medium sized palatine splint, never reaching the anterior border of the nasal fossa. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Hirtella is the sister taxon of Pareiorhina. The description of this new genus raises to six the number of currently recognized genera in the Neoplecostominae. Um novo gênero e espécie de neoplecostomíneo é descrito das cabeceiras de tributários do baixo Rio Pardo, drenagem costeira da Bahia, leste do Brasil. Hirtella carinata é um pequeno loricarídeo que atinge quase 50 mm de comprimento padrão. O novo gênero e espécie são diagnosticados de todos os demais loricarídeos por um único e notável padrão de dimorfismo sexual, em que os machos adultos possuem um conjunto de odontódeos hipertrofiados na cabeça e ao longo das placas laterais do corpo que formam cinco linhas longitudinais evidentes. Hirtella é também distinguido da maioria dos loricarídeos pela posição anterior das nadadeiras pélvicas, que se originam em uma vertical anterior a placa nucal e pela presença de uma longa quilha formada por 15-17 placas ázigas na linha média dorsal, entre as nadadeiras dorsal e caudal. Hirtella é ainda distinguido dos outros membros de Neoplecostominae por ter o palatine splint de tamanho médio, nunca alcançando a borda anterior da abertura nasal. A análise filogenética atual indica que Hirtella é o táxon irmão de Pareiorhina. A descrição desse novo gênero eleva para seis o número de gêneros atualmente reconhecidos em Neoplecostominae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate children's respiratory patterns in the mixed dentition, by means of acoustic rhinometry, and its relation to the upper arch width development. Fifty patients were examined, 25 females and 25 males with mean age of eight years and seven months. All of them were submitted to acoustic rhinometry and upper and lower arch impressions to obtain plaster models. The upper arch analysis was accomplished by measuring the interdental transverse distance of the upper teeth, deciduous canines (measurement 1), deciduous first molars (measurement 2), deciduous second molars (measurement 3) and the first molars (measurement 4). The results showed that an increased left nasal cavity area in females means an increased interdental distance of the deciduous first molars and deciduous second molars and an increased interdental distance of the deciduous canines, deciduous first and second molars in males. It was concluded that there is a correlation between the nasal cavity area and the upper arch transverse distance in the anterior and mid maxillary regions for both genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the microscopic aspects of tumor-like masses present in the nasal cavity of equids and also to emphasize the importance of histopathological examination for determining the diagnosis. Tissue sections of tumor-like masses from the nasal cavity of 11 equids were microscopically examined. These samples were sent to the Anatomic Pathology Service of the Veterinary Medicine College from the Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, from 2000 to 2004. Three cases of rhinosporidiosis, one of amyloidosis, six of nasal polyps and one of progressive ethmoid hematoma were diagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a taxonomic approach, combining morphological characters with DNA sequences (i.e., 18S rDNA, ITS1, 5.8S rDNA and ITS2), Susanlimocotyle n. gen. is proposed to accommodates Susanlimocotyle narina n. sp. from the nostrils of the ariid Sciades herzbergii (Bloch) from the coast of the state of Pará, Brazil. Susanlimocotyle n. gen. is characterized by species possessing: an intestinal ceca confluent posteriorly; a male copulatory organ, comprising a variable tube, articulated with the accessory piece; a sclerotized vagina, vaginal aperture dextro-ventral; an onchium; a robust ventral bar; two dorsal bars; a ventral anchor with elongated shaft and a dorsal anchor with deep root expanding into wings. In addition, new molecular data of Chauhanellus spp. are also provided and used for the evaluation of the phylogenetic relationships among monogenoids parasitizing siluriforms. Susanlimocotyle n. gen. exhibited a higher genetic divergence level for 18S rDNA (4.6 to 7.2% [83–130 bp]) with respect to Chauhanellus spp. despite sharing S. herzbergii as a host, than Hamatopeduncularia spp., (4.1 to 5.8% [75–110 bp]) from Oriental ariids. For the 18S rDNA, 5.8S rDNA, ITS1 and ITS2 regions, C. boegeri and C. susamlimae were observed to have the smallest interspecific distances, and C. velum was revealed to be the most genetically distant species to Chauhanellus. The proposal for Susanlimocotyle n. gen. is also supported by phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rDNA gene, which supports the close relationship between the new genus and Hamatopeduncularia and Chauhanellus from ariids from the South America and Oriental regions. Moreover, the patterns towards the shared diversification between monogenoids and their ariid hosts were addressed. Unlabelled Image • Susanlimocotyle narina n. gen., n. sp. is described by using an integrative taxonomic approach. • Susanlimocotyle n. gen. can be distinguished from monogenoids from ariids based on morphologic and molecular data. • Susanlimocotyle narina n. gen., n. sp. is closely related to dactylogyrids from Oriental ariids. • New molecular data of Chauhanellus spp. are also provided. • Phylogeny of monogenoids infecting ariids reveals a patterns towards diversification shared of these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Unsedated transnasal endoscopy may be used for detecting oesophageal varices. However, few studies evaluated feasibility and accuracy of this technique. We aimed to evaluate accuracy, interobserver agreement and safety of the transnasal ultrathin compared to conventional endoscopy in patients with cirrhosis., Methods: This cross-sectional study included consecutive patients referred for screening or surveillance of oesophageal varices. Patients underwent unsedated transnasal and sedated conventional endoscopies at the same day, which were recorded in a digital video file and randomly analysed by two double-blinded endoscopists. High-risk varices were defined by the presence of large calibre or red wale marks. Accuracy, interobserver agreement and safety of transnasal were compared to conventional endoscopy., Results: One hundred and thirty-three cirrhotic patients (48% male, aged of 60 ± 5, 34% Child-Pugh B/C and 71% of cases for variceal screening) were included in the study. The prevalence of oesophageal varices and high-risk oesophageal varices were 59% (n = 79) and 29% (n = 39) respectively. For the presence of oesophageal varices, transnasal GIE yielded sensitivity of 94% [95% Confidence Interval, CI 88-99], specificity of 89% [81-97] as well as positive and negative predictive value of 93% and 91% respectively. A satisfactory interobserver agreement was observed for the presence of oesophageal varices (κ = 0.89) and high-risk varices (κ = 0.65). No serious adverse events were recorded; transnasal GIE was safe and significantly associated with lower rates of hypoxaemia (P < .0001) and hypotension (P < .0001) compared to conventional endoscopy., Conclusions: Unsedated transnasal endoscopy was safe and had an excellent accuracy and high interobserver agreement for detecting oesophageal varices and for identifying high-risk varices in cirrhotic patients., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Mycobacterium leprae bacilli are mainly transmitted by the dissemination of nasal aerosols from multibacillary (MB) patients to susceptible individuals through inhalation. The upper respiratory tract represents the main entry and exit routes of M. leprae. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in detecting M. leprae in nasal secretion (NS) and skin biopsy (SB) samples from MB and paucibacillary (PB) cases. Fifty-four NS samples were obtained from leprosy patients at the Dona Libânia National Reference Centre for Sanitary Dermatology in Ceará, Brazil. Among them, 19 MB cases provided both NS and SB samples. Bacilloscopy index assays were conducted and qPCR amplification was performed using specific primers for M. leprae 16S rRNA gene, generating a 124-bp fragment. Primer specificity was verified by determining the amplicon melting temperature (T m  = 79.5 °C) and detection limit of qPCR was 20 fg of M. leprae DNA. Results were positive for 89.7 and 73.3% of NS samples from MB and PB cases, respectively. SB samples from MB patients were 100% positive. The number of bacilli detected in NS samples were 1.39 × 10 3 -8.02 × 10 5 , and in SB samples from MB patients were 1.87 × 10 3 -1.50 × 10 6 . Therefore, qPCR assays using SYBR Green targeting M. leprae 16S rRNA region can be employed in detecting M. leprae in nasal swabs from leprosy patients, validating this method for epidemiological studies aiming to identify healthy carriers among household contacts or within populations of an endemic area.

Objectives: This study establishes normative nasalance values for middle-aged and elderly Brazilian Portuguese-speakers and investigates age and gender effects across the life span., Methods: Nasalance scores were obtained from 62 middle-aged (45-59 years) and 60 elderly (60-79 years) participants with normal speech for 3 nonnasal, 1 phonetically balanced, and 2 nasal-loaded test sentences using the Nasometer II 6400. The data were combined with a published data set of 237 speakers in 4 groups: children (5-9 years), adolescents (10-19 years), young adults (20-24 years), and mature adults (25-35 years). A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to investigate differences between the stimuli by gender and age groups., Results: There were statistically significant effects of stimulus, gender, and age group, as well as a stimulus-age group interaction effect and a gender-age group interaction effect. The females' mean nasalance scores were higher than those of the males. The mean nasalance scores for the child, adolescent, and young and mature adult speakers were significantly lower than those for the elderly speakers, and the children's scores were significantly lower than those of the middle-aged speakers., Conclusion: Higher nasalance scores among middle-aged and elderly speakers may indicate physiological changes affecting oral-nasal balance in speech across the life span., (© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background and Aims: Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) has been proposed to screen for esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) in Asia. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and tolerance of Brazilian patients to undergo unsedated TNE for screening, the prevalence of ESCC in this population, and the effectiveness of white-light endoscopy (WLE) and digital chromoendoscopy [flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE)] to diagnose esophageal neoplasia., Patients and Methods: This was a diagnostic test study that enrolled patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) referred to ESCC screening. Patients' tolerance was rated by a numeric pain intensity scale. Interventions included unsedated TNE with WLE and FICE examination of the esophagus, in a tandem manner with blinded operators, followed by lugol chromoscopy. Performance of WLE and FICE for neoplasia detection was compared with the reference standard (lugol chromoscopy plus histology)., Results: A total of 106 patients were recruited. TNE was feasible in 99.1%, and 92% of the patients rated the discomfort as absent or minimal. Thirteen ESCC were detected (12.3%), with 10 early cancers (77%). The tests showed an excellent performance and there was no difference between WLE (sensitivity 92.3%, specificity 98.9%, accuracy 98.1%, area under curve 0.995) and FICE (sensitivity 100%, specificity 98.9%, accuracy 99%, area under curve 0.956) for esophageal neoplasia detection., Conclusions: Unsedated TNE is a feasible, well accepted, and efficient diagnostic tool for the screening of ESCC. The elevated rate of esophageal neoplasia strengthens the recommendations to screen patients with HNSCC. The yields of WLE and FICE were similar for ESCC detection.

Background/aims: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a minimally invasive approach for rectal lesions. Superior exposure and access to the entire rectum result in lesser risk of compromised margin and lower recurrence rates compared to conventional transanal excision. It was aimed at describing a single institution's initial experience with transanal endoscopic microsurgery., Methodology: Retrospective review of a prospective database. Fifty-two procedures from March 2009 to November 2011 were analyzed., Results: Fifty operations were completed. There were 23 men. Mean age was 67.5 (42-89). Mean follow-up was 23 (1-31) months. Average tumor size was 4.8 cm (1.5-14 cm). Mean distance from anal verge was 6 (3-15) cm. Mean operating time was 110 (86-170) min. Postoperative complication rate was 16%o. There were no re-admissions. Mortality was null. Operative pathology was adenoma in 25, in situ adenocarcinoma in eight, invasive adenocarcinoma in 13, neuroendocrine carcinoma in three and no residual lesion in one case. Recurrence was 4% for benign and 8% for malignant tumors., Conclusions: TEM is a minimally invasive procedure with low postoperative morbidity during initial experience. TEM is curative for benign lesions and for selected early cancers. It is useful after neoadjuvant therapy for strictly selected cancers while the results of multi-institutional trials are awaited.

Objectives: To study the prevalence of otorhinolaryngologic symptoms and findings of physical examination of the upper airway (UA) of a representative sample of the adult population of São Paulo, Brazil, and the association between these findings., Study Design: Cross-sectional survey., Setting: Population sample., Methods: A total of 1101 randomly selected volunteers representing the adult population of São Paulo according to sex, age, and socioeconomic class were included in this study. Otorhinolaryngological evaluation included investigation of nasal complaints, physical examination of the UA, and a facial inspection., Results: A total of 993 volunteers (53.9% women), with a mean age of 41.8 ± 0.89 years, underwent otorhinolaryngologic examination. The most prevalent symptoms were the following: symptoms suggestive of rhinitis (44.9%), snoring (42.8%), mouth breathing (39.3%), and nasal obstruction (33.3%). In physical examination, the most common findings were a web palate (redundant posterior pillar; 62.9%), septum deviation (56.9%), and inferior turbinate hypertrophy (37.7%). Significant associations were found between nasal obstruction and septum deviations, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, high-arched palate, and class II dental occlusion; between symptoms of rhinitis and inferior turbinate hypertrophy; and between snoring and obstructive deviated septum, modified Mallampatti grades III and IV, increased neck circumference, and age greater than or equal to 50 years., Conclusions: The prevalence of otorhinolaryngologic symptoms and alterations in physical examination of the UA were high in the adult population of São Paulo, Brazil. The snoring and nasal symptoms were significantly associated with findings from UA physical examination and inspection of the facial skeleton.

Unlabelled: Foreign bodies are one of the most common ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) urgencies. Serious complications may occur, like tympanic perforations and bronchoaspiration, but they are uncommon., Aim: To analyze a 1356 foreign body series and establish causes for the complications, looking at prevention., Materials and Methods: 1356 patients with ear, nose and throat foreign bodies from the ENT Department of Souza Aguiar Hospital, in Rio de Janeiro, between 1992 and 2000, were analyzed in a retrospective study for parameters like age, gender, type and localization of the foreign body, time span between introduction and removal of the foreign body and complications., Results: The most common foreign bodies were beans and the most frequent age was between 1 and 4 years old. Ear foreign bodies were the most common, followed by nasal foreign bodies. Complications were statistically related to time, childs age and practical experience of the physician., Conclusion: Most of the situations related to ENT foreign bodies are avoidable. Improvements in Public Health Assistance and otolaryngologists training are essential to avoid serious complications.

Unlabelled: Nasal cavities foreign bodies are common accidents in children, sometimes leading, in accordance with the literature, to complications such as epistaxis and bronchoaspiration. Diagnosis is often made with anterior rhinoscopy, but sometimes nasal fibroendoscopy and imaging may be useful., Aim: To evaluate 420 cases of nasal foreign bodies removed in ENT Service of Souza Aguiar Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, as related to sex, age, type of foreign body and complications., Materials and Method: 420 cases of nasal foreign bodies removed in the ENT service of Souza Aguiar Hospital between December 1992 and December 1998 were evaluated according to the parameters related above., Results: We found higher incidence between 0 and 4 years of age, and the most frequently found foreign bodies were foam fragments, plastic pieces of little toys, beans and paper fragments. Complications occurred in 9.05% of the cases, epistaxis and vestibulitis being the commonest., Conclusion: Nasal foreign bodies are especially found between the ages of 0 and 4 years. In our study, foam fragments and small plastic objects were the most frequent foreign bodies found. Complications were found in 9.05% of the cases, headed by epistaxis and nasal vestibulitis.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of ectopic eruption of intranasal teeth., Design: This was a retrospective study, where records of children with repaired cleft lip and palate were analyzed., Setting: The study was conducted at a large craniofacial center, the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, USP, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil., Subjects: The sample consisted of 815 records from patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and 1,495 records from patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The age of the subjects was 5 to 10 years old and the groups included both males and females., Results: The results showed that 0.61% of the children with BCLP and 0.40% of those with UCLP had an intranasal tooth. The prevalence of an intranasal tooth for the whole group was 0.48%, and it appeared to be more common in females.