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Though uncommon, right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale with normal right-side pressure and with a normal interatrial pressure gradient has been reported. The speculated pathophysiology is attributed to directional blood flow streaming from the vena cava to the left atrium. Hypoxemia secondary to right-to-left shunt with normal pulmonary artery pressure has been extensively documented after right pneumonectomy. Five prior cases have documented hypoxemia secondary to a right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale in the presence of an elevated right hemidiaphragm. This is the sixth documented case of right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale in the presence of an elevated right hemidiaphragm with a similar presentation in which closure of the patent foramen ovale resulted in resolution of hypoxemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between Leishmania and sand flies has been demonstrated in many Old and New World species. Besides the morphological differentiation from procyclic to infective metacyclic promastigotes, the parasite undergoes biochemical transformations in its major surface lipophosphoglycan (LPG). An upregulation of beta-glucose residues was previously shown in the LPG repeat units from procyclic to metacyclic phase in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, which has not been reported in any Leishmania species. LPG has been implicated as an adhesion molecule that mediates the interaction with the midgut epithelium of the sand fly in the Subgenus Leishmania. These adaptations were explored for the first time in a species from the Subgenus Viannia, L. (V.) braziliensis with its natural vectors Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia and Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani. Using two in vitro binding techniques, phosphoglycans (PGs) derived from procyclic and metacyclic parasites were able to bind to the insect midgut and inhibit L. braziliensis attachment. Interestingly, L. braziliensis procyclic parasite attachment was approximately 11-fold greater in the midgut of L. whitmani than in L. intermedia. The epidemiological relevance of L. whitmani as a vector of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) in Brazil is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HbSC disease, a less severe form of sickle cell disease, affects the retina more frequently and patients have higher rates of proliferative retinopathy that can progress to vision loss. This study aimed to identify differences in the expression of endothelial cell-derived molecules associated with the pathophysiology of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (PSCR). RNAseq was used to compare the gene expression profile of circulating endothelial colony-forming cells from patients with SC hemoglobinopathy and proliferative retinopathy (n = 5), versus SC patients without retinopathy (n = 3). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the RNAseq results. A total of 134 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found. DEGs were mainly associated with vasodilatation, type I interferon signaling, innate immunity and angiogenesis. Among the DEGs identified, we highlight the most up-regulated genes ROBO1 (log2FoldChange = 4.32, FDR = 1.35E-11) and SLC38A5 (log2FoldChange = 3.36 FDR = 1.59E-07). ROBO1 , an axon-guided receptor, promotes endothelial cell migration and contributes to the development of retinal angiogenesis and pathological ocular neovascularization. Endothelial SLC38A5, an amino acid (AA) transporter, regulates developmental and pathological retinal angiogenesis by controlling the uptake of AA nutrient, which may serve as metabolic fuel for the proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs) and consequent promotion of angiogenesis. Our data provide an important step towards elucidating the molecular pathophysiology of PSCR that may explain the differences in ocular manifestations between individuals with hemoglobinopathies and afford insights for new alternative strategies to inhibit pathological angiogenesis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 da Silva Costa, Ito, da Cruz, De Souza, Rios, Bertozzo, Camargo, Viturino, Lanaro, de Albuquerque, do Canto, Saad, Ospina-Prieto, Ozelo, Costa and de Melo.)

Objectives: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are derivatives of testosterone, used to treat gonadal disturbances, performance enhancement, and aesthetic purposes. AAS abuse can lead to side effects, including androgenic, cardiovascular, and liver disturbances, effects on libido, gynecomastia, and behavioral effects. There is a hypothesis that some joint tissues may be targets for sex hormones, and the use of AAS without medical follow-up may exacerbate temporomandibular joint problems in patients seeking performance and aesthetics., Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on AAS abusers who voluntarily presented themselves for clinical evaluation. Patients were subdivided by sex and age group, and the length of AAS use and symptoms such as headache, tinnitus, and temporomandibular joint pain were evaluated., Results: It was observed that drug usage is related to symptoms., Conclusion: The results suggest that AAS use without medical follow-up may exacerbate temporomandibular joint problems, especially in patients with low estrogen levels.

Cryptangieae has recently been revised based on morphology and molecular phylogeny, but cytogenetic data is still scarce. We conducted this study with the aim of investigating the occurrence of holocentric chromosomes and pseudomonads, as well as understanding the mode of chromosomal evolution in the tribe. We performed analyses of meiotic behavior, chromosome counts, and reconstruction of the ancestral state for the haploid number. We present novel cytogenetic data for eight potentially holocentric species: Cryptangium verticillatum, Krenakia junciforme, K. minarum, Lagenocarpus bracteosus, L. griseus, L. inversus, L. rigidus, and L. tenuifolius. Meiotic abnormalities were observed, with parallel spindles being particularly noteworthy. Intra-specific variations in chromosome number were not found, which may indicate an efficient genetic control for the elimination of abnormal nuclei. The inferred ancestral haploid number was n = 16, with dysploidy being the main evolutionary mechanism. At least five chromosomal fissions occurred in Krenakia (n = 21), followed by a further ascending dysploidy event in Lagenocarpus (n = 17). As proposed for Cyperaceae, it is possible that cladogenesis events in Cryptangieae were marked by numerical and structural chromosomal changes., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the most impairing complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA), responsible for 20% of mortality in patients. Rheological alterations, adhesive properties of sickle reticulocytes, leukocyte adhesion, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are related to the vasculopathy observed prior to ischemic events. The role of the vascular endothelium in this complex cascade of mechanisms is emphasized, as well as in the process of ischemia-induced repair and neovascularization. The aim of the present study was to perform a comparative transcriptomic analysis of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) from SCA patients with and without IS. Next, to gain further insights of the biological relevance of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction network (PPI) construction and in silico prediction of regulatory factors were performed. Among the 2469 DEGs, genes related to cell proliferation (AKT1, E2F1, CDCA5, EGFL7), migration (AKT1, HRAS), angiogenesis (AKT1, EGFL7) and defense response pathways (HRAS, IRF3, TGFB1), important endothelial cell molecular mechanisms in post ischemia repair were identified. Despite the severity of IS in SCA, widely accepted molecular targets are still lacking, especially related to stroke outcome. The comparative analysis of the gene expression profile of ECFCs from IS patients versus controls seems to indicate that there is a persistent angiogenic process even after a long time this complication has occurred. Thus, this is an original study which may lead to new insights into the molecular basis of SCA stroke and contribute to a better understanding of the role of endothelial cells in stroke recovery., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: ChatGPT (OpenAI) is a large language model. This model uses artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to generate humanlike language and responses, even to complex questions. The authors aimed to assess the reliability of responses provided via ChatGPT and evaluate its trustworthiness as a means of obtaining information about third-molar surgery., Methods: The authors assessed the 10 most frequently asked questions about mandibular third-molar extraction. A validated questionnaire (Chatbot Usability Questionnaire) was used and 2 oral and maxillofacial surgeons compared the answers provided with the literature., Results: Most of the responses (90.63%) provided via the ChatGPT platform were considered safe and accurate and followed what was the stated in the English-language literature., Conclusions: The ChatGPT platform offers accurate and scientifically backed answers to inquiries about third-molar surgical extraction, making it a dependable and easy-to-use resource for both patients and the general public. However, the platform should provide references with the responses to validate the information., Practical Implications: Patients worldwide are exposed to reliable information sources. Oral surgeons and health care providers should always advise patients to be aware of the information source and that the ChatGPT platform offers a reliable solution., Competing Interests: Disclosure None of the authors reported any disclosures., (Copyright © 2024 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The association of the periodontium with the fixed prosthesis is the basis of prosthetic rehabilitation. This prospective case series aimed to evaluate periodontal health through the relation between periodontal/peri-implant disease progression and the use of fixed partial dentures (FPDs)., Methods: Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) on either teeth or implants were evaluated at up to 25-year follow-up and compared with the baseline. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier test (p⟨0.05)., Results: The prospective evaluation showed that the patients maintained adequate periodontal health. Failure (severe periodontal stages) occurred in 12.5% of patients. The survival rate for 107 teeth/implants was 80.48%. The comparisons for clinical parameters revealed no statistically significant difference (p⟩ 0.05). At T1, the measurements for anterior and posterior regions, respectively, were PD =2.7mm and 3.1mm; CAL= 3.3mm and 3.6mm; GI=0.5 (both regions); and PI=0.79 and 0.62. Periodontal/peri-implant disease progression did not relate to the use of prostheses., Conclusions: Patients with more frequent follow-up appointments and lower GI and PI showed periodontal health for longer periods. Patients with different oral hygiene levels present different periodontal disease progression. Periodic hygiene control and motivation are vital factors for extensive oral rehabilitation success., (Copyright© 2024 Dennis Barber Ltd.)

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix graft (AXDM) compared to connective tissue graft (CTG) in treating multiple gingival recessions., Materials and Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared AXDM and CTG. The selected studies were subjected to bias risk assessment, data extraction, and meta-analyses. Parameters such as gingival recession height, width, mean percentage of root coverage, and complete root coverage were analyzed., Results: Seven RCTs involving 146 patients were included. The meta-analyses indicated that CTG was statistically superior to AXDM in reducing gingival recession height at the final follow-up (mean difference: -0.104 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.180-0.028, p = 0.008) and width at the final follow-up (mean difference: -0.285 mm, 95% CI: -0.541-0.030, p = 0.029). CTG also demonstrated a significantly higher mean percentage of root coverage at the 6-month follow-up (difference in means: -2.761 mm, 95% CI: -4.932-0.590, p = 0.013) and a higher percentage of complete root coverage at the 6-month follow-up (odds Ratio [OR]: 0.598, 95% CI: 0.4-0.892, p = 0.012) compared to AXDM. However, there was no significant difference in the number of teeth with complete root coverage between CTG and AXDM (OR: 1.610, 95% CI: 0.983-2.636, p = 0.058) and aesthetic outcomes (mean difference: 0.148, 95% CI: -0.277-0.573, p = 0.494)., Conclusions: CTG is more effective than AXDM in treating multiple gingival recessions. This is evidenced by significant reductions in gingival recession height and width, a higher mean percentage of root coverage, and a greater percentage of complete root coverage at the 6-month follow-up., Clinical Relevance: In some clinical situations an alternative to CTG is required for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions. AXDM, despite presenting clinical outcomes that are not as satisfactory as CTG, can be used for this purpose., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Agarose has numerous applications in biochemistry and medical textiles. This study aimed to produce agarose-graphene oxide-glycerol fibers and analyze their properties. The agarose gel was prepared by dissolving the polymer in 9:1 (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): H 2 O, followed by spinning in an ethanol bath (1:1 (v/v) ethanol: H 2 O) at 20 °C. Fibers were obtained using 8 % (m/v) agarose, 2 % (m/v) glycerol, and 0.5 % and 1 % (m/v) graphene oxide (GO). The fibers had a titer of 18.32-32.49 tex and, a tenacity of 1.40-3.35 cN/tex. GO increased the thermal resistance by 79 %. The presence of glycerol and GO was confirmed and analyzed by FTIR and XPS. Fiber water absorption was decreased by 30 % with the GO addition. The weight loss increased by 55 % after glycerol addition, 51 % with GO addition, and 36 % with glycerol and GO simultaneous addition. Furthermore, GO exhibited 100 % inhibition for both S. aureus (gram-positive) and E. coli bacteria (gram-negative). Fiber F1, with only agarose, inhibited S. aureus by 34.93 %, F2 with 2 % glycerol by 48.72 %, F3 with 0.5 % GO by 63.42 %, and F4 with 2 % glycerol and 0.5 % GO by 30.65 %. However, the inhibition increased to 49.43 % with 1 % GO. The agarose fibers showed low inhibition for E. coli, ranging from 3.35 to 12.12 %., 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 B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to evaluate the survival rate of osseointegrated implants installed in the cleft area. An extensive data survey was conducted using the medical records of individuals who had implants installed in the cleft area between 1999 and 2020. The variables assessed were age, sex, implant follow-up time, implantation procedures, and rehabilitation with implant-supported prostheses. Data were analyzed in terms of implant survival time, correlating with the factors: age, sex, execution, or no-execution of bone regrafting, the time interval between secondary alveolar bone grafting and regrafting, the time interval between regrafting and implant installation, and the time interval between implant installation and provisional and definitive prosthesis. Data were analyzed with respect to implant survival. χ 2 and Student t tests were used with a 5% significance level. A total of 1295 medical records were analyzed, of which 688 reported implants in cleft areas (56.1% in females, 43.9% in males) with a success rate of 92.73% and a mean follow-up time of 53.2 (±45.0) months. There were no statistically significant differences in the correlation between the survival rate and sex ( P = 0.895, χ 2 test), between the implant survival rate and regrafted area ( P = 0.904, χ 2 test), or between the survival rate and patient age ( P = 0.246, Student t test). The survival rate of implants in the cleft area was 92.73%. Age, sex, and the need for regrafting did not influence the survival rate of implants installed in the cleft area. Clinical studies that evaluate the survival rate of implants installed in patients with cleft maxilla are of great relevance to the dental field., Competing Interests: C.C.V.d.S. received a scholarship from São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) (#2010/10538-0). The remaining authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the growth-inhibitory effects against periodontal disease-causing bacteria and cytotoxic effects against mouse fibroblast cells of the Stryphnodendron adstringens (barbatimão) hydroalcoholic extract. The contents of phenols and tannins in the extract were determined. The growth-inhibitory activity of the barbatimão was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The viability of fibroblast cells was analyzed using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay at 24 and 48 h post-treatment. The MIC values of the extract against Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum were 0.05, 0.125, and 2 mg mL-1, respectively, while the MBC values were 4, 2, and 2 mg mL-1, respectively. The viability rate of barbatimão (0.25 mg mL-1)-treated L929 cells was higher than that of chlorhexidine (0.12%)-treated L929 cells at 48 h post-treatment. The contents of total phenolics and total tannins in the extract were 837.39 ± 0.10 and 785.82 ± 0.14 mg of tannic acid equivalent per gram of the extract, respectively. These findings indicate that the barbatimão hydroalcoholic extract, which exerted potent growth-inhibitory effects against the test microbial species and low cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts, has potential applications in the development of novel mouthwash products., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Applied Microbiology International.)

RNAs are extremely important molecules inside the cell, which perform many different functions. For example, messenger RNAs, transfer RNAs and ribosomal RNAs are involved in protein synthesis, whereas noncoding RNAs have numerous regulatory roles. Ribonucleases (RNases) are the enzymes responsible for the processing and degradation of all types of RNAs, having multiple roles in every aspect of RNA metabolism. However, the involvement of RNases in disease is still not well understood. This review focuses on the involvement of the RNase II/RNB family of 3'-5' exoribonucleases in human disease. This can be attributed to direct effects, whereby mutations in the eukaryotic enzymes of this family [defective in sister chromatid joining (Dis3; or Rrp44), Dis3-like exonuclease 1 (Dis3L1; or Dis3L) and Dis3-like exonuclease 2 (Dis3L2)] are associated with a disease, or indirect effects, whereby mutations in the prokaryotic counterparts of RNase II/RNB family (RNase II and/or RNase R) affect the physiology and virulence of several human pathogens. In this review, we compare the structural and biochemical characteristics of the members of the RNase II/RNB family of enzymes. The outcomes of mutations impacting enzymatic function are revisited, in terms of both the direct and indirect effects on disease. Furthermore, we also describe the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral exoribonuclease and its importance to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, RNases may be a good therapeutic target to reduce bacterial and viral pathogenicity. These are the two perspectives on RNase II/RNB family enzymes that are presented in this review., (© 2022 The Authors. FEBS Open Bio published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Federation of European Biochemical Societies.)

Intradialytic hypotension is a common complication during hemodialysis sessions. The analysis of successive RR interval variability using nonlinear methods represents a promising tool for evaluating the cardiovascular response to acute volemic changes. Thus, the present study aims to compare the variability of successive RR intervals between hemodynamically stable (HS) and unstable (HU) patients during a hemodialysis session, through linear and nonlinear methods. Forty-six chronic kidney disease patients volunteered in this study. Successive RR intervals and blood pressures were recorded throughout the hemodialysis session. Hemodynamic stability was defined based on the delta of systolic blood pressure (higher SBP-lower SBP). The cutoff for hemodynamic stability was defined as 30 mm Hg, and patients were stratified as: HS ([n = 21]: ≤29.9 mm Hg) or HU ([n = 25]: ≥30 mm Hg). Linear methods (low-frequency [LFnu] and high-frequency [HFnu] spectra) and nonlinear methods (multiscale entropy [MSE] for Scales 1-20, and fuzzy entropy) were applied. The area under the MSE curve at Scales 1-5 (MSE 1-5 ), 6-20 (MSE 6-20 ), and 1-20 (MSE 1-20 ) were also used as nonlinear parameters. Frequentist and Bayesian inferences were applied to compare HS and HU patients. The HS patients exhibited a significantly higher LFnu and lower HFnu. For MSE parameters, Scales 3-20 were significantly higher, as well as MSE 1-5 , MSE 6-20 , and MSE 1-20 in HS, when compared to HU patients ( p < 0.05). Regarding Bayesian inference, the spectral parameters demonstrated an anecdotal (65.9%) posterior probability favoring the alternative hypothesis, while MSE exhibited moderate to very strong probability (79.4 to 96.3%) at Scales 3-20, and MSE 1-5 , MSE 6-20 , and MSE 1-20 . HS patients exhibited a higher heart-rate complexity than HU patients. In addition, the MSE demonstrated a greater potential than spectral methods to differentiate variability patterns in successive RR intervals.

Among sickle cell anemia (SCA) complications, proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (PSCR) is one of the most important, being responsible for visual impairment in 10-20% of affected eyes. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) present in pathways that may be implicated in the pathophysiology of PSCR from the transcriptome profile analysis of endothelial progenitor cells. RNA-Seq was used to compare gene expression profile of circulating endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) from HbSS patients with and without PSCR. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were performed to gain further insights into biological functions. The differential expression analysis identified 501 DEGs, when comparing the groups with and without PSCR. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis showed associations of the DEGs in 200 biological processes. Among these, regulation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity, positive regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and positive regulation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) receptor signaling pathway were observed. These pathways are associated with angiogenesis, cell migration, adhesion, differentiation, and proliferation, important processes involved in PSCR pathophysiology. Moreover, our results showed an over-expression of VEGFC (vascular endothelial growth factor-C) and FLT1 (Fms-Related Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 1) genes, when comparing HbSS patients with and without PSCR. These results may indicate a possible association between VEGFC and FLT1 receptor, which may activate signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK and contribute to the mechanisms implicated in neovascularization. Thus, our findings contain preliminary results that may guide future studies in the field, since the molecular mechanisms of PSCR are still poorly understood.

Background: Beginning in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many outpatient chest pain evaluations to be performed via telemedicine. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of telemedicine on management and outcomes of patients who presented with chest pain., Methods: This retrospective chart review study included 771 unique patients, age >18 years, who were seen face-to-face in cardiology clinic visits from March 2019 through September 2019 with an encounter diagnosis of chest pain or angina, compared with 172 unique patients of age >18 who were seen via telehealth visit from March 2020 through September 2020. Data were extracted on patients' clinical outcomes up to 1 year after the initial visit, including emergency department visit or hospital admission for chest pain, any hospital admission, additional diagnostic testing, revascularization, and death (cardiovascular or any)., Results: The telehealth group had higher rates of emergency department visits (19.2% vs 11.7%, P =  0.008), hospital admissions for chest pain (16.9% vs 10.5%, P =  0.019), as well as all hospital admissions (36.1% vs 28.2%, P =  0.04) compared with the face-to-face group. More patients in the face-to-face group received a stress test (41.1% vs 21.5% for the telehealth group; P <  0.001). There were no other statistically significant differences for diagnostic evaluations, revascularization, or death., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that in-person evaluation for chest pain may aid in reducing the number of emergency department visits and hospital admissions when compared to telehealth evaluation., Competing Interests: The authors report no funding or conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Baylor University Medical Center.)

The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing the COVID-19 outbreak, posed a primary concern of public health worldwide. The most common changes in SARS-CoV-2 are single nucleotide substitutions, also reported insertions and deletions. This work investigates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a deletions identified in COVID-19-positive individuals. Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 complete genomes showed three different ORF7a size deletions (190-nt, 339-nt and 365-nt). Deletions were confirmed through Sanger sequencing. The ORF7a∆190 was detected in a group of five relatives with mild symptoms of COVID-19, and the ORF7a∆339 and ORF7a∆365 in a couple of co-workers. These deletions did not affect subgenomic RNAs (sgRNA) production downstream of ORF7a. Still, fragments associated with sgRNA of genes upstream of ORF7a showed a decrease in size when corresponding to samples with deletions. In silico analysis suggests that the deletions impair protein proper function; however, isolated viruses with partial deletion of ORF7a can replicate in culture cells similarly to wild-type viruses at 24 hpi, but with less infectious particles after 48 hpi. These findings on deleted ORF7a accessory protein gene, contribute to understanding SARS-CoV-2 phenotypes such as replication, immune evasion and evolutionary fitness as well insights into the role of SARS-CoV-2&#95;ORF7a in the mechanism of virus-host interactions.

A long scientific journey has led to prominent technological advances in the RNA field, and several new types of molecules have been discovered, from non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) to riboswitches, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and CRISPR systems. Such findings, together with the recognition of the advantages of RNA in terms of its functional performance, have attracted the attention of synthetic biologists to create potent RNA-based tools for biotechnological and medical applications. In this review, we have gathered the knowledge on the connection between RNA metabolism and pathogenesis in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We further discuss how RNA techniques have contributed to the building of this knowledge and the development of new tools in synthetic biology for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Infectious diseases are still a world-leading cause of death and morbidity, and RNA-based therapeutics have arisen as an alternative way to achieve success. There are still obstacles to overcome in its application, but much progress has been made in a fast and effective manner, paving the way for the solid establishment of RNA-based therapies in the future.

Background: Vaccination against COVID-19 was implemented very quickly, but the emergence of new variants that can evade the previous acquired immunological protection highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms involved in the immune response generated after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination., Objectives: Since most of our knowledge on the humoral immunity generated against SARS-CoV-2 has been obtained from studies with infected patients before vaccination, our goal here was to evaluate seroconversion and its correlation with the titers of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in individuals who received the complete initial recommended vaccination schedule with three different vaccines., Study Design: We analyzed serum IgG, IgA and total NAbs against the trimeric SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein or its receptor binding domain (RBD) in blood samples collected from 118 healthy individuals without known previous infection, before and after receiving the first and the second dose of CoronaVac ( n  = 18), ChAdOx-1 ( n  = 68) or BNT162b2 ( n  = 32) vaccines., Results: We found that although IgG titers were high in all sera collected after the two doses of these vaccines, NAbs amounts varies among the groups. In contrast, serum NAbs concentrations were much more comparable to the IgA levels, indicating that these antibodies would have a major neutralizing capacity against SARS-CoV-2., Conclusions: Altogether our data suggest that quantification of serum anti-S or anti-RBD IgA, rather than IgG, may be a valuable tool to screen NAbs and may be considered for surveillance of vaccine coverage., Competing Interests: 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., (© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Pregnancy in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) women is associated to increased risk of clinical and obstetrical complications. Placentas from SCD pregnancies can present increased abnormal findings, which may lead to placental insufficiency, favoring adverse perinatal outcome. These placental abnormalities are well known and reported, however little is known about the molecular mechanisms, such as epigenetics. Thus, our aim was to evaluate the DNA methylation profile in placentas from women with SCD (HbSS and HbSC genotypes), compared to uncomplicated controls (HbAA). We included in this study 11 pregnant women with HbSS, 11 with HbSC and 21 with HbAA genotypes. Illumina Methylation EPIC BeadChip was used to assess the whole placental DNA methylation. Pyrosequencing was used for array data validation and qRT-PCR was applied for gene expression analysis. Our results showed high frequency of hypermethylated CpGs sites in HbSS and HbSC groups with 73.5% and 76.2% respectively, when compared with the control group. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) also showed an increased hypermethylation status for the HbSS (89%) and HbSC (86%) groups, when compared with the control group methylation data. DMRs were selected for methylation validation (4 DMRs-HbSS and 3 DMRs the HbSC groups) and after analyses three were validated in the HbSS group, and none in the HbSC group. The gene expression analysis showed differential expression for the PTGFR (-2.97-fold) and GPR56 (3.0-fold) genes in the HbSS group, and for the SPOCK1 (-2.40-fold) and ADCY4 (1.80-fold) genes in the HbSC group. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that SCD (HbSS and HbSC genotypes) can alter placental DNA methylation and lead to gene expression changes. These changes possibly contribute to abnormal placental development and could impact in the clinical course, especially for the fetus, possibly leading to increased risk of abortion, fetal growth restriction (FGR), stillbirth, small for gestational age newborns and prematurity., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

The occurrence of dengue disease has increased radically in recent decades. Previously, we constructed the pE1D2 and pcTPANS1 DNA vaccines encoding the DENV2 envelope (E) and non-structural 1 (NS1) proteins, respectively. To decrease the number of plasmids in a tetravalent candidate vaccine, we constructed a bicistronic plasmid, pNS1/E/D2, encoding these two proteins simultaneously. We evaluated the protective immunity induced in mice vaccinated with the pNS1/E/D2 candidate and compared to the responses elicited by immunization with the former vaccines isolated or in combination. We transfected BHK-21 cells with the different plasmids and detected recombinant proteins by immunofluorescence and mass spectrometry assays to confirm antigen expression. BALB/c mice were inoculated with the DNA vaccines followed by a lethal DENV2 challenge. ELISA, PRNT50, and IFN-gamma ELISPOT assays were performed for the investigation of the humoral and cellular responses. We observed the concomitant expression of NS1 and E proteins in pNS1/E/D2-transfected cells. All E-based vaccines induced anti-E and neutralizing antibodies. However, anti-NS1 antibodies were only observed after immunization with the pcTPANS1 administered alone or combined with pE1D2. In contrast, splenocytes from pNS1/E/D2- or pcTPANS1 + pE1D2-vaccinated animals responded to NS1- and E-derived synthetic peptides. All the DNA vaccines conferred protection against DENV2.

The Virtual Learning Environment of the Brazilian Health System (AVASUS) is a free and open distance education platform of the Ministry of Health (MS). AVASUS is a scalable virtual learning environment that has surpassed 800,000 users, 2 million enrollments, and 310 courses in its catalog. The objective of this paper was to assess the impacts of the educational offerings on health services and AVASUS course participants' professional practice. This study analyzed data from AVASUS, the Brazilian National Registry of Health Care Facilities (CNES), the Brazilian Occupational Classification (CBO), and a questionnaire applied to 720-course participants from five regions of Brazil. After acquiring and extracting data, computational methods were used for the evaluation process. Only the responses of 462 participants were considered for data analysis, as they had a formal link to CNES. The results showed that respondents recommended 76.2% of AVASUS courses to peers. Accordingly, the quality of educational offerings motivated 81.3% of such recommendations. In addition, 75.6% of course participants who answered the questionnaire also indicated that AVASUS course contents contribute to enhancing existing health services in the health facilities where they work. Finally, 24.6% of all responses mentioned that courses available in AVASUS were essential in offering new health services in such facilities., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Valentim, de Oliveira, Oliveira, Ribeiro, da Costa, Morais, Fernandes, Caitano, Gusmão, Cunha-Oliveira, Rêgo, Coutinho, Barros and Ceccim.)

Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become a promising approach for the treatment of a broad range of diseases, including oncological and infectious diseases. This minimally invasive and localized therapy is based on the production of reactive oxygen species able to destroy cancer cells and inactivate pathogens by combining the use of photosensitizers (PSs), light, and molecular oxygen. To overcome the drawbacks of drug systemic administration, drug delivery systems (DDS) can be used to carrier the PSs, allowing higher therapeutic efficacy and minimal toxicological effects. Polymeric nanofibers produced by electrospinning emerged as powerful platforms for drug delivery applications. Electrospun nanofibers exhibit outstanding characteristics, such as large surface-area-to-volume ratio associated with high drug loading, high porosity, flexibility, ability to incorporate and release a wide variety of therapeutic agents, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Due to the versatility of this technique, fibers with different morphologies and functionalities, including drug release profile can be produced. The possibility of scalability makes electrospinning even more attractive for the development of DDS. This review aims to explore and show an up to date of the huge potential of electrospun nanofibers as DDS for different PDT applications and discuss the opportunities and challenges in this field., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that targeting lower airways, being characterized by bronchial smooth muscle hyper responsiveness and mucus hypersecretion. Asthma is considered the most common respiratory disease in the world, affecting approximately 235 million individuals. The main therapy sometimes fails to establish clinical improvement in patients, which leads to a constant search for new alternatives. Camphor is a transparent solid monoterpene with a strong aroma, which due to its high lipophilicity is insoluble in water. Nanostructured carrier systems have shown promise as a delivery system for lipophilic compounds such as monoterpenes. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the relaxant effect of nanoemulsified camphor (NEC), as well as the mechanism of action of that monoterpene, in isolated rat trachea. The results obtained demonstrated that NEC promote relaxation of the isolated rat trachea when smooth muscle contraction was induced by both carbachol (CCh) and KCl, presenting a pCE 50 of 2.25 ± 0.27 and 3.30 ± 0.07, respectively. In the presence of dexamethasone (DEXA), tetraethylammonium (TEA), glibenclamide (GLIB), 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazole-[4,3,-a]-quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ) and ruthenium red (RR) there was a significant difference in at least one of the evaluated pharmacological parameters, such as concentration-response curves shape, E max or pCE 50 . As conclusion, NEC may be involved with β-adrenergic receptors, channels for K + sensitive to ATP (K ATP ) or Channels for K+ opened by Ca 2+ (K Ca ), increase in prostanoids and with receptor channel with transient potential (TRPv). In conclusion, β-adrenergic receptors, prostanoids, nitric oxide (NO), ATP-sensitive K + channels (K ATP ), Ca 2+ -opened K + channels (K Ca ), and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V (TRPV) are involved in the relaxing effect of NEC. In addition, the mechanism of action of NEC may be involved with the signal transduction pathway Nitric Oxide/soluble guanylyl cyclase/cGMP/cGMP-activated protein kinase. NEC, therefore, demonstrates spasmolytic activity when presenting tracheal relaxation compared to CCh and KCl contracturants., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chitosan microspheres (CMS) by the emulsion-chemical cross-linking method with and without lysozyme immobilization were synthesized and characterized. The technique conditions were adjusted, and spherical particles with approximate diameters of 3.74 ± 1.08 μm and 0. 29 ± 0.029 μm to CMS and chitosan-lysozyme microspheres (C-LMS), respectively, were obtained. The microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Spectroscopy Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential. Particle size was identified by laser light scattering (DLS) and the thermal properties by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetry (TGA) were determined. By the lysis of Micrococcus lysodeikticus, the activity of the microspheres was determined, and the results correlated with the amount of lysozyme used in the immobilization process and the enzyme loading efficiency was 67%. Finally, release tests pointed out the amount of enzyme immobilized on the microsphere surface. These results showed that chitosan microspheres could be used as material for lysozyme immobilization by cross-linking technique. The antimicrobial activity was tested by inhibition percent determination, and it evidenced both chitosan microspheres (CMS) and chitosan-lysozyme microspheres (C-LMS) positive antimicrobial activity to Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to evaluate the role of APOE polymorphisms (rs429358 and rs7412) in the risk of age-related macular degeneration in a sample of the Southeastern Brazilian population. Seven hundred and five unrelated individuals were analyzed, 334 with age-related macular degeneration (case group), and 371 without the disease (control group). In the case group, patients were further stratified according to disease phenotypes, divided into dry and wet age-related macular degeneration, and non-advanced and advanced age-related macular degeneration. APOE polymorphisms (rs429358 and rs7412) were evaluated through polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. In the comparison of cases vs. controls, none of the associations reached statistical significance, considering the Bonferroni-adjusted P -value, although there was a suggestive protection for the E3/E4 genotype (OR = 0.626; P -value = 0.037) and E4 carriers (OR = 0.6515; P -value = 0.047). Statistically significant protection for both the E3/E4 genotype and E4 carriers was observed in the comparisons: advanced age-related macular degeneration vs. controls (OR = 0.3665, P -value = 0.491 × 10 -3 and OR = 0.4031, P -value = 0.814 × 10 -3 , respectively), advanced age-related macular degeneration vs. non-advanced age-related macular degeneration (OR = 0.2529, P -value = 0.659 × 10 -4 and OR = 0.2692, P -value = 0.631 × 10 -4 , respectively). In the comparison of wet age-related macular degeneration vs. control, protection was statistically significant only for E3/E4 (OR = 0.4052, P -value = 0.001). None of the comparisons demonstrated any significant association for E2 genotypes or E2 carriers in age-related macular degeneration risk in this study. Findings suggest a protective role of the E4 haplotype in the APOE gene in the risk for advanced and wet forms of age-related macular degeneration, in a sample of the Brazilian population. To our knowledge, this is the first Brazilian study to show the association between APOE polymorphisms and age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: The pandemic status of the Novel Coronavirus 2019 has affected many countries around the world, due to the high virulence of the SARS-CoV-2, the recommended protocol to prevent infection is social isolation. The purpose of this study was to compare the number of patients admitted and their epidemiological data on a Level 1 Trauma Hospital after the declaration of the pandemic status and the first week of mandatory lockdown, with the same period of time in the last year. This was a retrospective study of medical records from the patients admitted in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the João XXIII Hospital, between the March 24 and March 31 of 2020 and the same period of the last year. There was a 52.27% decrease in the total number of patients and 76.34% decrease in the total consultations of the service of oral and maxillofacial surgery during the lockdown. All the groups presented a decrease in significance with motor vehicle accidents events, the group 11 to 20 years old presented an increase on the correlation with violence (P = 0.019) and falls (P = 0.002). When comparing both sex with the etiologies, the male one presented an increase in the correlation with violence and falls. The female sex presented correlations only with the minor causes. No valid significance was observed when comparing females with violence events. The lockdown is an effective way to reduce the transmission of the COVID-19, the hospital usage and occupation., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

This work aimed to evaluate the potential of chitosan/cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) films to be used as active pads for meat packages to prolong its shelf-life and preserve its properties over time. Several CNC concentrations (5, 10, 25, and 50 wt%) were tested and the films were produced by solvent casting. The developed samples were characterized by ATR-FTIR, TGA, FESEM, and XRD. The transparency, antimicrobial, barrier and mechanical properties were also assessed. Finally, the films' ability to prolong food shelf-life was studied in real conditions using chicken meat. CNC incorporation improved the thermal stability and the oxygen barrier while the water vapor permeability was maintained. An enhancement of mechanical properties was also observed by the increase in tensile strength and Young's modulus in chitosan/CNC films. These films demonstrated bactericidal effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungicidal activity against Candida albicans. Lastly, chitosan-based films decreased the growth of Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in meat during the first days of storage compared to commercial membranes, while chitosan/CNC films reduced the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), indicating their efficiency in retarding meat's spoilage under refrigeration conditions. This work highlights the great potential of natural-based films to act as green alternatives for food preservation., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To analyze the effect of matrix support on health for older adults in primary care according to the dimensions of frailty measured with the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20)., Methods: This is a randomized controlled community trial, developed in the Northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil, in 2018. Initially, the stratification of clinical and functional vulnerability of older adults supported by six Family Health Strategy teams occurred with the IVCF-20. Subsequently, three teams were drawn to receive matrix support for six months, and the others for control. In this intervention, face-to-face educational activities were developed for health teams. Descriptive statistics were performed, followed by bivariate analysis by Pearson's chi-square test, to compare the variables of the IVCF-20 between the two moments (before and after the intervention), with a 5% significance level. Relative risks and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated., Results: The groups were similar before intervention, and the effect of matrix actions was positive for most dimensions measured by IVCF-20 (instrumental daily living activity, cognition, mood, mobility, communication, and multiple comorbidities). At the end of the research, the percentage of frailty in the group assisted by professionals participating in matrix support was lower than that of the control group., Conclusions: Matrix support actions, such as pedagogical attribution and horizontal care for health teams, have the potential to contribute to the articulation of models of care for older adults., Rebec: registro BR-7b9xff.

Dengue infections still have a tremendous impact on public health systems in most countries in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is systemic and dynamic with broad range of manifestations, varying from mild symptoms to severe dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome). The only licensed tetravalent dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, is a chimeric yellow fever virus with prM and E genes from the different dengue serotypes. However, recent results indicated that seronegative individuals became more susceptible to develop severe dengue when infected after vaccination, and now WHO recommends vaccination only to dengue seropositive people. One possibility to explain these data is the lack of robust T-cell responses and antibody-dependent enhancement of virus replication in vaccinated people. On the other hand, DNA vaccines are excellent inducers of T-cell responses in experimental animals and it can also elicit antibody production. Clinical trials with DNA vaccines have improved and shown promising results regarding the use of this approach for human vaccination. Therefore, in this paper we review preclinical and clinical tests with DNA vaccines against the dengue virus. Most of the studies are based on the E protein since this antigen is the main target for neutralizing antibody production. Yet, there are other reports with DNA vaccines based on non-structural dengue proteins with protective results, as well. Combining structural and non-structural genes may be a solution for inducing immune responses aging in different infection moments. Furthermore, DNA immunizations are also a very good approach in combining strategies for vaccines against dengue, in heterologous prime/boost regimen or even administering different vaccines at the same time, in order to induce efficient humoral and cellular immune responses., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Alves, Costa and Pinto.)

The management of odontogenic infections remains an important segment of the oral-maxillofacial surgical practice. The implementation of ultrasonography (US) imaging for the diagnosis of head and neck infections increases the possibility of visualizing the abscess collections in the deep neck spaces of lateral pharyngeal, masticator, and submandibular areas. The US imaging can detect the presence of fluid collections and edema, which may indicate local inflammation. Signs of deeper infections, such as subcutaneous emphysema and perifascial fluid, may also be apparent via US imaging. We present a new technique that uses US imaging to evaluate the deep neck infections after drainage from the early postoperative time to determine the locations of the drains inside the collection area and the edema of adjacent tissues. This technique is less costly than computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and allows for early assessment of adjacent tissues, leading to an earlier extubation and reduced hospitalization time and costs., (Copyright © 2020 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To study the role of serum biomarkers as prognostic factors for qualitative and quantitative response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for diabetic macular edema (DME)., Methods: Sixty-seven eyes with DME were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab during a 12-month follow-up period. All cases underwent a baseline workup consisting of 12 inflammatory, metabolic and prothrombotic factors. The following outcomes were evaluated at 3-month intervals until 1 year of follow-up: visual acuity, central subfield thickness (CST), macular volume (MV), % of change from baseline in CST, occurrence of a CST change < 10%, a CST change >20%, and a CST <330 µm, achieving an improvement ≥2 lines of visual acuity, achieving visual acuity ≥20/40., Results: A significant improvement in CST and visual acuity was seen from third month onwards. Twenty-eight (48.1%) cases were classified as "early responders," 24 (35.8%) as "late responders", and 15 (22.4%) as "poor responders." Serum vascular endothelial growth factor-A levels were significantly lower in "poor responders" (P = 0.006). C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was associated with a limited anatomic response (<10% CST change) (P = 0.002, OR = 1.845, cutoff value of hsCRP = 1.84 mg/L). hsCRP was also negatively associated with obtaining a final CST <330 µm (P = 0.04, r2 = 0.112, OR = 0.643). Baseline visual acuity was significantly associated with 12th month visual acuity (P < 0.001, r2 = 0.602) and also with an improvement ≥2 visual acuity lines (P = 0.009, OR = 20.54)., Conclusion: Increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was associated with limited anatomic response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment and persistent DME. Poor responders had significantly lower values of serum vascular endothelial growth factor-A, suggesting an alternative pathogenic pathway for persisting DME.

Since exacerbated inflammation and microvascular leakage are hallmarks of dengue virus (DENV) infection, here we interrogated whether systemic activation of the contact/kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) might hamper endothelial function. In vitro assays showed that dextran sulfate, a potent contact activator, failed to generate appreciable levels of activated plasma kallikrein (PKa) in the large majority of samples from a dengue cohort ( n = 70), irrespective of severity of clinical symptoms. Impaired formation of PKa in dengue-plasmas correlated with the presence of cleaved Factor XII and high molecular weight kininogen (HK), suggesting that the prothrombogenic contact system is frequently triggered during the course of infection. Using two pathogenic arboviruses, DENV or Zika virus (ZIKV), we then asked whether exogenous BK could influence the outcome of infection of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). Unlike the unresponsive phenotype of Zika-infected HBMECs, we found that BK, acting via B2R, vigorously stimulated DENV-2 replication by reverting nitric oxide-driven apoptosis of endothelial cells. Using the mouse model of cerebral dengue infection, we next demonstrated that B2R targeting by icatibant decreased viral load in brain tissues. In summary, our study suggests that contact/KKS activation followed by BK-induced enhancement of DENV replication in the endothelium may underlie microvascular pathology in dengue.

The scope of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with frailty among the elderly in Primary Health Care. It is a cross-sectional study carried out with 1750 elderly people in the Southeast of Brazil. The Brazilian Older American Resources and Services Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire (BOMFAQ) and the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index (CFVI) were used for data collection. Descriptive and bivariate analyzes were performed, followed by Poisson regression analysis, with robust variance, to obtain adjusted prevalence ratios (PR). The CFVI identified 357 frail elderly people (20.1%). The variables that remained statistically associated with frailty after multiple analysis were: single/widowed (PR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.02-1.07); four years of schooling (PR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.03-1.08); polypathology (PR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.01-1.09); polypharmacy (PR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.17-1.26); mental disorder (PR = 1.16; 95%CI = 1.12-1.21); cognitive impairment (PR = 1.71; 95%CI = 1.57-1.86); Daily Living Activity impairment (PR = 1.12; 95%CI = 1.09-1.14); falls (PR = 1.06; 95%CI = 1.03-1.10); hospitalization (PR = 1.39; 95%CI = 1.27-1.52); urinary incontinence and self-perception of health. The conclusion that a significant prevalence of frailty in the study reaffirms the need for a multidimensional approach to the elderly.

It has been shown that 17β-estradiol (E2) helps to prevent bone loss. This study was undertaken to verify whether E2 action in human osteoblasts involves changes in the transcriptional profile of the TNF-α, IFN-γ, NF-κB, TRAIL, TGF-β, MMP2, MMP9, RECK, TIMP1, TIMP2, CDK2, CDK4, SRC, RUNX2, and SHH genes. Infraphysiological doses of E2 elevated mRNAs in all genes except for INF-γ, TRAIL, and TGF-β. Importantly, a significant increase in the CDKs -2 and -4 genes was found, which strongly suggests cell cycle progression, with a potential dependency of Src involvement, as well as a suppression of the osteoblast differentiation machinery, with ECM remodeling being involved. These data suggest that E2 plays an important role in bone formation and remodeling, and Src seems to play a pivotal role in driving cell proliferation and ECM remodeling. Taken together, these findings contribute to an understanding of the effects of infraphysiological E2 on modulating bone homeostasis, favoring bone resorption, and leading to osteoporosis., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study assesses the impact of Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak on individual and total welfare in Liberia during 2014/15. By combining mortality and household consumption data, it estimates how much individuals would be hypothetically willing to pay to avoid the EVD-induced increase in age- and sex-specific mortality rates. The results suggest that the total welfare loss associated with EVD-related mortality ranges from $90 to $190 million, which is comparable to estimates based on the economic costs of EVD alone. In addition, the estimates lie between those derived from the cost-of-illness and value of statistical life approaches applied in previous works. This suggests that incorporating additional information on age- and sex-specific mortality, as well as individual consumption levels, provides a more accurate estimation of the welfare loss due to EVD-related mortality., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of American trypanosomiasis and can infect humans and different species of domestic and wild animals. The marsupials are important wild reservoirs of T. cruzi, aiding in the maintenance of this agent in sylvatic and peri-domestic environments. The objective of this study was to report the parasitological and clinicopathological findings of a natural infection by T. cruzi in one specimen of Philander opossum that originated from the Brazilian Amazon. The animal was captured in a forest fragment near a rural community with reports of human Chagas disease. T. cruzi infection was diagnosed by blood smear examinations, blood culture, scent glands secretion culture, histopathological examination, and nested-PCR. Positive samples were subjected to PCR to characterize the discrete typing units (DTUs) of T. cruzi. Characteristic trypomastigotes of T. cruzi were observed in the blood smear, and spheromastigotes, epimastigotes, and trypomastigotes were visualized in the cultures. Non-suppurative myocarditis associated with amastigote clusters was the principal histopathological finding. DNA from T. cruzi was detected in samples of blood, blood cultures, scent glands secretion cultures, cardiac muscles, and the spleen. The TcI and the TcII/V/VI group DTUs were detected in blood culture and scent glands secretion cultures. Infection by T. cruzi can cause myocarditis in P. opossum and DTUs TcI and TcII/V/VI group mixed infection can be detected in the acute phase. P. opossum can be a source of infection for triatomine vectors and has the potential source for direct transmission of T. cruzi by secretions from the scent glands. These data are important to improve the understanding of the complex enzootic transmission cycle of T. cruzi in the Brazilian Amazon., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)