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Abstract The nasal cavity of living mammals is a unique structural complex among tetrapods, acquired along a series of major morphological transformations that occurred mainly during the Mesozoic Era, within the Synapsida clade. Particularly, non-mammaliaform cynodonts document several morphological changes in the skull, during the Triassic Period, that represent the first steps of the mammalian bauplan. We here explore the nasal cavity of five cynodont taxa, namely Thrinaxodon, Chiniquodon, Prozostrodon, Riograndia, and Brasilodon, in order to discuss the main changes within this skull region. We did not identify ossified turbinals in the nasal cavity of these taxa and if present, as non-ossified structures, they would not necessarily be associated with temperature control or the development of endothermy. We do, however, notice a complexification of the cartilage anchoring structures that divide the nasal cavity and separate it from the brain region in these forerunners of mammals.

Abstract We present an updated determination of the values of $$\vert V_{cb} \vert ,$$ | V cb | , $$R(D^*)$$ R ( D ∗ ) and $$\vert V_{ub} \vert /\vert V_{cb} \vert $$ | V ub | / | V cb | based on the new data on semileptonic $$B \rightarrow D^* \ell \nu _\ell $$ B → D ∗ ℓ ν ℓ decays by the Belle and Belle-II Collaborations and on the recent theoretical progress in the calculation of the form factors relevant for semileptonic $$B \rightarrow D^* \ell \nu _\ell $$ B → D ∗ ℓ ν ℓ and $$B_s \rightarrow K \ell \nu _\ell $$ B s → K ℓ ν ℓ decays. In particular we present results derived by applying either the Dispersive Matrix (DM) method of Di Carlo et al. (Phys Rev D 104:054502, 2021), Martinelli et al. (Phys Rev D 104:094512, 2021), Martinelli et al. (Phys Rev D 105:034503, 2022), Martinelli et al. (Eur Phys J C 82:1083, 2022), Martinelli et al. (JHEP 08:022, 2022) and Martinelli et al. (Phys Rev D 106:093002, 2022) or the more standard Boyd–Grinstein–Lebed (BGL) (Boyd et al. in Phys Rev D 56:6895, 1997) approach to the most recent values of the form factors determined in lattice QCD. Using all the available lattice results for the form factors from the DM method we get the theoretical value $$R^{\textrm{th}}(D^*) = 0.262 \pm 0.009$$ R th ( D ∗ ) = 0.262 ± 0.009 and we extract from a bin-per-bin analysis of the experimental data the value $$\vert V_{cb} \vert = (39.92 \pm 0.64) \cdot 10^{-3}.$$ | V cb | = ( 39.92 ± 0.64 ) · 10 - 3 . Our result for $$R(D^*)$$ R ( D ∗ ) is consistent with the latest experimental world average $$R^{\textrm{exp}}(D^*) = 0.284 \pm 0.012$$ R exp ( D ∗ ) = 0.284 ± 0.012 (HFLAV Collaboration in Preliminary average of R(D) and $$R(D^*)$$ R ( D ∗ ) as for Summer 2023. See https://hflav-eos.web.cern.ch/hflav-eos/semi/summer23/html/RDsDsstar/RDRDs.html ) at the $$\simeq 1.5\,\sigma $$ ≃ 1.5 σ level. Our value for $$\vert V_{cb} \vert $$ | V cb | is compatible with the latest inclusive determinations $$\vert V_{cb} \vert ^{\textrm{incl}} = (41.97 \pm 0.48) \cdot 10^{-3}$$ | V cb | incl = ( 41.97 ± 0.48 ) · 10 - 3 (Finauri and Gambino in The $$q^2$$ q 2 moments in inclusive semileptonic B decays. arXiv:2310.20324 ) and $$\vert V_{cb} \vert ^{\textrm{incl}} = (41.69\pm 0.63) \cdot 10^{-3}$$ | V cb | incl = ( 41.69 ± 0.63 ) · 10 - 3 (Bernlochner et al. in JHEP 10:068, 2022) within $$\simeq 2.6$$ ≃ 2.6 and $$\simeq 2.0$$ ≃ 2.0 standard deviations, respectively. From a reappraisal of the calculations of $$\vert V_{ub} \vert / \vert V_{cb} \vert ,$$ | V ub | / | V cb | , we also obtain $$\vert V_{ub} \vert / \vert V_{cb} \vert = 0.087\pm 0.009$$ | V ub | / | V cb | = 0.087 ± 0.009 in good agreement with the result $$\vert V_{ub} \vert / \vert V_{cb} \vert = 0.0844\pm 0.0056$$ | V ub | / | V cb | = 0.0844 ± 0.0056 from the latest FLAG review (Flavour Lattice Averaging Group (FLAG) Collaboration in Phys J C 82:869, 2022).

Abstract Ever since the discovery of the first remains of Macrauchenia patachonica by Charles Darwin in 1834, this taxon has puzzled researchers with its peculiar anatomy. Being the best-known member of the family Macraucheniidae and with fossil records in extensive areas of South America between the Middle to Late Pleistocene/earliest Holocene, M. patachonica has been extensively studied over decades, and recently even included in molecular studies. However, there are some elements of its skeleton that have been inadvertently unstudied. One of these elements is the atlas of M. patachonica that due to a misidentification made 159 years ago by the prominent zoologist Hermann Burmeister, was not examined or illustrated by later researchers even with access to excellent specimens. Here, we describe and illustrate the atlas of M. patachonica for the first time, correcting Burmeister’s mistake. Overall, the anatomy of the atlas of M. patachonica is consistent with the anatomy of older macraucheniids. The atlas described by Burmeister as being M. patachonica probably corresponds to that of a bovid. It is noteworthy that most mounted skeletons of M. patachonica present today in museum exhibitions, display a correct atlas derived from a more complete specimen discovered ca. 1904 by the prominent palaeontologist Santiago Roth.

Abstract In this work we apply the Dispersive Matrix (DM) method of Di Carlo et al. (Phys Rev D 104:054502, 2021) and Martinelli et al. (Phys Rev D 105:034503, 2022) to the lattice computations of the Form Factors (FFs) entering the semileptonic $$B \rightarrow D^* \ell \nu _\ell $$ B → D ∗ ℓ ν ℓ decays, recently produced by the FNAL/MILC Collaborations (Fermilab Lattice, MILC collaboration, Semileptonic form factors for $$B \rightarrow D^*\ell \nu $$ B → D ∗ ℓ ν at nonzero recoil from 2 + 1-flavor lattice QCD. arXiv:2105.14019 ) at small, but non-vanishing values of the recoil variable ( $$w-1$$ w - 1 ). Thanks to the DM method we obtain the FFs in the whole kinematical range accessible to the decay in a completely model-independent and non-perturbative way, implementing exactly both unitarity and kinematical constraints. Using our theoretical bands of the FFs we extract $$\vert V_{cb} \vert $$ | V cb | from the experimental data and compute the theoretical value of $$R(D^*)$$ R ( D ∗ ) . Our final result for $$\vert V_{cb} \vert $$ | V cb | reads $$\vert V_{cb} \vert = (41.3 \pm 1.7) \cdot 10^{-3}$$ | V cb | = ( 41.3 ± 1.7 ) · 10 - 3 , compatible with the most recent inclusive estimate at the $$0.5\sigma $$ 0.5 σ level. Moreover, we obtain the pure theoretical value $$R(D^*) = 0.275 \pm 0.008$$ R ( D ∗ ) = 0.275 ± 0.008 , which is compatible with the experimental world average at the $$\sim 1.3 \sigma $$ ∼ 1.3 σ level.

Abstract Titanosaurs were successful herbivorous dinosaurs widely distributed in all continents during the Cretaceous, with the major diversity in South America. The success of titanosaurs was probably due to several physiological and ecological factors, in addition to a series of morphological traits they achieved during their evolutionary history. However, the generalist nesting behaviour using different palaeoenvironments and strategies was key to accomplish that success. Titanosaur nesting sites have been found extensively around the world, with notable records in Spain, France, Romania, India, and, especially, Argentina. Here, we describe the first titanosaur nesting site from the Late Cretaceous of Brazil that represents the most boreal nesting site for South America. Several egg-clutches, partially preserved, isolated eggs and many eggshell fragments were discovered in an Inceptisol palaeosol profile of the mining Lafarge Quarry, at the Ponte Alta District (Uberaba Municipality, Minas Gerais State), corresponding to the Serra da Galga Formation (Bauru Group, Bauru Basin). Although classical mechanical preparation and CT scans have not revealed embryonic remains in ovo, the eggs and eggshell features match those eggs containing titanosaurian embryos found worldwide. The morphology of the egg-clutches and observations of the sedimentary characteristics bolster the hypothesis that these sauropods were burrow-nester dinosaurs, as was already suggested for the group based on other nesting sites. The egg-clutches distributed in two levels along the Lafarge outcrops, together with the geopalaeontological data collected, provide clear evidence for the first colonial nesting and breeding area of titanosaur dinosaurs in Brazil.

Abstract We present the calculation of the short-distance power corrections to the CP-violation parameter ε K coming from dimension-8 operators in the ∆S = 2 effective Hamiltonian. A first estimate of this contribution, obtained for large-N c and in the chiral limit, was provided in ref. [1]. Here we evaluate and include the O m K 2 / m c 2 $$ \mathcal{O}\left({m}_K^2/{m}_c^2\right) $$ and O Λ QCD 2 / m c 2 $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\Lambda}_{\mathrm{QCD}}^2/{m}_c^2\right) $$ contributions that, a priori, could induce O $$ \mathcal{O} $$ (1) corrections to previous estimates, as m K is numerically of order ΛQCD. Our computation shows that there are several dimension-8 operators besides the one considered before. Their effect on ε K , however, accidentally cancels out to a large extent, leaving the final correction at the level of 1%.

Abstract Aberrations on TP53, either as deletions of chromosome 17p (del17p) or mutations, are associated with poor outcome in multiple myeloma (MM), but conventional detection methods currently in use underestimate their incidence, hindering an optimal risk assessment and prognostication of MM patients. We have investigated the altered status of TP53 gene by SNPs array and sequencing techniques in a homogenous cohort of 143 newly diagnosed MM patients, evaluated both at diagnosis and at first relapse: single-hit on TP53 gene, either deletion or mutation, detected both at clonal and sub-clonal level, had a minor effect on outcomes. Conversely, the coexistence of both TP53 deletion and mutation, which defined the so-called double-hit patients, was associated with the worst clinical outcome (PFS: HR 3.34 [95% CI: 1.37–8.12] p = 0.008; OS: HR 3.47 [95% CI: 1.18–10.24] p = 0.02). Moreover, the analysis of longitudinal samples pointed out that TP53 allelic status might increase during the disease course. Notably, the acquisition of TP53 alterations at relapse dramatically worsened the clinical course of patients. Overall, our analyses showed these techniques to be highly sensitive to identify TP53 aberrations at sub-clonal level, emphasizing the poor prognosis associated with double-hit MM patients.

Abstract Polyphyodonty—multiple tooth generations—in Mesozoic birds has been confirmed since the nineteenth century. Their dental cycle had been assessed through sparse data from tooth roots revealed through broken jawbones and disattached teeth. However, detailed descriptions of their tooth cycling are lacking, and the specifics of their replacement patterns remain largely unknown. Here we present unprecedented µCT data from three enantiornithine specimens from the Upper Cretaceous of southeastern Brazil. The high resolution µCT data show an alternating dental replacement pattern in the premaxillae, consistent with the widespread pattern amongst extinct and extant reptiles. The dentary also reveals dental replacement at different stages. These results strongly suggest that an alternating pattern was typical of enantiornithine birds. µCT data show that new teeth start lingually within the alveoli, resorb roots of functional teeth and migrate labially into their pulp cavities at an early stage, similar to modern crocodilians. Our results imply that the control mechanism for tooth cycling is conserved during the transition between non-avian reptiles and birds. These first 3D reconstructions of enantiornithine dental replacement demonstrate that 3D data are essential to understand the evolution and deep homology of archosaurian tooth cycling.

The description of new titanosaur specimens unearthed from deposits of the Serra da Galga Formation (Bauru Group, Late Cretaceous) at the BR-262 site, near Peirópolis (Uberaba, Minas Gerais State, Brazil), sheds light on the taxonomy of two taxa previously known from the same area and geological unit: Baurutitan britoi and Trigonosaurus pricei. A comparative revision indicates that T. pricei represents a junior synonym of Ba. britoi, and that the BR-262 specimens belong to that latter species. The information provided by the new specimens also revealed that the paratype of T. pricei (MCT 1719-R), a caudal vertebral series, actually represents a new taxon, named here as Caieiria allocaudata gen. et sp. nov.

Abstract In the last decades, several discoveries have uncovered the complexity of mammalian evolution during the Mesozoic Era, including important Gondwanan lineages: the australosphenidans, gondwanatherians, and meridiolestidans (Dryolestoidea). Most often, their presence and diversity is documented by isolated teeth and jaws. Here, we describe a new meridiolestidan mammal, Orretherium tzen gen. et sp. nov., from the Late Cretaceous of southern Chile, based on a partial jaw with five cheek teeth in locis and an isolated upper premolar. Phylogenetic analysis places Orretherium as the earliest divergence within Mesungulatidae, before other forms such as the Late Cretaceous Mesungulatum and Coloniatherium, and the early Paleocene Peligrotherium. The in loco tooth sequence (last two premolars and three molars) is the first recovered for a Cretaceous taxon in this family and suggests that reconstructed tooth sequences for other Mesozoic mesungulatids may include more than one species. Tooth eruption and replacement show that molar eruption in mesungulatids is heterochronically delayed with regard to basal dryolestoids, with therian-like simultaneous eruption of the last premolar and last molar. Meridiolestidans seem endemic to Patagonia, but given their diversity and abundance, and the similarity of vertebrate faunas in other regions of Gondwana, they may yet be discovered in other continents.

Hypsodonty is a durable pattern of dentition seen in mammals with abrasive diets. Here, Melo and colleagues describe new fossils of the stem-mammal Menadon besairiei from the Late Triassic, which show the convergent evolution of hypsodonty before mammals.

Abstract Background Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease caused by the constitutive tyrosine kinase (TK) activity of the BCR-ABL1 fusion protein. Accordingly, TK inhibitors have drastically changed the disease prognosis. However, persistence of the transformed hematopoiesis even in patients who achieved a complete response to TK inhibitors and the disease relapse upon therapy discontinuation represent a major obstacle to CML cure. Methods Thiostrepton, Danusertib and Volasertib were used to investigate the effects of FOXM1, AKA and Plk1 inhibition in K562-S and K562-R cells. Apoptotic cell death was quantified by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. Quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used to assess BCR-ABL1, FOXM1, PLK1 and AURKA expression. Protein expression and activation was assessed by Western Blotting (WB). Clonogenic assay were performed to confirm K562-R resistance to Imatinib and to evaluate cells sensitivity to the different drugs. Results Here we proved that BCR-ABL1 TK-dependent hyper-activation of Aurora kinase A (AURKA)-Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1)-FOXM1 axis is associated with the outcome of Imatinib (IM) resistance in an experimental model (K562 cell line) and bone marrow hematopoietic cells. Notably, such a biomolecular trait was detected in the putative leukemic stem cell (LSC) compartment characterized by a CD34+ phenotype. Constitutive phosphorylation of FOXM1 associated with BCR-ABL1 TK lets FOXM1 binding with β-catenin enables β-catenin nuclear import and recruitment to T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF) transcription complex, hence supporting leukemic cell proliferation and survival. Lastly, the inhibition of single components of AURKA-PLK1-FOXM1 axis in response to specific drugs raises the expression of growth factor/DNA damage-inducible gene a (GADD45a), a strong inhibitor of AURKA and, as so, a critical component whose induction may mediate the eradication of leukemic clone. Conclusions Our conclusion is that AURKA, PLK1 and FOXM1 inhibition may be considered as a promising therapeutic approach to cure CML.

Sacisaurus agudoensis is the only silesaurid known from the Triassic beds of the Santa Maria Supersequence and the correlation of its type locality to the other Triassic deposits of south Brazil has always been controversial. In an attempt to improve this, a handful of dinosaur and cynodont remains found associated to S. agudoensis are here described and compared. The anatomy of the sauropodomorph is more similar to that of Norian forms such as Pantydraco caducus and Unaysaurus tolentinoi than to that of Carnian taxa such as Saturnalia tupiniquim and Pampadromaeus barberenai. The cynodonts recovered based on isolated teeth include a brasilodontid and a Riograndia-like form. This assemblage is consistent with a Norian age, as is also suggested by local stratigraphic correlation, which positions the site in the Caturrita Formation.

Abstract Recently, the morphology and encephalization of the brain endocast of the Triassic non-mammaliaform probainognathian cynodont Riograndia guaibensis were studied. Here, we analyzed the brain endocast of an additional specimen of this species. The new endocast shows well-defined olfactory bulbs and a median sulcus dividing the hemispheres, traits that were not clearly observed in the first studied specimen. Encephalization quotients were also calculated, revealing similar values to other non-mammaliaform cynodonts and lower than those of the first analyzed specimen. The analyzed cranium is slightly larger than the first studied one and may represent an advanced ontogenetic stage. Hence, these differences may be related to the intraspecific variation of this cynodont or alternatively, to the preservation of each specimen.

INTRODUCTION: Bromodomain and extra-terminal motif-protein inhibitors (BETi) have shown an antileukemic effect in several subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), both in vitro and in vivo (Daniel Gerlach et al. 2018 Oncogene). The effect of BETi is mainly mediated by suppression of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) activity, an epigenetic regulator that sustains MYC and c-KIT expression, with consequences on a number of cellular processes, including proliferation and apoptosis (Kazuki Homma et al. 2017 Blood). Moreover recent findings suggested that MYC regulates through a feedback loop, a long-non coding RNA, named PVT1, which is located in the same genomic region (8q24) and is often associated with its pro-tumorigenic role (Alberto L’Abbate et al. 2018 Leukemia). PVT1 also encodes for a circular isoform (circPVT1), with MYC-dependent and independent functions. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of BETi in the regulation of the circular and linear forms of PVT1 in AML and the functional consequences of their downregulation. METHODS: OCI-AML3 and KASUMI-1 AML cell lines were treated for 16 hours with BETi under normoxic and hypoxic conditions mimicking the bone marrow microenvironment. circPVT1 and linear PVT1 (PVT1) were quantified by qRT-PCR, using total RNA and di-polisomal fraction. The qRT-PCR results were also confirmed by RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) in combination with the S6 ribosomal marker. In addition, circPVT1 was silenced by small interfering (siRNA) in order to investigate the effects on apoptosis, proliferation, and its downstream targets in OCI-AML3 cells. RESULTS: circPVT1 and PVT1 total RNA significantly decreased in both cell lines after treatment with BETi, under normoxia and hypoxia. Notably, KASUMI-1 expressed higher PVT1 levels under hypoxia compared to normoxia. circPVT1 and PVT1 were also detected in the polysomal fraction. Interestingly, PVT1 showed mostly a nuclear localization, while circPVT1 colocalized with ribosomes. Our data on circPVT1 silencing in OCI-AML3 cells showed reduced cell growth, a slight increase in apoptosis and no effects on MYC transcript. Moreover, the interferon (IFN)-inducible serine/threonine protein kinase PKR, which has been previously reported to have a role in the innate immunity and to be inhibited by circRNAs, was induced by circPVT1-silencing in leukemic cells, as observed in T lymphocytes from systemic lupus erythematosus (Chu-Xiao Liu et al. 2019 Cell). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that circPVT1 and PVT1 are regulated by BETi, along with MYC, in AML cell lines under normoxia and hypoxia and that silencing of circPVT1 dampens cell proliferation. Therefore PVT1 and circPVT1 may contribute to AML pathogenesis and progression, and our results suggest that targeting circPVT1 may have therapeutic potentials in AML.

Abstract We present a lattice calculation of the Hadronic Vacuum Polarization (HVP) contribution of the strange and charm quarks to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon including leading-order electromagnetic corrections. We employ the gauge configurations generated by the European Twisted Mass Collaboration (ETMC) with N f = 2 + 1 + 1 dynamical quarks at three values of the lattice spacing (a ≃ 0.062, 0.082, 0.089 fm) with pion masses in the range M π ≃ 210-450 MeV. The strange and charm quark masses are tuned at their physical values. Neglecting disconnected diagrams and after the extrapolations to the physical pion mass and to the continuum limit we obtain: a μ s (α em 2 ) = (53.1 ± 2.5) · 10− 10, a μ s (α em 3 ) = (−0.018 ± 0.011) · 10− 10 and a μ c (α em 2 ) = (14.75 ± 0.56) · 10− 10, a μ c (α em 3 ) = (−0.030 ± 0.013) · 10− 10 for the strange and charm contributions, respectively.

The dental anatomy of Candelariodon barberenai from the Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone (Pinheiros-Chiniquá Sequence, Santa Maria Supersequence, late Ladinian–early Carnian) of south Brazil, is redescribed. Candelariodon was originally classified as Eucynodontia incertae sedis and our analysis recovered this taxon deeply nested within Probainognathia, as the sister taxon of Potheriodon plus Prozostrodontia. The lower postcanine dentition of Candelariodon has several apomorphies shared with Prozostrodon, Santacruzgnathus, Brasilodon/Brasilitherium, and some basal mammaliaforms (Morganucodon, Megazostrodon), such as a lingual cingulum with discrete cusps e and g and two distinct morphologies in the tooth row. The reinterpretation of Candelariodon as a probainognatian cynodont more derived than Probainognathus and the rich Brazilian fossil record document an important adaptive radiation of non-mammaliaform prozostrodontians and closely related forms prior to the origin of the mammaliaform clade.

Abstract The inhibition of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway in the treatment of cancers has recently reached an exciting stage with several cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors that are now being tested in several clinical trials in cancer patients. Although the great amount of pre-clinical and clinical data are from the solid tumor experience, only few studies have been done on leukemias using specific cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors. This review aims to summarize the most recent data found on the biological mechanisms of the response to DNA damages highlighting the role of the different elements of the DDR pathway in normal and cancer cells and focusing on the main genetic alteration or aberrant gene expression that has been found on acute and chronic leukemias. This review, for the first time, outlines the most important pre-clinical and clinical data available on the efficacy of cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors in single agent and in combination with different agents normally used for the treatment of acute and chronic leukemias.

The new Regulation (EU) No. 536/2014 for clinical trials of medicinal products for human is part of a European regulatory framework in which the European Commission has wished to give a strong impetus to scientific research and industrial progress. It is a new regulation that fills a series of regulatory gaps in the Clinical Trials through the creation of a uniform framework for the authorization of clinical trials by all interested Member States with a single assessment of the results. The Regulation thus facilitates cross-border cooperation to make the clinical tests wider and encourage the development of special treatments, for example for rare diseases, but above all streamlines the rules on clinical trials across European Union (EU), introducing simplified rules for experimentation so-called 'low level of intervention', on which much has been discussed and still arouses concern, providing for authorized medicines or used off-label in the presence of scientific evidence published on efficacy and safety and to benefit from they will be mainly the pediatric and oncological therapeutic areas. The applications and any communication will be submitted paperlessly via a new electronic EU portal. The complex processing procedures and shorter time limits are to be stressed in comparison to the previously valid regulations. This is a major challenge for all stakeholders, but on the other hand it should contribute to the future role of the EU in the development of innovative medicines. Keywords: Clinical trials, New regulation, Reporting member states, Interventional study

Brasilodon quadrangularis (Cynodontia, Probainognathia) is an iconic non-mammaliaform cynodont from the Late Triassic of Brazil (Riograndia Assemblage Zone, Candelária Sequence), being considered as the sister taxon of Mammaliaformes. Although its phylogenetic position is very important, several aspects of its postcranial anatomy remain unclear or unstudied. Here, we present a detailed description of the postcranial elements referred to Brasilodon, including previously mentioned specimens and new ones, which add relevant information about its postcranial morphology and provide a new insight into the anatomical transition between advanced non-mammaliaform cynodonts and early mammaliaforms. Functional and ecological implications are also investigated, based on the postcranial morphology and muscular reconstructions. The postcranium of Brasilodon differs from most non-mammaliaform cynodonts and presents similarities with tritylodontids, early mammaliaforms and extant therians, such as a ventrally oriented scapular glenoid facet, a distinct and ossified greater humeral tubercle, lack of ectepicondylar foramen, olecranon process, hemispherical humeral and femoral heads and a prominent intertrochanteric crest. The humeral torsion, the length of the deltopectoral crest, the large bicipital groove and the well-developed lesser tubercle, indicate that the forelimb of Brasilodon was hold in a semi-sprawling position, with well-developed adductor muscles to maintain the body off the ground. The short femoral neck and the strong medial projection of the femoral head indicate the femur was held in a more erect posture than in basal non-mammaliaform cynodonts. The anterodorsally projected iliac blade with reduced postacetabular process, reduction of the anterior part of the pubis, medially located lesser trochanter indicate a basically mammalian pattern of pelvic musculature, able to swing the femur in a nearly parasagittal plane.

The anogenital prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the use of cervico-vaginal self-collected vs. clinician-collected samples were evaluated for the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and HIV-uninfected women in the Tapajós region, Amazon, Brazil. We recruited 153 women for a cross-sectional study (112 HIV-uninfected and 41 HIV-infected) who sought health services. Anal and cervical scrapings and cervico-vaginal self-collection samples were collected. Real-time polymerase chain reaction methods were used for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma genitalium. A syphilis test was also performed. Risk factors for STIs were identified by multivariate analysis. The overall prevalence of STIs was 30.4% (34/112) in HIV-uninfected women and 24.4% (10/41) in HIV-infected women. Anogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infection was the most prevalent in both groups of women (20.5% vs 19.5%). There was significant agreement for each STI between self-collected and clinician-collected samples: 91.7%, kappa 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-0.85 for Chlamydia trachomatis; 99.2%, kappa 0.85, 95% CI 0.57-1.00 for Neisseria gonorrhoeae; 97.7%, kappa 0.39, 95% CI -0.16-0.94 for Trichomonas vaginalis; and 94.7%, kappa 0.51, 95% CI 0.20-0.82 for Mycoplasma genitalium. Women with human papillomavirus had coinfection or multiple infections with other STIs. Risk factors for STIs were being ≤ 25 years old, being employed or a student, reporting a history of STI and having a positive HPV test. A high prevalence of STIs in women in the Tapajós region was found. Cervico-vaginal self-collection is a useful tool for STI screening and can be used in prevention control programs in low-resource settings, such as in northern Brazil.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Field work conducted by the staff of the Centro de Pesquisas Paleontológicas Llewellyn Ivor Price of the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro since 2009 at Campina Verde municipality (MG) have resulted in the discovery of a diverse vertebrate fauna from the Adamantina Formation (Bauru Basin). The baurusuchid Campinasuchus dinizi was described in 2011 from Fazenda Três Antas site and after that, preliminary descriptions of a partial crocodyliform egg, abelisaurid teeth, and fish remains have been done. Recently, the fossil sample has been considerably increased including the discovery of several, partially articulated fish remains referred to Lepisosteiformes and an almost complete and articulated skeleton referred to a new species of Caipirasuchus (Notosuchia, Sphagesauridae), which is the main subject of this contribution. At present, this genus was restricted to the Adamantina Formation cropping out in São Paulo state, with the species Caipirasuchus montealtensis, Caipirasuchus paulistanus, and Caipirasuchus stenognathus. The new material represents the holotype of a new species, Caipirasuchus mineirus n. sp., diferenciated from the previously ones due to the following traits: last two maxillary teeth located posterior to anterior edge of infraorbital fenestra, elongated lateroventral maxillo-jugal suture—about ½ the anteroposterior maxillar length—and contact between posterior crest of quadrate and posterior end of squamosal forming an almost 90° flaring roof of the squamosal, among others. C. mineirus was found in the same outcrop than Campinasuchus but stratigraphically the former occurs in the lower portion of the section with no unambiguous data supporting the coexistance of both taxa.