USE OF COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND THE RISK OF CERVICAL CANCER IN YOUNG WOMEN

The relationship between the use of combined oral contraceptives and the risk of cervical cancer in young women has been the subject of intense scrutiny in the scientific literature. This topic, which is extremely important for women's health, has sparked debates and investigations due to the prevalence of the use of these contraceptives and the significant incidence of cervical cancer in young women. Understanding this possible association is crucial to inform contraceptive practices and cervical cancer prevention strategies. Objective: To evaluate and consolidate the available evidence on the relationship between the use of combined oral contraceptives and the risk of cervical cancer in young women, using studies and articles published in the last 10 years. Methodology: strictly adhered to the PRISMA checklist, using the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases to identify relevant studies. The selected descriptors were combined oral contraceptives, cervical cancer, young women, risk and association. The search covered articles published in the last 10 years. The inclusion criteria included studies that focused exclusively on young women, directly investigated the relationship between the use of combined oral contraceptives and cervical cancer, and were published in the last 10 years. On the other hand, studies with participants outside the specific age range, research that did not directly address the association in question and articles that were not fully available or did not qualify as systematic reviews or primary studies were excluded. This methodological approach provided a comprehensive and careful analysis of the existing evidence on the topic. Results: 18 articles were selected. Analysis of studies revealed a diversity of perspectives on the association between combined oral contraceptives and cervical cancer risk in young women. Key topics included possible biological mechanisms, variations in the types of contraceptives used, and the influence of confounding factors. Conclusion: Given the complexity of the data analyzed, this review highlights the need for careful approaches in interpreting the relationship between combined oral contraceptives and cervical cancer in young women. Future research is crucial to fully clarify this association and provide more precise guidance for clinical practice.The relationship between the use of combined oral contraceptives and the risk of cervical cancer in young women has been the subject of intense scrutiny in the scientific literature. This topic, which is extremely important for women's health, has sparked debates and investigations due to the prevalence of the use of these contraceptives and the significant incidence of cervical cancer in young women. Understanding this possible association is crucial to inform contraceptive practices and cervical cancer prevention strategies. Objective: To evaluate and consolidate the available evidence on the relationship between the use of combined oral contraceptives and the risk of cervical cancer in young women, using studies and articles published in the last 10 years. Methodology: strictly adhered to the PRISMA checklist, using the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases to identify relevant studies. The selected descriptors were combined oral contraceptives, cervical cancer, young women, risk and association. The search covered articles published in the last 10 years. The inclusion criteria included studies that focused exclusively on young women, directly investigated the relationship between the use of combined oral contraceptives and cervical cancer, and were published in the last 10 years. On the other hand, studies with participants outside the specific age range, research that did not directly address the association in question and articles that were not fully available or did not qualify as systematic reviews or primary studies were excluded. This methodological approach provided a comprehensive and careful analysis of the existing evidence on the topic. Results: 18 articles were selected. Analysis of studies revealed a diversity of perspectives on the association between combined oral contraceptives and cervical cancer risk in young women. Key topics included possible biological mechanisms, variations in the types of contraceptives used, and the influence of confounding factors. Conclusion: Given the complexity of the data analyzed, this review highlights the need for careful approaches in interpreting the relationship between combined oral contraceptives and cervical cancer in young women. Future research is crucial to fully clarify this association and provide more precise guidance for clinical practice

THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION AGAINST MEASLES, RUBELLA AND MUMPS IN PREVENTING NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS IN CHILDREN

Childhood vaccination against measles, rubella and mumps has been a crucial measure in preventing neurological complications. These potentially debilitating and, in extreme cases, fatal diseases have significant impacts on public health. Among the most serious complications, the neurological consequences that can affect the cognitive and motor development of children stand out. With the introduction of large-scale immunization programs, there has been a substantial reduction in the incidence of these diseases, providing not only individual protection, but also contributing to the eradication of outbreaks in communities. Objective: To analyze scientific literature from the last 10 years to comprehensively understand how vaccination against measles, rubella and mumps impacts the prevention of neurological complications in children. Methodology: The review was conducted following the PRISMA checklist guidelines. We used the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases to search for relevant articles. The descriptors were "vaccination", "measles", "rubella", "mumps" and "neurological complications". Inclusion criteria covered studies published in the last 10 years, focused on children and addressing post-vaccination neurological effects. Exclusion criteria included studies with unrepresentative samples and lack of detailed information on neurological outcomes. Results: The analysis revealed a significant reduction in neurological complications associated with measles, rubella and mumps after the implementation of vaccination programs. Studies have highlighted the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing encephalitis and other neurological sequelae. Additionally, a decline in hospitalizations related to these complications was observed. Conclusion: This systematic review reinforces the importance of vaccination in preventing neurological complications in children resulting from measles, rubella and mumps. Analysis of the last 10 years reinforces the effectiveness of vaccines, highlighting not only the individual benefits, but also the public health gains in preventing outbreaks and reducing the serious consequences associated with these diseases.Childhood vaccination against measles, rubella and mumps has been a crucial measure in preventing neurological complications. These potentially debilitating and, in extreme cases, fatal diseases have significant impacts on public health. Among the most serious complications, the neurological consequences that can affect the cognitive and motor development of children stand out. With the introduction of large-scale immunization programs, there has been a substantial reduction in the incidence of these diseases, providing not only individual protection, but also contributing to the eradication of outbreaks in communities. Objective: To analyze scientific literature from the last 10 years to comprehensively understand how vaccination against measles, rubella and mumps impacts the prevention of neurological complications in children. Methodology: The review was conducted following the PRISMA checklist guidelines. We used the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases to search for relevant articles. The descriptors were "vaccination", "measles", "rubella", "mumps" and "neurological complications". Inclusion criteria covered studies published in the last 10 years, focused on children and addressing post-vaccination neurological effects. Exclusion criteria included studies with unrepresentative samples and lack of detailed information on neurological outcomes. Results: The analysis revealed a significant reduction in neurological complications associated with measles, rubella and mumps after the implementation of vaccination programs. Studies have highlighted the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing encephalitis and other neurological sequelae. Additionally, a decline in hospitalizations related to these complications was observed. Conclusion: This systematic review reinforces the importance of vaccination in preventing neurological complications in children resulting from measles, rubella and mumps. Analysis of the last 10 years reinforces the effectiveness of vaccines, highlighting not only the individual benefits, but also the public health gains in preventing outbreaks and reducing the serious consequences associated with these diseases

USE OF ATHEROGENIC INDICES AS ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR CLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROTIC DISEASES

Accurate assessment of clinical atherosclerotic diseases is essential to guide effective therapeutic interventions, and atherogenic indices have emerged as valuable methods in this setting. The complexity of these pathologies demands approaches that go beyond the simple measurement of total cholesterol, requiring tools that consider the interaction between different lipoproteins and other risk factors. In this context, the use of atherogenic indices appears as a promising approach, providing a more comprehensive and refined assessment of atherosclerotic conditions. Objective: To comprehensively analyze scientific studies published in the last 10 years that investigated the use of atherogenic indices as methods of evaluating clinical atherosclerotic diseases. The review seeks to consolidate the available evidence by examining the effectiveness of these indices in early identification, risk stratification and monitoring the progress of atherosclerotic diseases. Methodology: The systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted to identify relevant studies published in the last 10 years. The descriptors used were "atherogenic indices", "atherosclerotic diseases", "clinical assessment", "lipoproteins" and "cardiovascular risk factors". Inclusion criteria considered original studies that investigated the use of atherogenic indices in clinical populations, while exclusion criteria involved studies with unrepresentative samples and inadequate atherosclerotic assessment methods. Results: The results of the review highlight the diversity of available atherogenic indices and their usefulness in evaluating different aspects of atherosclerotic diseases, including prediction of cardiovascular events, risk stratification and treatment monitoring. The analysis identified indices that proved to be particularly sensitive and specific in different clinical contexts. Conclusion: In summary, the systematic review highlights the relevance of atherogenic indices as valuable tools in the assessment of clinical atherosclerotic diseases. The diversity of these indices and their ability to provide comprehensive information highlights their importance in clinical practice, contributing to a more refined and personalized approach to the management of these conditions.Accurate assessment of clinical atherosclerotic diseases is essential to guide effective therapeutic interventions, and atherogenic indices have emerged as valuable methods in this setting. The complexity of these pathologies demands approaches that go beyond the simple measurement of total cholesterol, requiring tools that consider the interaction between different lipoproteins and other risk factors. In this context, the use of atherogenic indices appears as a promising approach, providing a more comprehensive and refined assessment of atherosclerotic conditions. Objective: To comprehensively analyze scientific studies published in the last 10 years that investigated the use of atherogenic indices as methods of evaluating clinical atherosclerotic diseases. The review seeks to consolidate the available evidence by examining the effectiveness of these indices in early identification, risk stratification and monitoring the progress of atherosclerotic diseases. Methodology: The systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted to identify relevant studies published in the last 10 years. The descriptors used were "atherogenic indices", "atherosclerotic diseases", "clinical assessment", "lipoproteins" and "cardiovascular risk factors". Inclusion criteria considered original studies that investigated the use of atherogenic indices in clinical populations, while exclusion criteria involved studies with unrepresentative samples and inadequate atherosclerotic assessment methods. Results: The results of the review highlight the diversity of available atherogenic indices and their usefulness in evaluating different aspects of atherosclerotic diseases, including prediction of cardiovascular events, risk stratification and treatment monitoring. The analysis identified indices that proved to be particularly sensitive and specific in different clinical contexts. Conclusion: In summary, the systematic review highlights the relevance of atherogenic indices as valuable tools in the assessment of clinical atherosclerotic diseases. The diversity of these indices and their ability to provide comprehensive information highlights their importance in clinical practice, contributing to a more refined and personalized approach to the management of these conditions

RISK FACTORS FOR OPERATIVE WOUND INFECTION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING PEDIATRIC CARDIAC SURGERY

  Surgical wound infection is a significant complication in patients undergoing pediatric cardiac surgery, which can compromise the postoperative recovery process and increase morbidity. Several risk factors are associated with this condition, including patient characteristics, type of surgical procedure, hospital environment, and postoperative care practices. Understanding these factors is crucial to developing effective prevention strategies and optimizing clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population. Objective: To analyze and synthesize the available evidence on the risk factors for surgical wound infection in patients undergoing pediatric cardiac surgery. The aim is to identify patterns and gaps in the literature, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the elements that influence the occurrence of this specific complication. Methodology: The review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted to identify studies published in the last 10 years, using the descriptors "pediatric heart surgery", "operative wound infection", "risk factors", "children" and "prevention ". Three inclusion criteria were established, considering original studies that addressed risk factors in pediatric cardiac surgery, while three exclusion criteria were applied to filter articles that did not meet the specific objectives of the review. Results: Results revealed a variety of risk factors, including patient age, length of surgery, presence of comorbidities, and infection control practices. The review highlighted the importance of specific preventive strategies for the pediatric population undergoing cardiac procedures. Conclusion: This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of risk factors for surgical wound infection in pediatric cardiac surgery, emphasizing the need for personalized prevention approaches. The conclusions highlight the importance of targeting preventive interventions, adapting them to the unique characteristics of this population, aiming to improve clinical results and reduce the incidence of postoperative infections.  Surgical wound infection is a significant complication in patients undergoing pediatric cardiac surgery, which can compromise the postoperative recovery process and increase morbidity. Several risk factors are associated with this condition, including patient characteristics, type of surgical procedure, hospital environment, and postoperative care practices. Understanding these factors is crucial to developing effective prevention strategies and optimizing clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population. Objective: To analyze and synthesize the available evidence on the risk factors for surgical wound infection in patients undergoing pediatric cardiac surgery. The aim is to identify patterns and gaps in the literature, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the elements that influence the occurrence of this specific complication. Methodology: The review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted to identify studies published in the last 10 years, using the descriptors "pediatric heart surgery", "operative wound infection", "risk factors", "children" and "prevention ". Three inclusion criteria were established, considering original studies that addressed risk factors in pediatric cardiac surgery, while three exclusion criteria were applied to filter articles that did not meet the specific objectives of the review. Results: Results revealed a variety of risk factors, including patient age, length of surgery, presence of comorbidities, and infection control practices. The review highlighted the importance of specific preventive strategies for the pediatric population undergoing cardiac procedures. Conclusion: This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of risk factors for surgical wound infection in pediatric cardiac surgery, emphasizing the need for personalized prevention approaches. The conclusions highlight the importance of targeting preventive interventions, adapting them to the unique characteristics of this population, aiming to improve clinical results and reduce the incidence of postoperative infections

Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil: setting the baseline knowledge on the animal diversity in Brazil

The limited temporal completeness and taxonomic accuracy of species lists, made available in a traditional manner in scientific publications, has always represented a problem. These lists are invariably limited to a few taxonomic groups and do not represent up-to-date knowledge of all species and classifications. In this context, the Brazilian megadiverse fauna is no exception, and the Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CTFB) (http://fauna.jbrj.gov.br/), made public in 2015, represents a database on biodiversity anchored on a list of valid and expertly recognized scientific names of animals in Brazil. The CTFB is updated in near real time by a team of more than 800 specialists. By January 1, 2024, the CTFB compiled 133,691 nominal species, with 125,138 that were considered valid. Most of the valid species were arthropods (82.3%, with more than 102,000 species) and chordates (7.69%, with over 11,000 species). These taxa were followed by a cluster composed of Mollusca (3,567 species), Platyhelminthes (2,292 species), Annelida (1,833 species), and Nematoda (1,447 species). All remaining groups had less than 1,000 species reported in Brazil, with Cnidaria (831 species), Porifera (628 species), Rotifera (606 species), and Bryozoa (520 species) representing those with more than 500 species. Analysis of the CTFB database can facilitate and direct efforts towards the discovery of new species in Brazil, but it is also fundamental in providing the best available list of valid nominal species to users, including those in science, health, conservation efforts, and any initiative involving animals. The importance of the CTFB is evidenced by the elevated number of citations in the scientific literature in diverse areas of biology, law, anthropology, education, forensic science, and veterinary science, among others

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure <= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Plasmodium simium, a Plasmodium vivax-Related Malaria Parasite: Genetic Variability of Duffy Binding Protein II and the Duffy Antigen/Receptor for Chemokines.

Submitted by Nuzia Santos ([email protected]) on 2016-02-16T17:32:14Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Plasmodium simium, a Plasmodium vivax-Related Malaria Parasite.pdf: 5992517 bytes, checksum: ee4bd4754c0586bb581515afa3068ce9 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Nuzia Santos ([email protected]) on 2016-02-16T18:00:04Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Plasmodium simium, a Plasmodium vivax-Related Malaria Parasite.pdf: 5992517 bytes, checksum: ee4bd4754c0586bb581515afa3068ce9 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2016-02-16T18:00:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Plasmodium simium, a Plasmodium vivax-Related Malaria Parasite.pdf: 5992517 bytes, checksum: ee4bd4754c0586bb581515afa3068ce9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Malária. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Malária. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Malária. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Malária. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilUniversidade Regional de Blumenau. Blumenau, SC, Brasil/Centro de Pesquisas Biológicas de Indaial. Indaial, SC, BrasilUniversidade Regional de Blumenau. Blumenau, SC, Brasil/Centro de Pesquisas Biológicas de Indaial. Indaial, SC, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Malária. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Malária. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Malária. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Malária. Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilPlasmodium simium is a parasite from New World monkeys that is most closely related to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax; it also naturally infects humans. The blood-stage infection of P. vivax depends on Duffy binding protein II (PvDBPII) and its cognate receptor on erythrocytes, the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (hDARC), but there is no information on the P. simium erythrocytic invasion pathway. The genes encoding P. simium DBP (PsDBPII) and simian DARC (sDARC) were sequenced from Southern brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) naturally infected with P. simium because P. simium may also depend on the DBPII/DARC interaction. The sequences of DBP binding domains from P. vivaxand P. simium were highly similar. However, the genetic variability of PsDBPII was lower than that of PvDBPII. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that these genes were strictly related and clustered in the same clade of the evolutionary tree. DARC from A. clamitans was also sequenced and contained three new non-synonymous substitutions. None of these substitutions were located in the N-terminal domain of DARC, which interacts directly with DBPII. The interaction between sDARC and PvDBPII was evaluated using a cytoadherence assay of COS7 cells expressing PvDBPII on their surfaces. Inhibitory binding assays in vitrodemonstrated that antibodies from monkey sera blocked the interaction between COS-7 cells expressing PvDBPII and hDARC-positive erythrocytes. Taken together, phylogenetic analyses reinforced the hypothesis that the host switch from humans to monkeys may have occurred very recently in evolution, which sheds light on the evolutionary history of new world plasmodia. Further invasion studies would confirm whether P. simium depends on DBP/DARC to trigger internalization into red blood cells