Effects on structure by spectroscopic investigations, valence state and morphology properties of FeCo-containing SnO2 catalysts for glycerol valorization to cyclic acetals.

The effects on the structure, valence state and morphological properties of FeCo-containing SnO2 nanostructured solids were investigated. The physicochemical features were tuned by distinct synthesis routes e.g., sol-gel, coprecipitation and nanocasting, to apply them as catalysts in the glycerol valorization to cyclic acetals. Based on Mössbauer and XPS spectroscopy results, all nanosized FeCoSn solids have Fe-based phases, which contain Co and Sn included in the structure, and well-dispersed Fe3+ and Fe2+ surface active sites. Raman, FTIR and EPR spectroscopies measurements of the spent solids demonstrated structural stability for the sol-gel based solid, which is indeed responsible for the highest catalytic performance, among the nanocasted and coprecipitated counterparts. Morphological and elemental analyses illustrated distinct morphologies and composition on solid surface, depending on the synthesis route. The Fe/Co and Fe/Sn surface ratios are closely related to the catalytic performance. The improved glycerol conversion and selectivities of the solid obtained by sol-gel method was ascribed to the leaching resistance and the Sn action as a structural promoter.

Tibial Eminence Avulsion in a Tibial Plateau Fracture - Our Approach: A Clinical Case.

A middle-aged female patient with a tibial plateau fracture combined with an avulsion of the tibial eminence was treated with a combination of medial plate fixation for the plateau and an arthroscopic aided nonabsorbable suture of the eminence. Our technique for tibial eminence avulsion fractures has no interference with tibial plateau osteosynthesis materials and has proven, once again, to have good results in the treatment of combined and complex injuries of the knee.

Spatiotemporal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 lineages during 2020-2021 in Pernambuco-Brazil.

SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged as a new threat to humans and spread around the world, leaving a large death toll. As of January 2023, Brazil is among the countries with the highest number of registered deaths. Nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions have been heterogeneously implemented in the country, which, associated with large socioeconomic differences between the country regions, has led to distinct virus spread dynamics. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the Pernambuco state (Northeast Brazil) throughout the distinct epidemiological scenarios that unfolded in the first 2 years of the pandemic. We generated a total of 1,389 new SARS-CoV-2 genomes from June 2020 to August 2021. This sampling captured the arrival, communitary transmission, and the circulation of the B1.1, B.1.1.28, and B.1.1.33 lineages; the emergence of the former variant of interest P.2; and the emergence and fast replacement of all previous variants by the more transmissible variant of concern P.1 (Gamma). Based on the incidence and lineage spread pattern, we observed an East-to-West to inner state pattern of transmission, which is in agreement with the transmission of more populous metropolitan areas to medium- and small-size country-side cities in the state. Such transmission patterns may be partially explained by the main routes of traffic across municipalities in the state. Our results highlight that the fine-grained intrastate analysis of lineages and incidence spread can provide actionable insights for planning future nonpharmacological intervention for air-borne transmissible human pathogens.IMPORTANCEDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil was one of the most affected countries, mainly due its continental-size, socioeconomic differences among regions, and heterogeneous implementation of intervention methods. In order to investigate SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in the state of Pernambuco, we conducted a spatiotemporal dispersion study, covering the period from June 2020 to August 2021, to comprehend the dynamics of viral transmission during the first 2 years of the pandemic. Throughout this study, we were able to track three significant epidemiological waves of transmission caused by B1.1, B.1.1.28, B.1.1.33, P.2, and P.1 lineages. These analyses provided valuable insights into the evolution of the epidemiological landscape, contributing to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of virus transmission during the early years of the pandemic in the state of Pernambuco.

School Memories about Homophobic Bullying: A Study Based on Cultural-Historical Psychology.

The expression of homophobic violence in schools reveals the urgency of an analytical approach to debate the impact of this phenomenon on students' mental health. This article seeks to debate and better comprehend school memories from young gays, lesbians, and bisexuals, as well as to discuss how homophobic bullying affected their school trajectories. This study is based on cultural-historical psychology in intersection with gender and sexuality studies. In-depth online interviews were conducted with three young subjects who identified themselves as non-heterosexual. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through the analytical discourse tool defined as Nuclei of Meanings. The results were organized in two topics of discussion: (a) the problems associated with non-heterosexual identity in schools; (b) the search for other ways of experiencing sexual identity in school. Throughout the article, reflections were held about the challenges participants had to deal with in order to regularly attend school and be educated, as well as the obstacles they faced in building their own ways of recognizing their sexual identity. The unique ways in which these young subjects took a stand in the face of homophobic situations show new methods to create educational interventions in order to include sexual diversity and openness to different possibilities of being and acting.

Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Dislocation After Trauma with Coracoid Apophysis Fracture - A Rare Association.

Anterior dislocations represent about 96% of total shoulder dislocations, with recurrence/instability being more common in young patients. Injury of other shoulder structures is frequent, namely bony Bankart lesion. However, the association with coracoid apophysis fracture is very rare. The present article describes the clinical case of a 67-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with complaints of persistent omalgia, with acute episodes, beginning after a fall from his own height. The patient also presented history of shoulder trauma 3 months earlier, which was evaluated at another hospital. Shoulder anterior dislocation was observed radiographically, and the computed tomography (CT) confirmed bone erosion of the anteroinferior part of the glenoid (bone loss of about 50% of the anteroposterior diameter in the lower region of the glenoid), with almost complete resorption of the bony Bankart lesion (apparent in later analysis of the radiography of the initial traumatic episode). Connectedly, a transverse fracture of the coracoid apophysis (type II in the Ogawa classification) was diagnosed. The patient was submitted to surgical treatment, with anterior bone stop confection using the remnant of the fractured fragment of the coracoid supplemented by tricortical autologous iliac graft, fixed with cannulated screws (according to the Bristow-Latarjet and Eden-Hybinett techniques). In the postoperative follow-up, a good functional result was observed, with no new episodes of dislocation and no significant pain complaints. A rare association of shoulder lesions is described, and the challenge of their treatment is highlighted, given the late diagnosis, as in the case presented.

Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Dislocation After Trauma with Coracoid Apophysis Fracture - A Rare Association / Luxação anterior recorrente do ombro após traumatismo com fratura apófise coracoide - Uma associação rara

Abstract Anterior dislocations represent about 96% of total shoulder dislocations, with recurrence/instability being more common in young patients. Injury of other shoulder structures is frequent, namely bony Bankart lesion. However, the association with coracoid apophysis fracture is very rare. The present article describes the clinical case of a 67-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with complaints of persistent omalgia, with acute episodes, beginning after a fall from his own height. The patient also presented history of shoulder trauma 3 months earlier, which was evaluated at another hospital. Shoulder anterior dislocation was observed radiographically, and the computed tomography (CT) confirmed bone erosion of the anteroinferior part of the glenoid (bone loss of about 50% of the anteroposterior diameter in the lower region of the glenoid), with almost complete resorption of the bony Bankart lesion (apparent in later analysis of the radiography of the initial traumatic episode). Connectedly, a transverse fracture of the coracoid apophysis (type II in the Ogawa classification) was diagnosed. The patient was submitted to surgical treatment, with anterior bone stop confection using the remnant of the fractured fragment of the coracoid supplemented by tricortical autologous iliac graft, fixed with cannulated screws (according to the Bristow-Latarjet and Eden-Hybinett techniques). In the postoperative follow-up, a good functional result was observed, with no new episodes of dislocation and no significant pain complaints. A rare association of shoulder lesions is described, and the challenge of their treatment is highlighted, given the late diagnosis, as in the case presented.

Resumo As luxações anteriores representam cerca de 96% do total de luxações do ombro, sendo a recidiva/instabilidade mais comum em pacientes jovens. A lesão de outras estruturas do ombro é frequente, nomeadamente a lesão óssea de Bankart. Contudo, a associação com a fratura da apófise coracoide é muito rara. Este artigo descreve o caso clínico de um homem de 67 anos que recorreu ao serviço de urgência com queixas de omalgia persistente, com episódios de agudização, iniciados após queda da própria altura. O paciente apresentava ainda histórico de trauma do ombro 3 meses antes, avaliado em outro hospital. A luxação anterior do ombro foi constatada radiograficamente, e a tomografia computorizada (TC) do ombro confirmou erosão óssea da vertente anteroinferior da glenoide (perda óssea de cerca de 50% do diâmetro anteroposterior na região inferior da glenoide), com reabsorção quase completa de lesão óssea de Bankart (aparente em análise a posteriori da radiografia do episódio traumático inicial). Associadamente, foi diagnosticada uma fratura transversa da apófise coracoide (tipo II da classificação de Ogawa). O paciente foi submetido ao tratamento cirúrgico, com confecção do batente ósseo anterior utilizando remanescente do fragmento fraturado do coracoide suplementado por enxerto autólogo tricortical do ilíaco, fixados com parafusos canulados (de acordo com as técnicas de Bristow-Latarjet e Eden-Hybinett). No seguimento pós-operatório, foi observado um bom resultado funcional, sem novos episódios de luxação e sem queixas álgicas significativas. Descreve-se uma associação rara de lesões do ombro, e salienta-se o desafio do tratamento das mesmas dado o seu diagnóstico tardio, como no caso apresentado.

Outbreak of Chagas disease in Brazil: Validation of a molecular diagnostic method.

Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), affects millions of people worldwide. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) have been used as tools to monitor parasitic levels in the bloodstream of individuals exposed to infection, thus enabling the monitoring of relapses and the effectiveness of therapy, for example. The aim of this study was to evaluate the TcSAT-IAM system, developed by our research group, on samples from patients with suspected Chagas disease infection. Initially, primer systems were developed for the detection of the nuclear DNA (SAT-DNA) from T. cruzi (TcSAT-IAM). The Cruzi system, predicted in the literature, and TcSAT-IAM were then evaluated in relation to their analytical sensitivity, specificity and efficiency. Afterwards, the applicability of the qPCR technique using both systems (separately) for the diagnosis of acute CD was evaluated in samples from 77 individuals exposed to the outbreak that occurred in Pernambuco-Brazil, relating the results obtained to those of the classical diagnostic methods recommended for this stage of the infection. TcSAT-IAM and Cruzi had a detection limit of 1 fg of target DNA (0,003 parasites). Thirty-eight cases were recorded, 28 by laboratory criteria and 10 by clinical and epidemiological criteria. Blood samples from 77 subjects were submitted to qPCR by both systems, reaching an agreement of 89.61% between them. After analyzes between systems and diagnostic criteria, the TcSAT-IAM showed sensitivity and specificity of 52.36% (CI 37.26-67.52) and 92.31% (CI 79.68-97.35), respectively, accuracy of 72.73% and moderate agreement. The TcSAT-IAM showed an accuracy of 72.58% and 75% in relation to parasitological and serological tests (IgM anti-T. cruzi), respectively. Therefore, quantitative PCR should be incorporated into the diagnosis of suspected acute cases of Chagas disease.

Real-life evaluation of a rapid antigen test (DPP SARS-CoV-2 Antigen) for COVID-19 diagnosis of primary healthcare patients, in the context of the Omicron-dominant wave in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the real-life performance of the rapid antigen test in the context of a primary healthcare setting, including symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals that sought diagnosis during an Omicron infection wave. METHODS: We prospectively accessed the performance of the DPP SARS-CoV-2 Antigen test in the context of an Omicron-dominant real-life setting. We evaluated 347 unselected individuals (all-comers) from a public testing centre in Brazil, performing the rapid antigen test diagnosis at point-of-care with fresh samples. The combinatory result from two distinct real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) methods was employed as a reference and 13 samples with discordant PCR results were excluded. RESULTS: The assessment of the rapid test in 67 PCR-positive and 265 negative samples revealed an overall sensitivity of 80.5% (CI 95% = 69.1%-89.2%), specificity of 99.2% (CI 95% = 97.3%-99.1%) and positive/negative predictive values higher than 95%. However, we observed that the sensitivity was dependent on the viral load (sensitivity in Ct < 31 = 93.7%, CI = 82.8%-98.7%; Ct > 31 = 47.4%, CI = 24.4%-71.1%). The positive samples evaluated in the study were Omicron (BA.1/BA.1.1) by whole-genome sequencing (n = 40) and multiplex RT-qPCR (n = 17). CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the data obtained from a real-life prospective cohort supports that the rapid antigen test sensitivity for Omicron remains high and underscores the reliability of the test for COVID-19 diagnosis in settings with high disease prevalence and limited PCR testing capability.

Temporalidades e racialização de jovens gays negros: Entre memórias e imagens de futuro / Temporalities and racialization of young black gay men: between memories and images of future / Temporalidades y racialización de los jóvenes negros gay: entre recuerdos e imágenes de futuro

Resumo Este artigo tem o objetivo de problematizar as singularidades presentes nas narrativas de jovens gays negros acerca das suas memórias e o que imaginam para o futuro. No contexto brasileiro, as suas experiências são atravessadas pelo racismo, homofobia e desigualdades sociais que se perpetuam ao longo das gerações ocasionando altas taxas de violência, exclusão e morte. Para compor essa discussão apresentamos reflexões, desde uma perspectiva dos estudos raciais e de gênero, de conversas realizadas com dois jovens negros e gays com o intuito de abordar as suas vivências e o que imaginam para o futuro. No diálogo construído com nossos interlocutores se revelam as singularidades presentes no modo de narrar as conexões e vínculos construídos em suas histórias de vida e como se relacionam com as narrativas de futuro, onde imaginam espaços de cuidado de si, lançando luz às resistências e possibilidades de existência encontradas pelos jovens.

Abstract This article aims to problematize the singularities present in the narratives of young black gay men about their memories and what they imagine for the future. In the Brazilian context, their experiences are crossed by racism, homophobia, and social inequalities that are perpetuated throughout generations, causing high rates of violence, exclusion, and death. To compose this discussion we present reflections, from a perspective of racial and gender studies, of conversations held with two young black and gay men in order to address their experiences and what they imagine for the future. In the dialog constructed with our interlocutors, the singularities present in the way of narrating the connections and bonds built in their life stories are revealed, and how they relate to the narratives of the future, where they imagine spaces of self-care, shedding light on the resistances and possibilities of existence encountered by young people.

Resumen Este artículo tiene por objetivo problematizar las singularidades presentes en las narrativas de jóvenes gays negros sobre sus memorias y lo que imaginan para el futuro. En el contexto brasileño, sus experiencias están atravesadas por el racismo, la homofobia y las desigualdades sociales que se perpetúan a lo largo de las generaciones, provocando altos índices de violencia, exclusión y muerte. Para componer esta discusión, presentamos reflexiones, desde una perspectiva de estudios raciales y de género, de conversaciones mantenidas con dos jóvenes gays negros con el objetivo de abordar sus experiencias y lo que imaginan para el futuro. El diálogo con nuestros interlocutores revela las singularidades presentes en la forma en que narran las conexiones y vínculos construidos en sus historias de vida y cómo se relacionan con las narrativas del futuro, donde imaginan espacios de autocuidado, arrojando luz sobre las resistencias y posibilidades de existencia encontradas por los jóvenes.

Serum biomarkers associated with SARS-CoV-2 severity.

Immunity with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the acute phase is not sufficiently well understood to differentiate mild from severe cases and identify prognostic markers. We evaluated the immune response profile using a total of 71 biomarkers in sera from patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirmed by RT-PCR and controls. We correlated biological marker levels with negative control (C) asymptomatic (A), nonhospitalized (mild cases-M), and hospitalized (severe cases-S) groups. Among angiogenesis markers, we identified biomarkers that were more frequently elevated in severe cases when compared to the other groups (C, A, and M). Among cardiovascular diseases, there were biomarkers with differences between the groups, with D-dimer, GDF-15, and sICAM-1 higher in the S group. The levels of the biomarkers Myoglobin and P-Selectin were lower among patients in group M compared to those in groups S and A. Important differences in cytokines and chemokines according to the clinical course were identified. Severe cases presented altered levels when compared to group C. This study helps to characterize biological markers related to angiogenesis, growth factors, heart disease, and cytokine/chemokine production in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, offering prognostic signatures and a basis for understanding the biological factors in disease severity.

A novel technique with Dacron vascular graft augmentation for knee extensor mechanism repairs: Technical note.

Ruptures of the extensor apparatus can have different etiologies and be complicated by underlying situations. Direct repair is not always possible, and reconstruction procedures can be insufficient, which leads to the appearance of multiple augmentation techniques to improve the strength of these constructs. Despite the proven results of these techniques, numerous procedures are described without any gold standard. We present our augmentation method for repairing the knee extensor apparatus with a vascular prosthesis that facilitates healing, does not interfere with the primary procedure, has no donor morbidity or rejection risk, and allows earlier mobilization and rehabilitation. The technique was used in different cases with multiple etiologies that needed reinforcement, with promising results.

Peripheral artery disease: a comparison of urgent open and endovascular revascularizations on the public health system in Brazil, from 2010 to 2020.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) has high prevalence and is associated with high risk of cardiovascular events. Surgical or endovascular intervention is necessary in chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Objectives: To evaluate the distribution of open and endovascular revascularizations in different regions of Brazil, analyzing the health system costs and mortality related to these procedures. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational, epidemiological study was carried out to evaluate open and endovascular surgeries performed on the SUS public healthcare system in Brazil, from 2010 to 2020. Data were collected from the SUS Department of Informatics (Datasus). Results: Over the period analyzed, 83,218 admissions for open and endovascular surgeries were registered, with a total cost of R$ 333,989,523.17. There were more hospital admissions for percutaneous procedures (56,132) than for conventional surgery (27,086). Most of the procedures (83%) were performed in the country's Southeast and South regions, while the North region had the lowest number of procedures. Over the period evaluated, there was a decreasing trend for open procedures and an increasing trend for endovascular procedures. The average hospital stay was shorter for endovascular procedures (5.3 days) than for open surgery (10.2 days). The analysis of mortality related to these procedures revealed a higher rate of in-hospital mortality associated with open revascularization than with endovascular (5.24% vs. 1.56%). Conclusions: Endovascular techniques constituted the primary approach for revascularization treatment in critical limb-threatening ischemia, with a lower in-hospital mortality rate and shorter hospital stay when compared to open surgeries.

Clinical-therapeutic follow-up of patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by different Leishmania spp. in Brazil.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) may present different clinical manifestations, immune and therapeutic responses, depending on the Leishmania species, as well as inoculum size and factors inherent to the affected individual. Thus, the aim of this study was to carry out clinical-therapeutic follow-up of Brazilian patients with ACL caused by different Leishmania species. Between 2015 and 2018, patients with ACL from Amazonas and Pernambuco states (Brazil) were submitted to blood collection before and after treatment. The qPCR technique was used to quantify the parasite load. To identify the Leishmania species, one of the following techniques was employed: a conventional PCR performed from biopsy or blood DNA, followed by sequencing; or Multilocus Enzyme Electrophoresis from Leishmania isolated from biopsy/aspirated lesion. A total of 10.8% (23/213) of the patients included in positive cases were followed-up. All 23 patients were clinically and epidemiologically compatible with ACL and were also positive in parasitological tests (86.96%), molecular tests (73.91%) or both (60.87%). Seventeen samples collected before treatment and 11 collected after treatment were positive in the qPCR assay, with a mean parasite load (MPL) of 38.33 fg/µL and 11.81 fg/µL, respectively. Eight samples were positive in both collections. Thirteen patients (56.52%) were clinically cured (wound healing). Ten patients (43.47%) were not clinically cured at the time of return with the attending physician. Identification of Leishmania species was carried out in samples from nine patients, and six were identified as L. (Viannia) braziliensis, 2 as L (Viannia) guyanensis and 1 as L (Leishmania) amazonensis. One patient infected with L. guyanensis and other with L. braziliensis were not clinically cured and increased the mean parasite load after treatment. The data obtained from the followed-up patients and the relationship between clinical evolution and the infecting species demonstrate the need to understand its etiology to define the effective therapeutic protocol.

Therapeutic Potential of Photosynthetic Microorganisms for Visceral Leishmaniasis: An Immunological Analysis.

New therapeutic strategies for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) have been studied, and the development of an immunotherapeutic agent that modulates the host's immune response is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the bioactive extracts of photosynthetic microorganisms (PMs) for their leishmanicidal/leishmanistatic and immunomodulatory potentials. Bioactive extracts from PMs (Arthrospira platensis and Dunaliella tertiolecta) were obtained by sonication. Reference drugs, miltefosine (MTF) and N-methylglucamine antimoniate (SbV), were also evaluated. The selectivity index (SI) of treatments was determined by assays of inhibitory concentration (IC50) in Leishmania infantum cells and cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by the MTT method. The immune response was evaluated in healthy human cells by the production of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) and the gene expression of Tbx21, GATA3, RORc, and FOXP3, using four concentrations (CC50, ½ CC50, » CC50, and IC50) for in-vitro stimulation. Based on the data obtained, we observed that the extracts of D. tertiolecta (SI = 4.7) and A. platensis (SI = 3.8) presented better results when compared to SbV (SI = 2.1). When analyzing the immune response results, we identified that the extracts of PMs stimulated the production of cytokines of the Th1 profile more than the reference drugs. The extracts also demonstrated the ability to stimulate NO synthesis. Regarding gene expression, in all concentrations of A. platensis extracts, we found a balance between the Th1/Th2 profile, with the average expression of the Tbx21 gene more than the GATA3 in the highest concentration (CC50). Regarding the extract of D. tertiolecta, we can observe that, in the lowest concentrations, a balance between all the genes was present, with the average expression of the GATA3 gene being lower than the others. The best result was found in the ½ CC50 concentration, stimulating a balanced positive expression between the Th1×Th17×Treg profiles, with a negative expression of GATA3. Thus, PM extracts showed promising results, presenting low toxicity, leishmanicidal/leishmanistatic activity, and induction of the immune response, which could be potential therapeutic candidates for VL.

Evaluation of long-term stability of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid extracted from human nasopharyngeal samples.

The maintenance of SARS-Cov-2 RNA samples poses a new challenge for laboratories and researchers. In addition, it is a requirement in order to identify what strain of the new coronavirus is predominant in a region, for instance. Therefore, it is a must to keep the quality and viability of stored RNA to respond to this and other valid questions. In other to test the quality of our samples and storing protocols, we randomly checked RNA samples four different times over one year using a second RT-PCR assay after the first test. The virus genes, N1 and N2, showed no significant increase in the media of the CT value between the first assay and subsequent times with p > 0.05. However, the human RP gene showed differences in the first three times analyzed, but within the acceptable sample cut-off, according to the test manufacturer. After one year, the RNA extracted from human nasopharyngeal specimens are viable to detect the virus SARS-CoV-2 genes with minor changes.

Dynamics of natural infection by Toxoplasma gondii in goat herds in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil: transitional antibody observation.

This study aimed to describe the transmission of T. gondii in naturally infected goats in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil, through evaluating the serological status of these animals from one to 12 months of age. Seven goat farms were selected. During the first visit, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied. Blood samples were collected from pregnant goats and from their female offspring every month, to monitor them for anti-T. gondii antibodies, using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Out of 66 pregnant goats evaluated, 47% (31/66) (95% CI: 34.6% - 59.7%) were positive and out of 93 female offspring, 61.3% (57/93) (95% CI: 52.4% - 69.2%) were positive, in at least one month during the evaluation period. Among the positive female offspring, 43.3% (27/57) (95% CI: 39.7% - 56.9%) presented environmental infection and 56.7% (30/57) (95% CI: 43.4% - 66.3 %) probably had only colostral antibodies or vertical transmission. It was observed that 92,6% (25/27) from environmental infections occurred until reproductive age (six months) (p<0.0001). It was also noted that there is a correlation between the titration of mothers and offspring, until four months of age (p<0.0001). Large fluctuations in the presence of antibodies were observed among the animals over the months monitored. It can be concluded that the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies within the herds was greater than what has been expressed in specific prevalence studies and that most goat become infected up to the six months of life in the studied area.

Prevalence and isolation of Toxoplasma gondii in goats slaughtered for human consumption in the semi-arid of northeastern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and factors associated with infection in goats, and to isolate protozoan strains in tissue samples from seropositive goats that were destined for human consumption in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 229 slaughtered goats were tested using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with a cutoff point of 1:64. Epidemiological questionnaires were applied to the producers, to acquire information about the sanitary management used in their herds. Tissue samples from the animals were collected during slaughter, in order to perform bioassays in mice. The seroprevalence found was 21.39% (49/229), with antibody titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:32,768. The municipalities of origin, Patos (OR: 3.047; CI: 1.384-6.706) and Sousa (OR: 3.355; CI: 1.536-7.327), were considered to be factors associated with infection by T. gondii. Thirty-eight bioassays were performed in mice, using tissues from seropositive goats, with an isolation rate of 50% (19/38). There was no correlation between isolation rate and antibody titers. Only one mouse died, at 30 days post-infection, which demonstrated that the strains isolated had low virulence towards mice. It was concluded that there is high seroprevalence in goats in northeastern Brazil, as well as a high percentage of viable tissue cysts in slaughtered animals destined for human consumption. These results demonstrate that there is an imminent one health problem relating to toxoplasmosis, especially in the most populous municipalities in the study (Patos and Sousa), which were identified as factors associated with T. gondii infection in goats.

Doença arterial obstrutiva periférica: um estudo comparativo entre revascularizações abertas e endovasculares realizadas em caráter de urgência no sistema público de saúde do Brasil entre 2010 e 2020 / Peripheral artery disease: a comparison of urgent open and endovascular revascularizations on the public health system in Brazil, from 2010 to 2020

RESUMO Contexto A doença arterial obstrutiva periférica apresenta alta prevalência, sendo associada a elevado risco de eventos cardiovasculares. A intervenção cirúrgica ou endovascular faz-se necessária na isquemia crítica do membro. Objetivos Avaliar a distribuição de realização de revascularizações abertas e endovasculares nas diferentes regiões do Brasil, analisando os custos para o sistema de saúde e a mortalidade relacionada a esses procedimentos. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico observacional transversal descritivo para avaliar as cirurgias abertas e endovasculares realizadas no sistema público de saúde do Brasil entre 2010 e 2020. Os dados foram coletados através do Departamento de Informática do SUS (Datasus). Resultados No período analisado, foram registradas 83.218 internações para realização de cirurgias abertas e endovasculares, com um custo total de R$ 333.989.523,17. Houve predominância das internações para os procedimentos percutâneos (56.132) em relação aos cirúrgicos convencionais (27.086). As Regiões Sudeste e Sul concentraram a maior parte do total de procedimentos realizados no país (83%), enquanto a Região Norte foi a que apresentou a menor taxa de internação. Observou-se uma tendência decrescente para os procedimentos abertos, e uma tendência crescente para os endovasculares. A média de permanência hospitalar foi menor nos procedimentos endovasculares (5,3 dias) em relação aos abertos (10,2 dias). Além disso, notou-se uma maior taxa de mortalidade hospitalar relacionada à revascularização aberta em relação à endovascular (5,24% versus 1,56%). Conclusões As técnicas endovasculares consistiram em uma abordagem dominante no tratamento cirúrgico da isquemia crítica, apresentando menor taxa de mortalidade hospitalar e menor tempo de internação quando comparada às cirurgias abertas.

ABSTRACT Background Peripheral artery disease (PAD) has high prevalence and is associated with high risk of cardiovascular events. Surgical or endovascular intervention is necessary in chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Objectives To evaluate the distribution of open and endovascular revascularizations in different regions of Brazil, analyzing the health system costs and mortality related to these procedures. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational, epidemiological study was carried out to evaluate open and endovascular surgeries performed on the SUS public healthcare system in Brazil, from 2010 to 2020. Data were collected from the SUS Department of Informatics (Datasus). Results Over the period analyzed, 83,218 admissions for open and endovascular surgeries were registered, with a total cost of R$ 333,989,523.17. There were more hospital admissions for percutaneous procedures (56,132) than for conventional surgery (27,086). Most of the procedures (83%) were performed in the country's Southeast and South regions, while the North region had the lowest number of procedures. Over the period evaluated, there was a decreasing trend for open procedures and an increasing trend for endovascular procedures. The average hospital stay was shorter for endovascular procedures (5.3 days) than for open surgery (10.2 days). The analysis of mortality related to these procedures revealed a higher rate of in-hospital mortality associated with open revascularization than with endovascular (5.24% vs. 1.56%). Conclusions Endovascular techniques constituted the primary approach for revascularization treatment in critical limb-threatening ischemia, with a lower in-hospital mortality rate and shorter hospital stay when compared to open surgeries.

Enhanced rapid commercial DNA extraction kit for the molecular detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: Easy adaptation to current protocols.

INTRODUCTION: Herein, the authors describe a simple enhancement to a commercial rapid DNA extraction kit based on simple viral lysis for detecting COVID-19 via RT-qPCR. METHODS: After testing several different modifications, the adapted protocol with the best results in preliminary experiments was statistically evaluated in comparison with an automated robotic protocol. RESULTS: Processing and testing of 119 nasopharyngeal samples ultimately yielded near-perfect agreement with the automated protocol (κ = 0.981 [95% confidence interval 0.943-1.000]). CONCLUSIONS: The low cost and rapidity of the enhanced protocol makes it suitable for adoption in laboratories diagnosing COVID-19, especially those with high demand for examinations.

Seroprevalence and isolation of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep intended for human consumption in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite capable of infecting almost all warm-blooded animals. Currently, studies assessing the viability of cysts present in sheep meat are still scarce, especially in the northeastern region of Brazil. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, isolate the parasite from tissue samples, and determine factors associated with infection of sheep intended for human consumption in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 205 sheep slaughtered in Paraíba were tested using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT ≥ 64) for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Among the animals sampled, 30.7% (63/205) were seropositive, with antibody titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:16384. Sixty-one bioassays were performed in mice, and an isolation rate of 47.5% (29/61) was obtained. The infection was lethal to at least one infected mouse in 24.1% (7/29) of the bioassays. The mean length of survival of infected mice was 36.4 days. Females (OR = 3.183; CI = [1.452-6.976]), extensive breeding system (OR = 2.612; CI = [1.120-6.094]), and purebred animals (OR = 2.157; CI = [1.009-4.612]) were considered to be factors associated with infection. These results revealed that the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies and the percentage of viable cysts recovered from sheep destined for human consumption in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, were high.