Long-Term Symptoms among COVID-19 Survivors in Prospective Cohort Study, Brazil.

We conducted a prospective cohort study in a population with diverse ethnic backgrounds from Brazil to assess clinically meaningful symptoms after surviving coronavirus disease. For most of the 175 patients in the study, clinically meaningful symptoms, including fatigue, dyspnea, cough, headache, and muscle weakness, persisted for >120 days after disease onset.

Identification of promising plasma immune biomarkers to differentiate active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Although much research has been done related to biomarker discovery for tuberculosis infection, a set of biomarkers that can discriminate between active and latent TB diseases remains elusive. In the current study we correlate clinical aspects of TB disease with changes in the immune response as determined by biomarkers detected in plasma. Our study measured 18 molecules in human plasma in 17 patients with active disease (APTB), 14 individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and 16 uninfected controls (CTRL). We found that active tuberculosis patients have increased plasma levels of IL-6, IP-10, TNF-α, sCD163 and sCD14. Statistical analysis of these biomarkers indicated that simultaneous measurement of sCD14 and IL-6 was able to diagnose active tuberculosis infection with 83% accuracy. We also demonstrated that TNF-α and sCD163 were correlated with tuberculosis severity. We showed that the simultaneous detection of both plasma sCD14 and IL-6 is a promising diagnostic approach to identify APTB, and further, measurement of TNF-α and sCD163 can identify the most severe cases of tuberculosis.

Nosocomial Outbreak of Extensively Drug-Resistant (Polymyxin B and Carbapenem) Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Collapsed University Hospital Due to COVID-19 Pandemic.

We correlated clinical, epidemiological, microbiological, and genomic data of an outbreak with polymyxin B (PB)- and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-six PB- and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae were isolated from patients in the COVID-19 ICU (Intensive Care Unit), non-COVID-19 ICU (Intensive Care Unit), clinical, or surgical ward. Bacterial identification, drug susceptibility tests, and DNA sequencing were performed, followed by in silico resistance genes identification. All isolates showed extensively drug-resistant (XDR) phenotypes. Four different sequence types (ST) were detected: ST16, ST11, ST258, and ST437. Nineteen isolates were responsible for an outbreak in the ICU in September 2020. They belong to ST258 and harbored the 42Kb IncX3plasmid (pKP98M3N42) with the same genomic pattern of two K. pneumoniae identified in 2018. Twenty-four isolates carried bla-KPC-2 gene. No plasmid-mediated colistin (mcr) resistance genes were found. Eight isolates presented mgrB gene mutation. The clonal isolates responsible for the outbreak came from patients submitted to pronation, with high mortality rates in one month. XDR-K. pneumoniae detected during the outbreak presented chromosomal resistance to PB and plasmid-acquired carbapenem resistance due to KPC production in most isolates and 42Kb IncX3(pKP98M3N42) plasmid carrying blaKPC-2 was associated with ST258 isolates. The outbreak followed the collapse of the local healthcare system with high mortality rates.

Resistance training with blood flow restriction: Impact on the muscle strength and body composition in people living with HIV/AIDS.

The aim of the study was to compare the impact of 12-week resistance training with blood flow restriction (GRTBFR) versus, traditional resistance training (GTRT) and non-training on the muscle strength and body composition HIV/AIDS participants. Muscle strength was tested at baseline, and on the 6th, 21st and 36th training sessions, using maximal repetition test. Pre- and post-intervention body composition changes were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Resistance training was undertaken three times a week comprising bilateral elbow extension and flexion exercises, unilateral flexion and bilateral knee extension. Changes in strength and body composition (pre- and post-intervention) between groups were evaluated by mixed models of repeated measures, and by paired and unpaired comparisons, considering the Effect Size. All groups were similar at baseline for muscle strength and body composition. Post-intervention, the training groups showed similar, statistically significant increases in muscle strength (GRTBFR=25.7-57.4%; GTRT=24.5-52.3%) and skeletal muscle tissue (GRTBFR=8.4%; GTRT=8.3%). There was also a significant change in body fat (p=0.023-0.043), with significant effect sizes for strength and skeletal muscle tissue (0.41-2.27), respectively. These results suggest that both resistance training interventions promoted muscle hypertrophy, body fat reduction and positive impact on muscle strength in people living with HIV/AIDS. Resistance training with blood flow restriction proved to be an effective alternative to include patients with marked physical weakness, unable to engage in regular strength training programme.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02783417.

Beneficial effects of colchicine for moderate to severe COVID-19: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the addition of colchicine to standard treatment for COVID-19 results in better outcomes. DESIGN: We present the results of a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial of colchicine for the treatment of moderate to severe COVID-19, with 75 patients allocated 1:1 from 11 April to 30 August 2020. Colchicine regimen was 0.5 mg thrice daily for 5 days, then 0.5 mg twice daily for 5 days. The primary endpoints were the need for supplemental oxygen, time of hospitalisation, need for admission and length of stay in intensive care unit and death rate. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (36 for placebo and 36 for colchicine) completed the study. Median (and IQR) time of need for supplemental oxygen was 4.0 (2.0-6.0) days for the colchicine group and 6.5 (4.0-9.0) days for the placebo group (p<0.001). Median (IQR) time of hospitalisation was 7.0 (5.0-9.0) days for the colchicine group and 9.0 (7.0-12.0) days for the placebo group (p=0.003). At day 2, 67% versus 86% of patients maintained the need for supplemental oxygen, while at day 7, the values were 9% versus 42%, in the colchicine and the placebo groups, respectively (log rank; p=0.001). Two patients died, both in placebo group. Diarrhoea was more frequent in the colchicine group (p=0.26). CONCLUSION: Colchicine reduced the length of both, supplemental oxygen therapy and hospitalisation. The drug was safe and well tolerated. Once death was an uncommon event, it is not possible to ensure that colchicine reduced mortality of COVID-19. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-8jyhxh.

NOTCH1 and DLL4 are involved in the human tuberculosis progression and immune response activation.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of mortality among infectious diseases worldwide. The study of molecular targets for therapy and diagnosis suggested that Notch signaling is an important pathway for the maintenance of the immune response during Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. We evaluated the participation of the Notch pathway in the modulation of immune response during Mtb infection, and observed that patients with active TB had increased DLL4 expression in intermediate and non-classic monocytes. Further, patients with moderate and advanced lung injury have higher Notch1 expression in CD4+ T cells when compared to patients with a minimal lung injury. When we considered the severity of disease in active TB patients, the expression of the DLL4 in intermediate monocytes and the expression of Notch1 in CD4+ T cells are positively correlated with the degree of lung injury. In vitro, PBMCs treated with the Notch pharmacological inhibitor reduced the production of IL-17A and IL-2, whereas anti-hDLL4 treatment promoted a significant increase in TNF-α and phagocytosis. We suggest that Notch1 and DLL4 are associated with immune response activation in human tuberculosis, and can be a novel target to be exploited in the future in the searching of biomarkers.

SARS-CoV-2-triggered neutrophil extracellular traps mediate COVID-19 pathology.

Severe COVID-19 patients develop acute respiratory distress syndrome that may progress to cytokine storm syndrome, organ dysfunction, and death. Considering that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been described as important mediators of tissue damage in inflammatory diseases, we investigated whether NETs would be involved in COVID-19 pathophysiology. A cohort of 32 hospitalized patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and healthy controls were enrolled. The concentration of NETs was augmented in plasma, tracheal aspirate, and lung autopsies tissues from COVID-19 patients, and their neutrophils released higher levels of NETs. Notably, we found that viable SARS-CoV-2 can directly induce the release of NETs by healthy neutrophils. Mechanistically, NETs triggered by SARS-CoV-2 depend on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, serine protease, virus replication, and PAD-4. Finally, NETs released by SARS-CoV-2-activated neutrophils promote lung epithelial cell death in vitro. These results unravel a possible detrimental role of NETs in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Therefore, the inhibition of NETs represents a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19.

Students and tutors' social representations of assessment in problem-based learning tutorials supporting change.

BACKGROUND: Medical programmes that implement problem-based learning (PBL) face several challenges when introducing this innovative learning method. PBL relies on small group as the foundation of study, and tutors facilitate learning by guiding the process rather than teaching the group. One of the major challenges is the use of strategies to assess students working in small groups. Self-, peer- and tutor-assessment are integral part of PBL tutorials and they're not easy to perform, especially for non experienced students and tutors. The undergraduate PBL medical programme was introduced in 2003, and after two years the curriculum committee decided to evaluate the tutorial assessment in the new program. METHODS: A random group of ten students, out of a cohort of sixty, and ten tutors (out of eighteen) were selected for semi-structured interviews. The social representations' theory was used to explore how the students and tutors made sense of "assessment in tutorials". The data were content analyzed using software for qualitative and quantitative processing of text according to lexicological distribution patterns. RESULTS: Even though students and tutors are aware of the broader purpose of assessment, they felt that they were not enough trained and confident to the tutorial assessment. Assigning numbers to complex behaviors on a regular basis, as in tutorials, is counter productive to cooperative group learning and self assessment. Tutors believe that students are immature and not able to assess themselves and tutors. Students believe that good grades are closely related to good oral presentation skills and also showed a corporative attitude among themselves (protecting each other from poor grades). CONCLUSION: Faculty training on PBL tutorials' assessment process and a systematic strategy to evaluate new programs is absolutely necessary to review and correct directions. It is envisaged that planners can make better-informed decisions about curricular implementation, review and reform when information of this nature is made available to them.

Anthropometric measures of central adiposity are highly concordant with predictors of cardiovascular disease risk in HIV patients.

Background: Body fat redistribution and metabolic abnormalities found in HIV patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) contribute to an atherogenic profile, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Objective: We aimed to evaluate adiposity measures/indexes and propose cutoffs associated with predictors of cardiovascular disease risk in HIV patients on HAART. Design: To evaluate cardiovascular disease risk in this cross-sectional study, we conducted electrocardiogram exams and stress electrocardiography, measured the ankle brachial index and blood pressure arterial hypertension, conducted lipid biochemical tests, and measured blood glucose. We measured circumferences [waist (WC), hip, thigh, calf, neck, trunk] and skinfold thicknesses (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac), conducted bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and calculated indexes [body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-thigh ratio, waist-to-calf ratio, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), trunk-to-arm ratio, body mass index corrected for body fat mass, Body Adiposity Index, conicity index, body shape index, fat mass (percentage), and phase angle]. For evaluating the performance of all adiposity measures/indexes, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Measures of central adiposity WC and WHtR showed the best performances-WC area under the curve (AUC) for men: 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.89; P < 0.05); WC AUC for women: 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.91; P < 0.05); WHtR AUC for men: 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.88; P < 0.05); and WHtR AUC for women: 0.85 (95% CI: 0.80, 0.91; P < 0.05). All adiposity measures/indexes presented different cutoffs from those proposed for the HIV seronegative population. The cutoffs for WC were 87.75 cm (sensitivity: 82.2%; specificity: 75.5%) for men and 90.5 cm (sensitivity: 84.0%; specificity: 73.0%) for women. Conclusions: The measures/indexes of central adiposity presented excellent associations with predictors of cardiovascular disease risk, and the use of the cutoffs proposed in the present study aims to contribute to the early identification of increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases, enabling interventions. This trial was registered at the Brazilian clinical trials registry Registro brasileiro de ensaios clínicos (Rebec) as RBR-9rcxbq.

CD36 Shunts Eicosanoid Metabolism to Repress CD14 Licensed Interleukin-1ß Release and Inflammation.

Interleukin (IL)-1ß is a potential target for treatment of several inflammatory diseases, including envenomation by the scorpion Tityus serrulatus. In this context, bioactive lipids such as prostaglandin (PG)E2 and leukotriene (LT)B4 modulate the production of IL-1ß by innate immune cells. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that perceive T. serrulatus venom (TsV), and orchestrate LTB4, PGE2, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production to regulate IL-1ß release are unknown. Furthermore, molecular mechanisms driving human cell responses to TsV remain uncharacterized. Here, we identified that both CD14 and CD36 control the synthesis of bioactive lipids, inflammatory cytokines, and mortality mediated by TsV. CD14 induces PGE2/cAMP/IL-1ß release and inflammation. By contrast, CD36 shunts eicosanoid metabolism toward production of LTB4, which represses the PGE2/cAMP/IL-1ß axis and mortality. Of importance, the molecular mechanisms observed in mice strongly correlate with those of human cell responses to TsV. Overall, this study provides major insights into molecular mechanisms connecting CD14 and CD36 with differential eicosanoid metabolism and inflammation mediated by IL-1ß.

Epigenetic alterations are associated with monocyte immune dysfunctions in HIV-1 infection.

Monocytes are key cells in the immune dysregulation observed during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The events that take place specifically in monocytes may contribute to the systemic immune dysfunction characterized by excessive immune activation in infected individuals, which directly correlates with pathogenesis and progression of the disease. Here, we investigated the immune dysfunction in monocytes from untreated and treated HIV + patients and associated these findings with epigenetic changes. Monocytes from HIV patients showed dysfunctional ability of phagocytosis and killing, and exhibited dysregulated cytokines and reactive oxygen species production after M. tuberculosis challenge in vitro. In addition, we showed that the expression of enzymes responsible for epigenetic changes was altered during HIV infection and was more prominent in patients that had high levels of soluble CD163 (sCD163), a newly identified plasmatic HIV progression biomarker. Among the enzymes, histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1) was the best epigenetic biomarker correlated with HIV - sCD163 high patients. In conclusion, we confirmed that HIV impairs effector functions of monocytes and these alterations are associated with epigenetic changes that once identified could be used as targets in therapies aiming the reduction of the systemic activation state found in HIV patients.

Classical and alternative macrophages have impaired function during acute and chronic HIV-1 infection.

OBJECTIVES: Three decades after HIV recognition and its association with AIDS development, many advances have emerged - especially related to prevention and treatment. Undoubtedly, the development of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) dramatically changed the future of the syndrome that we know today. In the present study, we evaluate the impact of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on macrophage function and its relevance to HIV pathogenesis. METHODS: PBMCs were isolated from blood samples and monocytes (CD14+ cells) were purified. Monocyte-Derived Macrophages (MDMs) were activated on classical (MGM-CSF+IFN-γ) or alternative (MIL-4+IL13) patterns using human recombinant cytokines for six days. After this period, Monocyte-Derived Macrophages were stimulated with TLR2/Dectin-1 or TLR4 agonists and we evaluated the influence of HIV-1 infection and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on the release of cytokines/chemokines by macrophages. RESULTS: The data were obtained using Monocyte-Derived Macrophages derived from HIV naïve or from patients on regular Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. Classically Monocyte-Derived Macrophages obtained from HIV-1 infected patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy released higher levels of IL-6 and IL-12 even without PAMPs stimuli when compared to control group. On the other hand, alternative Monocyte-Derived Macrophages derived from HIV-1 infected patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy released lower levels of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IP-10 and RANTES after LPS stimuli when compared to control group. Furthermore, healthy individuals have a complex network of cytokines/chemokines released by Monocyte-Derived Macrophages after PAMP stimuli, which was deeply affected in MDMs obtained from naïve HIV-1 infected patients and only partially restored in MDMs derived from HIV-1 infected patients even on regular Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. CONCLUSION: Our therapy protocols were not effective in restoring the functional alterations induced by HIV, especially those found on macrophages. These findings indicate that we still need to develop new approaches and improve the current therapy protocols, focusing on the reestablishment of cellular functions and prevention/treatment of opportunistic infections.

Dysregulated Immune Activation in Second-Line HAART HIV+ Patients Is Similar to That of Untreated Patients.

BACKGROUND: Successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the outcome of AIDS patients worldwide because the complete suppression of viremia improves health and prolongs life expectancy of HIV-1+ patients. However, little attention has been given to the immunological profile of patients under distinct HAART regimens. This work aimed to investigate the differences in the immunological pattern of HIV-1+ patients under the first- or second-line HAART in Brazil. METHODS: CD4+ T cell counts, Viral load, and plasma concentration of sCD14, sCD163, MCP-1, RANTES, IP-10, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12, IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 were assessed for immunological characterization of the following clinical groups: Non-infected individuals (NI; n = 66), HIV-1+ untreated (HIV; n = 46), HIV-1+ treated with first-line HAART (HAART 1; n = 15); and HIV-1+ treated with second-line HAART (HAART 2; n = 15). RESULTS: We found that the immunological biosignature pattern of HAART 1 is similar to that of NI individuals, especially in patients presenting slow progression of the disease, while patients under HAART 2 remain in a moderate inflammatory state, which is similar to that of untreated HIV patients pattern. Network correlations revealed that differences in IP-10, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-α, and IL-10 interactions were primordial in HIV disease and treatment. Heat map and decision tree analysis identified that IP-10>TNF-α>IFN-α were the best respective HAART segregation biomarkers. CONCLUSION: HIV patients in different HAART regimens develop distinct immunological biosignature, introducing a novel perspective into disease outcome and potential new therapies that consider HAART patients as a heterogeneous group.

Classical and alternative macrophages have impaired function during acute and chronic HIV-1 infection

Abstract Objectives: Three decades after HIV recognition and its association with AIDS development, many advances have emerged – especially related to prevention and treatment. Undoubtedly, the development of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) dramatically changed the future of the syndrome that we know today. In the present study, we evaluate the impact of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on macrophage function and its relevance to HIV pathogenesis. Methods: PBMCs were isolated from blood samples and monocytes (CD14+ cells) were purified. Monocyte-Derived Macrophages (MDMs) were activated on classical (MGM-CSF+IFN-γ) or alternative (MIL-4+IL13) patterns using human recombinant cytokines for six days. After this period, Monocyte-Derived Macrophages were stimulated with TLR2/Dectin-1 or TLR4 agonists and we evaluated the influence of HIV-1 infection and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on the release of cytokines/chemokines by macrophages. Results: The data were obtained using Monocyte-Derived Macrophages derived from HIV naïve or from patients on regular Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. Classically Monocyte-Derived Macrophages obtained from HIV-1 infected patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy released higher levels of IL-6 and IL-12 even without PAMPs stimuli when compared to control group. On the other hand, alternative Monocyte-Derived Macrophages derived from HIV-1 infected patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy released lower levels of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IP-10 and RANTES after LPS stimuli when compared to control group. Furthermore, healthy individuals have a complex network of cytokines/chemokines released by Monocyte-Derived Macrophages after PAMP stimuli, which was deeply affected in MDMs obtained from naïve HIV-1 infected patients and only partially restored in MDMs derived from HIV-1 infected patients even on regular Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. Conclusion: Our therapy protocols were not effective in restoring the functional alterations induced by HIV, especially those found on macrophages. These findings indicate that we still need to develop new approaches and improve the current therapy protocols, focusing on the reestablishment of cellular functions and prevention/treatment of opportunistic infections.

Breaking barriers: a competency-based framework for promoting the integration of the pediatrician's education.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of integration and revision of a pediatric program curriculum which resulted in the creation of a competency-based framework recommended in the Brazilian National Curricular Guidelines. METHODS: Quali-quantitative analysis of an intervention evaluating the students and professors' perception of the pediatric program curriculum (focus groups and semi-structured interviews). Results were discussed during teaching development workshops. A competency-based framework was suggested for the pediatric program from the 3rd to the 6th year. The new curriculum was approved, implemented, and reevaluated six months later. RESULTS: Twelve students (12%) from the 3rd to the 6th year participated in the focus groups, and 11 professors (78.5%) answered the questionnaire. Most participants reported lack of integration among the courses, lack of knowledge about the learning goals of the internships, few opportunities of practice, and predominance of theoretical evaluation. In the training workshops, a competency-based curriculum was created after pediatrics and collective health professors reached an agreement. The new curriculum was focused on general competency, learning goals, opportunities available to learn these goals, and evaluation system. After six months, 93% (104/112) of students and 79% (11/14) of professors reported greater integration of the program and highlighted the inclusion of the clinical performance evaluation. CONCLUSION: The collective creation of a competency-based curriculum promoted higher satisfaction of students and professors. After being implemented, the new curriculum was considered to integrate the teaching practices and contents, improving the quality of the clinical performance evaluation.

Avaliação formativa e feedback como ferramenta de aprendizado na formação de profissionais da saúde / Formative assessment and feedback as learning tools in health professions education

As diferentes formas de avaliação são elementos centrais do processo de ensino-aprendizagem de qualquer programa educacional, e devem ser bem planejadas e implementadas em todas as propostas curriculares,especialmente na formação de profissionais na área da saúde. Uma avaliação do estudante adequada e de qualidade guarda estreita relação com a competência e capacitação do profissional que será entregue à sociedade. Neste contexto, a avaliação formativa e a capacitação dos professores para prover feedback efetivo, frequente, e de qualidade são fundamentais na formação dos futuros profissionais da saúde. Este artigo faz uma revisão sobre avaliação formativa, feedback e debriefing.

The different assessment forms are major elements of any teaching and learning process in educational programs, and should be considered as a core component to be planned and implemented in all curriculums, especially in the health professions education. A regular and qualified students’ assessment is closely related to competence and skills of the professionals that will be delivered to society. In this context, formative assessment and well-trained staff to provide effective and regular feedback are essentials in the formation of the future generation of health professionals. This article focuses primarily on formative assessment, feedback and debriefing.