Genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 from an indigenous reserve in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on indigenous populations. Understanding the viral dynamics within this population is essential to create targeted protection measures. Methods: A total of 204 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples collected between May 2020 and November 2021 from an indigenous area in Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Midwestern Brazil, were screened. Samples were submitted to whole genome sequencing using the Nanopore sequencing platform. Clinical, demographic, and phylogenetic data were analyzed. Results: We found the co-circulation of six main SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the indigenous population, with the Zeta lineage being the most prevalent (27.66%), followed by B.1.1 (an ancestral strain) (20.21%), Gamma (14.36%) and Delta (13.83%). Other lineages represent 45.74% of the total. Our phylogenetic reconstruction indicates that multiple introduction events of different SARS-CoV-2 lineages occurred in the indigenous villages in MS. The estimated indigenous population mortality rate was 1.47%. Regarding the ethnicity of our cohort, 64.82% belong to the Guarani ethnicity, while 33.16% belong to the Terena ethnicity, with a slightly higher prevalence of males (53.43%) among females. Other ethnicities represent 2.01%. We also observed that almost all patients (89.55%) presented signs and symptoms related to COVID-19, being the most prevalent cough, fever, sore throat, and headache. Discussion: Our results revealed that multiple independent SARS-CoV-2 introduction events had occurred through time, probably due to indigenous mobility, since the villages studied here are close to urban areas in MS. The mortality rate was slightly below of the estimation for the state in the period studied, which we believe could be related to the small number of samples evaluated, the underreporting of cases and deaths among this population, and the inconsistency of secondary data available for this study. Conclusion: In this study, we showed the circulation of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants in this population, which should be isolated and protected as they belong to the most fragile group due to their socioeconomic and cultural disparities. We reinforce the need for constant genomic surveillance to monitor and prevent the spread of new emerging viruses and to better understand the viral dynamics in these populations, making it possible to direct specific actions.

Evaluation of embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of the oil extracted from Caryocar brasiliense Cambess pulp in rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the maternal, embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of Caryocar brasiliense pulp oil (OPCB), oil widely used in Brazilian cuisine and traditional medicine. Pregnant Wistar female rats were used in this study for three treatment groups (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day) and a control group. The OPCB was administered orally throughout the period of organogenesis of females (6th until the 15th day of gestation). The pregnant females were gross necropsied on d20, followed by maternal and fetus examination, to evaluate the teratogenicity, reproductive and developmental performance of OPCB. The results showed there was no significant statistical difference in the ponderal evolution of the pregnant females, as well as in the behavioral, hematological, biochemical or histopathological data, indicating the absence of maternal toxicity of the oil. The mean number of corpora lutea, implantation and resorption sites, as well as all calculated reproductive rates, also remained statistically similar between the groups, indicating low embryotoxic effects of the tested plant specie. In fetal examination, external anomalies and skeletal abnormalities were observed in all treated and control groups. The NOAEL for maternal toxicity and embryo/fetal development for the OPCB administered by gavage, was 1000 mg/kg/bw/day.

Muscle adverse events among users of simvastatin in primary health care: collaborative drug therapy management / Eventos adversos musculares entre usuários de sinvastatina na atenção primária em saúde: manejo colaborativo de terapia medicamentosa

Collaborative drug therapy management in primary health care involves communication among the physician, pharmacist and user of simvastatin and can result in safer results regarding patient wellbeing. The aim of the study was to investigate muscle adverse events and risk factors related to simvastatin. For patients who developed muscle adverse events, collaborative drug therapy management was performed in an attempt to resolve the symptoms. A non-randomized case study was conducted at the single basic health unit in the city of Peabiru, Parana, Brazil, for a period of one year. Patients were interviewed using a structured form. To confirm muscle adverse events, the patient was referred to a physician and submitted to the suspension and return to treatment. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, creatine kinase and alanine aminotransferase exams were performed. A sample of 148 users of simvastatin was selected. Eleven patients had some type of simvastatinassociated muscle adverse event (myopathy), among whom seven had muscle symptoms (myalgia) and four had elevated creatine kinase, but were asymptomatic (asymptomatic myopathy). Collaborative drug therapy management focused on simvastatin for five patients with myalgia led to improvements in the quality of life of two patients.

O manejo colaborativo de tratamento medicamentoso em atenção primária envolve a comunicação entre o médico, farmacêutico e o usuário de sinvastatina e pode levar a resultados mais seguros, favorecendo o bem-estar do paciente. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar eventos adversos musculares e fatores de risco para tais eventos, relacionados à sinvastatina. Para os pacientes que desenvolveram eventos adversos musculares, o manejo colaborativo foi realizada de forma a resolver os sintomas. Um estudo de caso não randomizado foi realizado na única unidade básica de saúde na cidade de Peabiru, Paraná, Brasil, por um período de um ano. Os pacientes foram entrevistados por meio de um formulário estruturado. Para confirmar os eventos adversos musculares, o paciente era encaminhado ao médico, sendo submetido à suspensão e retorno da sinvastatina. Foram realizadas dosagens do hormônio tireoestimulante, creatina quinase e alanina aminotransferase. Uma amostra de 148 usuários de simvastatina foi selecionada. Do grupo estudado, 11 pacientes tiveram algum tipo de evento adverso muscular (miopatia) associada à sinvastatina, entre os quais sete tiveram sintomas musculares (mialgia) e quatro apresentaram elevação da creatina quinase, mas eram assintomáticos (miopatia assintomática). O manejo colaborativo de terapia medicamentosa focada na sinvastatina para cinco pacientes com mialgia levou a melhoria na qualidade de vida de dois pacientes