Open-source real-time quantitative RT-PCR-based on a RNA standard for the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 viral load

BACKGROUND Detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) target genes by molecular methods has been chosen as the main approach to identify individuals with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. OBJECTIVES In this study, we developed an open-source RNA standard-based real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) assay for quantitative diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharynx, oropharynx, saliva and plasma samples. METHODS AND FINDINGS We evaluated three SARS-CoV-2 target genes and selected the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene, given its better performance. To improve the efficiency of the assay, a primer gradient containing 25 primers forward and reverse concentration combinations was performed. The forward and reverse primer pairs with 400 nM and 500 nM concentrations, respectively, showed the highest sensitivity. The LOD95% was ~60 copies per reaction. From the four biological matrices tested, none of them interfered with the viral load measurement. Comparison with the AllplexTM 2019-nCoV assay (Seegene) demonstrated that our test presents 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity. MAIN CONCLUSIONS We developed an efficient molecular method able to measure absolute SARS-CoV-2 viral load with high replicability, sensitivity and specificity in different clinical samples.

Características clínicas e preditores de ventilação mecânica em pacientes com COVID-19 hospitalizados no sul do país / Clinical characteristics and predictors of mechanical ventilation in patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Southern Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as características clínicas e os preditores de ventilação mecânica em pacientes adultos internados com COVID-19. Métodos: Conduziu-se um estudo de coorte retrospectiva com inclusão de pacientes hospitalizados entre 17 de março e 3 de maio de 2020, que tiveram o diagnóstico de infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2. As características clínicas e demográficas foram extraídas de registros em prontuário eletrônico. Resultados: Incluíram-se no estudo 88 pacientes consecutivos. A mediana da idade dos pacientes foi de 63 anos (IQR: 49 - 71); 59 (67%) pacientes eram do sexo masculino, 65 (86%) tinham educação universitária e 67 (76%) tinham, no mínimo, uma comorbidade. Dentre eles, 29 (33%) pacientes foram admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva, 18 (20%) necessitaram de ventilação mecânica e nove (10,2%) morreram durante a hospitalização. O tempo mediano de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva e o tempo mediano de ventilação mecânica foram, respectivamente, de 23 e 29,5 dias. Idade acima ou igual a 65 anos foi fator de risco independente para ventilação mecânica (RC: 8,4; IC95% de 1,3 - 55,6; valor de p = 0,02). Conclusão: Nossos achados descrevem a primeira onda de pacientes brasileiros hospitalizados por COVID-19. Em nossa população, idade foi o maior preditor de insuficiência respiratória e necessidade de ventilação mecânica.

Abstract Objective: This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and predictors of mechanical ventilation of adult inpatients with COVID-19 in a single center. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed and included adult inpatients hospitalized from March 17th to May 3rd, 2020, who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinical and demographic characteristics were extracted from electronic medical records. Results: Overall, 88 consecutive patients were included in this study. The median age of the patients was 63 years (IQR 49 - 71); 59 (67%) were male, 65 (86%) had a college degree and 67 (76%) had at least one comorbidity. Twenty-nine (33%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, 18 (20%) patients needed mechanical ventilation, and 9 (10.2%) died during hospitalization. The median length of stay in the intensive care unit and the median duration of mechanical ventilation was 23 and 29.5 days, respectively. An age ≥ 65 years was an independent risk factor for mechanical ventilation (OR 8.4 95%CI 1.3 - 55.6 p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our findings describe the first wave of Brazilian patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Age was the strongest predictor of respiratory insufficiency and the need for mechanical ventilation in our population.

Self-reported syphilis and associated factors among Brazilian young adults: findings from a nationwide survey

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate self-reported syphilis and associated factors in sexually active young adults (16-25 years old) in the Public Health System in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study with 8071 participants recruited from 119 primary care units. Of these, 224 (2.86%, 95% CI 2.29-3.43%) reported having the disease. Age, lower socio-economic class, being a smoker, not using a condom at first sexual intercourse, and ever had a same-sex sexual experience were associated with syphilis. The results reinforce the importance of implementing strategies focused on socio-economic class and early sexual education that encourage condom use from the beginning of sexual activity.

Capacidade funcional em idosos e idosos mais velhos após alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. Coorte prospectiva / Functional ability in younger and older elderlies after discharge from the intensive care unit. A prospective cohort

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a capacidade funcional de indivíduos idosos (60 a 79 anos) com a dos idosos mais velhos (≥ 80 anos) nos primeiros 6 meses após a alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva multicêntrica, na qual foram coletados dados referentes à internação na unidade de terapia intensiva e aos desfechos após a alta hospitalar (no pós-alta imediato, após 3 meses e após 6 meses). A força muscular foi avaliada por meio do protocolo do Medical Research Council e da dinamometria (preensão palmar); a capacidade de execução das Atividades de Vida Diária e independência funcional pelo índice de Barthel e pelo nível habitual de atividade física (International Physical Activity Questionnaire); e a qualidade de vida pelo 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey Versão 2. Resultados: Dentre os 253 pacientes incluídos, 167 eram idosos entre 61 a 79 anos, e 86 eram idosos mais velhos. Os idosos mais velhos, no sexto mês de avaliação, apresentaram maior necessidade de cuidador (69,0% versus 49,5%; p = 0,002). A funcionalidade prévia à unidade de terapia intensiva e no terceiro mês após alta foi menor nos idosos mais velhos em comparação aos mais jovens (Barthel anterior à unidade de terapia intensiva: 73,0 ± 30,0 versus 86,5 ± 22,6; p < 0,001; Barthel no terceiro mês: 63,5 ± 34,0 versus 71,5 ± 35,5; p = 0,03), assim como o nível habitual de atividade física (International Physical Activity Questionnaire no terceiro mês: ativo/muito ativo 3,4% versus 18,3%; nenhuma atividade física 64,4% versus 39,7%; p < 0,001; e International Physical Activity Questionnaire no sexto mês: ativo/muito ativo 5,8% versus 20,8%; nenhuma atividade física 69,2% versus 43,4%; p = 0,005). Os idosos mais velhos apresentaram menor força muscular ao serem avaliados pela preensão palmar no membro dominante (14,5 ± 7,7 versus 19,9 ± 9,6; p = 0,008) e do não dominante (13,1 ± 6,7 versus 17,5 ± 9,1; p = 0,02). Não houve diferença na perda da funcionalidade e na qualidade de vida referida, entre os grupos etários. Conclusão: Mesmo com grande perda funcional após a alta da unidade de terapia intensiva em ambos os grupos etários, não houve diferença na magnitude da perda da funcionalidade de indivíduos idosos (60 a 79 anos) quando comparados aos idosos mais velhos (≥ 80 anos) nos primeiros 6 meses após a alta da unidade de terapia intensiva.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the functional capacity of younger elderly individuals (60 to 79 years old) with that of older elderly individuals (≥ 80 years old) during the first 6 months after discharge from the intensive care unit. Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted, in which data on intensive care unit admission and outcomes after hospital discharge (immediate post-discharge, after 3 months and after 6 months) were collected. Muscle strength was evaluated through the protocol of the Medical Research Council and dynamometry (handgrip); the ability to perform activities of daily life and functional independence were assessed by the Barthel index and the usual level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire); and quality of life was assessed by the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey Version 2. Results: Among the 253 patients included, 167 were younger elderly (between 61 and 79 years old), and 86 were older elderly (≥ 80 years old). During the sixth month of evaluation, the older elderlies presented a higher need for a caregiver (69.0% versus 49, 5%, p = 0.002). Functional capacity prior to intensive care unit admission and in the third month after discharge was lower in older elderlies than in younger ones (Barthel prior to the intensive care unit: 73.0 ± 30.0 versus 86.5 ± 22.6; p <0.001, Barthel in the third month: 63.5 ± 34.0 versus 71.5 ± 35.5, p = 0.03), as was the usual level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire in the third month: active/very active 3.4% versus 18.3%, no physical activity 64.4% versus 39.7%, p < 0.001, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire in the sixth month: active/very active 5.8% versus 20.8%, no physical activity 69.2% versus 43.4%, p = 0.005). Older elderlies had lower muscle strength when assessed according to handgrip in both the dominant (14.5 ± 7.7 versus 19.9 ± 9.6, p = 0.008) and non-dominant limb (13.1 ± 6.7 versus 17.5 ± 9.1, p = 0.02). There were no differences in functional capacity loss or reported quality of life between the age groups. Conclusion: Although there were great functional capacity losses after discharge from the intensive care unit in both age groups, there was no difference in the magnitude of functional capacity loss between younger (60 to 79 years) and older elderly individuals (≥ 80 years old) during the first 6 months after discharge from the intensive care unit.

Stages of hyperglycemia and common mental disorders in adults - The Brazilian Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) / Estágios de hiperglicemia e transtornos mentais comuns em adultos - Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil)

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus and depressive disorders frequently coexist. However, this relationship has been little evaluated across stages of hyperglycemia and for a broad range of common mental disorders (CMDs). The objective here was to investigate the association between CMDs and stages of glycemia. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted among civil servants aged 35-74 years participating in the ELSA-Brasil cohort. METHODS: CMDs were classified using the Clinical Interview Schedule - Revised (CIS-R). Glycemia was classified in stages as normal, intermediate hyperglycemia, newly classified diabetes or previously known diabetes, based on oral glucose tolerance testing, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), self-reported diabetes and medication use. Blood glucose control was assessed according to HbA1c. RESULTS: CMDs were most prevalent in individuals with previously known diabetes. After adjustments, associations weakened considerably and remained significant only for those with a CIS-R score ≥ 12 (prevalence ratio, PR: 1.15; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03-1.29). Intermediate hyperglycemia did not show any association with CMDs. For individuals with previously known diabetes and newly classified diabetes, for every 1% increase in HbA1c, the prevalence of depressive disorders became, respectively, 12% and 23% greater (PR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.00-1.26; and PR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-1.44). CONCLUSION: Individuals with previously known diabetes had higher CIS-R scores. Among all individuals with diabetes, worse blood glucose control was correlated with depressive disorder. No relationship between intermediate hyperglycemia and CMDs was observed, thus suggesting that causal processes relating to CMDs, if present, must act more proximally to diabetes onset.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Diabetes mellitus e transtornos depressivos frequentemente coexistem. No entanto, essa relação tem sido pouco avaliada nos estágios hiperglicêmicos e em uma amplitude maior de transtornos mentais comuns (TMCs). O objetivo foi investigar a associação entre TMCs e estágios de glicemia. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal realizado com funcionários públicos com idade entre 35-74 anos participantes da coorte ELSA-Brasil. MÉTODOS: TMCs foram classificados usando o instrumento Clinical Interview Schedule - Revised (CIS-R). Para a classificação dos estágios de glicemia, foi utilizado o teste de tolerância a glicose, hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c), relato pessoal de diabetes e uso de medicamentos. A glicemia foi categorizada como: normal, hiperglicemia intermediária, classificação nova de diabetes, e diabetes prévio. Controle glicêmico foi avaliado pela HbA1c. RESULTADOS: TMCs foram mais prevalentes nos pacientes com diabetes prévio. Após ajustes, as associações foram consideravelmente enfraquecidas, permanecendo significativas somente para aqueles com escore do CIS-R ≥ 12 (razão de prevalência, RP: 1,15; intervalo de confiança de 95%, IC: 1,03-1,29). Hiperglicemia intermediária não teve associação com CMDs. Para aqueles com diabetes prévio e classificação nova de diabetes, para cada aumento de 1% na HbA1c, a prevalência de transtorno depressivo foi, respectivamente, 12% e 23% maior (RP: 1,12; IC: 1,00-1,26 e RP: 1,23; IC: 1,04-1,44). CONCLUSÃO: Aqueles com diabetes prévio tiveram escore do CIS-R mais elevado. Entre todos com diabetes, o controle glicêmico pior foi relacionado ao transtorno depressivo. Não foi observada relação entre hiperglicemia intermediária e TMCs, sugerindo que a relação causal relacionada aos TMCs, se presente, deve agir de forma mais próxima ao início de diabetes.

Common mental disorders and sociodemographic characteristics: baseline findings of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Objective: To assess the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) and the association of CMD with sociodemographic characteristics in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) cohort. Methods: We analyzed data from the cross-sectional baseline assessment of the ELSA-Brasil, a cohort study of 15,105 civil servants from six Brazilian cities. The Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R) was used to investigate the presence of CMD, with a score ≥ 12 indicating a current CMD (last week). Specific diagnostic algorithms for each disorder were based on the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. Prevalence ratios (PR) of the association between CMD and sociodemographic characteristics were estimated by Poisson regression. Results: CMD (CIS-R score ≥ 12) was found in 26.8% (95% confidence intervals [95%CI] 26.1-27.5). The highest burden occurred among women (PR 1.9; 95%CI 1.8-2.0), the youngest (PR 1.7; 95%CI 1.5-1.9), non-white individuals, and those without a university degree. The most frequent diagnostic category was anxiety disorders (16.2%), followed by depressive episodes (4.2%). Conclusion: The burden of CMD was high, particularly among the more socially vulnerable groups. These findings highlight the need to strengthen public policies aimed to address health inequities related to mental disorders.