SARS-CoV-2 infects adipose tissue in a fat depot- and viral lineage-dependent manner.

Visceral adiposity is a risk factor for severe COVID-19, and a link between adipose tissue infection and disease progression has been proposed. Here we demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infects human adipose tissue and undergoes productive infection in fat cells. However, susceptibility to infection and the cellular response depends on the anatomical origin of the cells and the viral lineage. Visceral fat cells express more ACE2 and are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection than their subcutaneous counterparts. SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to inhibition of lipolysis in subcutaneous fat cells, while in visceral fat cells, it results in higher expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Viral load and cellular response are attenuated when visceral fat cells are infected with the SARS-CoV-2 gamma variant. A similar degree of cell death occurs 4-days after SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of the cell origin or viral lineage. Hence, SARS-CoV-2 infects human fat cells, replicating and altering cell function and viability in a depot- and viral lineage-dependent fashion.

Chikungunya and Mayaro infective viruses in components of blood.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the infectivity of Alphavirus Chikungunya and Mayaro in blood products in plaque forming units (UFP/ml). BACKGROUND: Arboviruses are responsible for sporadic diseases or epidemics which cause serious public health issues. Due to the high number of asymptomatic infections and high viremia, blood donors may pass on these viruses by transfusion. METHODS/MATERIALS: This study used blood bags that would be discarded after evaluation and certification of the absence of infections. The blood products obtained by centrifuging a unit of whole blood were called blood components. All blood bags were infected with viable viruses (previously quantified) compatible with Chikungunya and Mayaro viremia. RESULTS: Blood bags inoculated with both Chikungunya and Mayaro viruses were able to keep infective viruses during the processing of blood products (red blood cell concentrate, platelet concentrate and fresh frozen plasma) and also after the recommended storage for each component, which may infect individuals transfused with those. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that in order to prevent infections by Mayaro and Chikungunya viruses in blood products it is necessary to stimulate the development and use of diagnostic tests for these pathogens in donated blood.

Photobiomodulation on critical bone defects of rat calvaria: a systematic review.

Bone defects following trauma represent a high impact on the quality of life of millions of people around the world. The aim of this study was to review photobiomodulation (PBM) action in the treatment of bone critical defects in rat calvaria, related to evaluation of the current protocols applied. One hundred and forty-seven articles related to the subject were found by searching the main databases (Pubmed, Lilacs, Web of Science, and Scopus) considering the period of publication until the year 2017, and only 14 corresponded the inclusion criteria established for this systematic review. The main parameters of the PBM were expressed in Table 1. In addition, it was possible to observe the use of two different wavelengths (red and infrared), which are considered therapeutic. Most of the evaluated articles presented positive results that describe a greater amount of neoformed bone, an increase in collagen synthesis, and a contribution to microvascular reestablishment. However, two studies report no effect on the repair process when the PBM was used. In addition, we observed considerable variations between the values of power, fluence, and total energy, which make it difficult to compare the results presented between the selected studies. It was possible to conclude that the infrared laser was more effective in positively stimulating the bone repair process of critical defects. Furthermore, a discrepancy was found in the parameter values used, which made it difficult to choose the best protocol for the treatment of this type of lesion.